When it comes to timber for construction, furniture, DIY projects, or home improvement, the choice of wood type and finish is as important as the design itself. Among the most widely used timber products today is Planed All Round (PAR) timber. This type of wood has been machine-planed on all sides to create a smooth, clean, and consistent surface, making it easier to work with and aesthetically pleasing. Unlike rough sawn timber, which has a rugged texture, planed all round timber saves time on sanding, is safe to handle, and is ideal for visible applications such as furniture, shelving, or decorative trims.
This detailed guide will explore everything about PAR timber—its definition, advantages, manufacturing process, applications, comparisons with other types of wood, sizing options, treatment methods, and tips for choosing the right grade.
What Is Planed All Round Timber?
Planed all round timber is lumber that has been passed through a machine planer so that all four sides (and often the edges) are smooth, flat, and uniform in thickness. The process removes the rough sawn surface left from the sawmill, leaving a timber that is easier to cut, paint, or stain.
Key features of PAR timber include:
- Smooth surface: No splinters, rough edges, or uneven thickness.
- Uniform sizing: Easier to fit into precise joinery projects.
- Decorative finish: Can be used directly without heavy sanding.
- Versatility: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
In construction and woodworking, this type of timber is often chosen for projects where the wood will remain visible and therefore needs a polished look.
Manufacturing Process of PAR Timber
The process of creating planed all round timber involves several stages to ensure smoothness and accuracy:
- Selection of Logs – Timber is selected from suitable species depending on whether the end use is structural, decorative, or outdoor.
- Rough Sawn Cutting – Logs are cut into planks or boards in their rough sawn form.
- Kiln Drying – Wood is dried to reduce moisture content, preventing future warping or shrinking.
- Planing – Boards are fed into a planer machine, shaving off the rough surface until all four sides are smooth.
- Quality Control – Finished boards are inspected for consistency, straightness, and finish quality.
This machine precision ensures uniformity across all boards, which makes PAR timber highly reliable for projects that require exact measurements.
Advantages of Planed All Round Timber
Planed all round timber offers multiple benefits compared to rough sawn or other types of prepared wood:
1. Ready-to-Use Surface
Unlike rough timber that requires sanding or smoothing, PAR timber can be used straight away, saving both time and labor.
2. Safety in Handling
With no sharp splinters or uneven edges, PAR timber is safer to handle, making it suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
3. Consistent Dimensions
Machine planing ensures every piece of wood is uniform in thickness, reducing errors in measurement and fitting.
4. Enhanced Aesthetics
The smooth finish gives it a decorative appeal, ideal for shelving, trim, furniture, or exposed beams.
5. Better Compatibility with Paints and Stains
Since the surface is even, paints, stains, or varnishes adhere more effectively, resulting in a high-quality finish.
Common Uses of Planed All Round Timber
Planed all round timber is extremely versatile. Some of its most common applications include:
- Furniture Making – Ideal for tables, chairs, cabinets, and shelving.
- Interior Joinery – Used for skirting boards, architraves, and trims.
- DIY Projects – Popular among hobbyists for craftwork and home improvements.
- Shelving and Storage – Smooth surface makes it perfect for bookshelves or wardrobes.
- Garden Structures – When treated, it can be used for decking, fencing, or pergolas.
- Decorative Applications – Suitable for wall cladding, paneling, or ornamental framing.
Comparison: PAR Timber vs. Other Types
| Feature | Planed All Round (PAR) | Rough Sawn Timber | Planed Square Edge (PSE) | Finished/Engineered Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface | Smooth on all sides | Rough texture | Smooth on 1–2 sides | Fully finished |
| Usage | Ready-to-use, visible work | Structural, hidden frameworks | Joinery and trims | Flooring, furniture |
| Safety | Splinter-free | May cause splinters | Safer than rough sawn | Very safe |
| Cost | Moderate | Cheaper | Slightly cheaper | Expensive |
| Finishing Work | Minimal required | Sanding needed | Some sanding needed | None required |
Sizes and Dimensions of PAR Timber
PAR timber comes in a wide variety of standard sizes to suit different projects.
Common Thicknesses:
- 12mm
- 18mm
- 25mm
- 38mm
- 50mm
Common Widths:
- 25mm
- 50mm
- 75mm
- 100mm
- 150mm
Common Lengths:
- 2.4m
- 3.0m
- 3.6m
- 4.2m
- 4.8m
Note: The final size after planing is slightly smaller than the original sawn size due to material removal.
Treated vs. Untreated PAR Timber
One major decision is whether to use treated or untreated PAR timber.
- Untreated PAR – Best for indoor projects like furniture, shelving, or trims.
- Treated PAR – Pressure-treated to resist moisture, rot, and insect attack; suitable for outdoor applications such as decking or fencing.
Table: Comparison
| Feature | Untreated PAR | Treated PAR |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Durability (Outdoor) | Poor | Excellent |
| Indoor Use | Excellent | Good but unnecessary |
| Maintenance | Needs regular sealing | Minimal |
Choosing the Right PAR Timber
When selecting PAR timber, consider the following factors:
- Wood Species – Softwoods like pine and spruce are affordable and easy to work with, while hardwoods like oak or beech are stronger but costlier.
- Moisture Content – Kiln-dried timber ensures long-lasting stability.
- Treatment – Outdoor use requires pressure-treated wood.
- Grain and Appearance – Visible projects benefit from attractive grain patterns.
- Size Accuracy – Always check final planed dimensions, not nominal sizes.
Care and Maintenance of PAR Timber
Proper maintenance extends the life of PAR timber:
- Indoors: Dust regularly, polish with wood-friendly oils, and avoid excessive moisture.
- Outdoors: Apply protective coatings such as varnish, sealant, or exterior paint. Re-coat every 1–2 years depending on exposure.
- Storage: Keep timber stacked in a dry, ventilated place to prevent warping.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Sustainably sourced PAR timber is an eco-friendly choice. Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) to ensure the wood is harvested responsibly.
Sustainability benefits include:
- Reduction of carbon footprint.
- Promoting responsible forestry practices.
- Long-term ecological balance.
Buying Guide: Tips for Selecting the Right PAR Timber
- Check Surface Quality: Ensure the planed finish is smooth with no dents.
- Confirm Exact Sizes: PAR dimensions are smaller than nominal sizes.
- Buy Extra: Order 5–10% more than your requirement to allow for waste.
- Match the Species to the Use: Softwood for indoor, hardwood or treated wood for heavy-duty/outdoor.
- Consult Suppliers: Ask about moisture content, treatment, and intended applications.
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FAQs
1. What does planed all round mean in timber?
It means the timber has been machine-planed on all four sides to create a smooth surface, making it safe and ready to use.
2. Is PAR timber suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, but only if it is pressure-treated to resist rot, moisture, and insect attack. Untreated PAR is better for indoor projects.
3. What is the difference between PAR and PSE timber?
PAR is planed on all sides, while PSE (Planed Square Edge) is only planed on one or two faces and edges.
4. Can PAR timber be painted or stained directly?
Yes, the smooth surface allows paint, stain, or varnish to adhere effectively without heavy sanding.
5. Why is PAR timber slightly smaller than rough sawn sizes?
Because the planing process removes a thin layer from each side, reducing the overall thickness and width slightly.
