In woodworking, carpentry, and construction, accuracy and finish determine the quality of the final product. Among the many materials used by builders, hobbyists, and furniture makers, one specific category of timber stands out for its refined preparation and ease of use: Planed All Round (PAR) timber.
Planed all round timber refers to wood that has been sawn, dried, and then planed on all four sides to achieve a smooth and uniform surface. This means the timber is ready to use without the need for additional preparation such as sanding or further planing. Because of its consistency and clean finish, PAR timber is a preferred choice for applications where the final appearance and accurate sizing are essential.
This comprehensive article explores the concept of planed all round timber in detail. We will examine how it is produced, its advantages over rough sawn timber, the different types available, its diverse applications, how to choose the right grade and size, and even some practical project examples. Whether you are a professional builder or a DIY enthusiast, this guide will provide a complete understanding of how PAR timber can be used effectively and economically.
What Does Planed All Round (PAR) Mean?
The term planed all round describes the finishing process given to timber. After being cut from logs, raw timber usually has a rough texture due to sawing. This rough sawn timber can be used in construction but often requires further preparation for projects requiring precision or a fine appearance.
Planing is the process of passing timber through a planer machine or using a hand plane to shave off thin layers of wood, creating a smooth and flat surface. When timber is planed on all four sides—the two wide faces and the two narrow edges—it is called planed all round. This ensures uniform thickness, consistent width, and a surface that is pleasant to touch and visually neat.
In contrast, timber planed on only one or two sides is often referred to as planed single edge (PSE) or planed two edges (P2E). The all-round option is preferred when complete uniformity and smoothness are required.
The Manufacturing Process of PAR Timber
Producing planed all round timber involves multiple steps, each designed to improve stability, usability, and aesthetics. Below is a simplified flow of the process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Selection of Logs | Suitable logs are chosen based on size, grain, and quality. |
| 2. Sawing | Logs are cut into boards or planks of standard sizes. At this stage, the timber is rough sawn. |
| 3. Drying | Timber is air-dried or kiln-dried to reduce moisture content, preventing warping and shrinkage later. |
| 4. Initial Trimming | Rough edges are trimmed to give approximate dimensions. |
| 5. Planing | Timber is passed through machines to shave all four sides, ensuring a smooth surface and accurate dimensions. |
| 6. Grading | Boards are inspected for defects such as knots, splits, or warping and classified accordingly. |
The result is a product that is consistent in shape, safe to handle, and ready for immediate use in projects.
Advantages of Planed All Round Timber
Planed all round timber offers a wide range of benefits compared to rough sawn or partially finished timber. Let’s explore them in detail:
1. Ready to Use
Since PAR timber has already been smoothed and dimensioned, it saves considerable time during construction or woodworking projects. It can be used directly without additional sanding or planing.
2. Consistency in Dimensions
Uniform thickness and width are vital in projects where pieces must fit precisely together, such as in furniture making or cabinetry. PAR timber provides accurate sizing, reducing the risk of mismatched joints.
3. Aesthetic Appeal
The smooth finish makes the timber visually appealing and ideal for exposed applications where appearance matters. It is also easier to paint, stain, or varnish.
4. Safety and Handling
Rough sawn timber often has splinters or sharp edges. PAR timber is smooth to touch and safer to handle, making it suitable for home DIY projects as well as professional use.
5. Versatility
From shelves and skirting boards to outdoor furniture and framing, PAR timber can be used across a variety of projects due to its adaptability.
6. Reduced Waste
Since the planing process removes imperfections and provides uniform sizing, there is less wastage compared to working with rough sawn boards that require further trimming.
Types of Wood Available as PAR
Different timber species can be processed into planed all round form, each offering unique properties in terms of strength, appearance, and durability. Here are some common types:
| Wood Type | Characteristics | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Pine | Softwood, light in color, easy to work with. Affordable and widely available. | Furniture, shelving, paneling. |
| Oak | Hardwood, strong, durable, attractive grain. Higher cost. | Flooring, furniture, joinery. |
| Beech | Hard, pale timber, excellent for turning and shaping. | Tool handles, kitchen worktops. |
| Ash | Hard, elastic, pale with straight grain. | Sports equipment, furniture. |
| Cedar | Lightweight, aromatic, naturally resistant to decay. | Outdoor furniture, fencing, cladding. |
| Meranti | Tropical hardwood, reddish-brown, medium weight. | Doors, windows, decorative joinery. |
Sizes and Measurements of PAR Timber
Planed all round timber is available in a wide range of thicknesses, widths, and lengths. However, it is important to note that the finished dimensions are always smaller than the rough sawn sizes because planing removes material.
For example:
| Nominal Size (Rough Sawn) | Finished Size (PAR) |
|---|---|
| 25mm x 100mm | 20mm x 95mm |
| 50mm x 150mm | 45mm x 145mm |
| 75mm x 200mm | 70mm x 195mm |
This reduction, often about 3-5mm per side, is known as the planing allowance. When purchasing PAR timber, always consider the finished size to ensure it suits your project requirements.
Applications of Planed All Round Timber
The uses of PAR timber are extensive, covering both structural and decorative purposes. Some common applications include:
1. Furniture Making
The smooth and consistent finish of PAR timber makes it ideal for crafting tables, chairs, cabinets, and shelving. It can be easily stained or varnished to enhance its appearance.
2. Interior Joinery
PAR timber is widely used for skirting boards, door frames, window sills, and stair components. Its neat appearance ensures that the finish looks professional.
3. DIY Projects
For hobbyists, PAR timber offers convenience. It can be cut, drilled, and assembled without extra preparation, making it perfect for small-scale projects like birdhouses, bookshelves, or garden planters.
4. Outdoor Applications
Species like cedar or treated pine, when planed all round, are used in outdoor projects such as decking, fencing, or pergolas.
5. Flooring and Paneling
Hardwoods like oak and beech in PAR form are commonly used for flooring and wall paneling where smoothness and durability are required.
Comparing PAR Timber with Rough Sawn Timber
| Aspect | PAR Timber | Rough Sawn Timber |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Finish | Smooth, uniform, splinter-free. | Rough, unfinished, may have splinters. |
| Accuracy | Consistent dimensions, ready to use. | Irregular sizing, requires further processing. |
| Cost | Slightly more expensive due to processing. | Cheaper initially but may cost more in preparation. |
| Applications | Furniture, joinery, decorative work. | Construction, hidden structural elements. |
| Time Saving | High – no extra planing needed. | Requires additional effort before use. |
How to Choose the Right PAR Timber
When selecting planed all round timber for a project, several factors should be taken into consideration:
- Wood Species – Match the species to the strength, durability, and appearance needed. For indoor furniture, pine or oak may be ideal, while cedar works best outdoors.
- Moisture Content – Ensure the timber is properly dried to prevent warping or shrinking once installed.
- Grain and Appearance – Choose straight-grained boards with fewer knots if aesthetics are important.
- Size and Thickness – Always double-check finished sizes rather than nominal sizes.
- Budget – PAR timber costs more than rough sawn, so balance cost against the convenience of ready-to-use material.
Working with Planed All Round Timber
PAR timber is easier to work with than rough sawn, but proper techniques ensure better results:
- Cutting: Use sharp saws to maintain clean edges.
- Joining: Screws, dowels, or wood glue all work effectively due to the smooth finish.
- Finishing: Staining or painting adheres well to PAR surfaces, though light sanding before application may enhance absorption.
- Maintenance: For outdoor use, apply protective finishes to prolong lifespan.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
With growing awareness of environmental issues, it is important to ensure the timber you purchase comes from sustainable sources. Look for certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), which guarantee responsible forest management.
Using sustainably sourced PAR timber not only supports the environment but also ensures a consistent supply of quality material for future generations.
Conclusion
Planed all round timber stands out as one of the most versatile, practical, and aesthetically pleasing materials for woodworking and construction. Its smooth finish, accuracy in dimensions, safety, and readiness for immediate use make it an excellent choice for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Whether you are building furniture, enhancing your home’s interior with neat joinery, or working on creative DIY projects, PAR timber provides convenience without compromising quality. While it may cost slightly more than rough sawn timber, the savings in time, labor, and finishing efforts make it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
For anyone seeking a balance between functionality, appearance, and efficiency, planed all round timber remains an indispensable material that continues to be a cornerstone of carpentry and design.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between planed all round (PAR) and planed square edge (PSE) timber?
PAR timber is planed on all four sides for a smooth and uniform finish, while PSE timber is planed on just one edge, making it less refined and less ready for exposed applications.
2. Is PAR timber suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, but the type of wood matters. Softwoods like pine should be treated before outdoor use, while naturally durable species like cedar are ideal for external projects.
3. Why does PAR timber measure smaller than rough sawn timber?
During planing, thin layers of wood are shaved off each side to create a smooth finish. This reduces the overall thickness and width, resulting in slightly smaller finished sizes.
4. Is planed all round timber more expensive than rough sawn?
Yes, PAR timber generally costs more due to the additional processing. However, it saves time and effort since it is ready to use immediately.
5. What are common projects that use PAR timber?
Furniture, skirting boards, shelving, paneling, door frames, and DIY home improvement projects are common applications where PAR timber is used.
