Guides, species, calculators, projects and the directory.
The Guide Library
Practical advice for planning timber projects, from working out quantities and specifications to allowing for lead times, preparation and installation.
Things to make
Which timber to use for a garden pergola, typical post, beam and rafter sizes in mm, how to keep the feet dry, which fixings to use, the planning limits in England and a sample cutting list.
© Luis Olmos / Unsplash License
Things to make
Which timber goes where in a timber shed, from treated bearers to cladding, plus the planning rules in England and a sample cutting list for a 2.4 x 1.8m shed.
© Ries Bosch / Unsplash License
Things to make
Which hardwood to choose for a dining table, what sizes to plan for the top, legs and aprons, which grade to ask for, and how to let a solid top move.
© Tim Matthews / Unsplash License
Things to make
Which boards to use for alcove cupboards and shelves, how thick shelves need to be for the span, how to measure crooked alcoves, and a sample cutting list.
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Things to make
How to plan the timber for a flat, heavy, rigid workbench: softwood, hardwood or sheet tops, a sample cutting list in mm, and how to laminate a top from construction timber.
© Brett Garwood / Unsplash License
Things to make
Treated boards, softwood or oak sleepers, larch or reclaimed railway sleepers? Which timber to use for a raised bed, what's safe for growing food, and a sample cutting list.
© Emma Renly / Unsplash License
Things to make
Nine free workbench plans from independent makers and woodworking publishers, each checked, with what it suits, the tools it really needs, and the timber to ask a UK yard for.
© Chris Linnett / Unsplash License
Things to make
Seven free raised bed plans from the RHS, growing charities and independent gardeners, each checked, with the timber to ask a UK yard for and what to change before you build.
© Isaac Smith / Unsplash License
Things to make
Eight free shed, log store and bike shed plans from independent makers, most of them in the UK and Ireland, each checked, with the timber to ask a UK yard for and what to change before you build.
© Ries Bosch / Unsplash License
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