Everything you need to know about selecting the perfect timber decking for your outdoor space. Compare wood species, understand treatment profiles, and budget realistically.
Different wood species carry distinct cellular traits, grain patterns, and density ratings. Whether you choose the rugged rustic charm of Siberian Larch or the architectural luxury of premium hardwood, understanding your material's raw characteristics is key to a successful installation.
[01]
Siberian Larch
Highly resinous, slow-grown dense conifer that resists rot and decay naturally.
[02]
Red Cedar
Incredible dimensional stability with rich warm reddish-brown hues and unique aroma.
[03]
Premium Oak
Traditional English aesthetic. Hard, durable, and ages to a striking silver-grey.
[04]
Treated Redwood
Pressure-treated pine that represents the peak utility-to-value choice.
Softwood Decking
Sourced from slow-growing coniferous evergreen trees. Fast processing leads to unmatched cost efficiency.
Pros:
✓ Lightweight and easy to cut or plane.
✓ Highly cost-effective for larger footprints.
✓ Takes pressure treatment oils deeply.
Cons:
✗ Softer surface, more prone to minor scratches.
✗ Requires annual clean & seal treatment.
Best for: Budget-conscious family decks, DIY builds, and elevated platforms.
Hardwood Decking
Sourced from dense broad-leaved deciduous trees. Outstanding natural resilience with tight structural rings.
Pros:
✓ Extremely durable, scratches and wear-resistant.
✓ 30+ year natural lifespan without rot.
✓ Exquisite rich textures and luxury colors.
Cons:
✗ Harder to drill, requires pre-drilling holes.
✗ Higher initial material investment.
Best for: Architectural features, heavy-traffic trade builds, and maximum longevity.
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Smooth Profile
Traditional flat face, highlights the raw timber grain beautifully. Easiest profile to sweep, clean, and re-finish.
Dimensions Available
Standard: 28mm x 145mm
Premium: 32mm x 150mm
Grooved Profile
Features deep channel cuts along the length. Designed to channel water away rapidly and provide robust linear traction.
Dimensions Available
Standard: 28mm x 145mm
Premium: 32mm x 145mm
Reeded Profile
Delicate, closely spaced thin ribs. Soft to walk on barefoot and provides a modern contemporary aesthetic.
Dimensions Available
Standard: 28mm x 120mm
Premium: 32mm x 145mm
Budget Range
Treated Softwoods (Pine/Spruce)
£3 - £5
per linear metre
Perfect for larger platforms on a set budget. Pressure treated for longevity, requiring annual maintenance to stay fresh.
✓
Pressure treated (UC3 class)
✓
Lightweight softwood
✓
10-15 year life expectancy
Mid-Range
Siberian Larch & Premium Cedar
£6 - £12
per linear metre
The sweet spot of natural durability and striking warm tones. Resists decay naturally and has very clean, elegant grain profiles.
✓
Natural rot resistance
✓
Slow-grown high density
✓
20-25 year life expectancy
Premium Range
Hardwoods (Oak, Ipe, Sapele)
£15 - £25
per linear metre
Architectural luxury. Rock-solid density that resists scratches, weathering, and structural movements. Ultimate prestige finish.
✓
Ultimate impact durability
✓
Ages beautifully with zero rot
✓
30-40+ year life expectancy
Premium In-House Machined Oak
32mm x 150mm · Kiln-Dried
Machined at our Bolton yard from highest quality English oak. Solid, durable, and develops a magnificent silver sheen.
Slow-Grown Siberian Larch
28mm x 145mm · Heartwood Cut
Slow-grown, slower timber yields maximum ring density, resisting fungal attacks natively. Our most popular choice.
Thicker-Machined Treated Softwood
32mm x 145mm · Tanalith Treated
Our own machined thicker spec pine softwood deck board. Far stronger than standard DIY-store boards, built to last.
Handy step-by-step guides to develop new skills and get inspiration for your next job.
Pressure-treated vs. our own thicker-machined stock, and what to look for.
Sapele, Meranti, Oak, Ash and Beech compared for common jobs.
Getting accurate dimensions before you order a custom gate.
A guide to profiles and getting a clean finish.
What "treated" actually means and where it's used.
Casings, linings and fittings explained.
Who is Elsworth Timber?
▼Elsworth Timber was the previous trading name of our business. The company was taken over by Neil Matthews and rebranded as Bolton Timber Supplies. We continue to operate from the same yard, with the same staff and over 30 years of experience in the timber trade.
Do you supply both trade and the public?
▼Yes — competitive trade prices are open to professionals and homeowners alike, with no minimum order politics.
Can you cut and machine timber to my exact size?
▼Yes — our own mill cuts and machines timber and sheet materials to your specification, including custom skirting profiles.
Can I bring in my own timber to be cut?
▼Yes — we'll machine your own materials to your requirements, as well as timber supplied by us.
Do you make custom garden gates and fence panels?
▼Yes — both are made to your own measurements.
Do you offer delivery?
▼Yes, prompt and reliable delivery is one of our core services — contact us to confirm coverage and timing for your area.
Can I collect from the yard?
▼Yes, you're welcome to collect from our Bolton yard, or arrange delivery — just let us know when you enquire.
Get In Touch
Our experienced staff are on hand to help with pricing, availability and advice on any job large or small.
Address
Firwood Works, Off Thicketford Road, Bolton, BL2 3TR
Phone
01204 307196 / 01204 595710
sales@boltontimbersupplies.co.uk
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