PAR Redwood

PAR redwood is used for internal joinery, shelving, trims, boxing-in, window boards, furniture parts, repairs and general carpentry. When listed as 5th+ Grade, it means it's a joinery-grade softwood selected for a cleaner appearance with fewer knots than lower-grade construction timber. Because it is planed smooth on all four sides, it is ideal where the timber will be seen, painted, stained or finished neatly.  

PAR stands for Planed All Round. This means the timber has been machined smooth on all four sides after sawing. The process gives the timber a neater finish, straighter edges and more consistent dimensions. PAR timber is commonly used for joinery and finishing work where appearance and ease of handling matter more than a rough construction finish.

Untreated PAR redwood is normally intended for dry internal use only. It should not be used outside unless it has been suitably treated and specified for external conditions. If untreated timber is exposed to rain, damp or changing weather, it may swell, twist or decay over time. For external work, choose a treated timber product designed for outdoor use.

Yes, PAR redwood can be painted, stained or varnished. Its smooth planed surface makes finishing easier than with rough sawn timber, although it should still be clean, dry and lightly sanded first. For painted finishes, use a suitable primer, especially over knots. For stained or clear finishes, test a small area first to check the final colour and appearance.

PAR timber is usually sold by its nominal size, but the finished size is smaller because the timber has been planed after sawing. For example, a section described as 25 x 50mm may finish slightly below that size once machined smooth. This is normal for planed timber. Always check the finished dimensions if the exact size is important for your project.

PAR redwood is mainly used for joinery and visible internal timber work, while CLS timber is mainly used for stud walls, partition framing and internal construction. PAR redwood has square edges and a smooth finish, making it useful for trims, shelving and furniture. CLS has rounded edges and standard studwork sizes, making it better suited to framing.

Yes, PAR redwood can be used for shelving, especially where you want a natural timber look or a paintable softwood shelf. The right section size depends on the shelf span and the weight it needs to carry. Wider or thicker sections are better for heavier loads, and long shelves may need brackets or support battens to prevent sagging.

Redwood is a type of softwood pine, often chosen for joinery because it tends to machine well and can offer a cleaner finish than lower-grade softwoods. In UK timber merchants, “redwood” usually refers to European redwood or similar joinery-grade softwood. It is commonly used for internal carpentry, mouldings, shelving, furniture components and general finishing work.