What is Square Timber?

Square timber is a key material in wood structures, known for its long and slender shape. Solid wood square timber is made from natural wood that undergoes drying and preservative treatment before being cut into square or rectangular sections. It is known for its strength and durability, but due to its natural properties, it should not be used in moist environments, as wood can degrade and rot when exposed to moisture. Additionally, because different types of wood have varying hardness, square timber may warp or deform over time, so it is important to select the right kind of timber to ensure the stability of the structure.

How to Choose Square Timber
Square timber is commonly used in interior renovations and is selected based on the specific requirements of each project. Typically, square timber can be categorized into the following types:

Liuan Square Timber
Engineered Square Timber (made from various species such as Liuan, Poplar, Cedar, Birch, New Zealand Radiata Pine)

Plastic Square Timber
Solid Wood Square Timber (including species like SPF, Japanese Hinoki, European Red Pine, European Spruce, and Yellow Cypress)
For interior woodwork like ceilings, Liuan Square Timber and Engineered Square Timber are often preferred because they are more affordable and suitable for non-humid areas. For applications requiring higher weight-bearing capacity, Solid Wood Square Timber is the best choice due to its superior strength and durability.

Liuan Square Timber
Does not naturally resist pests and must be treated
Not moisture-resistant
Prone to deformation
Primarily used indoors
Engineered Square Timber

Pest-resistant depending on grade
Not moisture-resistant
Less prone to deformation
Primarily used indoors
Plastic Square Timber

Pest-resistant
Moisture-resistant
Does not deform
Primarily used outdoors
Solid Wood Square Timber

No added chemicals, but requires heat treatment for pest control
Carbonized heat treatment can enhance decay and pest resistance
Prone to deformation when exposed to sun and moisture
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
Common Applications for Square Timber
Square timber serves as the backbone for wood structures, used in the construction of buildings or their components. It is essential in various projects, such as ceiling installations, partitions, wooden doors, elevated floors, and custom wooden designs.

Solid Wood Square Timber Options from bestwood
Southern Yellow Pine Pressure-Treated Square Timber Grades
Grade 1 No Defects / Clear Grade

Southern Yellow Pine is known as the "super structural material of the world" because of its high strength, durability, and resistance to wear. Its unique cellular structure makes it ideal for pressure treatment, offering protection against outdoor elements like sun, rain, moisture, rot, and termites. This cost-effective and highly durable material is a top choice for structural applications.
European Red Pine Square Timber Grades

A Grade / B Grade / VI Grade / Clear Grade / SF Grade / U&S Grade
European Red Pine has a texture similar to Yellow Pine but with finer grain. It offers excellent structural strength and machining properties, making it suitable for wood structures, interior finishes, solid furniture, and DIY woodworking projects.
European Spruce Square Timber Grades

U&S Grade / V Grade / SF Grade / VI Grade
European Spruce is stable in quality and has excellent machining characteristics. It can be widely applied in both indoor and outdoor settings, often paired with SPF (Pine, Spruce, Fir) timber due to its physical properties and similar color.
Yellow Cypress Square Timber Grades

NO. 2 & BTR Grade
Yellow Cypress is well-known for its resistance to cracking and deformation, providing excellent stability. It has low shrinkage and density, making it easy to process, cut, nail, glue, and paint. This wood is also highly durable and resistant to impact, making it ideal for a variety of applications.

At bestwood, we offer a range of high-quality square timber options tailored to meet the needs of your projects, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal for indoor and outdoor applications.