Available Species

Timbershoppe, situated in the Pacific Northwest lies within the great Boreal Forest region of the North and the Ancient Rainforests of the Coast. Comprising some 60 million hectares, British Columbia is one of the last and greatest forest producing areas in the world. As such we are the recipients of an incredible diversity of timber types. We supply timber in any species, but due to our proximity to a large and readily available resource our specialty is in local wood products. Timbershoppe can custom cut whatever your timber requirements, as well as procuring any of the unique product options available in this region.

	Douglas Fir - Canada's largest tree, it comprises two distinct species, Coastal and Interior, with Coastal being by far the larger of the two. Douglas Fir is our most recognizable species being yellow to reddish-brown in colour. It finishes easily, and is finely figured when flat sawn. Douglas Fir is also our predominant structural species. For heavy timber construction it is unrivaled.
	Western Red Cedar - This is perhaps our most recognized species. For thousands of years native indigenous peoples have used this species for accommodation, marine transport, carving and even clothing. Noted for its deep red to rich brown colour, western red cedar is an easily workable wood that takes stains easily and has a remarkable and natural resistance to rot. While not usually used in structural applications, it is exceptional for use as siding, decking, paneling and as a decorative element in any custom design. Cedar is also the predominant species in coastal log construction.
	Yellow Cedar - Found only on the Pacific coast of North America, Yellow Cedar is a mountainous species long heralded for its unique smell and colour. It is an exceptionally tough and workable wood with a natural resistance to decay. Yellow Cedar is readily available in long lengths and is often utilized in door and window frames, paneling, fine joinery, musical instruments and veneers.
	The Spruces - British Columbia is host to three types of Spruce, Engelmann Spruce, Western White Spruce and Sitka Spruce. Engelmann and Western White Spruce are readily available species used in a variety of home building and finishing tasks. Sitka Spruce, while not as easy to procure, is exceptional for both structural requirements and appearance grade products. All the Spruce species are white in colour, with Sitka having by far the finest and most distinct grain patterns.
	The Pines - Five species of pine tree are found in British Columbia, but only three, Ponderosa, Western White and Lodgepole, are commercially available. Of these Ponderosa is the largest, providing the most options for structural use. Usually light in colour, these pines range from cream to yellow to pale reddish brown. Structural and appearance grades are available, with Ponderosa also providing clear factory grades for further processing.
	Pacific Coast Hemlock - Long underutilized, Pacific Coast Hemlock is turning into one of the Provinces most sought after woods. Two commercial species are available, Western Hemlock and Amabilis Fir that are marketed together as Hemfir. Light in colour, both woods are similar in appearance with a straight and distinct grain pattern and medium to fine texture. Hemlock is available in both structural and appearance grades and is exceptional in taking stain and treatment for decay prevention.
	Spruce-Pine-Fir - Four species are sold together under the S.P.F. Grouping. These include White Spruce, Englemann Spruce, Lodgepole pine and Alpine Fir. All four share many characteristics and properties and are found in a similar habitat in the interior regions of British Columbia. They are predominately white to pale yellow in colour with very little variation between spring and summerwood. S.P.F. lumber is often kiln dried and is manufactured in a variety of grades, and North American standard dimensions and lengths.

Hardwoods - we are blessed with a number of local hardwoods in British Columbia. While little known in other parts of the world, these woods have special appeal and are readily available.The different species are as follows:

	Big Leaf Maple - Our only commercial maple, Big Leaf is a beautiful wood. Exceptional grain and figuring result in Birdseye, Quilted and other grain patterns prized by fine woodworkers the world over. While not quite as hard as its eastern counterpart, Big Leaf Maple has a variety of uses, from flooring to finishing to musical instruments.
	Red Alder - Light to reddish pink in colour with little distinct growth pattern, Alder is a finely textured wood, straight grained and very workable. Long used in the furniture trade for carcasses, it is now coming into its own in finishing and millwork applications. Alder takes stain easily and is a complement to any fine construction project.
	Western White Birch - Creamy white with a brownish central core, Western White Birch has a fine and uniform texture. It seasons well and has a high nail and screw holding ability. White Birch requires some care in gluing, but takes a smooth finish very well.
	Trembling Aspen - This is Canada's most widely distributed hardwood. It is coloured from white to gray white, growing with a fine even texture and is extremely hard wearing.

While these are by no means all the Timbers we can supply, they are the most predominant. Should you wish any custom, tropical or exotic species, please ask us to quote as to availability and cost.

* images of available species are curtsey of BC Wood