Advice
Advice, guides and calculators
Everything we have worked out about timber, boards and garden projects, in one place. Pick a topic, calculate your materials or ask the yard in Meppel.
Choosing by project
Fence, decking, canopy, shed, facade or bank protection: which material suits your job. 42 articles
- Guide Wooden shed: build it yourself with timber from the yard Build a wooden shed with a made-to-measure timber pack from Jan Sok: wood species, foundation, permit and a worked example for 3×2 metres. No prefab kit.
- Guide Fence with concrete posts: buying and installing a timber-concrete fence Fence with concrete posts: posts, gravel boards and fence panels, a worked example per metre and step-by-step installation. In stock in Meppel.
- Guide Choosing a shed door and frame: Douglas fir doors, windows and garden gates Choosing a shed door, summer house door or garden gate: sizes, door hand, frames and prices of every Douglas fir door and window at Jan Sok in Meppel.
- Guide façade cladding buy — cladding, Douglas fir & hardwood Houten façade cladding in Douglas fir cladding, weatherboard en hardwood — materiaalkeuze, shop-links en montageadvice.
- Guide canopy aan huis & terrascanopy - Douglas fir hout canopy aan huis of terrascanopy? Douglas fir hout. Maten. Dak. advice uit Meppel. delivery in heel NL.
- Guide Pergola hout buy — Douglas fir posts, beams & battens Pergola bouwen met Douglas fir posts, beams en battenwerk — materiaaladvice, shop-links en het verschil met een gesloten canopy.
- Guide Material for carports and large canopies Species, beam sizes, posts and roofing for carports, verandas and canopies - with a free material calculation in advance.
- Guide Hoe hoog mag een schutting zijn? Regels, buren & praktijkmaten Hoe hoog mag een schutting zijn in the Netherlands? Praktijkregels voor erfafscheiding, burenoverleg en gangbare heights 1,80–2,00 m — plus materiaaladvice uit Meppel.
- Guide Shed with canopy: made-to-measure Douglas fir timber package Building a shed with canopy: example of a 3 × 3 m store plus a 3 × 3 m canopy with materials list, foundation, roof and adding on to an existing shed.
- Guide Fence door and garden gate: timber gate on a steel frame Choosing a fence door or garden gate: Douglas fir, pressure-treated, black or hardwood on an adjustable steel frame, swing gate or sliding gate.
- Guide Garden fencing: wooden fencing, posts and mesh panels Fencing for the garden: sheep fence, posts for fencing and galvanised mesh panels, with prices and a worked example per metre.
- Guide Buy decking boards: hardwood, Douglas fir or composite Decking boards in Tali and Okan hardwood, Douglas fir, treated pine and composite, from € 9.00 per board, with collection in Meppel or delivery across the Netherlands.
- Guide Wooden garden screens and fences - overview & buying guide Everything about wooden garden screens and fences: panel vs built-up, timber species, prices, installation and where to buy at Houthandel Jan Sok.
- Guide Concrete post bases for timber posts: sizes, setting and prices Concrete post bases for a pergola, canopy or fence: which base for which post, how deep, rapid-set concrete and prices from stock in Meppel.
- Guide Lemsterhoekje brackets & galvanised angle brackets Lemsterhoekje brackets and galvanised angle brackets for fences, gates and structures - strong corner joints from Houthandel Jan Sok.
- Guide pressure-treatede cladding boards en vellingdelen - prijs, levensduur, onderhoud pressure-treatede cladding boards (vellingdelen): actuele prijzen, levertijden, levensduur en onderhoud voor gevel, schutting en buitenveranda. stock Meppel.
- Guide Prolock bank revetment & plastic sheet piling - guide, prices & stock Everything about Prolock Sigma plastic bank revetment: dimensions, prices, installation and advice. Around 5,000 m² in stock at Houthandel Jan Sok Meppel. Free strength…
- Guide Reed, willow or heather mat: natural garden screening Reed, willow or heather mat as garden screening: differences, lifespan, fixing and a worked example for 10 metres, with prices from Meppel.
- Article Sheet Materials for Workshops: Betonplex and Plywood Which sheet materials do you choose for a construction workshop? Betonplex, plywood and chipboard compared for walls, floors and roofs.
- Article Vapour control layer: which side does it go? Vapour control on the warm side, breathable on the cold side. Why that is and what happens if you swap them round.
- Article Choosing fence boards: pressure-treated or Douglas fir? Fence boards: pressure-treated or Douglas fir? Honestly explained. What you choose depends on price, wet conditions and how it looks.
- Article Choosing wooden garden posts: types, price ranges & 3 metres Which wooden garden posts suit a sturdy fence? Types. Price ranges. Hardwood post 3 metres. Advice from Meppel.
- Article Recycled plastic bank protection: what is it and what does it cost? What is recycled plastic bank protection, when do you choose it over hardwood and what does a metre cost? With a worked example for 20 metres of ditch.
- Guide Buy a Douglas fir fence: complete material package Buy a Douglas fir fence: complete material package
- Article Timber merchant range: what you need for building and garden What makes a timber merchant range complete for building materials and garden timber - and how do you compare fairly?
- Article Building a garden shed: which timber and materials do you need? What you need for a garden shed: Douglas posts, wall boards, roof sheets and a dry base. No ready log kit.
- Article Buying bank protection timber: Azobé, Douglas or impregnated? Need sheeting timber for a pond, ditch or canal? Weigh hardwood sheeting, light garden boards and Prolock plastic.
- Article Buying Garden Timber: Complete Guide for Beginners A full starter guide to buying garden timber: kinds of wood, pick tips and the order path at Jan Sok in Meppel.
- Article Hardwood needed, or will Douglas fir or pressure-treated pine do? Hardwood is only needed when wood sits in the ground or in water, or carries heavy loads such as a busy terrace or a retaining wall along the water. For dry, above-ground jobs…
- Article How long does spruce timber last outdoors? Spruce with no treat is not for lasting outdoor use. Life with treat, with a coat, and when Douglas is a better pick.
- Article Impregnating fence wood: when, how and which product? Do you have to impregnate fence wood yourself? Factory-treated timber, sawn faces, and choosing the right agent.
- Article Knots and timber movement: what is normal? Knots, colour shifts and a bit of move belong to garden timber. You only claim when it falls outside trade grade.
- Article Raised bed from timber: which wood and how to build one? Build a raised veg bed from Douglas or treated timber. Sizes, life span and the proper fixings in one guide.
- Article Timber Prices 2026: Douglas, Hardwood, Decking & Bank Protection What does timber cost in 2026? From Douglas and hardwood to decking and bank work. Price per metre and ways to save.
- Article What is Douglas timber? Properties, lifespan and uses Douglas timber is a strong, warm red-brown softwood in durability class 3. Untreated, it lasts 10 to 15 years above ground, but it should not go in the ground.
- Article What is hardwood? Species, durability and uses Hardwood such as Okan, Azobe and Tali lasts for decades outdoors without treatment, even in the ground or in water. Species, uses and care explained.
- Article What is pine timber (grenenhout)? Pine timber (grenen) is softwood from Scots pine. This guide explains the tree, the traits, why it is not hardwood, and outdoor use.
- Article Which Posts for Prolock Sigma? Options, Spacing and Tips Which wooden posts do you use with Prolock Sigma sheeting? Compare spruce, hardwood and steel tube posts. Spacing table and advice per soil type.
- Article What is rabat? Overlapping timber cladding explained Rabat is timber cladding with an overlap that keeps rain out. Learn about Swedish rabat and overlapping boards in Douglas, their uses and care.
- Article What is sheet piling (damwand)? Sheet piling is a heavier, interlocking wall that retains soil and holds back water. Compare Azobe hardwood and Prolock plastic on lifespan and price.
- Article What is sheeting? Bank protection explained Sheeting protects the banks of ponds, ditches and canals. Learn how Azobe hardwood (25–40+ years) and Prolock plastic (50+ years) compare.
- Article Roof batten dimensions: which batten and counter batten size? How to choose roof batten dimensions and counter battens for a tiled roof.
Wood species and wood basics
Douglas fir, hardwood, oak, pine and spruce: lifespan, durability class and what each species is for. 19 articles
- Guide Buy pressure-treated timber: posts, boards and cladding Pressure-treated pine posts, boards, cladding and fence screens. Current prices, buying tips, collection in Meppel or delivery across the Netherlands.
- Guide Buy garden timber - your online garden timber specialist Buy and order garden timber from the online garden timber specialist. Douglas fir, pressure-treated timber, hardwood, decking and fencing - delivered quickly throughout the…
- Guide Buy Douglas fir timber - boards, posts & battens from stock Buy Douglas fir timber at a competitive price. Boards, posts, battens and beams from stock, with fast delivery throughout the Netherlands.
- Guide All timber species - overview & buying guide Overview of timber species at Houthandel Jan Sok: Douglas, hardwood, oak, pine, spruce and more. Which species fits your project?
- Guide Buy hardwood in the Netherlands: Okan, Tali and Azobé Hardwood posts, beams, boards and decking in Okan, Tali and Azobé. Order online, collect in Meppel or have it delivered anywhere in the Netherlands.
- Guide Buy outdoor pine and spruce timber - price, quality and supplier Where to buy quality outdoor pine or spruce, and what to check on price, treatment and supplier - stocked in Meppel at Houthandel Jan Sok.
- Guide Duurzaam hout: herkomst, levensduur en onderhoud Wat duurzaam hout in de praktijk betekent: soort, grondcontact, behandeling en onderhoud. Geen vage groene claims — wel levensduur per toepassing.
- Guide Tropical hardwood: reliable information on species and sustainability Where do you find reliable information on tropical timber species and sustainability? EN 350, source information and honest merchant advice from Meppel.
- Guide Buy oak timber: properties, sizes and applications Everything about oak timber - properties, durability class, available sizes and why oak requires stainless steel fixings. Available from stock in Meppel.
- Guide Which timber can and cannot go into the ground? Durability and use classes per species - an honest account of what is suitable for direct ground contact and what is not.
- Guide Timber cladding: which wood to choose Douglas fir, pressure-treated spruce or oak for your façade: profiles, sizes and prices per 3.00 m from Meppel, and what we do not stock.
- Article Danish cladding fence: which timber species for our climate? Douglas fir, pressure-treated timber or hardwood for Danish cladding? Pros and cons in our climate. And how the name relates to Swedish cladding.
- Article Screws for hardwood: stainless steel, flange head or weatherboard? Which screws for hardwood, Douglas fir and weatherboard? Screws for chipboard, flange head screws and hardwood screws, briefly explained.
- Article Is Douglas fir hardwood? (No - this is the difference) No. Douglas fir is not hardwood but softwood in class 3. When you do need hardwood, and what to order at Jan Sok.
- Article How long does Douglas fir last? Untreated Douglas fir usually lasts 10 to 15 years above ground, but only 5 to 10 years or less in the ground or in a spot that is constantly wet. With good detailing you get the…
- Article FSC and PEFC for tropical hardwood: what do the labels mean? Explanation of FSC and PEFC as signals for tropical hardwood — next to EN 350 and yard advice on the right use.
- Article What is Azobe? A guide to tropical hardwood for dam walls & more Azobe is hardwood from Africa in class 1. It is very hard and very heavy, and correctly installed it commonly lasts 25 to 40 years or more, even in water.
- Article What is Okan wood? Class 1 hardwood for ground contact Okan is a very strong tropical hardwood with class 1 heartwood. It lasts more than 25 years without treatment, even with its feet in the ground.
- Article What is Tali wood? Tali is a tropical hardwood whose heartwood is durability class 1 under EN 350 and lasts 25 years or more untreated, even in the ground or fresh water.
Boards, insulation and roofing
OSB, plywood, film-faced plywood, PIR and EPDM: which board, which thickness and which roof build-up. 12 articles
- Guide Scaffold wood and scaffold boards: new boards in scaffold-board sizes The scaffold-wood look with new boards in scaffold-board sizes: sizes, scaffold-wood stain, which timber indoors or outdoors, and a worked example for a table top.
- Guide Roofing for a shed, summer house or canopy: EPDM, felt, shingles or corrugated sheets EPDM, bitumen felt, shingles or corrugated sheets on your shed or canopy: price per m², deck, roof trim and gutters, with a worked example.
- Guide Timber boards & sheet material: which do you choose? Compare timber boards and sheet material by species, thickness and price. From oak and Douglas fir boards to OSB and underlayment, with current prices per piece.
- Guide Buy OSB boards in the Netherlands: 9 and 18 mm OSB in 9 mm (1.22 × 2.44 m) and 18 mm (0.61 × 2.44 m), plus underlayment. Clear uses and prices, collection in Meppel or delivery across the Netherlands.
- Guide Buy plywood in the Netherlands: plywood and film-faced plywood Plywood in 9, 12 and 18 mm and film-faced plywood in 12 and 18 mm. Uses, thicknesses and prices, with collection in Meppel or delivery across the Netherlands.
- Guide Buy EPDM roofing in the Netherlands: material and costs EPDM rubber roofing and roof trims for sheds, garden houses and canopies. What you need, what it costs and how to order from our yard in Meppel.
- Guide Buy insulation with your timber PIR, stone wool and glass wool as companions to your timber project — honest about what we are and are not.
- Guide Which board for which job OSB, underlayment, plywood, concrete plywood or chipboard: the right board for each job, with thicknesses, sheet sizes and prices from Meppel.
- Article Is OSB water-resistant? And which thickness do you need? OSB is never waterproof, and only OSB/3 is moisture-resistant. What that means in practice, plus an honest overview of thicknesses and uses.
- Article Insulation thickness: when thicker is not better Choose the thinnest PIR board of 20, 30 or 40 mm that fits the build-up. Thicker is only needed when the space and the requirement call for it.
- Article EPDM substrate: roof boarding or panel? Roof boarding gives an attractive ceiling, a panel gives a flatter roof. How to choose the substrate under EPDM, with prices and a worked example.
- Article What is EPDM? Rubber roofing for flat roofs EPDM is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane laid in one seamless sheet. Learn why it suits the flat roof of a canopy, garden house or veranda.
Comparisons
Two options side by side: lifespan, maintenance and price, so you can decide yourself. 12 articles
- Guide Timber merchant or garden centre - where to buy garden timber? Dutch timber merchant or garden centre? When each channel fits for garden timber, building materials and larger garden projects.
- Guide Decking material comparison - hardwood, Douglas fir & composite Which decking material suits your terrace? Compare hardwood, Douglas fir and composite by durability, maintenance and price.
- Article Black or grey fence Black spray-painted panels, dipped Douglas fir, natural greying or grey stain, and concrete posts: how to choose the colour of your fence, with prices from Meppel.
- Article Fence boards and fence panels compared on value for money DIY store, garden timber webshop or local timber merchant? An honest comparison of Gamma, Hornbach, Praxis, Garden Adventure, Tuinhout-direct and Jan Sok on price, advice and…
- Article Oak or Douglas fir boards? The honest comparison At our yard, oak costs well over two and a half times as much as Douglas fir. That is a difference of one class. When that is worth it, and when it is not.
- Article Plywood or concrete plywood? Differences, uses and thicknesses Plywood for dry indoor work. Concrete plywood for wet, heavy-wear work. Often 18 mm. Sizes are in stock in Meppel.
- Guide Douglas fir vs pressure-treated timber - comparison Which timber should you choose for a fence, deck or canopy? Compare Douglas fir and pressure-treated pine by price, durability and appearance.
- Article Okan vs Tali decking boards: comparison Okan or Tali for your deck? Weigh both hardwood kinds for life span, strength, look and work - with a pick per use.
- Article Pine vs Douglas fir: what is the difference? Pine vs Douglas compare: class, look, treat, price and when to pick which — including pressure-treated pine.
- Article Plastic vs. Timber Sheet Piling: Which Should You Choose? Prolock plastic sheet piling or wood sheeting? Weigh life span, full costs, upkeep and use - with yard notes from Jan Sok.
- Article Prolock vs. Hardwood Bank Protection: Which Should You Choose? Compare Prolock Sigma plastic sheeting with hardwood sheeting on price, life, fitting, care and look. Plus advice per situation.
- Article Hardwood vs Douglas: which timber suits your project? How long it lasts, the price, the work and the look. An honest comparison for outdoor projects.
Quantities, sizes and prices
How much you need, which sizes are standard and what it costs per metre. 10 articles
- Guide Material take-off and job costing for contractors A free material take-off from your drawing, sketch or dimensions, with your project reference on the delivery note and invoice. Job costing per client made easy.
- Guide Timber sizes: beams, battens and posts in standard sizes How to read Dutch timber sizes, SLS/CLS and inch sizes explained, with a table of every beam, batten and post in stock at Jan Sok in Meppel, including prices.
- Guide Hoeveel hout heb ik nodig voor een schutting? Rekenvoorbeeld voor een schutting van 10 metre bij 1,80 metre hoog: posts, boards of schermen, onderpbattenen en zaagverlies. Daarna kunt u advice vragen bij Jan Sok.
- Guide Calculation tips: estimate materials Estimate boards, posts and insulation sheets for fences, decking and more — or continue to a quote.
- Guide How much material do I need? Free calculation Houthandel Jan Sok works out in advance, free of charge, how much timber your project needs - so you neither over-order nor run short.
- Guide What does a fence cost? Prices per metre by timber (2026) Realistic 2026 fence prices per metre for impregnated, Douglas and hardwood - plus where Dutch buyers shop for screens and fences.
- Guide Canopy 3x3, 4x3 and 6x3: timber sizes Timber sizes for a 3x3, 4x3 and 6x3 m canopy: Douglas fir posts, beams, roof and concrete piers, with prices from Meppel.
- Article Douglas wood prices: what does Douglas cost per meter? See what Douglas timber costs per metre, which facts set the price and why Douglas is a smart outdoor choice. Notes from Jan Sok.
- Article How Much Does Prolock Bank Protection Cost? Price per Metre Work out the cost of Prolock Sigma sheeting per running metre. Material list, price table per height, and examples for 10, 25 and 50 metres.
- Article Choosing PIR thickness: 20mm, 30mm or 40mm? Which PIR insulation board fits your renovation? Differences between 20, 30 and 40 mm, and when mineral wool is better.
Building and installing
Step-by-step guides and material lists for fences, decking, canopies, sheds and bank protection. 11 articles
- Guide Battens behind cladding: sizes, spacing and ventilation Battens for cladding: which battens, 60 cm centres, a 20 mm ventilation gap, counter battens for vertical cladding and a worked example.
- Guide Install a fence: key steps with garden screens The key steps to install a wooden fence with garden screens yourself - from boundary to finish, with a link to the full project guide.
- Guide Weatherboard and cladding: fitting and ventilation Douglas weatherboard and cladding from stock, with clear guidance on battening, ventilation cavity and fixings.
- Guide Project: Douglas fir schutting Meppel — materialenlijst Case study: Douglas fir schutting in de regio Meppel. Korte materialenlijst, shop-links en keuzetips van Houthandel Jan Sok.
- Guide Project: Prolock bank protection Friesland — materialenlijst Case study: Prolock kunststof bank protection in Friesland. Korte materialenlijst, hub- en shop-links van Houthandel Jan Sok.
- Step by step Build a Carport Build a timber carport: step-by-step for sizes, foundation, posts, roof and drainage. Douglas fir or hardwood to measure. Request a quote now.
- Step by step Build a Covered Structure Build a timber canopy: step-by-step for design, permits, foundation, posts and roof. Douglas fir or hardwood to measure. Request a quote today.
- Step by step Build a Garden Room Build a garden room: step-by-step from foundation to roof, including permits, walls and finish. Douglas fir, cladding and timber. Request a quote.
- Step by step Build a Timber Deck Build a timber deck: step-by-step for groundwork, substructure, boards and maintenance. Hardwood, Douglas fir or composite. Request a quote.
- Step by step Install a Garden Fence Install a garden fence: step-by-step for measuring, foundation, panels and care. Timber panels and concrete posts. Request a custom quote today.
- Article Install Prolock Sigma Yourself: Step-by-Step Guide Learn how to fit Prolock Sigma plastic sheeting yourself. A step plan with materials, tools and mistakes we often see.
Maintenance and finishing
Staining, oiling, impregnating or letting it grey: when and how. 5 articles
- Guide Douglas fir colour code: natural colour, stain & RAL equivalents Douglas fir has warm reddish-brown heartwood with lighter sapwood and weathers to silver grey when left untreated. This page gives a colour reference table with approximate RAL…
- Guide Buy Tenco stain & wood coating Tenco garden stain, Tencomild and Tenco wood coating for fencing, Douglas fir and facades - advice, colours and stock at Houthandel Jan Sok Meppel.
- Article Treating underlayment: varnish, stain or leave it? Under laminate, leave underlayment alone. If the board stays visible, varnish seals it. Stain only adds colour. Plus a plan against moisture.
- Article Douglas timber maintenance: keep your wood looking great Practical tips to keep Douglas timber looking good. From oiling and cleaning to weather protection in the garden.
- Article Prolock Maintenance and Longevity: What Can You Expect? How long does Prolock Sigma last and what care does it need? Life, weather, warranty and a compare with wood and concrete.
Ordering, cutting and delivery
Lead times, stock, cutting to size and ordering as a private or business customer. 6 articles
- Guide Ordering as a private customer, sole trader or contractor No minimum order, no mandatory account. How ordering works at Houthandel Jan Sok - privately, as a sole trader and as a contractor.
- Guide Timber cut to size: beams, boards and sheet material Timber and sheet material cut to size in the Jan Sok shop in Meppel: what we cut, what it costs and how to prepare.
- Guide How to choose a timber merchant The criteria that matter when choosing a timber supplier - and how Houthandel Jan Sok in Meppel scores on each of them.
- Guide Lead times and stock How Houthandel Jan Sok schedules deliveries, what is held in stock in Meppel, and when collection beats delivery.
- Guide Levering, kwaliteit en klachten bij Houthandel Jan Sok Wat ‘op stock’ betekent, levertijden, bezorgkosten en wat u doet bij beschadigd of ontbrekend hout. Klachten krijgen binnen 48 uur een inhoudelijke reactie.
- Guide Timber quality expectations What to expect from knots, movement, dimensions and A-grade timber at Houthandel Jan Sok in Meppel.
Question not answered?
Call the yard or send your dimensions. We will tell you honestly when a cheaper option will do.