Garden timber is the basis for a lasting fence, a sturdy deck or a fine roof. As a starter you can soon lose your way. The planks all look alike at first. In this guide we set out in clear steps which garden timber to choose when. We also show how you can find the right timber at Jan Sok in Meppel. Also read our overview buy garden wood for the full range.
What exactly is garden wood?
Garden timber is all wood that is used outdoors. Think posts, planks, beams and fence screens for fences, decking, lean-tos and roofs. Because garden timber sits in wind and weather all year, always choose kinds and finishes that are right for outdoor use.
Most important kinds of wood for the garden
Douglas wood: robust and cheap
Douglas is one of the most liked kinds for roofs, fences and verandas. It is strong, fairly cheap and ages well. With the Douglas beams and planks from Jan Sok you can quickly build a solid roof or carport with a warm wood look. You can find more reviews in hardwood versus Douglas.
Treated softwood: ideal for fences
Treated spruce or pine is treated under press with a cover agent. That makes it more able to handle damp and mould. This makes it very right for fences, garden fences and borders if you want good price for what you get. View our treated range.
Hardwood: longest life span
Hardwood from Brazil and Africa - the kinds Jan Sok focuses on - often lasts many years longer than softer kinds if well worked and kept. Hardwood is ideal for decking, stair steps and uses where you expect a lot of foot traffic and damp.
Heat treated wood: stable and modern
Heat treated wood is heated at a high heat. That makes it more stable in size and more able to handle damp and wood rot. It also has a modern, sleek look. It is a useful choice for front boards, sleek garden walls and designer fences at modern homes.
How do you choose the right garden timber for your project?
When choosing garden timber, you always look at three things. Use (fence, decking, roof). Wanted life span. And budget. For example, you can choose treated softwood for a fence if you want a sharp price. And hardwood for a deck if you want the longest life.
A working path:
- First set the aim: fence, deck, lean-to, roof, planters.
- Estimate how hard the area is used (a lot of foot traffic for decking, less for a look wall).
- Match the kind and thickness of wood to the load: heavier beams for roofs, flat planks for decking.
Why choose Jan Sok?
Jan Sok is a known name in the Meppel region. We have a wide range of garden timber for both trade and tinkerers. Tinkerers are home users who want good timber and honest notes. The yard is known for its focus on hardwood from Brazil and Africa. We also supply Douglas, garden goods and look paving.
With a rating of 4,8 stars and more than 141 reviews, Jan Sok shows that help, quality and trust are daily practice. You get quick help through the yard in Meppel and the store in Joure. Request a free quote and gain from fast supply of garden timber on site.
Step-by-step: buying garden timber as a starter
1. Make a simple garden plan
Draw your garden to scale. Mark where the fence will sit, where you want a deck and where a roof or lean-to may need to be placed. By measuring in advance how many metres of fencing, decking planks and beams you need, you stop under- or over-ordering. Use our configurator for a custom timber list.
2. Set the type of build
For a fence you usually choose posts (for example treated or hardwood), fence parts or loose planks and fixings. For a deck you need beams, bottom rails and decking planks. Plus fixings such as screws or clips that are right for outdoor use. Read 7 tips for a sturdy fence and our guide choosing decking boards.
3. Choose the type of wood per use
- Fence: treated softwood or Douglas (price-aware), hardwood (long life span).
- Deck: hardwood or high-grade heat treated wood, due to damp load and foot traffic.
- Roof or lean-to: Douglas beams and posts are a common, robust choice - see roof timber notes and roof range.
If in doubt, let the Jan Sok team advise you. They work with these kinds each day and know which timber works best in the yard. Please contact us for personal notes.
4. Think about fixings and finish
Good garden timber deserves good fixings. Use outdoor grade screws, fittings and post holders that have been treated against rust and weather. Think about a stain or oil to keep the colour of the wood and further extend its life. That is most of all on softer woods. Look at paint and stain for the right products.
Common starter mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Not taking ground contact into account: Wood placed right on the earth rots much faster. Always use bottom rails, base beams or post holders.
- Beams for roofs that are too light: A frame that is too thin can sag or bend. Have the load counted or ask Jan Sok for notes.
- Wrong screws and fittings: Indoor grade screws will rust and break outdoors. Choose stainless or zinc hardware for outdoor projects.
- Not thinking ahead about upkeep: Choose kinds and finishes that match your will to sand, stain or oil. See also Douglas upkeep.
Service and order path at Jan Sok
You can go to Jan Sok as both trade and a private person. “For trade and tinkerers” is not without reason their slogan. You can pick up timber yourself in Meppel. Or have your garden timber brought to the build site. That is useful if you have larger projects or heavy beams planned.
You can easily request a no-obligation quote via the Jan Sok website. So you have insight in advance into the full costs of garden timber, look paving and any extra timber. Thanks to the large stock of garden timber and garden goods, most timber is supplied at once or within a short time. So your project does not come to a halt. Free supply above €2500 through the whole country.
Common questions about buying garden timber
Which garden wood is best for a fence?
For a fence you can choose from treated softwood, Douglas or hardwood. Treated and Douglas are sharp in price and offer a good life span. Hardwood usually lasts the longest. At Jan Sok you will find all three options, so you can match it to your budget and wanted life span.
Which wood do I use for a decking?
Many people choose hardwood for decking because of its high wear hold and damp hold. That is most of all in places that are walked on a lot or sit close to water. Heat treated wood can also be a good option if you want a modern look and good hold in size.
Can I also buy from Houthandel Jan Sok as a private individual?
Yes, Jan Sok is there for both trade and home users. That is seen in the slogan “for trade and tinkerers”. You get honest notes, can order small and large amounts of garden timber and gain from the same fast help as trade buyers.
Does Jan Sok also deliver garden wood to your home?
Jan Sok offers fast supply so that garden timber, hardwood and garden goods are brought to your home or build site. You can also collect in Meppel. This way you can even start larger projects without having to set up transport yourself.
Closing notes: this is how you start smart with garden timber
As a starter in garden timber, you begin with a clear garden plan. You choose kinds per use and seek notes from a known timber yard such as Jan Sok. By working with good timber, good fittings and a well thought-out build, you can build a garden project that is not only fine today. It will also still be standing in ten years. View current prices in our webshop or read timber prices 2026 for a price note.