Garden wood is the basis for a durable fence, a sturdy deck or an attractive canopy, but as a beginner you quickly lose sight of the forest through the planks. In this guide we explain in clear steps which garden wood to choose when and how you can immediately find the right materials with Houthandel Jan Sok in Meppel. Also read our overview buy garden wood for the full range.
What exactly is garden wood?
Garden wood is all wood that is used outdoors, such as posts, planks, beams and fence screens for fences, decking, pergolas and canopies. Because garden wood is continuously exposed to wind and weather, always choose wood types and treatments that are suitable for outdoor use.
Most important types of wood for the garden
Douglas wood: robust and affordable
Douglas fir is one of the most popular types of wood for roofs, fences and verandas, because it is strong, relatively affordable and ages beautifully. With the Douglas beams and planks from Houthandel Jan Sok you can quickly create a solid canopy or carport with a warm, natural appearance. You can find more comparisons in hardwood vs Douglas.
Impregnated coniferous wood: ideal for fences
Impregnated spruce or pine wood is treated under pressure with a protective agent, making it more resistant to moisture and mold. This makes it very suitable for fences, garden fences and borders if you are looking for good value for money. View our impregnated range.
Hardwood: maximum lifespan
Tropical hardwood - such as the Brazilian and African hardwood in which Houthandel Jan Sok specializes - often lasts many years longer than softer wood types if properly processed and maintained. Hardwood is ideal for decking, stair steps and applications where you expect a lot of foot traffic and moisture.
Thermally treated wood: dimensionally stable and modern
Thermally treated wood is heated at a high temperature, making it more dimensionally stable and more resistant to moisture and wood rot, with a modern, sleek appearance. It is an interesting choice for facade cladding, sleek garden walls and designer fences in modern homes.
How do you choose the right garden wood for your project?
When choosing garden wood, you always look at three things: application (fence, decking, canopy), desired lifespan and budget. For example, you can choose impregnated softwood for a fence if you want a competitive price, and hardwood for a deck if you want maximum durability.
A practical approach:
- First determine the purpose: fence, deck, pergola, canopy, planters.
- Estimate how intensively the area is used (a lot of foot traffic for decking, less for a decorative wall).
- Match the type and thickness of wood to the load: heavier beams for canopies, flat planks for decking.
Why choose Houthandel Jan Sok?
Houthandel Jan Sok is an established name in the Meppel region, with a wide range of garden wood for both professionals and "tinkerers" - do-it-yourselfers who are simply looking for good material and honest advice. The company is known for its specialization in Brazilian and African hardwood, but also supplies Douglas fir, garden materials and decorative paving.
With a customer rating of 4,8 stars and more than 141 reviews, Jan Sok shows that service, quality and reliability are not marketing talk but daily practice. You will receive quick help through the branch in Meppel and the store in Joure request a free quote and benefit from a fast delivery service for garden wood on location.
Step-by-step: buying garden wood as a beginner
1. Make a simple garden plan
Draw your garden to scale, indicate where the fence will be located, where you want a deck and where a canopy or pergola may need to be placed. By measuring in advance how many meters of fencing, decking planks and beams you need, you prevent under- or over-ordering. Use our configurator for a customized materials list.
2. Determine the type of construction
For a fence you usually choose posts (for example impregnated or hardwood), fence parts or loose planks and mounting materials. For a decking you need beams, bottom rails and decking planks, plus mounting materials such as screws or clips that are suitable for outdoor use. Read 7 tips for a sturdy fence and our guide choosing decking boards.
3. Choose the type of wood per application
- Fence: impregnated softwood or Douglas (price-conscious), hardwood (long lifespan).
- Deck: hardwood or high-quality thermally treated wood, due to moisture load and foot traffic.
- Canopy/pergola: Douglas beams and posts are a common, robust choice - see canopy material advice and canopy range.
If in doubt, let the Houthandel Jan Sok team advise you; they work with these materials every day and know which type of wood functions best in practice. Please contact us for personal advice.
4. Consider mounting materials and finishing
Good garden wood deserves good mounting: use outdoor quality screws, fittings and post holders that have been treated against rust and weather influences. Consider a stain or oil to preserve the color of the wood and further extend its life, especially on softer woods. Look at paint & stain for suitable products.
Common beginner mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Not taking ground contact into account: Wood placed directly on the earth rots much faster; always use bottom rails, foundation beams or post holders.
- Beams for roofs that are too light: A structure that is too thin can sag or bend; have the tax calculated or ask Jan Sok for advice.
- Wrong screws and fittings: Interior quality screws will rust and break outdoors; choose stainless steel or galvanized hardware for outdoor projects.
- Not thinking ahead about maintenance: Choose wood types and finishes that match your willingness to sand, stain or oil. See also Douglas maintained.
Service and ordering process at Houthandel Jan Sok
You can go to Houthandel Jan Sok as both a professional and a private individual: "for professionals and tinkerers" is not without reason their slogan. You can pick up materials yourself in Meppel, or have your garden wood delivered to the construction site - useful if you have larger projects or heavy beams planned.
You can easily request a no-obligation quote via the Houthandel Jan Sok website, so that you have insight in advance into the total costs of garden wood, decorative paving and any additional materials. Thanks to the large stock of garden wood and garden materials, most materials are delivered immediately or within a short time, so that your project does not come to a standstill. Free delivery above €2.500 throughout the Netherlands.
Frequently asked questions about buying garden wood
Which garden wood is best for a fence?
For a fence you can choose from impregnated softwood, Douglas or hardwood; impregnated and Douglas are competitively priced and offer a good lifespan, hardwood usually lasts the longest. At Houthandel Jan Sok you will find all three options, so you can tailor it to your budget and desired sustainability.
Which wood do I use for a decking?
Many people choose hardwood for decking because of its high wear resistance and moisture resistance, especially in places that are frequently walked on or are close to water. Thermally treated wood can also be a good option if you want a modern look and good dimensional stability.
Can I also buy from Houthandel Jan Sok as a private individual?
Yes, Houthandel Jan Sok is emphatically for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers, which is reflected in the slogan "for professionals and tinkerers". You will receive honest advice, can order small and large quantities of garden wood and benefit from the same fast service as professional customers.
Does Jan Sok also deliver garden wood to your home?
Houthandel Jan Sok offers a fast delivery service so that garden wood, hardwood and garden materials are delivered to your home or construction site, in addition to the option of collection in Meppel. This way you can even start larger projects without having to arrange transport yourself.
Conclusion: this is how you start smart with garden wood
As a beginner in garden wood, you start with a clear garden plan, choose wood types per application and seek advice from an experienced wood trader such as Jan Sok. By working with quality materials, good fittings and a well-thought-out construction, you can build a garden project that is not only beautiful today, but will also still be standing in ten years' time. View current prices in our webshop or read timber prices 2026 for a price indication.