What is PAR Timber? PAR vs PSE Answered
Planed All Round Batten Screening
If you are buying timber for a fencing, landscaping, joinery, or DIY project, you may have seen terms like PAR timber and PSE timber and wondered what the difference actually is.
These are two of the most commonly searched timber terms in the UK, especially for customers looking to build garden structures, fencing, decking, furniture, shelving, or interior woodwork.
In this guide, we explain:
- What PAR timber means
- What PSE timber means
- The differences between PAR and PSE timber
- Which option is best for your project
- Common timber sizes and applications
- Where to buy quality timber online
If you are looking for high-quality timber products, browse our ranges here:
What Does PAR Timber Mean?
PAR stands for: Planed All Round
This means the timber has been machine planed smooth on all four sides.
PAR timber is designed to create a cleaner, smoother, and more professional finish compared to rough sawn timber.
It is commonly used where:
- Appearance matters
- Timber will be visible
- A smooth finish is required
- Customers want reduced splintering
PAR timber is popular for:
- Interior joinery
- Shelving
- Furniture
- Decorative garden projects
- Pergolas
- Slatted fencing
- Timber framing details
Because the timber is planed smooth, the finished dimensions are slightly smaller than the original sawn size.
What Does PSE Timber Mean?
PSE stands for: Planed Square Edge
PSE timber is effectively a type of PAR timber.
The key difference is that:
- PSE timber is planed smooth
- The edges are left square rather than rounded or moulded
In most cases, PAR and PSE are used interchangeably in the timber trade.
When customers search for:
- PAR timber
- PSE timber
- Smooth planed timber
…they are often looking for the same type of product.
PAR vs PSE Timber: What’s The Difference?
The difference is usually very minor.
| Feature | PAR Timber | PSE Timber |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth planed finish | Yes | Yes |
| Planed on all sides | Yes | Yes |
| Square edges | Sometimes | Yes |
| Decorative moulding possible | Yes | Less common |
| Common UK trade term | Yes | Yes |
In reality:
- Most PSE timber is also PAR timber
- PSE simply highlights the square edge profile
Many suppliers use the terms interchangeably.
Why Choose PAR Timber?
Planed all round timber is ideal for projects where appearance and finish matter.
Benefits include:
- Smooth professional finish
- Easier to paint or stain
- Reduced splinters
- Cleaner modern appearance
- Easier handling
- Better for visible applications
It is especially popular in:
- Modern landscaping
- Horizontal slatted fencing
- Pergolas
- Garden screens
- Interior DIY projects
Browse timber suitable for these projects here:
When Should You Use Rough Sawn Timber Instead?
Rough sawn timber is often better for:
- Structural fencing
- Agricultural projects
- Heavy-duty outdoor construction
- Budget-conscious builds
- Rustic aesthetics
It is usually:
- Cheaper
- Stronger-looking
- More traditional in appearance
For example:
- Closeboard fencing
- Post and rail fencing
- Feather edge fencing
Related products:
Is PAR Timber Treated?
Planed all round timber can be:
- Untreated
- Pressure treated
- Kiln dried
- Internal grade
- External grade
For outdoor projects, always choose:
- Pressure treated timber
- Exterior-grade timber
This helps protect against:
- Rot
- Moisture
- Fungal decay
- Insect attack
For structural outdoor projects, treated timber is essential.
Common Uses For PAR & PSE Timber
Horizontal Slatted Fencing
Smooth planed battens create modern contemporary fencing designs.
Pergolas & Garden Structures
PAR timber creates a much cleaner finish for visible garden structures.
Related:
Shelving & DIY Projects
PSE timber is widely used for:
- Shelving
- Benches
- Storage projects
- Furniture
- Garage fit-outs
Timber Framing & Joinery
Planed timber is often used for:
- Studwork finishing details
- Decorative trims
- Timber framing
- Internal woodworking
Related:
What Sizes Does PAR Timber Come In?
Common PAR timber sizes include:
- 25mm x 50mm
- 50mm x 75mm
- 50mm x 100mm
- 50mm x 150mm
- 50mm x 200mm
Remember:
Finished planed sizes are smaller than original sawn sizes.
For example:
- 47mm x 75mm sawn timber may finish around 45mm x 70mm once planed.
Is Planed Timber More Expensive?
Yes, PAR timber is generally more expensive than rough sawn timber because it undergoes additional machining and finishing.
However, many customers feel the benefits justify the extra cost due to:
- Improved appearance
- Easier handling
- Less preparation work
- Better finished result
PAR Timber vs CLS Timber
Customers often compare PAR timber with CLS timber.
PAR Timber
- Smooth finish
- Often square edged
- Used for visible applications
CLS Timber
- Rounded edges
- Primarily structural
- Common in stud walls and framing
CLS is more construction-focused, while PAR is usually chosen for appearance.
How To Maintain Planed Timber Outdoors
To maximise lifespan:
- Use pressure treated timber
- Avoid standing water
- Maintain airflow around timber
- Reapply protective treatment when needed
- Use galvanised or stainless fixings
Good installation dramatically improves longevity.
Related Timber Guides
You may also find these guides helpful:
- What Is C24 Timber? C24 vs C16 Explained
- How To Build a Horizontal Slatted Fence
- Garden Fence Explained
Buy Quality Timber Online
At Clarke Fencing, we supply a wide range of timber products suitable for landscaping, fencing, construction, and DIY projects.
Our range includes:
- C24 structural timber
- Timber battens and rails
- Fence posts
- Decking timber
- Sleepers and landscaping timber
Whether you are building modern slatted fencing, pergolas, shelving, or structural outdoor projects, our team can help you choose the right timber for the job.
