Understanding the Difference Between Sawn and Planed Wood

When sourcing quality Malaysian wood, it’s essential to understand the difference between sawn and planed wood. The sawing process involves cutting logs into planks of varying thickness, resulting in rough, uneven boards with a coarse texture. On the other hand, planed wood—commonly referred to as Planed All Round (PAR) or Planed Square Edge (PSE)—is smoothed and shaped into consistent, square-edged pieces, making it ideal for immediate use in construction or woodworking projects.

Appearance and Finish

Sawn wood has a rough surface and can appear darker and less vibrant due to its coarse texture. In contrast, planed wood highlights the natural beauty of the grain and brings out the wood’s true color and character. The smooth, polished finish of planed wood ensures uniformity, creating a more visually appealing product.

Whether for staining, oiling, or painting, planed wood provides a consistent surface, making it the preferred choice for achieving high-quality finishes.

Planing Tolerances

Planing reduces the wood’s thickness to create a smooth and even finish. A general guideline is to allow for a reduction of 6mm in total thickness (3mm from the top and bottom). For example, a 26mm thick sawn board will typically be planed down to 20mm. Similarly, irregularities in width may require an allowance of about 10mm to ensure a uniform finish.

Precision and Straightness

Planing isn’t just about smoothness; it ensures the wood is parallel and straight, essential for building projects. Straight and uniform boards help achieve precise alignments, reducing the risk of gaps or construction issues caused by tapered edges.

To ensure optimal results, it’s recommended to have your wood planed to the desired specifications by a trusted Malaysian wood supplier, like Creatimber Global Sdn Bhd.

Challenges in Machining Wood

Working with natural wood can present challenges, including knots, splits, tension, and grain patterns. For those purchasing sawn wood and machining it themselves, these imperfections can lead to unexpected results, such as warped boards or holes where knots have fallen out.

By opting for pre-planed wood from experienced suppliers, you can avoid these risks. At Creatimber Global, we ensure that all wood is thoroughly inspected and expertly machined to meet your requirements.

How to Buy Planed Wood in Malaysia

Purchasing planed wood is simple:

• Select Your Wood Type – Choose from a variety of high-quality Malaysian wood species, known for their durability and beauty.

• Specify Dimensions – Decide on the thickness, width, length, and quantity required.

• Choose the Finish – Opt for Planed All Round (PAR) for smooth, consistent pieces.

When your order is delivered, you’ll receive wood precisely cut and planed to your specifications, ready for use.

For premium-quality Malaysian wood that meets all your needs, trust Creatimber Global Sdn Bhd. Explore our wide range of wood products at www.creatimber.com.my.