WBS Henderson: Timber Talk with Little Steve

Welcome to Timber Yard Tales — the heart and humour of WBS Henderson, your local timber yard where Little Steve shares weekly stories, handy tips, fun facts, and the occasional dodgy joke. Whether you're a weekend DIYer, a seasoned tradie, or just here for a chuckle, this is where timber meets talk — no hard hats required.

Each week, Little Steve dives into the world of building supplies, from demystifying what "H3.2" means (spoiler: it's treated timber perfect for outdoor use) to explaining the difference between fence palings and decking timber. It's real timber knowledge without the jargon, told like a yarn over the fence with your favourite uncle — helpful, honest, and just a bit cheeky.

After a read, if you’re feeling inspired to get building, check out our shop for timber, fencing, and DIY supplies at trade prices to the public.

So on with the yarn ...

How to keep your deck looking smart.

A good deck is an outdoor essential, but if you ignore it, you’ll be barefoot-dancing over splinters in no time. Regular cleaning, sealing, and checking for loose nails will keep it looking fresh.

If you've got kwila, give it a wash to reduce tannin bleed, and avoid using harsh chemicals that strip protective oils. Treat your deck well, and it’ll be your backyard’s best feature for years to come.

Avoid using a high-pressure setting when cleaning. Opt for the lowest setting on your pressure washer or water blaster to protect the timber from splitting or damag e.

14/04/2025

Did George Washington Have Wooden Teeth?

Despite the old legend, George Washington never had wooden teeth—his dentures were a mix of ivory, human teeth (yes, really), and metal.

But the myth has stuck around, probably because old dentures often got stained and cracked, making them look a bit like wood.

While we wouldn’t recommend using timber for your teeth, we’ve got plenty for your next building project!

07/04/2025

Why is a 4x2 not actually 100x50mm

It’s a common head-scratcher: you go to pick up a piece of dressed 4x2 timber (which should be 100x50mm), only to find it’s not quite those measurements.

So what’s going on?

Here’s the deal: timber starts off rough sawn, meaning it's cut to a nominal size (that’s the original size it’s intended to be—like 100x50mm). But that’s just the beginning.

Before it ends up in your hands, the timber goes through two key steps:

1/ Drying – The wood is dried to reduce moisture, which causes it to shrink slightly.

2/ Dressing – It’s then dressed (planed smooth) so it's easier to work with and looks nicer. This process shaves off a few millimetres from all sides.

By the time it's ready to sell, a 100x50mm piece of timber might actually measure closer to 90x45mm—but it’s still called a 4x2 out of habit and for consistency.

So, what does this mean for you?

Always measure your timber before starting your project. Don’t just rely on the label—grab a tape measure and double-check. Otherwise, you might find yourself making an unexpected trip back to the yard for round two!

01/04/2025