Joinery Supplies

What's the best way to prepare timber before coating?


Surfaces should be clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, and old coatings. Any sap, resin, or oily residue should be dealt with first, particularly on species like larch, pitch pine, and some hardwoods. Check the timber's moisture content is within the range recommended for the application before you coat.

What type of screws should I use for external joinery?


For external work, corrosion resistance matters as much as strength, so check each product's stated resistance to ensure it will last in the conditions the joinery will be housed. Stainless steel is the safest choice in oak and other tannin-rich timbers, which can react with and stain around coated fixings. Modified timbers, such as acetylated wood, usually come with their own fixing requirements, so follow the timber supplier's guidance.

Which adhesives suit external joinery?

Look for a glue rated for external or exposed use. Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is a PVA aimed at the most demanding conditions - but is best limited to small repairs. For structural or gap-filling work, West System Epoxy is available in a range of pack sizes with fast and slow hardeners, and Ureka Cascamite One Shot is a powder urea resin adhesive. Consider open time, clamp time, and workshop temperature, and check the technical data sheet for suitability with your timber.

How do I remove black staining or weathering from oak and other hardwoods?

Dark staining around fixings, or where water has reacted with tannins, can often be treated with a wood bleach based on oxalic acid, such as Jenkins Oxalic Acid Crystals. Follow the mixing, safety, and rinsing instructions carefully, wear appropriate PPE, and allow the timber to dry fully before sanding or coating. Oxalic acid is restricted to professionals - for domestic use try Liberon Wood Bleacher instead. Test a small area first, as results vary by species.

What should I use to repair rot or damaged sections in frames?

Cut out and replace any sections that are structural rather than relying on filler, and always remove decayed timber back to sound wood before repairing. For non-structural repairs, Timbabuild EHB60 is a slow cure, high build, solvent free, epoxy resin designed to fill wood cavities up to 60mm deep. Other epoxy options include West System Epoxy and the Repair Care range, which bond to sound timber and can be shaped and sanded once cured. If you're looking for something quick and easy, try Soudal's Repair Express One Part Filler, a fast-drying, ready-mixed filler designed for quick and durable repairs to cracks, gaps and damaged surfaces.

Which adhesives should I use for interior joinery and panel assembly?

PVA wood glues are the standard for most interior joinery. Titebond Original suits general interior assembly, while Titebond II Premium gives more water resistance where a piece may see humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms. For larger assemblies, consider open time and clamp time, as a slower-setting glue gives you longer to get everything square. Check the technical data sheet against your wood type and conditions.

What's the best finish for staircases, doors, and other high-wear interior joinery?

For surfaces that take daily wear, a hardwax oil or a durable lacquer is usually the choice. Hardwax oils such as Osmo Polyx Oil come in a range of sheens and are easier to repair locally, and you can browse more in our Hard Wax Oil range. Lacquers give a harder film and suit repeatable results on larger runs. For professional interior work where turnaround matters, Osmo LED Smart-Oil is a hardwax oil that dries and cures instantly under the Osmo UV LED Smartlight Pro lamp (sold separately or as part of our exclusive starter bundle), so there's no waiting for the finish to dry.

Should I choose Torx or Pozi screws for interior joinery and fitted furniture?

Torx screws such as Spax Wirox Torx CSK hold the drill bit more securely, which reduces cam-out and helps when driving into hardwoods or working at height. Pozi screws such as Spax Yellox Pozi CSK are designed to handle higher force without slipping, but must be used with Pozi drill bits to be effective. Spax screws are specially designed to reduce the need for pre-drilling.

What should I use to fill nail holes and small defects in interior joinery?

Match the filler to the finish. For stained or clear-finished work, choose a stainable or colour-matched product, such as Everbuild 2 Part High Performance Wood Filler, which comes in a range of colours. Fillers can take stain and oil differently to the surrounding timber, so test on an offcut if the repair will be visible. For painted finishes, see our Toupret fillers.

What's the best way to apply oil finishes to interior joinery?

Wipe-on application with a clean, lint-free cotton cloth gives a thin, even coat with minimal fibres left behind. For penetrating oils, such as Liberon Superior Danish Oil, work in thin coats and wipe off any excess, and always follow the recoat times on the data sheet.

How should I dispose of oily rags after finishing?

Rags soaked in some oil finishes can heat up as the oil cures and, in some conditions, catch fire on their own. Follow the manufacturer's safety guidance, which typically means laying rags flat to dry outdoors or soaking them in water in a sealed metal container before disposal. Never leave them crumpled in a pile or in a bin.

Which adhesives should I use for interior joinery and panel assembly?

PVA wood glues are the standard for most interior joinery. Titebond Original suits general interior assembly, while Titebond II Premium gives more water resistance where a piece may see humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms. For larger assemblies, consider open time and clamp time, as a slower-setting glue gives you longer to get everything square. Check the technical data sheet against your timber and conditions.

Do you stock products that aren't listed in this collection?


Yes. If you're looking for a specific product, call us on 01285 831668 between 8am dan 5pm Monday to Friday and we'll be happy to help you order it. Next day delivery is available for orders placed by 4pm.