Choosing the right timber surface finish and texture is a key decision in timber framing. While the timber frame elements establish the overall character of the structure, the texture and finish customize the project. With a wide range of options available, Woodpecker takes the time to educate our clients, ensuring they make an informed choice that enhances the uniqueness and beauty of their project.
We offer a curated selection of premium timber species to match your project’s performance and aesthetic needs. Whether you’re looking for durability, texture, or colour character, we source Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, Spruce, reclaimed varieties, and more, all responsibly harvested and ready for custom finishing.
From smooth-planed timber surface finishes to rustic, distressed wood textures, our surface treatments are crafted to enhance both appearance and performance. Choose from brushed, sanded, rough-sawn, or charred timber finishes, each technique adding unique dimension, durability, and architectural character to your timber framing project.
We offer both hand-applied and machine-applied timber stains in a wide range of tones, clear coats, and UV-protective finishes. All surface treatments use low-VOC, eco-friendly products like Sansin to ensure healthier indoor air quality and long-lasting durability. These wood finishes are ideal for enhancing the beauty and performance of timber framing, both inside and out.
From stains and textures to protective coatings, we’ll help you select a finish that enhances the natural beauty of your timber — and stands up to time.
The texture of the surface can be rough-sawn or planed, then sanded or brushed, to which the final finish is applied. Distressed and charred textures are also options.
The following details describe these various surface textures.
As rough-sawn timbers are seasoned in our yard to reduce moisture content, they change shape and develop discolouration. To restore their appearance and ensure they are square, we process them through our 4-sided planer. This results in a smooth, uniform finish referred to as S4S (smooth 4 sides).
Once the timbers are planed, they can be either brushed or sanded. If sanding is required, we machine sand with 80 to 120-grit sandpaper, depending on the project. Sanding removes any planer marks and raises the wood fibers, enhancing stain absorption. This process helps extend the durability of the stain or clear coat applied afterward.
Instead of sanding, timbers can be brushed. Brushing involves using a wheel sander with nylon bristles that creates a textured surface with a lot of ‘depth’. Light brushing enhances the stain and gives it a rich, 3-dimensional profile, whereas coarse brushing offers a similar effect but adds a rustic character, similar to rough-sawn yet more sophisticated.
Timbers are taken from the lumber yard ‘as is’, which means that saw marks are still visible and the timbers have a rough surface. They may have forklift and sawmill claw marks and are often not square. Colours can vary significantly depending on how they were stored. Some customers appreciate this raw, rustic appearance. However, we do not recommend using rough sawn because they are very unpredictable in their workability, and we cannot take responsibility for such.
Distressing new timbers can replicate the appearance of aged, reclaimed wood while maintaining a high level of quality. By distressing a free of heart centre (FOHC) timber that has been planed on all four sides, we achieve the rustic look of reclaimed timber without compromising on quality or precision. To achieve the desired distressed look, our skilled craftsmen employ various techniques, including chains, nails, hammers, hand planes, and more, to create authentic, aged marks.
Shou Sugi Ban, originating in 18th century Japan, is a wood preservation method that involves charring the surface with fire. The wood is burned until the surface is charred, then natural oils are applied. This process increases durability and weather resistance. The charring may be repeated several times, with brushing in between to remove excess burned fibers and bring out the grain. Finally, the wood is sealed with a natural oil, like linseed, for added protection
The surface of a mass timber component is typically planed to create a smooth, uniform base, providing a clean foundation for further finishing. Depending on the desired aesthetic and application, the timber may also be sanded for a refined look or brushed to bring out the natural grain and texture. These surface treatments not only enhance the visual character of the wood but also help improve stain absorption and overall durability.
Final mass timber surface finishes that include stains, sealants, and protective coatings, are applied based on the selected texture and performance needs. Whether you’re aiming for a contemporary appearance or a rustic, weathered feel, the finish plays a key role in defining the look and lifespan of the timber.
From species to stain, every choice matters. Let’s craft something beautiful, built to last.
Finishing, often referred to as staining, involves applying a product to the textured surface by hand-rolling, brushing, or wiping it on. Common finish options include coloured stain, clear coat, and UV protectant. For optimal timber protection, we apply a minimum of two coats.
For larger quantities, we utilize our in-house staining machine. The timber is run through the machine where stain is sprayed through nozzles on all four sides, then back-brushed with eight adjustable brushes for full saturation. We machine-stain a variety of products, including trim, fascia, siding, cladding, and decking materials.
Woodpecker uses Sansin low-VOC products, which are made with natural ingredients like tree resins and gums for long-lasting, sustainable protection. We choose Sansin water-based products over solvent-based stains for their environmental benefits and to protect the health of our clients and employees.
The finishing process is carried out in our controlled finishing shop, which eliminates exposure to weather conditions and allows for optimal curing in a stable environment.
From sleek modern lacquers to hand-scraped rustic textures, each choice adds its own personality and level of protection. To help you decide what’s best for your space, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about wood finishes, textures, and care below.