When working with timber, especially rough sawn timber, you may come across terms like "EX," which can initially be perplexing if you're not in the know. While it may seem like just another piece of industry jargon, understanding what "EX" means is essential for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, especially when you're dealing with projects like fencing or creating feather edge boards. Let's break down what "EX" represents, how it’s used in timber measurements, and why it’s important.

What Does "EX" Actually Mean?

"EX" stands for "ex sawn size" and refers to the dimensions of a piece of timber before it has been processed or cut down into its final form. Simply put, it indicates the original size of the timber before milling or shaping occurred. For example, if a board is listed as 125mm x 22mm 2EX, this means the board started as a rough sawn piece of wood measuring 125mm wide and 22mm thick and has been further processed into two pieces.

This term is widely used across the timber industry because it provides clarity about the source dimensions of a piece of wood, which is particularly useful when planning and calculating materials for a project.

EX in Fencing and Feather Edge Boards

The term "EX" plays an especially important role in fencing and feather edge timber boards. Feather edge boards are frequently produced from a single piece of rough sawn timber with specific dimensions. For example, take a board listed as 125mm x 22mm 2EX feather edge. Here's how the EX is applied:

  • The original timber size before processing is 125mm x 22mm.
  • The "2EX" indicates this original piece of wood was split into two feather edge boards.
  • Each resulting board has a finish size roughly 14mm at its thickest point, tapering down to 8mm.

This method is an efficient way to create materials needed for fences because it maximises the use of the original timber dimensions while maintaining structural integrity.

Why Size Before Processing Matters

Knowing the "EX" dimensions is important because it helps you account for material wastage during cutting and processing. Wood is lost when timber is sawn or split into smaller dimensions. For fencing projects, knowing the EX size means you can manage your resources better by understanding exactly how much usable timber you'll have after processing.

For instance, in the 125mm x 22mm 2EX example, about 50% of the original width becomes usable for each feather edge board after sawing. Planning with EX sizing ensures that you order the right amount of rough sawn timber for the task at hand.

Applications Beyond Fencing

Although feather edge boards and fencing are some of the most common uses of EX timber, the "EX" term is not limited to this specific niche. EX dimensions are used widely in the timber industry to describe the original size of materials before they are processed into various end products, whether for structural framing, cladding, or even landscaping.

For example, a 150mm x 50mm EX rough sawn board could be referenced for a garden sleeper or structural component. If the EX dimensions are provided, you know what the timber started from before any additional sawing or resizing.

Final Thoughts

"EX" may be a simple abbreviation, but it holds significant importance in the timber industry. When dealing with rough sawn timber for projects like fencing, understanding EX sizing ensures you have clear expectations about the materials you're purchasing and how much usable wood you can expect after processing.

Whether you're tackling a large-scale fencing project or simply exploring ideas for DIY landscaping, knowing how to interpret EX timber dimensions can make all the difference in your planning and execution. Always consult with your timber supplier for clarification on EX sizing and ensure you purchase the right amount of material for your needs. With the right knowledge, you'll be well on your way to mastering the use of timber in any project.