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Rough Sawn Pine in Canberra: Ideal Uses, Sizes & Where to Get It

Date: 01-09-2025

Table of Contens:

  • What is Rough Sawn Pine?

  • Rough Sawn Pine Uses in Canberra

  • Rough Sawn Pine Sizes, Lengths and Pricing in Canberra

  • Durability, Treatment, and Protection

  • Ready to Start Your Next Project?

  • Frequently Asked Questions

Looking at rough sawn pine with its uses and sizes in Canberra? You must be looking for timber that won't break the bank but still gets the job done.

Rough sawn pine is definately what you need. In Canberra, it's a go-to material for homeowners, builders, and DIY fans alike. Are you planning a garden project?

Need structural timbers for construction? Or durable timber for fencing? Rough sawn pine delivers without the fancy price tag.

The best part? Most timber stores in Canberra keep a good range in stock, and you can usually find the lengths and sizes you need for your next project.

What is Rough Sawn Pine?



Rough sawn pine is exactly what it sounds like. It's timber that's been cut straight from the log without any planning or sanding, so you get that natural rustic finish.

Treated pine decking boards and other decorative timber products get smoothed and polished over time. Rough sawn, on the other hand, keeps its original texture.

This makes it perfect for structural applications where you don't need things to look pretty, just stand up and do their job.

As a softwood species, pine is commonly used across Canberra for framing, fencing, and general construction in line with the Australian Standard AS 1684 timber framing guidelines.

It's great for everything. Use it for simple outdoor structures or for complex home projects. It’s reliable timber that withstands our local conditions.

Most timber suppliers keep various species in stock. You could be after design pine for specific applications or just need something versatile for ground use. There's usually a suitable option available.

Rough Sawn Pine Uses in Canberra



Residential and General Construction

Around Canberra, you'll find rough sawn pine in just about every type of residential building project. Builders use it constantly for framing, joists, beams, and even I joists.

These are reliable structural timbers that won't blow the budget. It's one of those materials that works just as well for weekend DIY projects as it does for major house construction jobs.

The reason it's so popular is simple. It's strong enough to do the structural work, affordable enough that you won't wince at the invoice, and most timber stores keep good lengths in stock.

Outdoor Projects and Landscaping

If you're planning outdoor spaces around Canberra, rough sawn pine is probably going to feature somewhere in your project. It's the go-to choice for retaining walls, raised garden beds, and sleepers.

Because it gives you that natural look while handling ground applications without falling apart.

Many homeowners discover that it's perfect for backyard projects. It's easy to work with, blends naturally with garden elements, and stands up well to our local conditions.

It’s versatile for both simple and complex outdoor structures. It can handle most ground use applications.

Fencing and Decking Support

For fencing projects, rough sawn pine does the heavy lifting. Posts, rails, palings – it's suitable for boundary fencing and decorative screens alike. The durability means your fence will protect your property for years without major repairs.

When it comes to decking boards, rough sawn pine typically works as the subframe material. Plus, it provides strong support underneath.

You'd usually choose treated pine decking boards for the actual surface. They're treated to resist insects, termites, and decay. Rough sawn pine creates the solid structure that everything else sits on.

Decorative and Rustic Applications

Don't think rough sawn pine is only good for hidden structural work. That natural grain and rustic finish actually make it perfect for projects where you want character and texture. Canberra homeowners often explore its uses.

It works great for furniture, cladding, staircases, and other decorative timber products.

The natural texture adds depth and interest that you simply can't get with perfectly smooth boards. Rough sawn pine gives your project an authentic timber look, whether it's for indoors or outdoors.

Rough Sawn Pine Sizes, Lengths and Pricing in Canberra



Common Sizes and Lengths

The great thing about rough sawn pine is you can get it in just about any size your project needs. Most timber stores around Canberra keep a decent range in stock, so you're not waiting weeks for special orders.

For general construction and framing, you'll commonly find:

  • Boards: 100 × 25 mm, 150 × 25 mm, 200 × 50 mm

  • Structural timbers: 90 × 45 mm, 140 × 45 mm, 100 × 100 mm posts

  • Sleepers: 200 × 50 mm, 200 × 75 mm, 200 × 100 mm

  • Standard lengths: 2.4 m, 3.0 m, 3.6 m, 6.0 m


This variety means you can find suitable options for both simple garden structures and house framing. The depth and range of timber products makes it easy to match what you need for both residential projects and larger construction jobs.

What You'll Pay

Rough sawn pine pricing in Canberra is one of the reasons it's so popular. Compared to hardwood species or treated pine decking boards, it's genuinely affordable:

  • Structural pine (70 × 35 mm): around $2.50 to $3.50 per metre (about $7 to $8 for a 2.4 m length).

  • Posts (100 × 100 mm): roughly $22 per 2.4 m piece; longer lengths around $33 or more.

  • Sleepers (200 × 50 mm × 2.4 m): expect to pay $18 to $20 each.

  • Thicker sleepers (200 × 75 mm): usually $27 to $33 each.

  • Battens and palings: typically $1 to $2 per piece.

These prices work well for basic garden use and larger outdoor structures. They won't break your budget.

Where to Shop in Canberra

If you need quality rough sawn pine, Canberra has several suppliers with materials in stock. Check them out!

Pinus Sawmills stands out for their wide range of rough sawn pine. They stock everything from sleepers and posts to structural timbers. Plus, their team can provide expert advice for your next project. Whether you need materials for ground use, fencing, or structural applications, they're worth a visit.

Other solid options include Ern Smith Timber in Hume, Dahlsens in Fyshwick, and the various Bunnings stores across the ACT.

Each store has a different range, so it's worth checking what's available before you commit to your timber shopping.

Durability, Treatment, and Protection



When your project is for outdoor areas, ensure your timber can withstand nature's challenges. While rough sawn pine is naturally durable, treated pine takes it to another level.


Treatment classes like H3 and H4 ensure your timber is resistant to insects, termites, and decay. This is crucial for ground use. Moisture and bugs can quickly turn untreated timber into costly compost.

Even with treated pine decking boards and structural materials, a bit of extra protection goes a long way. Regular sealing and protective coatings help timber resist weathering and moisture.

They protect your outdoor structures from the elements that can cause damage.

Ready to Start Your Next Project?

Rough sawn pine in Canberra is a great choice. Whether you need it for garden retaining walls, house framing, or decorative projects, it offers versatility. Plus, it’s durable and affordable. You can’t go wrong with this option!

You can find the right plants for any project, whether it's residential construction or landscaping. The variety of sizes and species available makes it easy to choose what fits your needs.

Contact Pinus Sawmills today to discover our range of rough sawn pine and get expert advice for your next project. We keep quality timber products in stock and can help you choose the right materials for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between rough sawn and dressed pine?

Rough sawn has that natural rustic finish straight from the saw. Dressed pine gets planed smooth for decorative applications like cladding or internal staircases. We know you'd want a polished look here.

What sizes can I get?

Most timber stores stock boards (100 × 25 mm, 150 × 25 mm), posts (100 × 100 mm), and sleepers (200 × 50 mm to 200 × 100 mm). Standard lengths typically range from 2.4 m to 6.0 m, giving you plenty of options.

Is it suitable for outdoor use?

Absolutely, especially when you get treated pine to H3 or H4 standards. The treatment makes it resistant to insects, decay, and termites. This is great for retaining walls, decking subframes, and fencing that need to last.

What should I expect to pay in Canberra?

Pricing varies with size and depth. A 2.4 m post runs around $22, while sleepers range from $18 to $33 depending on how thick you go. It's genuinely affordable compared to hardwood species.

Where's the best place to shop in Canberra?

Pinus Sawmills is your local specialist with expert advice and a wide range in stock. You can also find materials at Ern Smith Timber, Dahlsens, and Bunnings, depending on what your project needs.

Can I use it for furniture projects?

Many people love it for rustic style furniture, cladding, and other decorative timber products. That natural texture and grain adds character you can't get with perfectly smooth boards.

Do I need to treat it before ground applications?

Yes, definitely. For ground use or any outdoor spaces, treated pine is essential. Rough Sawn Pine is intended to resist decay and stand up to moisture, insects, and all the other things that can destroy untreated softwood.