So, what is joinery grade timber?

[MissPollysTrolleyed]

I got a quote from a chap for making bi-folding doors between my sitting room and dining room and the quote is for "joinery grade timber". Does that mean anything to anyone?

Doesnt mean a lot to me as it leaves a lot open regarding timber species. Probably most closely relates to moisture content which has to be lower for joinery so it Doesnt crack or warp etc.

When we had our bifold doors made they had softwood frames but mdf panels. Make sure you get a good fitter - they seem to be fiendishly tricky to adjust!

joinery grade means it will look reasonably OK, and has been selected for the job, and will be a bit dearer due to its higher quality. If he is making doors he will be planing them flat and smooth ready for painting (if you want to stain and varnish them you will need a higher selection)

A lot of timber used for carpentry (which is rougher than joinery) will not show because it is up in the roof, under the floor, built into the walls, so cracks, knots, sap pockets, a bit of warping and cupping, will not matter provided (if it is a construction grade) that it still has enough strength for the specified use.

Many thanks for the advice Tricot and PigletJohn. I had a really busy weekend and am only now getting back to reading your very helpful replies.

Yes, we're just painting the doors and the joiner who is making them is fitting them and he seems really good so hopefully will fit them properly.

Thanks again .