Jameshow
Established Member
I agree, it's often the case that you can get hold of non graded timber that is a lot better than C16/24 and is cheaper too. the process the lumber mills seem to operate is a bit like automated bottom up which simply counts the knots per metre and the resistance to deflection, which can be be surprisingly poor.
Unsorted Russian was usually the best bet but most so called timber yards only seem to have it in machined boards as skirting etc but you might try looking for some plain door casing material, usually available in ex 6" x 1 1/2 "
This is what I had in mind....