Building

It’s always exciting to start a new build. Planning, clearing the area, and the actual construction are the creative processes, but there has to be strict analysis of the timber you purchase. The wrong timber will ruin your project. It has to be kiln dried with your area in mind, to get the moisture content right. Timber that is dried too much will swell as it acclimatizes, ruining the project you have built. If timber is insufficiently dried, it will shrink after the build is complete. In furniture, this will loosen joints, leave gaps in flooring and table tops, and paneling. Purchasing your timber requires careful selection and a good supplier.

Wickes

Wickes is large chain supplier of timber in the UK. This company is very particular about the quality of the products they ship out and receive, subjecting each load to full moisture content testing as well as grading processes.

Contractors order from Wickes for large builds such as apartment and condo construction, as well as builders who take on subdivision work. However, individuals also find this company to be a great source of timber for all kinds of home projects.

Placing large orders with Wickes is relatively easy, and the timber will arrive in a timely manner, with plenty of time to acclimate to the local ambient humidity.

Jewson

Jewson is the largest importer of timber in the UK. The timber they import is from sources that have been inspected by the PEFC, or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. This approval means that timber from these sources come from sustainable forests. It also indicates that the company is capable of providing dependable service on large orders. They deliver bulk orders to the work site, as well as providing milling.

Code 6 Timber Suppliers

A leading name in builders’ circles is Code 6 Timber Suppliers. This company provides high quality timber products for private individuals and construction companies alike.

Code 6 has a good reputation for customer service, and excellent quality control. Western Redwood, oak, maple, and other hardwoods and softwoods are available here. Their kiln-dried timber is selected for its high quality and has been dried to local specifications for moisture content. This means less down tie on the jobsite as the timber acclimatizes to local humidity levels.

The grading of timber at Code 6 also is strictly adhered to, to reduce the possibility of having too many knots in finish timber. This company is good about being able to fill large orders for contractors while maintaining sufficient inventory for small, DIY projects.

British Hardwoods

British Hardwoods specializes in oak and other hardwood timber. Their supply list includes cherry, walnut, beech, ash, oak, and maple. This company provides fine hardwood to hobbyists and craftsmen who build individual pieces or cabinet sets. They also supply bespoke timber for special projects.

As you plan your next build, you can rest assured that one of these suppliers will be a perfect fit for your timber supplies.

Timber cladding is one of the most popular building materials in the UK. Known for its durability and attractiveness, timber cladding is easy to work with and offers great protection to your structures. Some people wonder, however, if they should treat their timber cladding. This is a user decision, but it should be an informed one. Here are some pointers for making the decision about whether or not you should treat your timber cladding.

Type of Wood

The biggest determining factor in whether or not to treat your timber is the type of wood you are using. Some types of wood are naturally resistant to bugs and rot. Cedar, for example, is very durable. It use in many outdoor applications is a natural choice, especially when used on sheds or as underpinning around buildings. Cedar has high amounts of tannin which repels termites and other bugs. This makes it invaluable in outdoor construction. It also resists rot, as it sheds water quite efficiently.

If you use cedar, you may want to leave it in its natural state. The warm tones of the wood are beautiful, and age to a silky grey through the years.

However, if you want to preserve the warmer colors of fresh cedar, then you will need to treat the wood. This can be done with a sealer. The sealer will keep the natural color rich and deep.

Other types of timber will have to be treated. Pine, fir, larch, and even hardwoods such as oak and maple must be protected from the elements. Cladding made from these species of wood must be sealed.

Types of Treatment

Wood that is particularly pretty, such as heartwood cedar or oak, look wonderful with clear sealant on it. This will protect it from water damage. This can be done with a penetrating oil or polyurethane. The oil is best used for cedar.

Stain is another popular application for timber cladding. The stain is usually tinted, and comes in different levels of transparency. For instance, you can get clear penetrating stain for pretty wood, or various tints such as red, blue, or green. This will absorb into the wood and help to protect it. A transparent stain will blend with the natural colors of the wood, without looking like the wood has been treated. The natural wood grains will show through.

Translucent stain will allow the stronger elements of the wood grain to show through, while tinting Shiplap cladding in the desired shade.

Opaque stain will appear to be more like paint. The difference between this treatment and paint is that the stain will penetrate the wood, rather than simply bonding to the top layer and resting on the surface of the cladding.

Paint will give you a great deal of flexibility with the finished look. The wealth of colors give you decorative choices.

Any treatment you use with your timber cladding will have to be repeated every few years. This will make it look great as long as you have it.

Pleyajara

Peace Of Mind At Pleyajara

Sourcing Timber For Your Next Build

Should You Treat Your Timber Cladding?