5 Questions to Ask Timber Merchants

Timber merchants, like UK Timber, should know a fair amount about the products they offer. As a buyer, you should also know what kind of timber to use for cladding, decking or raised bed projects. To help you decide which type of timber to purchase, here are some questions you can ask timber merchants:

1.   What type of wood is suitable for what I have in mind?

There is a wide variety of timbers to choose from. For instance, Oak is perfect for decking and cladding. Ask a timber merchant to advise you on the wood that is most suitable for your construction needs. After all, there is no harm in asking the experts.

2.   How long is this type of wood going to last?

One of the most important things that you should consider when purchasing a specific type of timber is its durability. Long-lasting timbers are usually more expensive than the other alternatives. Hence, if you use timber for a temporary or short-term garden accessory (i.e. raised garden bed) you might want to consider durable and cheaper wood options.

3.   How do I maintain it?

Timber merchants know how to maintain different types of wood. The type of maintenance will usually depend on the type of timber. A good example is Oak flooring. This type of wood does not need water, soap and other cleaning materials for maintenance. Simply vacuum on a daily basis and give it a wax treatment every now and again. On the other hand, Pine wood, which is vulnerable to humidity and temperature, should not be placed in direct sunlight or in close proximity of radiators because it is prone to shrinking.

4.   Can you recommend cheaper timber with almost the same quality as the more expensive type?

Due to their expertise, timber merchants generally know how to compare different types of wood. For example: Maple is one of the most expensive types of wood. If you are on a budget, you can choose a cheaper alternative with almost the same quality as Maple. Some good examples include Birch, Poplar and Pine.

5.   Do you custom cut timber?

Some timber merchants offer custom cutting, especially for construction projects that require exact measurements (i.e. cladding and decking). It would be of added convenience to you if the timber merchant you choose offers this type of service.

If you are looking for a timber merchant that can answer all of these questions, contact UK Timber on +44 (0)1536 267107. Expert in all things timber, we are always happy to help.

5 Affordable Handmade Coffee Tables from UK Timber

We have great news for coffee-lovers! UK Timber, one of the top timber merchants in the UK, has a selection of 5 different handmade coffee tables at amazing prices. You can use these coffee tables either in your home or at the office.

      

1. Square Railway Sleeper Coffee Table

If you like traditional furniture, then this new Square Oak Sleeper coffee table will suit your pallet. Using carefully crafted pieces in either green or semi air-dried oak, this table is supplied unfinished, allowing for your own personal touch. Available in various weights and sizes, it is durable and built to stand the test of time. The price of this Square Oak Railway Sleeper Coffee Table varies depending on the size:

a.       (200 x 100mm Sections) 800mm² x 300mm = £166.25

b.      (200 x 100mm Sections) 1000mm² x 300mm = £196.29

c.       (200 x 100mm Sections) 1200mm² x 300mm = £212.99

2.       Oak Sleeper Coffee Table

The Oak Sleeper Coffee Table is handmade by our craftsmen in Corby, Northamptonshire. Supplied unfinished, UK Timber recommends varnish, wax or oil to finish this coffee table. Since the height of this coffee table is lower, it can be the perfect focal point of any room. It sits well in modern, contemporary and old country homes. This coffee table comes in 5 sizes, with prices as below:

a.       (200 x 100mm Sections) 1200mm x 600mm x 300mm = £154.99

b.      (225 x 125mm Sections) 1200mm x 675mm x 350mm = £174.99

c.       (200 x 100mm Sections) 1200mm x 800mm x 300mm = £189.99

d.      (225 x 125mm Sections) 1200mm x 900mm x 350mm = £237.99

e.      (200 x 100mm Sections) 1000mm x 1000mm x 300mm = £199.99

3.       Oak Beam Coffee Table - 3 Beam Top

Simple yet stylish, this handmade Oak Beam Coffee Table remains a firm favourite.

Perfectly at home in both traditional and contemporary settings, its modern aesthetic will add a rustic appeal to any room. Available in two sizes, the prices are as follows:

                                        

a.       ( 150mm² Sections) 1200mm x 450mm x 300mm = £189.99

b.       ( 200mm² Sections) 1100mm x 600mm x 400mm = £242.49

4.       Oak Beam Coffee Tables - 4 Beam Top

The perfect centrepiece, this coffee table is carefully crafted using semi air-dried and green oak. Here are its sizes and prices:

a.        ( 150mm² Sections) 1100mm x 600mm x 300mm = £217.49

b.       ( 200mm² Sections) 1100mm x 800mm x 400mm = £299.16

5.       Square Softwood Sleeper Coffee Table

UK Timber is proud to introduce this handmade coffee table made from untreated softwood. With its minimalist finish, it is compatible with both traditional and contemporary surroundings. The sleepers of this coffee table could lift slightly and the gaps could also slightly open. This is the true, unpredictable nature of softwood. With an approximate weight of 150 kilograms, this coffee table measures 1000mm x 1000mm x 375mm and costs just £199.99.

Visit the UK Timber website or call +44 (0)1536 267107 for further details on our perfectly unique and charmingly elegant coffee tables. Now… Anyone for a cuppa?

Common Types of Garden Decking

Garden decking can add value and beauty to your home. Here are the different types of decking that you can use for your garden deck:

Ø  Timber Decking

The most popular and traditional material used for garden decking is wood. It tends to be our first port of call when it comes to decking. The common types of wood used for timber decking are oak, ipe, teak and iroko. Timber is durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Use oil, paint, preservatives or stain to prolong the life span of your timber deck. Oil is said to be the best option since it enhances the natural beauty of the timber and it protects the wood from the many elements.

Ø  Composite Decking

Composite is a great alternative to wood but it is not a natural product. Composite is made up of wood fibre and plastic that is combined to create a plank. It doesn’t expand or contract with changes in moisture and temperature. That means it will not easily crack, warp or split compared to solid wood.

Ø  PVC Decking

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is one of the most produced plastics in the world. It is a versatile product that is known for its strength and adaptability. People choose PVC decking because it is low maintenance.

Ø  Aluminium Decking

Aluminium decking is the cutting edge decking option because it is maintenance-free. Also, it is well suited to a cutting edge decking project. It is a relatively new addition to the UK decking options. However, aluminium decking is not that easy to incorporate into a classic decking project.

Above all the options, most people consider wood to be the best material for decking. Timber is easy to maintain, eco-friendly and highly durable. Therefore, a timber deck will definitely add value to your home.

UK Timber offers different products for timber decking. Call us on 01536-267-107 or send an email to sales@uk-timber.co.uk for enquiries.

Common Wood Preservative Formulations in the UK

http://www.uk-timber.co.uk/

Red and White Oak Flooring Comparison

Oak wood is an exceptional and timeless material that is used as decking boards, beams and as a perfect flooring option.

Oak flooring is widely used in many European households. Available in two kinds: the red oak and the white oak, both have an exceptional beauty. However, there are still differences between the two.  

Strength and Durability

Determining the strength and durability of an oak flooring material depends on two main factors – the Janka hardness and the density.

                Janka Hardness

The Janka hardness rating measures how resistant a piece of hardwood can be. The measurement is in pounds, where the higher rating is equivalent to a harder wood.

Density

Density measures how much wood is packed into a cubic meter.

The combination of the two factors will determine the capacity of the wood to endure wear and tear.

Red oak has a Janka hardness rating of 12,900 lbs. and a density of 780 kg/m3. White oak has a hardness rating of 1,360 lbs. and a density of 900 KG/m3. The white oak flooring is stronger than the red.

Appearance

Both have tight, complex grain patterns. The heartwood has a reddish-brown hue and is surrounded by warm glowing tones, making red oak the perfect option for a more exotic-looking floor. White oak takes on a pale tone with a contrasting dark grain, providing a more neutral and versatile look.

Movement in Service

Movement in Service refers to how much a hardwood shrinks or expands during shipping or after installation. The measurement is based on the tangential and radial shrinkage – which is expressed as a percentage. The lower the percentage, the less likely the wood will shrink.

The tangential and radial shrinkage for red oak flooring is 8.6% and 4.0%, respectively. For white oak flooring, the numbers are 7.2% and 4.2%. It is clear that white oak flooring can resist buckling, bending and warping – better than the red oak.

To learn more about UK Timber’s oak flooring options, call us on +44 (0)1536 267107.

Timber Cladding FAQs

What is Timber Cladding?

               

Timber cladding is used to cover the exterior of a building, using timber, for aesthetic purposes. Timber cladding provides an outstanding natural insulation feature which is useful for any type of weather.

               

Is timber cladding suitable for my house?

               

Traditional and modern houses can use timber cladding. Traditional houses use timber cladding to enhance the rural vibe of the house. On the other hand, modern houses use timber cladding for accent and detail or for keeping the modern house relative to the natural surroundings.

So, do you want timber cladding for your home?

What type of timber should I use?

There are different types of timber that can be used for cladding such as Western Red Cedar, English Larch, Oak, Thermowood, etc. It will be less of a hassle if the timber is durable. Western Red Cedar is highly durable and stable and is usually cleaner than the other options. It doesn’t shrink easily. English Larch is also durable because it is slow grown. That means that it adds a greater value to your home. Hardwoods, such as oak, are also durable but are not as heavy as the other types of wood. Thermowood can last for around about 30 years and is consistent in colour. There are many timber options for cladding. Just consider several factors when choosing the right timber, such as weather conditions in your area or your budget. UK Timber has several timber cladding options for you.

Do I have to treat timber cladding?

               

Treated timbers usually last longer than the untreated alternatives. Saving the need of earlier timber replacement, you will have the option of treated or untreated timber. If you happen to choose a treated timber for cladding, it is recommended that you treat the wood before installation for convenience.

               

How is timber cladding installed?

The installation of timber cladding should be done by professionals. Basically, it is done by installing vertical battens. Over these battens, the timber cladding will be placed.

If you are thinking of designing your home with timber cladding, call UK Timber on +44 (0)1536 267107 for assistance. We also provide timbers for decking boards and wood flooring.

Image source:
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2096462

Guide to Working With Pressure-Treated Timber

Factors to Consider in Timber Cladding

Cladding is generally defined as the layering of a material to the exterior of a building. Its purpose is to infiltrate weather elements. Nowadays, cladding is used for aesthetic purposes. The most popular type of cladding is made from timber. Timber cladding is commonly used in either traditional or contemporary houses but before you add timber cladding to your own home, you should first consider the following:


Type of timber
Timber cladding boards are available in Oak, Western Red Cedar, Treated Softwood, English Larch and other types of lumber. It should be clear whether the timber is to be used for external or internal cladding. It is advisable to choose wood that can easily absorb moisture and resist decay to avoid major reconstruction in the future. You may also treat, paint or stain the wood. Some types of timber may require treatment and coating for durability purposes.

Laying style

There are four different timber cladding styles that you may choose according to you preference. The four types of laying styles are:

1. Feather Edge – each board is tapered across its width. 
2. Square Edge – each board has the same thickness. 
3. Shiplap – each board's profile partially overlaps the profile of the board next to it. 
4. Tongue & Groove – each board has a groove or slot on one edge and a tongue or thin ridge on the opposite edge which can be joined. 

Budget

The cost of timber cladding always depends on the type of wood that you use and in what quantity. The cheapest softwood boarding comes in at around £5 to £8 per square metre but it tends to decay quicker and requires regular painting and staining after installation. Although timbers such as red cedar, European larch, Douglas fir and oak are more expensive, they tend to last longer even without treatment or staining.

Building details

Buildings and houses usually have numerous corners, doors and windows. One way to avoid spending too much time installing the timber cladding is to carefully plan the details before you make a start. Make sure that the sizes of the timbers fit neatly into the area where they will be fixed. Mastic seals can help prevent moisture build up in case the timbers do not fit perfectly in the space where they are installed.


UK Timber supplies high quality wooden products for timber cladding. Please email us at sales@uk-timber.co.uk for enquiries.

Reasons Why Thermowood is a Fine Timber