Hey everyone! I'm looking to improve my woodworking skills with some basic materials like plywood, pine, and MDF before I invest in pricier options. Unfortunately, the nearest big box stores like B&Q or Wickes are over an hour away from me, and the smaller hardware stores nearby have some really poor-quality timber that's warped and damaged. My projects are suffering because I keep getting unusable wood! I don't have the space or budget for a thicknesser, so I'm hoping to find a reliable supplier that can deliver decent quality timber to my home. Any recommendations?
2 Answers
You might want to try Laver (laver.co.uk) or Travis Perkins (travisperkins.co.uk). They usually have a good selection, but keep in mind, shipping fees can be pretty steep, so it’s a better deal to order a bigger batch at once.
Check out your local builders' merchants! Most of them offer delivery within their local area, which varies by branch. Just call them up to ask about prices and stock since their website might have inflated prices aimed at newbies. Generally, you'll need to spend around £100-£150 for free delivery. If you're looking for good quality timber, ask for 'planed unsorted redwood'—basically Scots Pine. It's smooth and great for inside work, unlike the twisted stuff I've seen locally. My merchants stock a range of thicknesses from 6mm to 38mm, and you can choose different grades depending on how many knots you can tolerate.
Absolutely! Local timber merchants and joinery shops are a goldmine. Also, consider checking out local sawmills; they often have kiln-dried timber that could be worth it.
Just a heads up, you’ll probably need to be home to accept the delivery, so plan accordingly!