Choosing the right sawn timber supplier can make or break your project.
Whether you’re constructing a new build or planning home DIY activities, the quality of your timber and a reliable service play a critical role in the success of your project. But with so many options, how do you find the right supplier?
This blog will walk you through what to look for when selecting a sawn timber supplier so that you can trust you’ve chosen the right one - not just for your current project, but for all those to come.
Why The Right Sawn Timber Supplier Is Essential
Partnering with a supplier that doesn't meet your needs can result in expensive consequences and lost time.
Experiencing poor service or using low-quality timber in your work can lead to problems later down the line, such as warping and splitting, that may affect your project’s structural integrity or aesthetic.
Using the wrong supplier often means that jobs that were on time and within budget suddenly experience huge delays and become significantly more expensive. That’s why finding a reputable sawn timber supplier offering high-quality products is essential to successful timber projects.
Read on to discover what to look for in a sawn timber supplier.
Timber Selection
One of the first things to look for in a dependable sawn timber supplier is the range of timber on offer. A good supplier should be able to provide a wide range of options and help you find the product that best meets your needs.
Providing a broad selection of different types of timber is important because not all wood is the same. Certain projects might require a particular type of wood because of its strength, durability, or visual appeal; your project may require a particular hardwood or softwood or various sizes or grades.
E.O. Burton stocks an extensive range of both hardwoods and softwoods. Whatever your project calls for, from simple home DIY to large-scale construction, we’ve got the timber for the job.
Quality Assurance
Timber quality can vary wildly between suppliers. Low-quality timber often comes with defects like knots and splits, and these can reduce the effectiveness of your build. Defects can even compromise the strength, safety and lifespan of your finished project.
This makes it crucial to partner with one that sources their wood from reputable, sustainable providers as well as practising robust quality control measures.
So, before you jump in and work with a sawn timber supplier, ask them about their quality control processes. Who do they source their wood from? Do they perform inspections on the wood when it is delivered? How do they know the timber they’re selling is high-quality?
E.O. Burton meticulously selects and inspects every single piece of their timber. We work in close partnership with trusted mills and ensure that all of our timber meets strict quality standards.
Sustainable Sourcing
Sustainability is a hot topic in the timber industry. High demand for wood products globally has led to environmental concerns like deforestation. This makes it essential to partner with a sawn timber supplier that holds responsible sourcing practices high on its value list.
When you’re on the hunt for a supplier, look for certifications from recognised bodies like the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification). These badges of honour indicate that the supplier’s timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests.
E.O. Burton prioritises sustainable sourcing practices. We only work with suppliers who match our values, adhere to sustainable forestry practices and hold appropriate certification. This ensures you end up with sustainable wood that’s beautiful and durable.
Expertise & Advice
A reputable sawn timber supplier should have tons of experience behind them, a vast amount of knowledge and sound advice at the ready.
Knowledgeable Staff
The most successful timber suppliers don’t just sell wood; they act as trusted resources of knowledge and advice. Suppliers that offer access to experts who understand timber can help guide you through choosing the right product, as well as how to maintain it.
At E.O. Burton, our people have plenty of experience and vast amounts of knowledge ready to assist you. Our friendly team is committed to ensuring you get the right timber for your project needs.
Personal Service
No two projects are the same, and a good supplier knows that. Working with you to understand the breadth of your project is a huge part of a sawn timber supplier’s role, enabling them to offer recommendations that suit your needs.
A personalised service, where a supplier takes time to understand what’s required, ensures you get the timber that best meets your specifications and prevents future issues like delays and costly mistakes.
E.O. Burton prizes customer relationship building; we are dedicated to putting the time in with our clients to understand their needs and offer tailored advice, becoming a go-to supplier for many life-long customers.
Strong Reputation
Customer reviews, testimonials and case studies provide valuable insight into both timber quality and the service a sawn timber supplier offers.
Take some time to find out how well-regarded your chosen supplier is by researching their reputation. Positive reviews and a trail of happy customer feedback indicate that the supplier is dependable and customer-focused.
Price & Transparency
Price is a key consideration when you’re looking for the right sawn timber supplier, but compromising on quality can be a bad idea.
Competitive Pricing
Finding a balance between cost and quality is top of the list for many of us. Beware of sawn timber suppliers offering heavily discounted prices; this can indicate that the quality of timber products on offer is low.
While high-quality timber is an investment, the benefits outweigh the initial outlay, resulting in a cost-effective and durable product that lasts.
E.O. Burton offers fair and competitive pricing across our broad range of timber products. Wondering how we structure our pricing? We’ll tell you! We value transparency with our customers and can run you through exactly what you’re paying for.
Value For Money
The value of a trusted supplier comes down to much more than the product price. Consider the advantages of partnering with a supplier that provides high-quality timber, expert advice AND a reliable service. Paying more upfront for a comprehensive package of quality and service will save you money over time because your high-quality timber products will last the mile.
E.O. Burton provides excellent value for money. From high-quality products to expert advice and added services, you’ll be supported in your project from start to finish.
Value-Added Services
Good sawn timber suppliers offer extra services to make your life that little bit easier.
Cutting and Machining
A timber merchant that offers cutting and machining provides clients with unbeatable convenience. If your supplier can cut timber to your exact measurements, this saves you a lot of time and effort; particularly useful for large-scale projects and applications with awkward shapes or super precise sizes.
To take the stress out of working with your timber, E.O. Burton provides in-house machining and custom cutting services. This means that your timber can be prepared on-site and delivered to your door ready to use immediately.
Reliable Delivery
Timely timber deliveries are a critical part of most construction projects, especially when working to a strict deadline. A good sawn timber supplier will offer reliable, fast delivery for the products you buy so that you can stay on schedule and complete your project successfully.
Here at E.O. Burton, we understand the importance of prompt deliveries. That’s why we offer flexible delivery options to meet varying schedules, ensuring your shipment of timber gets to you within seven days.
Choosing The Right Sawn Timber Supplier For You
Finding a reputable sawn timber supplier sets the foundation for project success.
Partnering with a supplier that stocks a broad range of high-quality timber and offers expert advice at every turn means you can rest assured that your project is off to the best start. For added convenience, pick one that provides value-added services like custom cutting and fast, reliable delivery…
One like us!
E.O. Burton is dedicated to providing top quality, sustainable timber and unbeatable customer service. Get in touch with us to find out how we can help.