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October 11, 2012

Rise in Self-Builds as UK Homeowners Look to Self-Sufficiency and Savings

Timber — Booker Timber @ 12:00 pm

The very first episode of Channel 4 property development show, Grand Designs, featured a thoroughly normal couple building their dream home using a wood frame kit assembled on top of a cliff top in Newhaven. Their budget was tame, even by 1999 standards, but they pulled something splendid and utterly bespoke out of the hat simply by taking the time to source the right materials, design and location for their needs.
Self-builds on a small budget are still a fairly uncommon sight in the UK. Setting aside grand mansions and luxury lodges, the typical way for the average Brit to live is still in a standard model home of brick and mortar. But with the average age of first-time buyers rising to around 34-years-old, savvy Brits are putting their money to a more creative and ultimately beneficial use – self-building homes.

 

The Market
A lot of self-build homes at the more modest end of the market are built using wood and other eco-friendly materials. As a timber merchant, we source our wood ethically and make sure you’re clear on where it’s come from, whether you’re just picking up a bit of cut to size chipboard or enough MFC to furnish a home.
• It’s estimated around 8.25% of all new homes in the UK are self-builds.
• The total number of self-builds in the UK that reached completion has risen each year. The first quarter of 2012 saw a 3.75% increase, and that covers self-builds completed over the winter months.
• Around 31% of all new, detached homes are self-builds, although many are considered high-end properties rather than budget homes.
• The average self-build typically takes around 18-24 months to complete.
• A recent survey by the Building Societies Association found 53% of consumers said they would consider building their own home if it was easier for them to do so (e.g. a healthy, low-cost self-build market existed in the UK and planning permission could be sought more effectively)
• In terms of a place in the European self-build market, the UK is still lagging. 80% of homes in Austria are self-build projects, plus 60% in Germany, France and Italy.

 

Funding
Self-build mortgages are not common in the UK. But they are growing in popularity, and are estimated to rise from £800 million in 2011 to £1.9 billion by 2015.
But how can low cost self-building become the norm in the UK? As suppliers of everything from building timber to plywood sheets, we believe the government needs to publicise the ease of self-building and set up a supportive body to aid consumers and protect their interests. For example, planning permission in the UK represents some of the strictest codes in the world, and that has a huge impact on self-build effectiveness.
A market for self-build funding could also see new opportunities for smaller niche lenders seeking to move away from the constraints of typical mortgage lending. Competition between providers could see the UK housing and mortgage market shift significantly.

September 24, 2012

Choosing the right timber for your project

Sheets,Timber — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 10:07 am

When you’re embarking on a project that requires wood, you’ll need to ensure you have access to suitable supplies. If you can’t access timber of sufficient quality or struggle to get it on time, you will suffer delays and difficulties.

Of course, you have to choose the right wood in the first place. There are lots of different kinds of timber for you to take your pick from. Here at Booker Timber we offer a whole range. As well as marine plywood, MDF and so on, we offer hardwoods like greenheart, iroko maple, poplar and oak. The kind you opt for will depend on your budget and the effects you’re looking to achieve.

Oak is a popular choice

Oak is commonly used in a variety of settings. This wood has a range of properties that make it ideal for various projects. Writing about the material on eHow, Neal Litherland noted that it is an attractive wood and it is often used in flooring and furniture.

Indeed, lots of properties feature oak somewhere within them and the timber can look ideal in both contemporary and traditional looking spaces.

Meanwhile, the wood is also used in walking sticks and in a number of other products.

Grain

Mr Litherland pointed out that different types of oak vary, but there are certain properties they all have in common.

For example, when it comes to grain, he remarked: “Wood may often be purchased for the appearance and feel of its grain. Oak hardwood has an identifiable grain that is described as open and fairly long. The wood has occasional crotches, with swirls and burs as well. The way the boards are sawed from the wood can also make a difference as to the grain that is displayed. Plain sawed boards have a plumed grain, for instance, whereas rift sawn boards have a much tighter grain pattern.”

Colour

When it comes to colour, this depends on the particular oak in question, the writer noted. While white oak can be light brown with a pinkish tint, the heartwood is a creamy white colour. Red oak on the other hand can be tinted rose, he suggested.

Physical properties

Depending what you’re using the wood for, you might be looking for certain physical properties. Oak is hard and it has “medium bending strength”, Mr Litherland stated. He added that it has a high crushing strength, meaning it is good for holding up structures like beams.

Sourcing the best

To make the most of oak, or any other timber for that matter, it’s important you head to a specialist sheet cutting firm like us.

We offer a vast array of timber-related products and have all the experience, knowledge and equipment required to achieve the best results.

Find out more

If you’d like to find out more about our cut to size plywood and so on, just take a look around the rest of our website or get in touch with our friendly and helpful team. We should be perfectly placed to help you.

September 10, 2012

Sourcing timber for property builds

Timber,Uncategorized — Tags: — Booker Timber @ 9:51 am

If you’re currently involved in a property build and require lots of wood, you’ll need to find a reliable timber merchant that’s capable of supplying you with what you want when you want it.

Getting substandard wood or having to wait too long to get your hands on the material could prove disastrous for your project. The good news is, it’s now easy to access superb quality timber at great value prices. Here at Booker Timber we specialise in offering the very best cut-to-size wood around.

A modern statement

One residence that makes full use of wood is the New Pipers in Hertfordshire. According to a report in Homes & Property, the abode makes a “modern statement with glass and timber”. The residence was created by the Bradbury family and dad Jimmi, his wife Liz and their daughter Kim are now enjoying the space.

Mr Bradbury worked on the project with childhood friend and acclaimed modern architect Niall McLaughlin and the finished result is so striking that it is regularly in demand for use in films and TV commercials.

Simple and stunning

According to Homes & Property, the house is “simple and stunning in equal measure”. The news source added: “The house brims with ingenious design and environmentally friendly functions that, in turn, helped it past those tricky planners and persuaded local residents that it was a good thing for the village.”

Persistence paid off

Mr Bradbury had his work cut out bringing the project to life, but he always looked at the positives. About this, he remarked: “As with anything you want to do in this life, think about everything that could go right. Don’t get paralysed by the fear of everything that could go wrong.”

The natural effect

The 49-year-old went on to remark: “We used a lot of wood, rather than metal, to counterbalance the glass and to make sure the materials were in keeping with the building’s surroundings.”

He added: “We have let out our house about six times in the past two years at about �1,000 a day. It’s an unexpected supplemental income, certainly. But this is a family home first and was not built as a commercial venture. I loved building this house, I should have done it years ago.”

How we can help

If you’re on the lookout for timber to help you complete work on a property, whether it is your own home or you are carrying out the tasks on behalf of a customer, you’ll need to know you can trust your merchant.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our plywood sheets and so on and may well have exactly what you’re looking for. We supply companies and consumers alike and offer a vast range of timber-related products.

Accurate

We can cut sheet material to within 0.1mm and our boards go up to 5,400mm in length, 4,000mm in width and 90mm in thickness.

When you come to us for cut to size chipboard and so on, you can rest assured you’ll get exactly what you’re after.

August 24, 2012

Raised beds are ideal in small gardens

CNC Cutting,Sheets,Timber — Tags: , , — Booker Timber @ 10:07 am

It’s no wonder that demand for the timber used in raised beds is so high. These days, consumers are increasingly switching on to the benefits of these outdoor constructions. They are perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, fruit and so on and are easy to maintain.

Not only can g cultivating produce like this be rewarding, it can also save people money. The prices of fresh goods in supermarkets and smaller shops are rising and by becoming more self-sufficient, people can reduce their grocery bills. If you’re keen to invest in wood for this purpose, it’s important you find a timber merchant you can trust to offer you competitive prices and top-quality products.

Bijou gardens

Meanwhile, if your garden’s somewhat lacking in space, getting raised beds could be ideal. Recently, landscape architect Nilufer Danis suggested that these items are convenient and look great. He used raised beds in his display at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, Homes & Property reports.

Called Our First Home, Our First Garden, the creation had seating, raised beds and original sculpture, among other things. It won a gold medal and was identified as best in the category of low-cost, high-impact.

Expert advice

He remarked: “When creating a new garden, always settle on a budget first. With a little forward planning it is possible to create an aesthetic space without spending a lot of money.

“The point is to show how a young couple in a new home can make a great outdoor space on a small budget. This small space of 15ft by 25ft, there’s space for them to relax as well as entertain their friends. The planting is simple and easy to maintain, with evergreen shrubs and grasses among the flowers so the garden looks good all year round.”

We can help

If you’re on the lookout for raised beds, or cut to size plywood and other pieces of timber, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Booker Timber we provide many sizes of raised beds and they come in either kit form or assembled.

Our wood is the finest Scandinavian quality and it is properly treated by tannalisation against the elements, meaning it can stand the test of time. Also, the treatment gives wood a green colour that’s pleasing to the eye and it is safe for children and animals.

Your own style

Meanwhile, you might want to buy untreated timber as seen in the photos so that you can varnish or paint it a different colour to suit your own garden theme.

Raised beds can be perfect on rooftop gardens and city gardens and they are handy for wheelchair users and older people.

A clear conscience

Meanwhile, you don’t have to defy your conscience in order to take advantage of our superb products. Our timber is responsibly sourced. Indeed, we are Chain of Custody certified and can go out of our way to ensure that we obtain timber in the most sustainable way.

If you’re keen to find out more about what we have to offer, just take a look around the rest of our website.

August 10, 2012

Choosing the perfect timber for your home improvements

Cutting News,Timber — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 8:53 am

If you’re on the lookout for cut to size chipboard or other types of timber for your DIY projects, you’ll no doubt want to source the right products at the right prices. By making sure you select the most suitable suppliers, you can help to control your costs while also ensuring you have the right materials for the job.

As long as you know where to look, you should find it easy to source the products you’re after.

Property conscious

There’s no denying the fact that UK consumers are house proud and figures produced by Everest Home Improvements drew attention to this issue. It revealed that more than eight in ten Brits polled wanted to change something about their abodes to make them better. In total, 82 per cent of respondents noted they’d like to enhance their abodes.

Meanwhile, 30 per cent stated they wanted to make the changes so that their properties would look nicer, while 16 per cent were focussing on making their houses or flats more energy efficient. Following this, 13 per cent of homeowners wanted to boost their standard of living and 11 per cent were eager to raise the value of their properties.

A gender divide

It seems as though when it comes to sourcing cut to size MDF and so on to enhance abodes, women may be leading the way. Whereas 85 per cent of female respondents said they wanted to make changes, only 76 per cent of the men questioned revealed a similar intention.

Location location location

Another factor that influenced the likelihood that people would want to improve homes was location. While 84 per cent of respondents from the Midlands and Wales wanted to invest in DIY projects like this, this figure fell to 80 per cent among respondents from the south of England. The proportion was even lower in Northern Ireland, where 75 per cent of people wanted to engage in changes.

Come to us Booker Timber

Here at Booker Timber we’re experts when it comes to MDF cutting and should have just what you need to help you get on with your DIY projects. We have a vast range of timber related products and you shouldn’t struggle to get just what you’re after at good value prices.

Accuracy is key

It’s frustrating if the wood you choose isn’t cut to the correct size. This can throw your project back and prevent you from achieving the best results. Thankfully, our wood is cut to an accuracy of within 0.1mm, meaning you can have total confidence in it.

To find out more about what we have to offer, just take a look around our website or get in touch with our friendly and helpful team. Meanwhile, if you’re keen to find out how much you would have to pay for your wood, you can fill in an online enquiry form.

Sourcing superb timber is well worth it

In order to make sure you benefit from the best results, it’s important you get the most suitable wood around. This can make DIY projects much easier and help you ensure your home is looking great.

July 23, 2012

How A Timber Merchant Can Help Artists And Inventors

CNC Cutting,MDF — Tags: , , , — Booker Timber @ 8:51 am

From outside the industry, a timber merchant may look like a fairly niche operation. All of the equipment, the beam saws, the precision cutting tools, they are surely only used by architects and carpenters? This is not the case. Our equipment can be used by a variety of people, from artists, inventors, joiners and decorators. If your project requires precision cutting with a 0.1mm degree of accuracy then we can help you.

What We Can Offer

We are an independent company with extensive experience and have invested in state-of-the-art technology. By pairing powerful beam saws with computer precision, practically any shape or design can be crafted.

Automated Machinery

Computer numerically controlled cutting and routing are two of our most useful and versatile practices. They rely on the automation of engineering tools and cutting equipment. By feeding them specific pieces of information, for example certain points and paths they must follow, saws and blades can quickly set to work yet still produce a high level of accuracy. The speed of the operation helps to keep down costs, delivering a quality result at a reasonable price.

With some of the biggest beam saws in the UK we can work with sheets up to 6 metres long and 3.8 metres wide. Materials we can work with include MDF, plywood and plastic.

Cut To Size MDF

Medium density fibreboard (MDF) is a versatile resource often used by engineers to make cheap prototypes of inventions. This allows them to test the models and work out any flaws before more substantial materials are used.

MDF also appeals to artists as it is the most warp resistant wood panel available, ensuring that pictures of any medium will endure for years to come.

MDF is an engineered wood made by breaking down elements of hardwood and softwood into fibres, then mixing it with wax and resin to bind it together. MDF sheets and panels are made by applying high temperatures and pressure. A denser composition than plywood, it is a ubiquitous building material. This is also due to the fact that by its very nature it contains no knots or similar impurities that could make crafting and construction difficult. Unlike hardboard, the internal structure of MDF allows it to withstand heat and moisture without distorting.

As a merchant we are completely aware of the responsible sourcing of materials. We have achieved Chain of Custody certification, which means that customers can use our services without worrying that they are contributing to the destruction of forestry.

Our staff have the necessary expertise and experience required when it comes to cutting MDF and using automated machinery. They can make the most of the computer equipment, which can work with sheets up to 90mm thick, and can answer queries regarding specific projects. Designs can be sent through to them beforehand, whether they are detailed blueprints or simple drawings, and they can provide advice that will make the most of the cutting process.

July 16, 2012

No wonder decking is in vogue

Sheets,Timber — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 8:50 am

If you’ve experienced an increase in demand among your customers for decking over recent months, you’re not alone. Lots of people around the UK are after products like this to help them make the most of their gardens. As long as you’re in touch with a reliable timber merchant, you shouldn’t struggle to process your orders.

It’s no surprise decking timber is highly sought after these days. After all, home and business owners are increasingly eager to make the most of their outdoor areas and special wooden spaces can help them do precisely this.

Also, decking and wooden shelters can help to make gardens more weatherproof. These days, pubs, hotels and so on need to cater for smokers who head outside come rain or shine for their nicotine fixes. Meanwhile, consumers are often reluctant to be chased in doors each time the heavens open.

This summer has been particularly stormy, highlighting the importance of sheltered outdoor areas. Wind and rain has persistently affected many areas around the UK, leading some people to suggest the country has experienced a ‘European monsoon’.

By taking advantage of decking and shelters, people can protect themselves from downpours.

If your firm’s on the lookout for wood to use in products like this, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Booker Timber we offer a range of different types of timber and should have just what you need.

Whether you’re after cut to size plywood, chipboard or anything else, we could be the perfect firm for you.

July 9, 2012

Affordable and Environmentally Friendly Timber Solutions

MDF — Tags: , , — Booker Timber @ 8:47 am

Regardless of whether you’re after affordable MDF, chipboard, plywood, orientated strand board, hardboard or melamine faced chipboard, we here at Booker Timber are the company to come to.

As well as offering outstanding value for money in their own right, the chipboard and plywood sheets we provide here can save you even more cash as our optimisation software will calculate the most efficient (and therefore most cost-effective) way of cutting your wood when different sizes are required.

Indeed, our sheet cutting services really are second to none as we have some of the largest CNC beam saws in the UK. These impressive machines provide us with the capacity to handle and cut sheets of up to six metres in length, four metres in width and with board thicknesses of up to 90 millimetres; therefore, you can be sure that we will be able to provide you with sizes and solutions to suit all requirements.

As well as providing you with precision services at affordable prices, our effective and efficient cutting processes also help to reduce waste. We feel this is of great importance as being environmentally friendly is one of our main priorities here at Booker Timber.

Indeed, we strive to be a modern, forward thinking company and the only way to do that in this day and age is take the needs of the wider world into account. Of course, we are very aware that timber production can be a very sensitive environmental and social issue; but, instead of burying our heads in the sand, we prefer to take responsibility for our actions and ensure that we are part of a solution, rather than adding to an existing problem.

To this end, we are very proud to say that we are a Chain of Custody certified company. The Chain of Custody are an internationally recognised body that is responsible for examining the environmental sustainability of the world’s forests (and forest products). Their main task is to trace pieces of timber all the way back to the place where they were originally grown so that they can identify and approve them as being responsibly produced. To qualify for Chain of Custody approval, the production process of the timber in question must not have had a negative impact in any way on the lives of the people living in and around the forest of origin.

As well as providing important trend data, this also helps consumers to make more environmentally informed choices when purchasing timber products. Therefore, whenever you see an Chain of Custody approval mark on a product (or company like ours), you can be sure that you are helping to maintain well managed, sustainable forests around the world

So, regardless of what your own particular needs might be, you can rest assured that you will receive the most inexpensive, precisely cut and eco-friendly timber products around when you come to us here at Booker Timber. Explore our pages further or call us now on 0333 1231290 to find out more.

June 25, 2012

How Booker Timber Products Can Benefit the Environment

Chain of Custody — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 9:26 am

Here at Booker Timber we care about the environment, which is why all of our timber products have Chain of Custody certification status. So, what do these certifications stand for and how does using these timber products benefit the earth.

What is Chain of Custody?
We source timber from Chain of Custody certified forests, which means that the long term supply of timber is monitored to protect the environment and lives of those who are dependent on the forest. Therefore, you should always look for the Chain of Custody certifeid logo when purchasing timber products, such as MDF sheets, plywood and more. By using Chain of Custody certified timber you can ensure that many generations will benefit from the forest.

For this reason, you can buy our timber products with the confidence that we are a leading timber merchant that respects the environment and the forest. We share the same values of the Chain of Custody and are passionate about preserving the forest for the sake of the planet and the generations of the future.

June 11, 2012

Buy from a timber merchant that cares about the environment

Chain of Custody — Tags: — Booker Timber @ 9:16 am

Booker Timber is a responsible business. While the requirements of our customers are always a top priority (and that means high quality, well-priced timber and MDF sheets first and foremost), a modern company also needs to take the wider world into account. Every product we sell has a story and that story is important.

We think beyond our immediate timber needs and look at the broader picture- we’re aware that timber production is an environmentally and socially sensitive issue, and as an intelligent and thoughtful business, that means making sure that we are part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Chain of Custody Certification- looking at the whole supply chain

We are an Chain of Custody certified company. Chain of Custody are a body responsible for examining the environmental sustainability of forests and forest products. Their goal is to trace a particular piece of timber or a timber item all the way back to the place the trees were grown, and label those items that were responsibly produced so consumers can make an environmentally informed choice.

Anyone with an interest in social justice will be pleased to know that the Chain of Custody also look at the other implications of plantation forestry. In order to qualify for Chain of Custody certified status, production must not have a negative impact on the lives of the people living in and around the forest. If you see the Chain of Custody mark on a product or on a company, you know that you’re supporting well managed, sustainable forests around the world.

Other programs

Doing one thing for the environment is never enough, even if that one thing is a pretty big deal- like getting Chain of Custody Certification. Booker Timber are always interested in improving standards.

Making a positive difference

It’s not just about the reducing the negative environmental footprints associated with our products, whether they are plywood sheets, veneers, or any other piece of timber. Like many other responsible companies, Booker Timber firmly believe that by supporting sustainable forestry, we can make a positive contribution. If more businesses refused to buy products generated by environmentally damaging practices then those practices would die off and the world would be a better, greener place.

By buying your timbers and timber products from us (or another, similarly responsible timber merchant) you can also be part of a global solution to problems like deforestation, desertification, and habitat loss. We call all do a lot more than just reduce our environmental impact.

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