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March 25, 2013

How to source the right wood for your needs

Cutting News,MDF — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 9:38 am

Wood is a key resource in a whole range of industries, but getting the right kind for the job is vital. Different woods will always have different properties so it’s important to choose wisely, and whether you’re after wood for industrial, trade or personal needs the same rules apply. The merchant you choose will be just as important to ensure you’ve got the experts on your side to accommodate your individual requirements, so here are a few points to bear in mind as you make your decision:

  • Decide on the properties required. Are you looking for a building material, wood for carpentry or perhaps something for a quick DIY job? These considerations will all come into it and will determine the species of wood you’ll need, so make sure to do your research to be certain your chosen wood can live up to expectations.
  • Know the drying method. It may not seem that important, but the drying method of timber can make all the difference to the usability and ease of handling—air dried wood is better for working by hand, although the potential downside is that it has a higher moisture content than kiln-dried timbers.
  • Consider the grade. All woods will come with different grades, with the grade being a clear reflection of quality. Higher grades will have fewer knots and will be a lot clearer, although you might be looking for a slightly lower grade with more character. Again, it all comes down to the specific reasons you need the wood.
  • Do they machine? Often, you’ll want to look for merchants that are able to offer a full machining and sheet cutting service, ensuring you’ll be getting a bespoke service as well as guaranteeing you’re left with the wood that’s perfect for your needs.
  • Environmental certification. With the increase in global deforestation, sourcing wood with full environmental certification will be high on the list of priorities for a lot of eco-conscious consumers. Ideally any supplier should be fully Chain of Custody certified, thereby ensuring you’re getting your wood from renewable and responsible sources.

    • These are just a few things you’ll need to consider when choosing the wood to suit your particular job, and of course it doesn’t stop there. Price will be another important consideration and delivery options will often come into it too, but if you’re looking for a supplier that can meet your criteria you’ve come to the right place.

    Here at Booker Timber we pride ourselves in offering all the timber, plywood sheets and cut to size MDF you could need to suit any and all applications, and with quality being our top priority you can be confident in getting the wood that will suit your every requirement. We offer a full machining service, are fully Chain of Custody certified and will always be available if you want to get advice from the experts, so make sure to get in touch and you’ll be one step closer to sourcing the right wood for your needs.

    January 28, 2013

    Sourcing the perfect timber for home improvements

    CNC Cutting,Timber — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 12:47 pm

    If you’re in need of cut to size plywood and other materials to help you complete a property extension, you’re not alone. Many firms and individuals around the country are seeking timber for the purposes of revamping real estate in this way.

    Thankfully, getting hold of the necessary products is now easy. Here at Booker Timber we specialise in offering plywood sheets and other forms of wood.

    New rules

    You might be welcoming a move by the government to relax the red tape associated with building conservatories and extensions. Last month, the coalition administration announced that anyone looking to enhance their properties through measures such as building conservatories or extensions will not be subject to any rules requiring them to carry out additional building works on other parts of their homes.

    Proposals for ‘consequential improvements’, whereby work conducted on one part of a residence would trigger a requirement to carry out energy efficiency improvement works throughout, have been halted. The government decided that this would deter many consumers from having any work done in the first place.

    Straightforward

    Commenting on the thinking behind the move, communities secretary Eric Pickles said: “Having consulted carefully, the government has noted the potential danger that introducing consequential improvements would, in fact, discourage people from undertaking home improvements.

    “This measure ensures that it will remain straightforward for hard-working homeowners to undertake small-scale home improvements and conservatories.”

    Demand for timber to rise?

    This development may lead to a rise in demand for certain kinds of timber. After all, if more people are encouraged to engage in domestic revamps, the quantity of wood required will go up.

    Come to us

    By sourcing your timber from us, you can rest assured you will benefit from excellent quality and accurate results without breaking the bank in the process. We specialise in supplying the industrial sector nationwide, as well as the trade and DIY sectors in the north-west.

    We offer a vast array of timber-related products and pride ourselves on providing the perfect solutions to challenging requests.

    Our facilities

    One of the reasons why we’re able to achieve such impressive results concerns the fact that we have a hugely impressive production facility that combines the latest and most impressive CNC machinery with powerful software.

    Indeed, our CNC Beam saws are among the biggest in the UK and we are able to cut to within 0.1mm accuracy.

    Take your pick

    Also, we offer an impressive selection of materials. You can choose from MDF, chipboard, plywood, orientated strand board, hardboard and melamine faced chipboard. We can even cut plasterboard and most types of plastic panels.

    To find out more about how we operate and to discover whether or not we have the ideal solutions for your project, just take a look around the rest of our website or get in touch with our friendly and helpful team by phone or email.

    When it comes to MDF sheets and other timber products, you can see us as your one-stop-shop. We won’t let you down.

    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.

    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 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.

    May 21, 2012

    Helping you meet summer demand for garden timber

    MDF — Tags: , , — Booker Timber @ 9:05 am

    If you’re in the business of supplying wooden furniture, raised beds, shelters and so on for gardens, you might be set to experience a rise in demand for your products over coming weeks. After all, summer is just around the corner and so many consumers will be thinking about investing in new items to ensure their outdoor areas are up-to-scratch.

    Of course, if you’re going to be able to meet demand for your products, it’s important you find the ideal timber merchant to supply your materials. By achieving this, you can help ensure your production runs smoothly and your finished items look the part.

    The rise of the ‘outdoor room’

    In the past, gardens were predominantly seen as areas for plants, grass, ponds and so on. However, there’s an increasing trend toward a more functional use of these spaces and individuals are now inclined to invest in decking, tables, chairs, recliners and other products to help them enjoy their gardens.

    Commenting on this issue in the Financial Times recently, Victoria Maw said: “Although Victorian walled gardens might have featured the odd stone bench, their only function was to provide a place to sit and admire the plants. If tea was taken outdoors, it was usually on a table that was carried outside and then swiftly taken away.

    “But attitudes have changed over the past 50 years. Nowadays people expect their garden to fulfil a range of different functions and furniture has evolved to meet this need.”

    Boosting living space

    Ms Maw went on to suggest that more and more furniture is being designed to meet the brief of an “outdoor living room” and a rising number of people are investing considerable sums in outdoor shelters, some of which can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

    How we can help

    When you’re on the lookout for wood to help you meet demand among your customers, you might benefit from taking a look at what we have to offer here at Booker Timber. We’re experts when it comes to producing superb timber panels.

    Our CNC beam saws are among the largest in the UK and we have the capacity to handle and cut sheets of up to six metres in length and four metres in width, with board thicknesses of up to 90 millimetres.

    A broad selection and great value

    Whether you’re after MDF, chipboard, plywood, orientated strand board, hardboard or melamine faced chipboard, we’re the firm to come to.

    Also, our cut to size chipboard and plywood sheets represent superb value for money and to save you even more cash, our optimisation software will calculate the most efficient way to cut your boards where different sizes are required. As well as lowering your costs, this reduces waste, which is good news for the environment.

    Find out more

    If you’re keen to find out more about what we have to offer, you can take a look around the rest of our website. Meanwhile, there’s also the option of getting in touch with our friendly and professional team by phone.

    May 7, 2012

    Cut to Size MDF – Some Uses and Benefits

    MDF,Sheets — Tags: , , — Booker Timber @ 9:25 am

    MDF is an incredibly versatile material that has a lot of uses throughout the home and businesses. First manufactured in the 1980s, MDF is created by turning softwood into fibres and combining it with wax and resin. It is then formed by applying pressure to it at very high temperatures. This strong and stable material is an excellent cost effective alternative to solid wood that can be used to make office furniture, table tops, exhibition stands and much more.

    MDF sheets are ideal for a number of DIY applications. It is affordable and easy to work with, and can be used to make furniture that can be used throughout the home and office. MDF has a mild reaction to moisture, making it ideal for use in the bathroom, as well as other high-humidity environments. It is also incredibly strong and has fire resistant properties, making it ideal for use in the kitchen or as a fire surround. MDF is available in a variety of thicknesses, lengths and widths depending on what it is to be used for.

    Just like many varieties of solid wood, MDF can give off a lot of dust during cutting. It’s recommended that you wear a mask at all times during the cutting process. However, a more practical solution is to purchase cut to size MDF from Booker Timber. They use the latest in sheet cutting technology to cut MDF into an almost infinite range of shapes and sizes, leaving you free to get on with your DIY projects.

    April 27, 2012

    Timber supplier

    Sheets,Timber — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 9:00 am

    So you’ve found your timber supplier, and got your list of what you need. Now it’s time to choose your wood. Take your time – and don’t forget your tape measure!

    Use it to make sure the ends of the planks are the right size. Also check these for splits, and the direction of the growth rings. Check both sides for knots, and any twisting. Remember that bad knots could end up in your cut-offs.

    Also check to see whether the wood is straight by looking down its length from one end. It should not be twisted or bowed. And look for any changes in grain that could have an effect on the finished job.

    If you are pulling wood out from a pile, keep checking as you pull out. Don’t pull the timber out any further than you have to if you are not happy with it.

    Obviously, if you are transporting the wood yourself, you will have to come prepared with rope, straps and a rag to put on the end of a long load so you can drive home in safety.

    At Booker Timber, we have a wide range of high quality timber products, and state of the art CNC machinery together with powerful software so we can provide fast, accurate and efficient solutions to your panel requirements, wherever you are in the UK.

    We can help whether you need mdf cutting or want to buy cut to size mdf, cut to size plywood or other types of wood. There’s more online.

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