TIMBER TIME TO D
TOP UP YOUR TIMBER STOCKS
Timber Development UK’s CEO, David Hopkins, reveals why the time is right for timber and builders’ merchants to check they have enough timber in stock ahead of the busy Spring decking and landscaping season.
ecking has become big business in the UK in recent years, as people seek to maximise the use of their gardens and outside spaces. With Easter coming early this year and spring finally in the air, now is the time to check your timber stocks and plan ahead for the expected rise in purchases as the weather begins to improve. Timber decking is an attractive and economical way to create a unique, aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. It is also ideal for many different residential and commercial projects, from patios and terraces to walkways, piers and playgrounds. When correctly designed, installed and maintained, timber decking structures can be enjoyed year-after-year. But, like all construction materials, timber deck boards and the structure to support them must be carefully specified to make sure the best products are sold for the intended application. There are many different types of deck board available for merchants to stock. Remember that decking can be in short supply at certain times of the year, so always make sure you have enough either in stock or on order. Softwoods remain the mainstay of the decking market, with Redwood Pine and Whitewood Spruce commonly chosen, but other popular softwoods used in decking projects also include Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar and Larch.
• Is FSC, PEFC or Grown in Britain certification required? • Can we help with the deck joists or substructure? • Do they need any post holders, fixings, coatings, varnishes or sealants that could generate add-on sales? • Will the decking need to take additional loads such as hot tubs? • Are there any delivery restrictions? There are many different types of timber deck board on the market, but Timber Development UK would always recommend using a material with a service life of at least 15 years. This could be a naturally durable species, such as Iroko, European Oak, Ekki, Balau or Western Red Cedar, or a pressure-treated softwood. Chain of Custody certified hardwoods and softwoods ideally suited for decking projects are widely available from TDUK members.
But did you know that the recommendations surrounding the specification of decking substructure components have changed including NHBC projects?
Recommended good practice now states all softwood deck joists and substructure components must have received a Use Class 4 timber preservative treatment, whereas previously Use Class 3 treatments were permitted. The same requirements are even more important when using hardwood and modified wood decking which have a much longer service life.
Help your staff to fully understand this change so they can communicate it clearly to your customers, and make sure you’re ordering the right stock from your suppliers.
Decking resources
Hardwood deck boards are denser and so will require extra substructure support if your customer wants to use those. Composite and modified wood boards are also increasingly being used for decking in the UK, so consider keeping a selection of those as well. Make sure you stock deck joists and substructure components that will wear at the same rate as the boards you offer. Some decking types require joists to be spaced closer together, so always advise your customers to check their decks can withstand the intended loads.
Ask the right questions Once your stock is in branch, how can you upsell and help your customers purchase the right product? Here are just some of the questions you should ask: • Is softwood, hardwood, modified or composite decking preferred?
April 2024
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
TDUK has a number of different decking resources available online that its members can download.
The Merchant Guide to Selling Timber contains merchant-specific advice on the different types of deck boards available, plus information on timber treatments and the timber Use Class information you need to know. Plus, our new online Product Database includes a Decking section with an introduction to timber decking, outlining common sizes, supports, accessories, finishes and the relevant standards and certifications.
For in-depth Decking knowledge, our Timber Decking Handbook, produced in association with the Timber Decking & Cladding Association and Wood Protection Association, aims to provide definitive guidance as the ‘go to’ reference for all things timber decking. You can find all the latest timber industry news and up-to-date market statistics, online at
www.timberdevelopment.uk. BMJ
41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88
