TIMBER
Sheet, for example, explores the most widely available timber sizes ‘Class 1’ and ‘Class 2’, explaining the different Tolerance Classes and how timber sizes can be impacted by moisture content.
The Library also contains plenty of regulatory guidance to help ensure you are always compliant with UK Building Regulations, as well as ‘best practice’ information for working on site and handling timber products that can help you support your customers.
Merchant Guide to Selling Timber
For those merchants who want to access even more information on timber products and systems all in one place, the Merchant Guide to Selling Timber is a comprehensive resource from TDUK designed to help merchants maximise their sales of timber and timber products. The Guide includes an overview of the benefits of timber as a construction material, as well as separate sections dedicated to all the different types of timber, including: ¡ Plywoods ¡ Hardwoods ¡ Panel and sheet products ¡ Structural and framing timbers ¡ Machined softwoods ¡ MDF mouldings ¡ Modified woods ¡ Decking, fencing and landscaping products.
Within each section, you’ll find an outline of the main product types and uses, as well as details of the common timber species used for different applications. Key facts around sustainability, safety and quality are included, along with details of the relevant certifications and British and European standards. You will also find top tips around availability and lead times, as well as key questions for customers. Each section also includes suggestions on how to upsell different timber products, as well as complementary products you may wish to consider stocking, such as the fixings, adhesives, paints and PPE that could add significant value to any timber sale. Dave Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer of TDUK, said: “Timber and wood products are recognised as among the most profitable product categories for many builders’ merchants, representing up to a quarter of a general merchant’s turnover. The Merchant Guide to Selling Timber is a useful resource that would give merchants all the information needed to support their customers and maximise timber sales.” BMJ
• The Knowledge Library is at www.
timberdevelopment.uk/bookshop
Roly Ward
CHANGE AND CHALLENGE: WHAT 2025 HAS IN STORE
Roly Ward, head of business development at MEDITE SMARTPLY looks at what could happen with construction this year.
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025 is set to be a critical year for the UK construction industry. Not only are homebuilders tasked with making progress towards the ambitious government target for new homes, but they must do so amidst a period of uncertainty regarding labour availability and new regulations.
In December, concerns were raised about whether Britain’s housing targets of 1.5 million new homes by 2029 are achievable, with labour shortages casting doubt on the industry’s capacity to meet demand. For, the labour shortfall is just part of a one-two punch that he predicts 2025 will deliver to UK construction. “The latest research indicates we’ll need an additional 251,500 construction workers by 2028 to keep up with demand. This shortage is driven by an aging workforce, the impact of Brexit and limited training opportunities. Over the past five years, construction apprenticeships have fallen short, with only 31,000 starts per year — and a 40 percent dropout rate — compared to the 70,000 workers leaving the industry annually.
“These knowledge gaps will be further exacerbated as homebuilders get to grips with this year’s introduction of the Future Homes Standard, which brings changes to Parts F and L of the Building Regulations. These regulations will emphasise energy efficiency performance across the lifetime of newly built homes, which is driving a need for new and innovative sustainable materials and practices
February 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
“Over the past five years, construction apprenticeships have fallen short, with only 31,000 starts per year.”
that minimise home carbon emissions. “Luckily, the industry has been preparing for this shift, and innovative materials such as highly engineered timber panels are emerging as critical solutions for creating airtight, thermally efficient and sustainable buildings. Leveraging these kinds of proven innovations, such as airtight oriented-strand board (OSB) for structural sheathing in low energy buildings, is invaluable in aiding compliance with the new standards while working towards the 2029 homebuilding goal.” BMJ
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