TIMBER
CLADDING SOLUTIONS AND COMMERCIAL SUCCESS
Roly Ward, head of business development at MEDITE TRIMAX talks cladding I
n today’s competitive construction market, builders’ merchants need more than just products; they need solutions. With growing pressure to build sustainably and efficiently, stocking materials that meet the demands of the future is no longer a choice but a commercial necessity for merchants. Given this need, merchants need solutions that answer builders’ evolving needs, as well as being environmentally conscious, to help meet national climate targets.
Within the UK construction industry, environmental attitudes have shifted over the past few years. The government has explicitly identified timber as a critical component in achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2050. Through its Timber in Construction roadmap, the objective is clear: the UK must use more timber in its building projects. For builders’ merchants, this roadmap presents a clear signal of future demand. By stocking innovative timber solutions, builders’ merchants are setting themselves up for success, ready to supply the next generation of construction projects.
Furthermore, sustainability is a key purchasing driver. Buildings account for nearly 40 percent of global energy-related carbon emissions . Innovative timber cladding solutions, like MEDITE TRIMAX, directly address this issue by using fast-growing trees that lock up carbon for the entire duration of the product’s long lifespan. This helps directly address the needs of customers who are required to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.
Selling guarantees
When selecting a product to stock, builders’ merchants need a solution they can stand behind, and confidently recommend to customers. This is where durability comes in; customers don’t want a product that cannot stand the test of time. Instead, they want something that requires minimal upkeep and will not require expensive repairs. Taking MEDITE TRIMAX as an example of exceptional durability, the panel’s most powerful selling point is its 50-year guarantee on the base panel. In a market where performance is everything, a five-decade
it highly resistant to rot and fungal decay, enabling it to outperform traditional materials like hardwood and softwood. Moreover, the product is designed for increased resilience – even if the coating sustains damage on site, the panel’s core remains unaffected, ensuring the building’s integrity. This exceptional durability reduces costly callbacks and strengthens the merchant’s reputation as a supplier of quality materials.
guarantee offers unparalleled peace of mind for both merchants and customers, effectively removing risk from the sale.
When compared with competing solutions, the difference is stark. Softwood tends to have a lifespan of five to seven years, meaning regular upkeep and even replacement are required. Similarly, while some hardwoods are naturally durable, they often do not come with a manufacturer’s guarantee, meaning customers do not have peace of mind that the product they purchase and install will last for the whole lifespan of their project, resulting in unhappy customers – the worst-case scenario for those trying to build a reputable brand. In addition, MEDITE TRIMAX’s guarantee is backed by superior technology. The product is engineered with acetylated wood fibre, providing it with Class 1 durability – the highest classification available for timber. This advanced manufacturing process makes
November 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net The added benefit
Beyond its long-term performance, MEDITE TRIMAX offers practical advantages that appeal directly to the installer. Since the panel is lightweight, it is easier and faster to install than heavier competing solutions, helping to save valuable time and labour costs on site. The product also provides exceptional versatility. It is available in two variations: either primed or fully finished in a range of colours. The fully finished option provides customers with flexibility and further saves time by reducing the need for on-site painting. The panel’s uniform appearance enhances the aesthetic of any building, ensuring a high- quality finish that customers will be proud of. This versatility extends to its applications; it’s an ideal choice not only for cladding but for garden sheds, summer houses, and other outdoor structures, creating additional sales opportunities for merchants. BMJ
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