05 Dec The Timber Supply Chain: How Your Timber Gets From Forest to Site

Timber is one of the oldest and most versatile materials used in construction, agriculture, and home improvement. But have you ever stopped to think about how that high-quality timber you’re using for your decking, fencing, or construction project actually gets from the forest to your site? The timber supply chain is a fascinating process involving sustainable forestry, precise grading, and expert treatments—all working together to ensure the timber is ready to perform in its final application.

At Brookridge Timber, a leading Devon timber trader and supplier, we pride ourselves on sourcing, processing, and delivering timber of the highest quality to our customers across the South West and beyond. In this blog post, we’re taking a closer look at the journey of timber from the forest to your project site and exploring why choosing the right timber supplier makes all the difference.

Step 1: Sustainable Forestry – The Starting Point

The journey of timber begins in responsibly managed forests, where trees are grown and harvested in accordance with strict sustainability practices. Timber is a renewable resource, and when managed correctly, it can provide endless benefits for the environment while meeting global construction and manufacturing needs.

Sustainable Certification: FSC® and PEFC

At Brookridge Timber, we only source timber from forests that adhere to sustainable practices. Many of our products are FSC®-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC-certified (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), ensuring that the wood has been harvested responsibly, with minimal environmental impact.

Sustainable forestry includes:

• Planting new trees to replace those harvested.
• Protecting biodiversity within the forest ecosystem.
• Ensuring the welfare of workers and local communities.

Step 2: Harvesting and Initial Processing

Once mature, trees are selectively harvested to ensure minimal disruption to the forest. Harvested logs are transported to sawmills, where they are processed into usable timber products. This step involves:

• Debarking: Removing the outer bark of the tree.
• Sawing: Cutting logs into rough timber sections or planks.
• Drying: Reducing the moisture content of the timber to improve its strength and durability.

The drying process is particularly important for ensuring that the timber is stable and suitable for further processing. Kiln-drying is often used to achieve precise moisture levels, making the wood less prone to warping or cracking.

Step 3: Grading and Quality Control

After initial processing, the timber is graded to determine its quality and suitability for different applications. Grading ensures that the timber meets the structural or aesthetic requirements of its intended use.

Visual and Machine Grading

At Brookridge Timber, we supply C16 and C24 structural carcassing timber, which is graded to meet the standards of EN14081 and BS4978. Grading involves:

• Visual Grading: Trained graders inspect the timber for knots, splits, and other defects.
• Machine Grading: Advanced equipment tests the timber’s strength and stiffness for structural applications.

Grading also applies to joinery timber, which is categorised into grades like sixths, fifths, and unsorted. At Brookridge Timber, we stock high-quality unsorted Scandinavian Redwood, ideal for premium joinery projects.

Step 4: Treatment for Longevity

Timber destined for outdoor use or environments with high moisture exposure undergoes treatment to protect it from rot, decay, and insect attacks. This step is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of timber products like fencing, decking, and cladding.

High-Pressure Treatment

At Brookridge Timber, we use an ISO 9001 audited high-pressure treatment process that forces preservatives deep into the timber. This treatment:

• Protects against wood decay and fungal growth.
• Extends the timber’s lifespan, making it suitable for demanding environments.

We offer treated timber in green or brown finishes, meeting the requirements of BS8417, the industry code for timber preservation.

Low-Pressure Treatment

For applications where precise dimensions are critical, such as joinery, we also provide low-pressure double vacuum treatment. This process adds a protective envelope to the timber without altering its size or shape.

Step 5: Distribution and Supply

Once the timber has been processed, graded, and treated, it’s ready for distribution. This stage involves transporting the timber to local suppliers like Brookridge Timber, where it is stored and prepared for delivery to customers.

Stock Availability

At Brookridge Timber, we maintain large stocks of timber products at our facilities in Devon and Somerset. From structural carcassing to fencing panels, decking boards, and agricultural timbers, we ensure our customers have access to the materials they need without long wait times.

Efficient Delivery

We deliver timber directly to your site using our own fleet of vehicles, complete with crane offload capabilities. This ensures safe and efficient handling, saving you time and effort.

Step 6: At Your Site – The Final Destination

The final step in the timber supply chain is delivery to your site, where the timber becomes part of your project. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast building a garden deck or a trade professional constructing a new home, the quality and reliability of the timber you use are essential to achieving the best results.

Why Choose Brookridge Timber?

The timber supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link, which is why choosing a reliable supplier is so important. At Brookridge Timber, we go above and beyond to ensure our customers receive top-quality timber products backed by expert advice and outstanding service.

What Sets Us Apart:

1. Extensive Product Range: From joinery timber and sheet materials to fencing, decking, and structural carcassing, we offer everything you need for your project.
2. Sustainability: Our commitment to FSC® and PEFC-certified products ensures you’re supporting responsible forestry practices.
3. High-Quality Treatments: Our pressure-treated timber products are built to withstand the toughest conditions.
4. Expert Advice: Our team has decades of experience and is always on hand to help you choose the right timber for your needs.
5. Convenience: Shop online or visit one of our branches to explore our products in person. We also offer delivery across the South West.

The journey of timber from forest to site is a fascinating process that highlights the skill, care, and innovation required to produce high-quality materials. By understanding the steps involved in the timber supply chain, you can appreciate the value of investing in premium products for your projects.

Ready to get started?

At Brookridge Timber, we’re proud to play a key role in this journey, delivering sustainably sourced, expertly treated, and precisely graded timber to our customers across Devon, Somerset, and beyond. Whether you’re working on a DIY project or a large-scale build, we’re here to provide the materials and expertise you need to succeed.

Visit our online store or contact us today to find the perfect timber for your next project. Let Brookridge Timber take your project from concept to completion with timber you can trust.