Timber And Wood In Timber

Question: Advice on going to a timber merchant?

(Posted by: psych_78 on 2011-11-28 04:40:03)

I need to go to a timber merchant but am nervous. I've just got into woodworking and have taken some classes. But now I need to go get some wood for my first main project but am really nervous as my first experience of going to a timber merchant didn't going very well - the worker there (when I first went) was really unhelpful - his attitude was "if you don't know what you want I don't know what you want ". And even when I asked about prices he didn't know - just said that's not known until at the till. So can anyone give me some advice for dealing with timber merchants? What kind of things should I know. I obviously know how much and what kind of wood I want. I get nervous about the sizing. Any advice (I deal in cm & mm). I don't have a car - is it unreasonable to ask the merchants to cut the wood to smaller manageable pieces I can carry. Or do merchants have a delivery service for small deliveries (i'e I don't want to have to spend hundreds and hundreds of pounds. Please also mention any other info I might need to know. Thanks

Posted by: Open Sauce on 2011-11-28, 04:46:23

You'll find that many trade counters are a bit unfriendly but just get used to it. If you know what type of wood you want and the sizes, most timber merchants will do up to three cuts, maybe more if you pay them. You can get deliveries, often free but check with them first. Sometimes, if the order is small, they may deliver when they have another delivery near to you, just speak to them politely and they should be helpful.

Posted by: boy boy on 2011-11-28, 06:41:25

First you need to know what size timber you need ..and if its a soft wood ..(normal) or hardwood ..timber is sold in uk in sizes like 4x2 ..100x50mm...6x2 150x50mm etc ..and there are dozens of variations both in size and length ...the length is sold in metres .3ft 3 " approx for our american cousins ..most timber or builders merchants do free delivery ..but if you had told us what you had wanted to order we could advise you better ..so forget the nerves ..those poor little counter assistants are probably afraid of you!!

Posted by: oil field trash on 2011-11-28, 06:43:26

Since you are new at woodworking I suggest you first get to know some of the members of a local woodworking club. I am sure from the link below there must be some where you live. They can be very helpful in giving you advice and support as you start out. They might even be able to tell you the best place to buy wood and even go with you the first time or two. Oophs, I misread the flag. I thought I saw some stars but the answer still holds true for Britian.

Posted by: grandad on 2011-11-28, 12:52:34

If you are in the UK then B & Q can be very helpful and cut a lot of timber to size

Posted by: Matthew on 2011-11-28, 15:09:16

What sizes are you after? If your not sure have a casual walk around wickes or b &q and see whats best for you to work with, ie planed or rough sawn timber and all various sizes and lengths they have. Prices will be same as trade timber yard (roughly)