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Picking the right timber or sheet material can make or break a build. Whether you’re decking a garden, rehabbing a kitchen, or building a shed, lumber choices affect strength, durability, and how happy you’ll be with the finished job. Think of timber like the bones of a project — pick them wisely and the rest is easier.
There’s no single best supplier for everyone. Some retailers suit weekend DIYers, while others cater to builders and trade accounts. Below I highlight trusted chains and specialist suppliers across the UK so you can match the shop to your needs.
B&Q is a go-to for hobbyists who want a straightforward shopping trip. Expect sheets like plywood and MDF in common sizes, softwood boards in 6 ft and 8 ft lengths, and treated options for basic outdoor jobs. Prices are competitive and the range is easy to navigate if you’re planning smaller renovations.
Wickes hits a sweet spot between DIY and trade. They stock structural timber, construction timber, and sheet goods such as 3/4" plywood and 1/2" MDF, plus pressure-treated boards for exterior use. Wickes often offers cutting services in-store, convenient if you need a few lengths trimmed to size.
Screwfix is ideal when you want to grab specific timber or sheet materials quickly. It’s not the place to order truckloads, but it’s brilliant for screws, fixings, and small packs of timber in standard sizes. If you value speed and convenience, it’s worth a look.
If you’re a tradesperson or tackling a large project, Travis Perkins and Jewson are the big names to consider. Both offer a wide choice of structural timber, treated joists, OSB, plywood in various thicknesses, and bespoke cutting on request. They also cater to bulk orders and can arrange palletised deliveries when you’re buying by the dozen.
Selco is a favourite with professionals who need volume and variety. You’ll find timber in longer lengths, sheet sizes for different uses, and specialist items like CLS studwork and laminated beams. The trade accounts and bulk discounts make it attractive for larger jobs.
Howdens is a specialist in kitchens and fitted joinery. Their timber and sheet products are tuned to cabinetry and interior fit-outs. If you’re building units or need pre-finished carcasses and MDF kitchen-grade boards, Howdens offers trade-standard products with a professional finish.
For a more timber-focused supplier, Arnold Laver and Huws Gray carry a deeper range of hardwoods, softwoods, decking-grade boards, and specialist sheet materials. They're great when you need higher-grade planks, bespoke cuts, or advice on species selection for furniture or visible joinery.
It helps to know the key differences between common materials so you pick the right one first time. Here’s a run-down of what each product does best and when to use it.
Softwoods are lightweight and inexpensive, making them perfect for structural framing, studwork, and general carpentry. Standard board lengths come in 6 ft and 8 ft, with thicknesses of 1" or 3/4" common depending on the use.
Hardwoods are denser, more durable, and better for floors, stair treads, or visible furniture. Expect to pay more, but you get grain and longevity that softwood doesn’t match. Joiners often choose hardwood for cabinet doors and visible trim.
Plywood is cross-laminated, which gives it strength across large panels. Typical thicknesses are 1/4", 1/2", and 3/4". Use it for subfloors, sheathing, and furniture where rigidity is key. Exterior-grade or marine plywood is available for damp conditions.
MDF is dense and smooth, so it’s perfect for painted joinery, skirting, and cabinet boxes. It doesn’t tolerate moisture well, so keep it indoors or opt for moisture-resistant MDF for high-humidity areas like bathrooms. Typical thicknesses include 1/4", 1/2", and 3/4".
OSB is cost-effective for roofing, subflooring, and wall sheathing. It’s engineered to take loads and often comes in sheets that cover a lot of area — useful when you want strength without the higher cost of plywood.
For outdoor floors and gardens, choose pressure-treated softwood or composite decking. Treated boards resist rot and insect attack, and are usually sold in standard lengths like 8 ft. Composite decking lasts longer but costs more initially.
Grades and treatments matter. Structural timber must meet strength grades; fence posts and decking need preservative treatment. Here’s a quick checklist so you don’t guess.
Strength grades tell you whether a board is suited to loadbearing use — look for graded softwood for joists and rafters. Appearance grades affect knots and visual defects, important for visible furniture or finish work.
Pressure-treated timber is impregnated with preservatives to resist rot. For outdoor posts and decking choose treated wood; for indoor trim it’s usually unnecessary. If you plan to bury timber in the ground, always pick a treatment rated for ground contact.
Size and transport influence costs and effort. Buying smart can save you repeated trips and awkward handling on site.
Sheets commonly come as 4 ft by 8 ft. Boards often arrive in 6 ft or 8 ft lengths. When planning, measure twice and add a small waste allowance — usually 10% is a sensible buffer for cuts and mistakes. Remember to think about thickness: 3/4" plywood is standard for subfloors, while 1/2" is often fine for cabinet backs.
Many suppliers offer cutting services — an absolute lifesaver if you don’t own a table saw. Get a few cuts done at the store to avoid trying to haul giant sheets through narrow doors. If you cut at home, always clamp the work and use a guide to get clean edges.
Timber is bulky — check whether your supplier offers drop-off delivery or pallet options for heavier orders. If you’re collecting, bring straps and a helper and protect the panels from sagging. For long lengths, support at intervals so boards don’t bend or warp in transport.
Want character or sustainability? Reclaimed timber delivers both. It’s great for furniture, mantels, and rustic finishes. Here’s where to look and what to expect.
Reclamation yards and specialist dealers often carry old beams, floorboards, and architectural timber. They’re perfect if you want aged patina or eco-credentials. Expect to inspect each piece for rot and structural soundness; reclaimed timber can be a mixed bag, but the results are unique.
Smaller timber merchants and online marketplaces sell specialty species and custom-cut boards. If you need a rare hardwood or a custom-width plank, a specialist supplier or online trade shop is often the best route.
Timber buying is increasingly about more than price. Certifications ensure forests are managed sustainably and that the wood is legally sourced.
Look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) labels. These badges mean the wood comes from responsibly managed forests. If sustainability matters to you, insist on certified timber when ordering.
Reclaimed wood sidesteps new harvests entirely. Using reclaimed materials reduces waste and gives your project a story. Just be mindful of hidden nails and prior treatments — always check before cutting or planing.
Price-per-sheet or price-per-foot can hide differences in quality, treatment, and service. Here’s how to get a fair comparison so you don’t pay for what you don’t need.
Always compare the same thickness, grade, and treated vs untreated options. A treated 1" board will cost more than an untreated 1" board, so make sure you’re not comparing apples and oranges. Also factor in cutting charges if you need pre-cut pieces.
If you’re buying a lot, ask about trade accounts and volume discounts. Builders’ merchants like Travis Perkins and Selco often offer better rates for palletised orders. For a one-off small job, a DIY chain could be more cost-effective despite higher per-item prices because there’s less minimum order hassle.
How you store timber affects how it behaves. Warped or damp boards make life difficult; good storage saves time and money.
Keep sheets flat, supported at 16" to 24" intervals, and off the ground on batten supports. Cover them to keep rain and dew off, but allow ventilation so condensation doesn’t build up. For long-term storage, keep lumber stacked and weighed to prevent bowing.
Let timber and sheet materials sit in their intended environment for a few days before final fitting. Wood expands and contracts with humidity; acclimatising reduces gaps and twisting after installation.
Buying lumber is part strategy and part a feel for what works in your project. Match the supplier to the job: DIY chains for small runs, builders’ merchants for volume, and specialists for hardwoods or reclaimed pieces. Measure, compare, and don’t be shy about asking suppliers for advice — experience goes a long way in timber selection.
Whether you pick B&Q for convenience, Travis Perkins for trade support, or Arnold Laver for specialist hardwood, the right choices will save time and keep your build looking professional. Treat the process like choosing ingredients for a recipe: quality at the start makes the final dish taste better.
Finding the right lumber and sheet materials in the UK comes down to knowing what you need and matching it to the right supplier. From big-name DIY chains to specialist timber merchants, there’s a perfect option for every scale of project. Prioritise proper grading, suitable treatment, and correct storage to keep your build solid and long-lasting. With the right prep and supplier, you’ll be cutting, fixing, and finishing faster than you think.
