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July 8, 2013

Everything You Need To Know About Our Products & Services Here At Booker Timber

CNC Cutting,MDF,Sheets — Tags: , , — Booker Timber @ 9:02 am

As one of the UK’s leading timber merchants, we here at Booker Timber know how hard it can be for individuals to find good quality timber AND bespoke sheet cutting of the highest order. If you yourself are looking to source these vital ingredients for your own projects then you will be pleased to learn that you have now found a supplier that is able to provide you with essential products and services of the very highest order.

Indeed, we here at Booker Timber don’t just have unrivalled experience regarding all aspects of medium density fibreboard (MDF) cutting and sheet cutting; we also have high-end technology machinery which enables us to carry out computer numerically controlled (CNC) cutting and routing for all manner of small and large orders.

Cutting & Routing

CNC cutting and routing are two of our most versatile services. In essence, these supremely accurate cutting options rely on automated engineering tools and cutting equipment which are fed with specific pieces of information. Because these cutting services operate at such phenomenal speeds, we are able to deliver high quality results while all the while maintaining very competitive prices. Moreover, the fact that we have some of the biggest beam saws in the UK means that we can work with sheets up to six metres long and nearly four metres wide! Plywood, plastic and MDF are some of the most common materials that we make use of in this way.

A Little More About MDF

MDF is an engineered wood which is made by breaking down elements of hardwood and softwood into fibres and then mixing it with wax and resin to bind it together. MDF sheets and panels are created by applying high temperatures and pressure. Because it is denser than plywood and contains no knots or similar impurities, MDF is a very widely used material in the building industry. Moreover, the internal structure of cut-to-size MDF allows it to withstand heat and moisture without distorting (unlike hardboard). As well as being highly valued in the building trade, the overall versatility and functionality of MDF makes it very much the material of choice for engineers who need to make cheap prototypes of inventions.

You will not be surprised to hear that we here at Booker Timber have the equipment, expertise and experience required to cut MDF with extreme accuracy. To be sure, our computer equipment is able to work with sheets up to 90mm thick.

A Word on the Environment

We are of course living in an age where we all have to consider the effects of our actions on the environment at large. As a merchant we are completely aware of the responsible of sourcing raw materials and that is why we have endeavoured to obtain Chain of Custody certification, as this shows customers that they can use our services without fear of contributing to the destruction of the planet’s natural forests.

July 2, 2013

Aspects To Consider When Selecting Suitable Timber

MDF,Sheets — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 9:14 am

Regardless of whether you’re after wood for industrial, trade or personal needs it is vital to remember that selecting suitable timber is of the utmost importance. Indeed, it is fair to say that any building project or DIY task can be jeopardised completely if you rush into your purchasing decision and buy wood which turns out to be unsuitable.

Therefore you may like to bear the following aspects in mind:

‘Horses for Courses’

The first thing you need to consider when selecting a type of wood is what you will be using it for. Think about it: will your chosen timber be used for a construction build, a carpentry project, a prototype build or merely as an ingredient for a bit of DIY? Considering how it will be used will help you to determine the species of wood you’ll need, so make sure you ascertain which wood will live up to your expectations beforehand.

Know about ‘Drying’

Knowing a bit about ‘drying’ will enable you to make a more informed decision when selecting timber. The main thing you need to remember is that air dried wood is better for working by hand (although it is sometimes the case that it has a higher moisture content than kiln-dried timbers). Whilst this may not seem overly important in the grand scheme of things, knowing about the drying method of timber can make all the difference to the usability and ease of handling.

Make the Grade

As you will most probably know, woods come in a variety of different grades (the grade being indicative of the quality). In general, higher grades of timber have fewer knots and are a lot clearer, while lower grades feature more knots (although this can be a good thing if you are looking for wood that has character). The ‘horses for courses’ approach will once again be beneficial when it comes to choosing a suitable grade for your needs.

Eco-Friendly?

Like many other consumers these days, you may well be concerned about the environment and whether or not your choice of wood will contribute in any way to global deforestation. With this in mind you will want to ensure the timber you source comes complete with full environmental certification. Therefore you should only do business with a timber merchant that is fully Chain of Custody certified, as this will give you peace of mind that you’re getting your wood from truly renewable and responsible sources.

These are just a few of the aspects you need to consider when selecting wood to suit your particular job. Fortunately you can address all of these considerations (and many more besides) quite comprehensively when you come to us here at Booker Timber as we are able to provide customers in every field and industry with timber, plywood sheets and cut-to-size MDF to suit any and all needs.

To find out more and take advantage of our expert advice either browse our pages further or call 0333 123 1290.

June 24, 2013

Timber cutting services you can rely on

Sheets,Timber — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 9:42 am

It’s often said that only a bad workman blames his tools, but this isn’t strictly true. If you’re about to embark on a building project, whether it’s a small-scale DIY job or a major commercial operation, it’s vital that you have all the equipment and materials you need.

For example, if you fail to get hold of the right plywood sheets and any other wood you need, you progress might be thwarted. Trying to make do without certain materials or with substandard versions can get you into serious difficulty.

Past frustrations

In the past, you’re bound to have encountered scenarios like this. Perhaps you ordered certain lengths and styles of timber only to receive something different, or maybe you under-estimated the amount of wood you required.

Whatever the cause of your lack of suitable timber, this might have been really frustrating. It’s impossible to demonstrate your skill and achieve the results you’re aiming for when you’re lacking vital building elements.

Looking forward

However, these problems could now be a thing of the past. Here at Booker Timber we know how important it is for our customers to access top-quality wood in the right quantities and cut to the perfect dimensions. As a timber merchant, we go out of our way to offer products that conform to all these criteria.

If you come to us to get hold of your building materials, you can rest assured they’ll be of the very highest standard. As well as helping to ensure your construction project goes according to plan, this can also give you peace of mind.

The best facilities

Our CNC beam saws are amongst the largest in the UK, allowing us to handle and cut sheets up to six metres long and four metres wide, with board thicknesses of up to 90mm. Meanwhile, thanks to the quality and precision of our equipment, and the skill of our operators, we can cut to within 0.1mm accuracy.

It’s worth noting that we deal with all of the following products:

  • MDF
  • Chipboard
  • Plywood
  • OSB (orientated strand board)
  • Hardboard
  • MFC (melamine faced chipboard)

We can even cut plasterboard and most types of plastic panels.

Saving you cash

Of course, cost is likely to be a major issue in your build project. Whether you’re making something for your own home or on behalf of a paying client, it’s important that you keep your expenses down to a minimum.

With this in mind, you might be pleased to note that our optimisation software will calculate the most efficient way to cut the boards where different sizes are required. This helps to reduce waste and minimise the number of boards needed.

The full low down

If you’re intrigued by our offerings and want to find out more, just take a look around the rest of our website or get in touch with our friendly and professional team. Sourcing the perfect cut to size MDF and other timbers is easy when you come to us. Ultimately, this may help ensure your building projects are a big success.

June 10, 2013

Getting the perfect timber for your construction projects

Sheets — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 9:30 am

If you’re involved in any form of construction project, you’ll know how important it is to source the right materials. Completing building work is hard enough without having to deal with complications caused by a lack of resources.

The good news is, as long as you know where to look, it’s now easy to get your hands on superb construction supplies. For example, here at Booker Timber we offer an impressive range of timbers, including cut to size chipboard and much more. If you’re on the lookout for good quality, accurately cut and shaped wood, we’re the go-to provider.

Demand on the rise?

It seems as though demand for resources like this may be on the rise among construction firms in the UK. According to recent figures, activity in the sector is picking up.

The Markit/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 49.4 in April from 47.2 in March. Although this was slightly below the 50 level that divides growth from contraction, it was well above economists’ expectations of 48.

Also, Markit stated that employment levels were “broadly stable” in April and added that a rise in optimism about the year ahead helped to steady overall staffing levels. Of course, if conditions continue to improve within the industry, more personnel may be taken on.

A bounce back

Responding to the findings, senior economist at Markit Tim Moore stated that the industry bounced back following the disruption to work caused by freezing weather earlier in 2013. He added that higher levels of residential house building also contributed to the increase in activity.

The expert went on to note: “UK construction sector output was closer to stabilisation than at any time since October 2012. The overall survey findings are an early indication that construction will act as less of a drag on UK GDP over the second quarter of 2013.”

Caution

Adding a note of caution however, senior economist at IHS Global Insight Howard Archer said: “The sector undeniably still faces significant headwinds, notably including limited public investment and spending, a still weak economy, comparatively limited housing market activity and problems in getting funding for large-scale projects.

“The construction sector will be fervently hoping that both the economy and the housing market see sustained improvement over the coming months, even if only limited, and that this stimulates building work.”

Make your life easier

If you’re firm needs timber for a construction project, whether it’s large or small, you’ve come to the right place. By taking a look around our website, you can see all the various products we have to offer and you should be able to find exactly what you’re after.

We cut timber to an accuracy of within 0.1mm and can handle sheets up to six metres long, four metres wide and 90mm thick.

Our sheet cutting, routering and machining services could help make your life that little bit easier, and you might be pleasantly surprised by our competitive prices. When it comes to cut to size plywood and other timbers, you can see us as your one-stop-shop.

May 6, 2013

How to Source the Finest Cut Timber to Complete your Overdue DIY Projects

Sheets — Booker Timber @ 9:21 am

Now is the time of year when all of the DIY jobs you put off doing over the winter suddenly become viable again. Indeed, the longer evenings and milder temperatures now make it something of a pleasure to get outside and take on those building projects that have been gathering dust for too long.

Of course, any project you undertake that requires cut-to-size timber will invariably involve sourcing wood from your local timber merchant. After all, accurate measurements are of paramount importance when it comes to making constructions out of wood and so you will want to ensure the wood you use will be cut to your exact specifications.

However, it is a sad fact that not all timber merchants are made equal so there is no guarantee that your local merchant will be able to cut your wood exactly how you want it cutting. Certainly there are few things more demoralising to a DIY project than getting your materials home only to find that they need cutting again or – even worse – are simply unusable.

Fortunately, this is not an issue that you need to worry about when you come to us here at Booker Timber.

So what’s so special about Booker Timber then?

Well, we believe there are a number of things which make us stand out from the crowd. For instance, we don’t just have the very latest CNC machinery; we also have the finest state-of-the-art software to go with it; therefore we are able to deliver accurate and efficient cutting solutions in no time at all. Another thing which makes us stand out from the crowd is the fact that Our CNC Beam saws are amongst the largest of their kind in the entire country. Indeed, we have the capability (and the skill) to cut sheets up to six metres long and four metres wide, with board thicknesses of up to 90mm – all to within 0.1mm accuracy.

Now that’s pretty special!

And it’s not just in terms of precision and cutting ability where we stand out from the crowd; it’s also in our impressive variety too. To be sure, the range of materials and services we offer really is very comprehensive as we can cut or router chipboard, plywood, orientated strand board, hardboard and MDF sheets with consummate ease. Furthermore, our saws can also be configured to cut plasterboard as well as most types of plastic panels so it is far to say that we really are a ‘one-stop shop’ when it comes to getting materials cut for any and all types of DIY projects.

So, if you want to make sure the timber your source for your overdue DIY projects is cut to your exact specifications, look no further than us here at Booker Timber.

To find out more, simply take a look around our website or get in touch with our friendly and helpful customer advisors by phone or email.

November 26, 2012

Why it makes sense to order timber from us

Sheets — Booker Timber @ 3:04 pm

When you’re on the lookout for a provider of timber and sheet cutting services, you’ll no doubt want to ensure you find a firm you can have complete confidence in.

After all, it doesn’t matter how skilled and hard working you are, you might not be able to meet your customers’ expectations if you don’t have access to the right wood at the right time. Here at Booker Timber we appreciate the importance of this issue and we go out of our way to provide a superb standard of materials.

Precision

One of the issues that may be forefront on your mind when you’re searching for the right merchant is accuracy. When you ask for wood of certain dimensions, it’s incredibly frustrating to receive imprecise sections that don’t fit your brief.

This could cause you delays, mean you incur extra expenses and prevent you from fulfilling your obligations to your customers. In the past, you might have been less than thrilled by the standard of cutting services on offer.

However, by coming to us, you can kiss goodbye to these worries. We are able to cut timber to within 0.1mm and will be able to perfectly meet your requests.

Flexibility

Also, we offer an impressive level of choice in terms of materials and sizes. Thanks to our large-scale production facilities, we’re able to cut timber sections as big as 5,400mm in length, 4,000mm in width and 90mm in thickness. Our beam saws are some of the largest in the UK and they are capable of cutting shapes from sheet material, chamfering and drilling.

Also, we offer anti-slip boards with a choice of mesh, hexagon or circular patterned phenolic faced surfaces in various sizes.

This may permit you greater freedom when you’re coming up with products to offer to your customers.

Green credentials

Meanwhile, when you’re ordering cut to size chipboard and other forms of timber, you might want to be sure that the wood is produced in a sustainable way. After all, consumers are becoming increasingly mindful of environmental issues, so it’s important that you demonstrate a responsible attitude towards the planet.

We can proudly state that we achieved Chain of Custody certified status in 2008, enabling us to offer chain of custody for forested timber from well managed forests.

More info

Chain of Custody certified forests are managed to ensure long-term timber supplies while also protecting the environment and the lives of forest-dependent communities..

The full story

If you like what you’ve read about us so far and think we might be able to provide you with the cut to size plywood and other products you need, just take a look around the rest of our website or get in touch with our friendly and helpful team by phone or email.

September 24, 2012

Choosing the right timber for your project

Sheets,Timber — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 10:07 am

When you’re embarking on a project that requires wood, you’ll need to ensure you have access to suitable supplies. If you can’t access timber of sufficient quality or struggle to get it on time, you will suffer delays and difficulties.

Of course, you have to choose the right wood in the first place. There are lots of different kinds of timber for you to take your pick from. Here at Booker Timber we offer a whole range. As well as marine plywood, MDF and so on, we offer hardwoods like greenheart, iroko maple, poplar and oak. The kind you opt for will depend on your budget and the effects you’re looking to achieve.

Oak is a popular choice

Oak is commonly used in a variety of settings. This wood has a range of properties that make it ideal for various projects. Writing about the material on eHow, Neal Litherland noted that it is an attractive wood and it is often used in flooring and furniture.

Indeed, lots of properties feature oak somewhere within them and the timber can look ideal in both contemporary and traditional looking spaces.

Meanwhile, the wood is also used in walking sticks and in a number of other products.

Grain

Mr Litherland pointed out that different types of oak vary, but there are certain properties they all have in common.

For example, when it comes to grain, he remarked: “Wood may often be purchased for the appearance and feel of its grain. Oak hardwood has an identifiable grain that is described as open and fairly long. The wood has occasional crotches, with swirls and burs as well. The way the boards are sawed from the wood can also make a difference as to the grain that is displayed. Plain sawed boards have a plumed grain, for instance, whereas rift sawn boards have a much tighter grain pattern.”

Colour

When it comes to colour, this depends on the particular oak in question, the writer noted. While white oak can be light brown with a pinkish tint, the heartwood is a creamy white colour. Red oak on the other hand can be tinted rose, he suggested.

Physical properties

Depending what you’re using the wood for, you might be looking for certain physical properties. Oak is hard and it has “medium bending strength”, Mr Litherland stated. He added that it has a high crushing strength, meaning it is good for holding up structures like beams.

Sourcing the best

To make the most of oak, or any other timber for that matter, it’s important you head to a specialist sheet cutting firm like us.

We offer a vast array of timber-related products and have all the experience, knowledge and equipment required to achieve the best results.

Find out more

If you’d like to find out more about our cut to size plywood and so on, just take a look around the rest of our website or get in touch with our friendly and helpful team. We should be perfectly placed to help you.

August 24, 2012

Raised beds are ideal in small gardens

CNC Cutting,Sheets,Timber — Tags: , , — Booker Timber @ 10:07 am

It’s no wonder that demand for the timber used in raised beds is so high. These days, consumers are increasingly switching on to the benefits of these outdoor constructions. They are perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, fruit and so on and are easy to maintain.

Not only can g cultivating produce like this be rewarding, it can also save people money. The prices of fresh goods in supermarkets and smaller shops are rising and by becoming more self-sufficient, people can reduce their grocery bills. If you’re keen to invest in wood for this purpose, it’s important you find a timber merchant you can trust to offer you competitive prices and top-quality products.

Bijou gardens

Meanwhile, if your garden’s somewhat lacking in space, getting raised beds could be ideal. Recently, landscape architect Nilufer Danis suggested that these items are convenient and look great. He used raised beds in his display at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, Homes & Property reports.

Called Our First Home, Our First Garden, the creation had seating, raised beds and original sculpture, among other things. It won a gold medal and was identified as best in the category of low-cost, high-impact.

Expert advice

He remarked: “When creating a new garden, always settle on a budget first. With a little forward planning it is possible to create an aesthetic space without spending a lot of money.

“The point is to show how a young couple in a new home can make a great outdoor space on a small budget. This small space of 15ft by 25ft, there’s space for them to relax as well as entertain their friends. The planting is simple and easy to maintain, with evergreen shrubs and grasses among the flowers so the garden looks good all year round.”

We can help

If you’re on the lookout for raised beds, or cut to size plywood and other pieces of timber, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Booker Timber we provide many sizes of raised beds and they come in either kit form or assembled.

Our wood is the finest Scandinavian quality and it is properly treated by tannalisation against the elements, meaning it can stand the test of time. Also, the treatment gives wood a green colour that’s pleasing to the eye and it is safe for children and animals.

Your own style

Meanwhile, you might want to buy untreated timber as seen in the photos so that you can varnish or paint it a different colour to suit your own garden theme.

Raised beds can be perfect on rooftop gardens and city gardens and they are handy for wheelchair users and older people.

A clear conscience

Meanwhile, you don’t have to defy your conscience in order to take advantage of our superb products. Our timber is responsibly sourced. Indeed, we are Chain of Custody certified and can go out of our way to ensure that we obtain timber in the most sustainable way.

If you’re keen to find out more about what we have to offer, just take a look around the rest of our website.

July 16, 2012

No wonder decking is in vogue

Sheets,Timber — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 8:50 am

If you’ve experienced an increase in demand among your customers for decking over recent months, you’re not alone. Lots of people around the UK are after products like this to help them make the most of their gardens. As long as you’re in touch with a reliable timber merchant, you shouldn’t struggle to process your orders.

It’s no surprise decking timber is highly sought after these days. After all, home and business owners are increasingly eager to make the most of their outdoor areas and special wooden spaces can help them do precisely this.

Also, decking and wooden shelters can help to make gardens more weatherproof. These days, pubs, hotels and so on need to cater for smokers who head outside come rain or shine for their nicotine fixes. Meanwhile, consumers are often reluctant to be chased in doors each time the heavens open.

This summer has been particularly stormy, highlighting the importance of sheltered outdoor areas. Wind and rain has persistently affected many areas around the UK, leading some people to suggest the country has experienced a ‘European monsoon’.

By taking advantage of decking and shelters, people can protect themselves from downpours.

If your firm’s on the lookout for wood to use in products like this, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Booker Timber we offer a range of different types of timber and should have just what you need.

Whether you’re after cut to size plywood, chipboard or anything else, we could be the perfect firm for you.

May 7, 2012

Cut to Size MDF – Some Uses and Benefits

MDF,Sheets — Tags: , , — Booker Timber @ 9:25 am

MDF is an incredibly versatile material that has a lot of uses throughout the home and businesses. First manufactured in the 1980s, MDF is created by turning softwood into fibres and combining it with wax and resin. It is then formed by applying pressure to it at very high temperatures. This strong and stable material is an excellent cost effective alternative to solid wood that can be used to make office furniture, table tops, exhibition stands and much more.

MDF sheets are ideal for a number of DIY applications. It is affordable and easy to work with, and can be used to make furniture that can be used throughout the home and office. MDF has a mild reaction to moisture, making it ideal for use in the bathroom, as well as other high-humidity environments. It is also incredibly strong and has fire resistant properties, making it ideal for use in the kitchen or as a fire surround. MDF is available in a variety of thicknesses, lengths and widths depending on what it is to be used for.

Just like many varieties of solid wood, MDF can give off a lot of dust during cutting. It’s recommended that you wear a mask at all times during the cutting process. However, a more practical solution is to purchase cut to size MDF from Booker Timber. They use the latest in sheet cutting technology to cut MDF into an almost infinite range of shapes and sizes, leaving you free to get on with your DIY projects.

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