Hardwood supplier in the South East ???

[Rhossydd]

My first post here, but I haven't found an answer to my specific query by searching back.
Since I last did much work with hardwoods I've moved house and most of my past suppliers have closed down or moved. It would be nice to get some personal recommendations of suppliers within reach of me. I now live in Rickmansworth, Herts near junction 18 of the M25, so an hours drive opens up quite a wide territory; Herts/Bucks/Berks/Surrey/Essex/N London.

I'm looking at buying some hardwood for making individual items of furniture. I'd prefer waney edge/T&T boards of UK hardwoods (Beech/Oak/Ash etc.), or sawn imports (American/French Oak or walnut).

Maybe initially just a board or two, so a supplier happy to sell small quantities is crucial.
Any recommendations ?

Thanks in advance
Paul

 

[memzey]

Hi

I'm in roughly the same neck of the woods as you (St. Albans) and am also looking for a general timber merchant that doesn't cost the earth. Any help appreciated.

 

[Flynnwood]

A phone call to these guys would establish if they can help with what you need (about 10 minutes from J9 M1)

http://www.kensworthsawmills.co.uk/

(01582) 873 124 OR (01582) 873 274

 

[Mar_mite]

I use surreytimbers It's a bit hard to find ( it's on the grounds of a country manor) but it's a great place. Huge selection. And a helpful owner. Well worth a visit.
George.

 

[custard]

Another vote for Surrey Timbers, great products and a very helpful owner (he's South African and very knowledgeable on African timbers). But check the opening times before you go, they're all over the place!

 

[jasonB]

Another vote for Kevin at Surrey Timbers, he has quite a few large waney edge slabs if you want something a bit interesting. Ben down there today and came back with £600 worth of WR Cedar.

J

PS note his opening times

 

[SteveF]

hi paul

i visit a local sawmill...dont write them off
the one i go to (in kent) has loads of wr cedar that has sat in shed for years
all waney and cheap in my opinion

as a guide i bought a 6' x 3' x 2" waney for £40 to make a desk for little man
maybe worth a visit to some...not kiln dried but been in shed for over 10 years
Steve

 

[Rhossydd]

Thanks for the replies so far.
Surrey Timbers sounds well respected, but tropical hardwoods are definitely NOT on my shopping list.

What I find surprising is that despite being on the edge of Chilterns, an area known for furniture making in the past, there seems to be no small yards selling locally felled Beech etc.

Paul

 

[SteveF]

I can get beech from my local sawmill

I bought some for drawer runners

 

[WellsWood]

Try Deep in Wood, just up the A40 in Abingdon so probably the easiest for you to get to. James is a nice chap and a particular fan of locally sourced timber so should be just what you need.

 

[Nicky T]

Hi, I'm a joiner based just north of Hitchin. You might want to try David Kinns Timber supplies based in Aspley Guise, They specialise in uk hardwoods.

 

[Rhossydd]

Try Deep in Wood, just up the A40 in Abingdon so probably the easiest for you to get to. James is a nice chap and a particular fan of locally sourced timber so should be just what you need.

Great suggestion.
I dropped by 'Deep in Wood' today coming back from the Cotswolds on the one day of the week their showroom is open.
Just what I was after; An enthusiastic and knowledgeable proprietor (James) who understands and is happy to sell smaller quantities of local hardwoods to end users.
Whilst there's a lot of big packs of timber still in stick, there were also individual planks of good hardwoods in the show room suitable for small projects, helpfully planed on one side to get a good idea of how the plank is figured.
James happily sawed one long plank of Beech to fit my car and I also bought some Ash and Walnut too.
Anyone with specific requirements may be best to phone first to discuss what's available on the day, but James seems very happy to help those of us working in less than industrial quantities.
I was very impressed with the operation and will certainly go back for more timber once I get stuck into my next serious project.

Thanks for everyone for their help and contributions.

Paul

 

[Stormer1940]

I have used Surrey Timber as well for smaller timber bits.
If buying in bulk I'd use someone like James Lathams.

 

[James C]

I was talking to a guy the other day and he told me that there is a sawmill around the back of Brocket Hall Estate near Welwyn Garden City.

I tracked it down to this website http://www.ternex.co.uk/ I have never been myself as I only discovered it yesterday and I am currently without a vehicle to get over there and visit.

If anyone does try it out it would be good to know how it is. I've heard from my friend that they do hardwood, unsorted grades of softwood and and sleepers old and new.

It's good to see that there are some people nearby. Memzey, I'm just down the road in Hatfield.

 

[memzey]

Nice one Jimmy - you're literally down the road from me. I know where the Brocket Hall estate is as well so I will venture down there when SWMBO allows

 

[James C]

Sounds good. I might see if I can get down there on Tuesday with the schools technician to see if it's viable for school projects.