When planning a DIY project or managing a large-scale construction project, knowing where to source high-quality materials is essential. One of the most valuable resources for both professionals and home improvers is your local timber merchant. Timber Merchants offer more than just wood - they stock a vast range of timber supplies and associated products tailored for construction, carpentry, and joinery projects.
In this guide, we’ll explore what you can expect to find at your local timber merchant - and what we’re proud to offer here at William Hercock, Leicestershire’s leading independent timber and builders merchant. From planed timber and joinery supplies to wood primer, sheet materials and structural timber, we provide everything you need to complete your project to a high standard.
Common Timber Types Available
When sourcing timber for your projects, it's essential to understand the various types available and their specific applications. At William Hercock, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of timber products to meet your diverse needs. Here’s an overview of the common timber types you can find at our local timber merchant, including what we provide:
Planed Timber (PSE - Planed Square Edge)
Planed timber is cut-to-size wood that has been ‘planed’ on all sides. With its visible aesthetic displayed on all sides, it is ideal for interior applications where a smooth finish is desired - such as furniture, shelving or decorative trims.
Sawn Carcassing Timber
Sawn timber has a rough texture, and is commonly used in structural applications like framing, roofing and flooring. It’s typically rough-sawn and may be treated for added durability.
When choosing your timber, it can also be worth understanding a bit about how it's graded and sourced. For example, structural timber is often rated for its strength and load-bearing capacity. We ensure all our timber products at William Hercock meet the necessary UK & EU standards.
Joinery Supplies for Every Stage of the Build
Beyond timber, your local timber merchant offers an impressive range of joinery supplies, essential for finishing and assembling wood-based projects. Some joinery supplies include:
Sheet Materials
Sheet materials are versatile wood panels, engineered from both solid and recycled timber and are used in numerous construction and joinery projects. Different types of sheet materials can include Plywood, Hardboard, OSB & construction boards - all of which are available on our site. One of the most commonly used sheet materials in interior and furniture making is MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard). Known for its smooth surface, consistent density and ease of machining, MDF is a good option for both professional and DIYers working on decorative or structural interior applications.
Skirting, Architraves & Mouldings
Detailing matters, especially in renovation or new-build properties. Skirting boards, architraves and decorative mouldings come available in softwood, hardwood or primed MDF for a range of finishes. Timber merchants will often provide bespoke cutting services, so you can get precise lengths and profiles.
Door Linings and Frames
For internal and external doors, pre-cut and standard sized door linings and frames can be sourced quickly. These are often made from high quality softwood or hardwood, and are available treated or untreated, depending on the environment in which they will be used.
Essential Building and Finishing Products
Timber merchants also tend to stock a range of finishing products that enhance the durability and appearance of your timber projects. These can include:
Wood Primer and Paints
Before painting or staining wood, it's crucial to apply a quality wood primer. This prepares the surface, helps with paint adhesion and improves the longevity of the finish. We supply a range of wood primers suitable for both interior and exterior applications, including quick-dry, water-based options for efficiency.
Paints, stains, and varnishes are also widely available, allowing you to protect and beautify your timber with professional-grade products.
Adhesives and Sealants
From wood glue to high-performance construction adhesives, merchants provide bonding agents suited to all types of timber and joinery. Sealants are also important for weather proofing joints and gaps in external wood structures.
Fixings & Ironmongery
A wide range of nails, screws, brackets, hinges and locks can usually be sourced from your timber merchant, saving you time and reducing the number of supplies you need to coordinate with. Our ironmongery range covers everything from basic nails to architectural hardware.
Structural Timber and Landscaping Supplies
Timber merchants are not just for indoor projects! For outdoor and structural work, you can often find:
Treated Timber
Pressure treated timber is essential for outdoor use as it resists rot, decay and insect damage. It's widely used in fencing, decking, and garden structures and can come in green-treated or brown- treated to suit aesthetic preferences.
Decking and Fencing
From individual deck boards to complete fencing panels, a good timber merchant offers comprehensive solutions for landscaping. Matching accessories like posts and rails are also typically available.
Timber Sleepers
Ideal for creating raised beds, retaining walls, or garden edging, our selection of timber sleepers includes:
- Softwood Sleepers - available in both green and brown treated options, these sleepers offer versatility for numerous landscaping applications.
- Oak Sleepers - Known for their strength and natural appearance, oak sleepers are perfect for projects requiring a more robust solution.
More Than Just Timber: A One-Stop Shop for Your Entire Project
As you can see, timber merchants offer far more than just wood! Most timber merchants, like us, have evolved into one-stop shops for construction, joinery, landscaping and finishing products. Whether you’re laying the foundations for a garden office, renovating a period property, or simply fitting some new shelving, the chances are you’ll find everything you need at your local timber merchant.
It’s also not just about having the right products - but about having access to expert knowledge. Timber merchants are often highly experienced in woodworking and construction and can advise on the best materials for your project, suggest treatment methods, and even guide you on building regulations or design considerations. At William Hercock, whether you are building a garden shed, installing new flooring, or crafting a bespoke kitchen, our team is on hand to help you select the most appropriate materials and tools. Not sure where to start? Get in touch — we’re happy to help you find exactly what you need.
