Our Heritage
Duffield Timber is a family-owned timber importer, machinist and merchant based in Ripon, North Yorkshire.
Founded in 1957 by Robert Duffield, we boast almost 70 years of trading and the continuing involvement of many generations of the Duffield family.
In this time, we're proud to have become one of the UK's leading suppliers of cladding, fencing, decking, sawn timber, wood fuels and other timber products.
Humble beginnings
The company was initially situated on the bank of the River Ure, with key products including fencing, posts and rails. Over the following years, the business began to make pallets and potato boxes.
After the purchase of an automatic bandsaw, a major change took place: we were now able to saw merchantable grade whitewoods for the chair frame industries.
Growth and site move
Through the 1970s, we became the largest supplier of mining timber (including pit props, chocks and lids) to collieries across the North of England.
In 1979, we moved to a seven-acre site in Melmerby, Ripon. It quickly became (and has remained) our home. The site continues to provide the perfect space for our headquarters and showroom.
When the closure of coal pits accelerated in the 1980s, we installed our first kiln and pivoted towards buying home-grown quality timbers – to great success.
Industry-leading investment and a state-of-the-art site
Our trading philosophy is based on traditional values coupled with innovation and investment in people.
The 90s, 00s and 10s saw huge investment in modern sheds, handling equipment, mill machinery, computer systems and delivery vehicles. This gave us the ability to offer a wide range of cladding, decking and fencing products, all machined on-site.
Then, in 2023, we dramatically expanded the wood fuels side of the operation by investing in a state-of-the-art briquetting machinery. We've also continued to expand and develop our showroom and hobby hall – a true timber lover's paradise.
Having our own independent fleet of lorries means we can also offer speedy, secure delivery right across the country.
We proudly believe our commitment to re-investment and innovation is second to none in our industry.
A commitment to quality, value and sustainability
The maxim that if you ‘buy right’ you can ‘sell right’ is as true today as when it was first adopted by Robert Duffield, almost 70 years ago.
Quality, value and sustainability are the watchwords of our purchasing practice. Many miles are travelled and vendors rigorously evaluated to ensure each purchase meets the mark.
We have a clear environmental policy, too: to put it simply, without trees we would have no industry.
Our success over the past seven decades is testament to the hard work of all of our talented staff and the commitment of our fantastic customers.
If you'd like to visit and behold the Duffield Timber story for yourself, we'd be delighted to welcome you. You'll find us conveniently located just off the A1(M) at Junction 50.
RE & R Duffield & Sons Ltd, T/A Duffield Timber
Registered in England, Company Registration No. 1305703, VAT Registration No. 301 1004 54
