Earlier this year, our team headed to France to spend time with our sawmill and forestry partners behind the oak we supply every day.
A staple construction timber, European oak has shaped our built environment for centuries. But finding the best stock today means more than just relying on this heritage.
For us, sourcing timber isn't just about placing orders. It's about understanding the journey each piece of timber takes, from the forest floor to the sawmill and eventually to our yard in North Yorkshire.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting our long-standing supply partner of oak beams, boards and boules.
Seeing the full process was a reminder of just how much skill and experience goes into producing quality European oak.
Each log is assessed individually before being sawn into beams, boules or boards, ensuring the best possible yield and grade from every tree.
We also spent time at the drying facilities, inspecting stock and selecting material that will soon be making its way to Duffield Timber.
Being able to hand-pick timber and discuss grading face-to-face with the people producing it gives us confidence in both the quality and consistency of the material we bring back to the UK.
These trips provide an invaluable perspective and are an important part of how we work. Seeing the oak at source and learning more about French forestry practices reinforces the importance of responsible forest management and our approach to long-term environmental sustainability.
Strong relationships with trusted suppliers allow us to maintain high standards, secure reliable supply chains and ensure complete confidence in the timber we offer our customers.
From forest to sawmill to Duffield Timber, quality starts long before the timber reaches our yard.
We stock a huge range of the finest, most sustainably-sourced European oak, from high-grade French boules to Italian character grade strips and English burr logs.
Explore our full range of oak beams, fresh-sawn European oak and oak-framed structures (which includes garages, gazebos, pergolas and porches).
Start your project with confidence.
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