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Arnold Laver knows everyone’s in a bit of a different spot, so they’ve made getting your goods a doddle. They offer a range of flexible delivery options as well as a handy ‘Click and Collect’ service. That means you can order online and nip down to your local branch to pick it up the same day, saving you a wait if you’re in a hurry to get cracking on your project.
The images on the website serve as a guide and may not exactly match the product you receive. This is particularly true for items made from natural materials, such as timber, where variations in appearance are common and expected.
Absolutely! Arnold Laver offers its products to the general public at great trade prices. You can make purchases either online or through any of our depots, ensuring convenience and accessibility for all our customers.
Arnold Laver’s experts are available from 8am to 5pm, excluding weekends and Christmas holidays. For the most current customer service opening times, please refer to their contact page. If you’re looking for specific branch times, visit your local branch page for detailed information. This ensures you have the latest information regarding our operating hours.
The standard delivery charge is £30 (excluding VAT). For direct items, the charges are set by the suppliers and may vary. You can find specific details on their delivery information page. Additionally, Arnold Laver offers a Click and Collect service, which is always free.
When planning a project, whether it's constructing furniture, decking a garden, or building a home extension, selecting the right type of timber is crucial. The timber you choose will affect not only the appearance but also the durability and cost of the final product. At Arnold Laver, a leading supplier of high-quality timber products in the UK, there is a wide range of timber options available, each suited to different purposes. This guide will help you understand the key types of timber from softwood, hardwood, and engineered wood, and how to select the most suitable one for your project.
Softwood is one of the most commonly used types of timber due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. It comes from fast-growing trees like pine, spruce, and fir, which makes it more affordable and widely available. Despite the name, softwood is not necessarily "soft." Many types of softwood, such as Douglas fir, are sturdy and ideal for construction.
Softwood is often used in structural applications, interior joinery, and outdoor projects. Here are some of the most popular uses:
Construction: Softwood is frequently used in framing, joists, and other structural components because it's light yet strong.
Furniture: Pine, a popular softwood, is commonly used in making furniture due to its smooth grain, which is easy to work with.
Outdoor Decking and Fencing: Pressure-treated softwoods, such as pine, are great for outdoor projects like decking, fencing, and garden sheds because they are resistant to decay and weathering when treated properly.
More affordable compared to hardwood
Easy to cut, shape, and treat
Readily available at Arnold Laver in various sizes and treatments
Lightweight, making it easy to transport and handle
Softwood tends to be less dense than hardwood, which means it can be more prone to wear over time. To increase its lifespan, softwood should be treated with preservatives, especially for outdoor use.
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees such as oak, ash, and mahogany. These trees take longer to grow, which makes hardwood timber more expensive and often denser than softwood. However, its durability and aesthetic appeal make it a preferred choice for high-end projects.
Furniture: Hardwood is favoured for furniture that requires strength and beauty. Oak and walnut, for instance, are known for their stunning grain patterns and longevity, making them ideal for creating high-quality tables, chairs, and cabinets.
Flooring: Hardwood is often chosen for flooring due to its durability. Oak and maple are excellent choices for high-traffic areas because they can withstand wear and tear while maintaining a polished appearance.
Exterior Cladding: Hardwoods like oak and teak are resistant to the elements, making them perfect for exterior cladding and other outdoor applications that require robustness and a premium look.
Extremely durable and resistant to wear
High density, offering excellent structural integrity
Aesthetic appeal, with rich grain patterns and colours
Available in a range of species at Arnold Laver, with sustainable sourcing options
While hardwood is durable, it is more expensive than softwood. Additionally, due to its density, it can be harder to work with, requiring specialised tools and techniques.
Engineered wood is a man-made product that combines layers of wood and adhesives to create a strong, stable material. It offers many of the benefits of natural timber but with enhanced structural properties. Examples include plywood, MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard), and OSB (Oriented Strand Board).
Flooring: Engineered wood flooring is a popular alternative to solid hardwood flooring. It is designed to be more resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Wall Panelling and Cabinets: MDF is widely used for panelling, cabinetry, and mouldings due to its smooth surface, which is easy to paint and finish.
Roofing and Flooring Substructures: Plywood and OSB are commonly used in construction for subfloors, roofing, and wall sheathing, offering a cost-effective and durable solution.
Cost-effective, offering the appearance of real wood at a lower price
Highly stable, with resistance to warping and shrinking
Eco-friendly, as it often makes use of wood waste and can be more resource-efficient
Available in large panels and a variety of thicknesses at Arnold Laver
Engineered wood may not offer the same aesthetic richness as natural hardwoods, especially if the outer veneer layer is thin. It is also generally less durable than solid timber in high-impact areas.
The key to selecting the right timber for your project lies in understanding your specific requirements:
Budget: Softwood is the most affordable option, while hardwood comes at a premium. Engineered wood provides a middle ground for cost and performance.
Durability: For long-lasting projects like flooring or exterior cladding, hardwood is the best choice. Engineered wood also offers durability for substructures and moisture-prone areas.
Aesthetic: If the look and feel of the wood are paramount, hardwood's natural beauty is unmatched. Engineered wood can also mimic the appearance of hardwood but at a lower cost.
Whether you're building a garden deck, crafting bespoke furniture, or tackling a home renovation, choosing the right timber is essential. At Arnold Laver, you'll find a wide range of softwood, hardwood, and engineered wood products to suit your project needs. Understanding the characteristics and best uses of each type of timber will help you make the most informed decision, ensuring that your project is both beautiful and durable for years to come.
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Arnold Laver is a trusted name in the UK’s timber and building materials industry, with a rich history dating back to 1920. From humble beginnings as a family-run timber merchant, Arnold Laver has grown into one of the nation’s leading suppliers of high-quality timber and building products. With a network of 16 strategically located depots across the UK, the company prides itself on offering a vast range of sustainable materials for both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Arnold Laver’s comprehensive product offering includes premium timber, cladding, decking, sheet materials, and doors, along with an extensive range of specialist materials tailored to meet the demands of modern construction. The company is deeply committed to sustainability, sourcing products from well-managed forests and ensuring compliance with the highest environmental standards.
With over a century of industry expertise, Arnold Laver combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, providing exceptional customer service, bespoke machining options, and delivery services that help their clients bring their projects to life. Whether you’re working on a small DIY project or a large-scale commercial build, Arnold Laver’s knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing you with the right materials to get the job done.
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