D.G.Heath have been supplying flooring, decking, fencing, timber and a whole range of other products since 1985 in the Swansea and South Wales area and our range of products includes everything from solid wood flooring to garden fencing, garden decking, internal and external doors, garden arbours, playhouses, cabins and so much more...
When designing the decor for your home your inside or out you want the best quality and the best value which is why we are able to offer a wide range of home improvement products to suit your budget.
With modern techniques such as parquet engineered flooring you can achieve any look and any finish you desire.
Visit our main website at www.dgheath.co.uk to see our full range of timber products or visit our display area and showroom.
D G Heath of Swansea stocks the largest range of Timber Decking, Composite Decking and PVC (Plastic) Decking in the Carmarthen area and across South Wales.
We supply a wide range of different garden decking plank options and we have them all on display in our showroom in Pontardulais, Swansea.
Our garden decking product ranges are manufactured from various core products ranging from wooden to composite decking to fully plastic or PVC.
Timber Decking
Hardwood decking and softwood decking is one of our specialist areas. From Balau Decking to Masaranduba to beautiful Ipe and Walnut Decking boards.
If you need deck ideas we are the experts. Why not come in and visit our decking display area or drop us a line we will be more than happy to help you design your deck.
Composite Decking
Composite decking has become one of the most popular ways to deck any garden especially if you require a hard wearing area as they are virtually maintenance free. It is worth noting that a number of products within this deck design range also offer full anti-slip protection.
We have a large maintenance free decking display area within our premises in Swansea.
Decking design service also available upon request.( If you are unable to call down we can e-mail images ).
With the value of sterling at an all time low, the Great British public are currently looking at alternatives to continental holidays. This has been reflected in a surge of demand for the British holiday parks where Caravan Park and Park home purchases are on the up.
In a number of instances a Holiday Home is an Investment so it is important that the correct decking is chosen for the Caravan enabling the customer to extend their living area and gain the maximum out of their living space.
As a director in a company specialising in the sale of Domestic and Commercial decking products for the Caravan and holiday home market a question that keeps coming up is “Do I need a specific type of decking for my Caravan or Park home” ?
The concept of a Low maintenance PVC caravan Deck or Veranda is not a new one there are currently a number of PVC products available on the market.
There are a number of reasons why you would want to purchase a PVC Decking product for your Caravan or Park Home.
PVC Caravan Decking is Low Maintenance.
PVC Decking boards used on Caravans are generally anti-slip.
A Good quality PVC Decking board will carry a Class 1 Fire rating.
Recycled materials used in construction of Decking boards.
Variety of Decking Widths available in PVC finish.
Drainage holes used in PVC Veranda boards.
Easy Clean system.
PVC Decking is available in a number of Colour Shades.
With Caravan and Park home managers currently phasing out the more traditional wooden decking boards the PVC decking option might be the only one available in the future for your Caravan or park home.
My Opinion on PVC Decking for the Caravan
PVC decking is a great option if you are after Low Maintenance the money spent maintaining your Wooden Decking over the years will quite often offset the initial cost of the purchase of the PVC Decking. This coupled with the Anti-Slip properties on the PVC decking for me makes it the most desirable option. However beware because the advantages will come at a cost. It is always worth shopping around for the best deal as the prices can vary considerably.
For Further Information on Caravan Decking give us a ring on Swansea 01792 884828. Alternatively call in and visit our Maintenance free Decking Design and display centre in Pontardulais near Ammanford South Wales.
I first came across garden Decking in 2001 when a representative from one of the larger Timber export companies came into our offices asking if we wanted to stock Timber Decking. For us it was a no brainer this was a value added product that complemented all of the Garden Fencing products that we were holding in stock in our Timber yard at the time.
Timber Decking
From then on Timber Decking went from strength to strength with a large portion of summer sales coming from Decking or Decking related product lines. Consumers saw the value in decking especially in the hills of Wales where in the past the only option available was tons of Hardstanding and a load of patio slabs. So what is going to happen in the future.
The Future of Garden Decking
The answer is basically who knows what the future holds for Decking design ?. However one thing that is sure is that a definite trend is starting to develop towards Maintenance free Composite or Low maintenance Decking products. This particular type or brand of Decking generally hosts advantages such as Low Maintenance along with improved slip resistance, these issues generally are the two main gripes that consumers have when quizzed on the question of Wooden Decking.
This is the way that I am going to go when it comes to replacing my own worn out wooden decking in the house. This is primarily down to the fact that my decking is directly situated next to my back door so it is being constantly used to access the garden and more importantly the washing line. I need something that is Anti – Slip and maintenance free.
If however I wasn’t constantly using the decking by the back door I would be more inclined to replace the old wooden decking with a new Wooden decking board.
PVC or Plastic Composite Decking comes at a price
However there is one major drawback and that is the COST. Composite or PVC Decking is generally a minimum of three times the price of a good quality timber Redwood Decking board. One thing to consider is that in the long term you wont have to pay for Decking treatment or maintenance products.
PVC or composite decking prices generally range anywhere from £5.00 per Linear Metre up to £12.50 Per Linear Metre.
Overall I think that wooden decking is still a good option as long as it is regularly maintained. Nevertheless it is now good to see that there are a number of alternatives available on the market.
Todays Wood flooring article concentrates on Solid Wood Flooring & Engineered Wood Flooring and the reasons “ Why “ consumers are switching over from solid wood. Let us explore the differences between engineered wood flooring and solid hardwood wood flooring.
• Engineered flooring, by the very virtue of its naming, implies that it is not 100% wood but a wood floor product that has undergone some kind of processing. Engineered wood flooring is generally made of a Plywood core with a Solid Wooden Veneer on the surface to give the look and feel or Solid wood, there may be more than one variety of wood and special components to enhance the flooring. For instance, engineered wood flooring may also use recycled rubber wood for a base.
• Engineered wood flooring usually has a number of layers. This allows it to be vastly more stable since contraction and expansion is far less. It is no secret that solid wood flooring will expand and contract sometimes way beyond acceptable levels when there are serious temperature fluctuations or high relative humidity. The popularity of engineered flooring largely rests on the shortcomings of solid wood flooring. Solid hardwood is notorious for expanding, contracting and swelling up. ( With the warm wet summers that we have in Britain coupled with the fact that most sub floors are concrete excess expansion and contraction problems are a distinct possibility ).
• Engineered wood flooring is easier to install as it doesn’t require sticking down Hardwood or solid wood flooring is a lot more difficult. Also, many companies that make engineered wood flooring panels offer a glueless click fit system . Engineered flooring can be glued down or floated as a method of installation. Solid wood flooring would almost always require traditional tongue and groove installation or gluing directly to the concrete . This can be a tedious and time consuming process.
Stability of Wooden Floors
Quite Simply the main key difference and the reason why consumers are moving away from the more traditional Solid Wooden Flooring products is due to overall Stability.
Price
Generally the price of Solid Wood Flooring compared to Engineered is similar it all depends on the manufacturer, where you live and who you source it from. Do consider the type of property you have and the subfloor you have before you choose either of the two.
For further information feel free to give us a call at our Depot in Pontardulais South Wales on 01792 884828 or call in to visit our extensive Engineered flooring display centre.
Laminate floors are becoming more popular today thanks to a combination of qualities which include durability, toughness, easy maintenance, and low, affordable pricing. For those who are considering adding this type of flooring to their home, it is important to understand all the pertinent qualities that make it so desired.
Plus, when it comes to finding the best in laminate flooring, there are few products that can match the beauty, durability, and affordability of the Quickstep Perspective, the best laminate floor on the market today.
Why Choose Laminate Flooring?
If you find yourself at a laminate flooring retailer don’t always buy cheap as there are a number of factors that need to be considered before taking the plunge, you may notice the low, affordable prices that this product offers. However, that is not the only reason to choose this type of flooring for your home.
Durability: Because laminate flooring is constructed from different materials, they bond together to form a very resistant core. This makes it highly durable and resilient to staining and impacts. It also holds together for many years without dulling when properly maintained.
Easy Maintenance: All you need to do is occasionally sweep or mop the floor to keep it clean however use the recommended cleaning products, throw away the steam cleaner as that will kill the majority of wooden floors. The transparent top layer keeps dirt particles from coming into contact with the underlying design. This means that the occasional sweeping or spot cleaning when you see dirt collecting will maintain the beauty of its appearance.
Variety: You can choose from a wide variety of selections when it comes to color, patterns, and designs to match the décor of your home. You can even use the laminate floor to be the basis of your renovation to provide your home with a new, exciting appearance.
Affordability: While tile and hardwood flooring offers the same advantages as laminate in terms of overall durability and simple maintenance, one big difference is the cost. Laminate flooring is very inexpensive when compared to both tile and hardwood. Plus, laminate flooring is easy to install
What Makes Quickstep Perspective the Best Laminate Floor Product?
There are several reasons why you would consider a laminate floor product for your home.
HDF Core Board: The glued core board is the backbone of the laminate flooring system, providing excellent stability, durability, and resistance to moisture which keep the product solid and intact under normal use conditions.
Durable Overlay: The overlay is a transparent substance that provides excellent resistance to scuffs, scrapes, and stains. The layer can even absorb impacts, chemical spills, and burns that would otherwise mark or damage the floor.
Design & Balancing Layers: The balancing layer prevents the flooring from bowing or cupping and ensures proper installation over a flat surface. The design layer is just under the transparent overlay and provides a vision of real wood that is finished with a melamine resin for extra durability.
All the features are put together to form laminate flooring that will resist staining, impacts, dust, dirt, and debris over a long period. When shopping at a laminate flooring sale, you will want the quality that Quickstep Perspective offers which will protect your floors for many years to come.
Helpful Tips
There are a large number of poor quality laminate floors on the market here are a few tips for making sure that you choose the correct laminate.
My advice when purchasing a laminate floor is don’t always go for the cheapest laminate flooring product.
Use a recommended time served tradesman to fit the floor.
Speak to the floor Fitters as no carpenter likes to fit a poor quality laminate floor they will advise you on decent laminate floors.
Get a sample piece of the flooring to test out for your self.
Don’t pay more than £14 Per Square Meter for fitting unless the floor is going to be fitted in a hall or bathroom.
Always use the recommended cleaning products on the Laminate floor. ( Don’t use a steam cleaner ).
If you are looking to add style and value to your home, solid wood floors can be a great addition. They offer a natural beauty that most homeowners find appealing. Even if you are looking to sell your home in the future, wooden floors can be a great investment that will pay off. Even though wooden floors are stylish and functional, the downside is that scratches are sometimes unavoidable. This means that you need to know the most helpful tips designed to repair scratches on solid wood floors. If you know the basics, keeping your hardwood floors looking like new is not impossible.
Here are the best tips for repairing scratches on hardwood floors:
Light Scratches
There are different types of scratches that can form on the surface of your hardwood. If you notice that the scratch is light and not very deep, it should not be a complex process to repair the scratch. For light scratches, you can use a small piece of fine steel wool to rub over the light scratch. Just make sure that when you are rubbing the wool on the wood that you are rubbing along the grain.
Deeper Scratches
When you are dealing with scratches that are classified as deeper, it is a better idea to use sand paper over steel wool. When you are using sand paper on the deeper scratch, you still want to be sure that you are moving in the direction of the grain. If you move in the opposite direction, you will simply create more scratches that you will need to repair.
Mineral Spirits
Once you have sanded out the scratch or used the steel wool over the light scratch, you can then use mineral spirits over this area. You apply a small amount of mineral spirits to the sanded area and then you can smooth out the scratch completely and also make sure that all the fine dust is removed.
Wood Filler
You also need to finish by filling in the scratch with a pre mixed wood filler. Just make sure that the wood filler that you choose is the same shade as your natural wood floors for a appealing look. You can apply the filler using a putty knife. Once you have applied the filler and allowed it to dry completely, you can use sand paper to allow for a smooth finish. The scratch will no longer be noticeable at all.
Quickstep Flooring Repair Kit
There is a wood and laminate floor repair kit that has been produced by a company called Quickstep. As a fitter of flooring this product is a must to have in your everyday bag of tricks as it enables you to fix those stubborn scratches or in worse cases gouges in your wooden floor. The flooring repair kit works on the basis of heating up various colours and shades of a wax based product mixing them up to achieve the desired shade and then gently working them into the damaged area. It will work for all wooden and laminate floor products that need attention. The kit however comes with a hefty price tag of between £28 - £35.
Why is it best practice to purchase a purpose made scratch repair kit
The reason that this is a more favourable option than the previous alternatives is due to the fact that you aren’t removing any of the surface finish on the boards you are merely repairing the scratch or Mark.
SAVE Money
If however you want a budget flooring repair kit then you can pick up a Wax kit for under £10.
For further information on sorting out scratches on Laminate or Wooden floors give us a call on Swansea 01792 884828. Or pop in to our South Wales Depot.
Todays article is concentrating on one specific type of garden fencing panel. Customers continually walk into our fencing design centre in Swansea South Wales requesting information on the various wooden fencing products that are available on the market. Fencing Trends change and new innovative fencing products are constantly being manufactured to cater for the change in preference of the consumer.
Wooden Fencing not only acts as a barrier between neighbouring properties it can also help bring the garden together encompassing beauty whilst also serving a practical purpose. One fence panel that has increased significantly in popularity over the past year is a fencing panel called the Madrid.
Continental Fence Panels
Whilst a number of the continental fence panel designs are aimed at beauty rather than practicality the Madrid is slightly different. Whilst being aesthetically very pleasing to the eye it also has the added benefit of offering a high degree of privacy and strength compared to its European counterparts which generally come with trellis hence reducing privacy. The Madrid is a solid Fence Panel designed in a chevron effect which meets down the centre of the panel to give a herringbone effect also the Panel is stainless steel screwed.
Fencing Durability
Remember this particular fencing will not withstand Footballs being kicked against it or excited children climbing over the top as if it were a park climbing frame. However this panels will withstand strong winds due to its unique design whereby the boards are offset against each other to allowing the wind to blow straight through hence reducing the risk of damage.
Overall Ratings
Our score on this particular fencing are as follows –
STRENGTH 7 out of 10
AESTHETICS 9 out of 10
PRICE / VALUE 8 out of 10
PRIVACY 9 out of 10
Overall Rating 83 %
Our rating suggests that this particular Wooden fencing panel design is made with appearance in mind. Whilst it is fairly robust it will not withstand the pressure or day to day abuse of a feather edge of a hit and miss fence. A good option if you are looking for something beautiful and a little bit different.
This is the only Plywood sheet product that is warrantied for Flooring applications. The flooring trade recognises the need to use Plywood that has been produced to a defined industry specification and as such is guaranteed fit for purpose.
As a floor fitter using the correct Plywood for the job is essential if you dont use the correct grade of plywood you could face problems such as Glue Failure, Varying dimensions, Flatness issues & Poor surface quality.
This is why as a Flooring Importer we have decided to stock SP101 Plywood boards to give our customers the option of purchasing a plywood board that has been produced specifically for the Flooring industry.
SP101 is the only Plywood to achieve Diamond Mark Certification and is approved by the Contract Flooring Association. The ply board sizes that we currently have available from stock are 6mm Plywood and 9mm Ply boards.
Here is a plywood guidance note that is intended to help the industry in specifying and using plywood panels that are entirely suitable as a component of the high valued finished floor.
Plywood Specification detail
TFT Diamond Marked Certified
Manufactured to EN 636-2
Appearance Class Based on Class 1 from EN636-2
Wood Species Mixed Hardwood
Moisture Content 8 – 10%
Thickness Tolerence 5.5mm +- .2mm, 9mm +- .3mm
Dimensional Square Tolerence Tight to EN315
Veneers Overlay Quality without core Gaps
Thicker Outer Veneers Minimum 0.75mm
Average Density Approx 500kg/m2
European Timber Regulation Compliant
Feel free to give our Sales team a call on Swansea ( 01792 ) 884828 at our Plywood Centre in Swansea South Wales
where we will be able to advise you on Plywood Specifications.
We have just installed a new Silicon based product in our Timber Merchant in Swansea South Wales and these are the reasons Why -
If you are professional tradesman or a handyman yourself, you already know how important it is to have a tube of Silicon or Adhesive on the van. This is something that’s going to help you repair broken applications, seal leaks and fix cracks. With this in mind, we were recently given a demonstration of a product called CT1 we were told that this product provides a solution to all of these problems.
What does the manufacturer say makes CT1 Different, here we go -
CT1 Sealant is capable of being used with a wide range of different materials. The truth is that you never know what kind of situation is going to present itself. This product will adhere to Glass, mirrors, polystyrene, wood, metals as well as lead.
CT1 guarantees perfect results, which is tremendously important when it comes to adhesives. Regardless of what kind of problem you are facing, the CT1 Silicon works. As a demonstration we decided to put a hole in a full bucket of water and use CT1 to plug the hole and it actually worked.
CT1 offers to a wide range of chemicals which is going to ensure longevity and durability of the bonded applications. It’s UV resistant, and it’s going to prevent all sorts of fungal growth – both qualities which are highly sought after when it comes to solutions of the kind.
You can freely bond different items as the CT1 Sealant is food safe as it manages to conform to the standards set forth by ISEGA. Furthermore, it provides excellent resistance to vibration, and it works just as good in wet conditions.
CT1 has no odour which is very beneficial, and it offers unique flexibility. On a more serious note, the CT1 Silicon is entirely environmentally compliant and as such is not going to pose a threat.
So, if you are searching for a solution which offers instant repairs as well as bonding, the CT1 Sealant works. With a wide range of usable applications and different purposes, you can use it for a lot of things. It provides great resistance to the different weather conditions which makes it perfect for indoor as well as for outdoor repairs.
Overall once we saw this Silicon alternative product in action we had to have it. This product is one of those hidden gems that you must have as a tradesman.
Like any garden and home product, there are virtually hundreds of suppliers that are offering their artificial grass. But before you proceed with your purchase, you need to make sure that you are getting the highest quality for your money. Remember that your budget is not the only thing that you should consider when you want to cover your lawn with an astro turf. To help you on choosing a quality material, we have created a comprehensive guide that will cover the things that you need to consider when you are creating a new lawn.
Your Complete Guide When Shopping for Artificial Grass
Before Shopping
Before you decide to purchase artificial grass from a particular supplier ask for a free sample. You should also ask them the guarantee of the product which is usually 5 - 10 years. For those who love a DIY Project, you may also ask if the supplier offers a supply-only service which can mitigate your expenses. When asking for the total cost of astro turf, you should base the cost of the synthetic grass per square meter. The total cost should also include the delivery charges.
Looking for a Quality Artificial Lawn
When you are looking for a high-quality artificial lawn, try to compare it with a real grass first. The best artificial lawn should highly resemble a natural grass. Try to feel their texture with your hand. It should be non-abrasive and feel soft in your skin. Look for holed latex that serves as its drainage system. Make sure that it has this feature or it can affect the durability of your astro turf. Finally, you should also analyse the blade of the grass. A quality synthetic grass has high blade density.
Before the Installation
On the off chance that the supplier is not providing a supply-only service, ask for their portfolio first regarding their latest installation. Look for their corporate-related experience since it normally signifies their level of experience in the business. A supplier will normally have an open garden. Try to visit that to ensure that they have the skills to properly install the pretend grass. Look at their infill, great suppliers will typically provide non-infill, sand or rubber surface.
Choosing the Right Artificial Lawn
After you managed to find the ideal supplier of your synthetic lawn, the next thing you need to consider would be the type of artificial grass. This highly depends on a lot of factors including your financial resources, the appearance and texture of the astro turf, the amount of activity in the garden and the individuals using your garden. In case you have children or pets that will constantly play on the synthetic turf, you may probably require pet-friendly or kid-friendly type of grass.
The things that you need to consider when buying your plastic grass doesn’t end there. You also need to consider the type of synthetic lawn that you want; the economy, mid-range and the superior lawn. There are also optional components that you can include such as safety flooring, underlay and the landscape flooring.
For further information on synthetic Grass products feel free to call on Swansea ( South wales ) 01792 884828. Or visit our design display area again in Swansea Depot.
Wood flooring is a highly sought-after amenity for its timeless and beautiful appeal, along with its ability to offer a warm underfoot and a natural appearance. Buying traditional homes was even considered as one of the ways of experiencing original hardwood floors. However, newer homes today are now coming with laminate floors. If you are having a hard time choosing between wood and laminate flooring, read on and discover the main differences between these two floor options.
Laminate flooring is cheaper
Real wooden flooring is manufactured directly from harvested trees. While the cost of real wooden floors varies based on the exotic trees used, they are generally far more expensive than laminate floors. This is because laminate flooring is manufactured from pressing together composite wood at very high temperatures. The entire process is quite cheap, with lower cost materials and also lower cost laminate floor installation.
Laminate Doesn’t Mark as Easily
Hardwood floors are more vulnerable to scratching and will generally show more wear, particularly when installed in high traffic areas. In contrast, laminate flooring is much more durable since it is made from compressed wood. This allows it to tolerate more scratches without marking easily. In addition, it is also much easier to maintain and clean to retain its original classy look.
Laminate is Harder
The natural wood floor is much softer compared to the pressured composite surface found on laminate floors. The outer part of most laminate flooring is made by bounding aluminium oxide and melamine resins at extreme pressure and high heat. The resultant floor surface is much harder compared to natural wood. This makes your floor more resistant to staining, moisture damage and fading.
Laminate is Not as Authentic
Laminate floors are inherently flawed in terms of authenticity since they basically try to give off the appearance of real wooden floors. The visible top layer of laminate is actually an imprinted textured picture that is designed to appear like real natural wood. However, when you use real wooden floors, you get an unmatchable texture variation in your floor since there are no two hardwood planks that look exactly the same. If you want a more classic or authentic look, then you will be better off going with hardwood floors.
In conclusion, choosing the right floor type for your home will depend on several factors. If you experience lots of sunlight where you intend to have the wooden floors, then you should know that hardwood floors fade over time since they are essentially natural products. Laminate floors can be used anywhere since they have inbuilt UV protection. The various factors listed above should help you make a good decision on which type of floor to install.
The harvesting and processing of timber is not an easy task. It requires thorough inspection by foresters followed by a comprehensive harvest plan. This harvest plan has to get approval from the right governing authority. Once approval has been given, the trees are cut and sent to a Timber sawmill for further processing. Timber can sit for some time in a sawmill at this point the timber is still classed as standing or felled. There are a wide variety of timber products and wood species available in the UK Market.
Characteristics of Wood
Different Woods tend to have noticeably different types of grain pattern and structure along with colour these characteristics tend to differentiate timber species and quality. If the texture is porous and open it is from softwood whereas smooth tight structures are generally from hardwood . One other area that is often considered important is the the dryness of the wood along with its overall weight this area will help you identify the amount of moisture content it has. There are numerous other tests performed on the wood to know its species and background. But a layman can be easily fooled.
Why Buy from a local Wood Sawmills or timber merchant
By purchasing your Timber from a quality sawmills or timber merchant they will provide you with the best quality of timber products usually Ranging from Wooden Flooring, fencing, decking, ironmongery, timber cladding to Solid Oak Skirting architrave and larger green Oak Orders.
Quite often a timber merchant will also provide a timber cutting service. Generally If you have sheets of timber they can be cut for you as and when required.
Wood grading on the wood, depending upon the type of end product required is offered by a number of Timber merchants. This means that the grade specifies how the wood can be used for making different structures.
Select grade, standard grade and character grade are the different types of grading for marking the woods. They are used to identify quality graded timber. Within a timber merchant business you quite often will get the best quality timber products.
You will generally receive the correct advice bespoke to suit your design project.
For further information on Timber give us a call on Swansea ( 01792 ) 884828.
We have recently increased our display area with the introduction of a new PVC Cladding system. The Plastic cladding display shows three finishes. This wall cladding option will couple the benefits of low maintenance along with an authentic wood embossed finish.
Unique properties
Durable.
Low Maintenance.
Cost effective.
20 Year Service life guarantee
20 Year Colour Guarantee on White.
10 Year Guarantee on all colours.
Environmentally friendly.
Lead free
PVC Cladding is Light & Easy to install.
Embossed finish to look like Wooden Cladding.
Thermal properties superior to wooden equivalent cladding products.
Unique profiles available to enhance ease of Installation.
PVC Cladding Panels are designed to make storing handling and fitting the range quick and easy. With the weather board cladding weighing just 3.15kg per 5 Metre board it is 4 times lighter than a comparable fibre cement board.
The Carpenters Feedback
We have asked our Fitter Andrew from AP Building & Carpentry to give us his opinion on the fitting of the UPVC Cladding this is what he said. “ The Cladding is really easy to fit when you are scribing it it moulds to the shape, this was an advantage as it meant that working on my own I could manage the 5 metre lengths. All of the edging trims make it easy to slot together and get the perfect finish”. When asked if there were any negative points he said “ None “.
For further information on the plastic wall panel option that has been used on our building give us a call on Swansea ( 01792 ) 884828 ask for Dean or Gavin or alternatively pop down and visit our cladding display area.
We are Currently in the process of Installing a Waney edge Larch Cladding Display at our Swansea Depot South Wales.
We are adding to our extensive Wooden Garden Cladding display area. With the introduction of Waney edge Larch & Cedar Cladding to the front of our premises.
What are Waney edge Cladding Boards ?
Waney Wall Cladding boards are a traditional Cladding design.
Overlapped boards, thus leaving the bark of the tree visible as a rustic wooden feature.
Wooden cladding boards are band sawn directly through the Log from the round of the tree.
The bark is left on and is generally shown to give a rustic effect.
Extra Wide Planks Varying from 200mm to 400mm.
Wooden Cladding Timber species
The Timbers available in the Waney edge style are generally Larch, Oak, Douglas Fir and Sweet Chestnut.
Uses of Waney Edge Timber Cladding Boards
House Cladding.
Barns
Rustic Summer Houses
Stable Blocks
Sheds
Wood Stores
Here is a short Video on a few of the products that are currently on offer within our branch
Call in to our Swansea Depot South Wales or alternatively give us a call on Swansea 01792 884828 where our dedicated Timber Sales team will be more than happy to talk you through the varying unique characteristics of the Wooden Cladding options.
We are able to deliver betwen Cardiff and Temby Pembrokeshire.
We are pleased to announce that we will be attending the annual Gower agricultural show this year. We will be showcasing a number of New and Innovative products offering information and samples on items such as Composite Decking, Stainless Steel and Glass Handrail Systems, Wooden and Maintenance Free Fencing along with a number of Wooden Flooring Ranges.
For a good day out in Swansea visit our Timber & Composite Product display stand
The event starts at 9.00am on Sunday 7th July and finishes 6.00pm it is a great day out for the family and hosts events such as Falconry, Dog Shows and a number of Craft events and demonstrations.
Also on a positive note the weather forecast is good for the weekend.
For more information on any of the products that we have at the trade show or for a full list of all Timber products available at our Swansea Depot. Give our dedicated wood and timber sales team a call on Swansea 01792 626425.
Visit our Fencing, Decking & Flooring display centre in Pontardulais Swansea where we have an extensive display set up.
As an Oak Importer who has been an active member within the UK timber market re-selling Green Oak & Oak Timber for over 20 years to the Swansea Cardiff and South Wales area I have compiled a list of the varying characteristics of the Oak timber products available for purchase.
What is Green Oak and what is it used for ? There are generally 4 different types of Green Oak for Sale in the Uk.
Oak Beam Grades
Oak Sleeper Grade
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Oak Sleepers are the lowest grade of Oak available on the Uk market. They can be used for a number of applications for instance Retaining Walls, Pergolas, Garden Projects and buildings ( Subject to Planning specification ).
Green Oak
Green Oak is freshly cut oak that has been felled within the 3 - 6 months. The fact that Green Oak or Freshly Sawn Oak as it is sometimes called is so fresh does however mean that the Oak can be prone to movement where splitting and cracking will be considered the norm when working with this particular type of Oak. It is however worth noting that green Oak has been used for centuries and has been used in a huge number of prestigious buildings and projects throughout the world.
Air Dried Oak
As the name suggests is Oak Wood that has been slowly dried (approx 20 - 40mm per year). Stored in optimum conditions the Oak usually takes between 3 – 5 Years to reach a point where it is stable and wont warp and split like Fresh Sawn Oak.
Due to the Improved stability Air dried Oak is often a lot more expensive than Green Oak.
QP1 Grade Oak
QP1 Oak is Sharp Edges, No Wane and Minimum Sapwood. There are certain characteristics that are accepted in this grade of Oak. Excluded: loose knots, frost cracking, ring shakes, star shake, curly grain, bark pocket, unsound sapwood, rot, white holes.
Conclusion
Use the correct Oak for the job at hand and you will not be disappointed. One of the main problems that consumers come up against is assuming that all Oak timber is the same. This is not the case and if a large building project is being undertaken stick to the advice of the regulatory governing body.
For Further information feel free to give me a call on Swansea 01792 884828 ask for Dean.
We have recently increased our stocking levels of Laminate Flooring to include new ranges in the Quickstep Laminate and Vinyl Linoleum Ranges. With 24 new flooring decors available we now have these products on display and available for purchase.
The laminate floor decors have increased by 8 finishes in the Creo range where grey shades seem to be the up and coming colour of choice. The majority of Quicksteps updates have been in the Quickstep Vinyl range where the emphasis has been place on long wide planks. ( Pulse Click Range ).
Here are a few of the new Laminate Floor decors.
For more information on the changes in the laminate Floors or discontinued floor decors give us a call on Swansea ( 01792) 884828 and ask for Dean or Steve.
I have been advising and selling Oak in the Swansea, Bridgend and Cardiff South Wales Location for over 20 years.
Why Purchase Oak ?
Oak is a beautiful type of hardwood that is very popular and grown all over the world. Known for its tough long lasting properties and luscious grain pattern Oak has become a firm favourite for those who are searching for quality and durability. Oak is also readily available in veneer format where it is glued on to plywood or MDF sheets to give the effect of a real piece of timber at a fraction of the cost.
Oak Timber has various uses and applications including –
Skirting & Architraves
Oak door lining sets
Oak doors
Oak stair parts
Planed Oak planks in a variety of sizes
Green oak sleepers for the garden
Green oak pergolas and garden structures
Oak veneered plywood & MDF
Green or Constructional Oak Structures.
If you wish to use this great species of timber in your home or garden visit your local timber sawmill they will be able to advise you and guide you down the right path as to which grade of Oak will best suit your individual needs.
General Stocked items in a Timber Merchant
Stock of both kiln dried planed and fresh sawn oaks can usually be obtained & machined to specification in a local timber yard or Merchant. For further information feel free to call on Swansea ( 01792 884828 ).
I would like to say that before I start this article I will not be endorsing any manufacturers this Linoleum flooring article is written with the intention of being of use to the person who is reading it.
I have been in the Wooden & Laminate flooring trade for over 20 years, in that time I have seen the good the bad and the ugly. Until recently my area of expertise has primarily been with regards to Solid Wood Floors, Engineered Wooden Floors and Laminate wooden flooring.
So whats changed in the wood floor industry
I have recently come across a linoleum or Vinyl Wooden flooring option which has made me rethink my strategy when it comes to recommending a wooden or wooden effect floor covering.
What is Linoleum Flooring ?
Linoleum, also called Lino, is a floor covering made from products such as solidified linseed oil (linoxyn), pine rosin, ground cork dust, wood flour, and mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate, most commonly on a burlap or material backing; pigments are often added to the materials.
I should imagine that this means nothing to you so I will put it in simple terms ?
Linoleum is a cushion floor it is basically a waterproof floor that is made of plastic that is designed to look and feel like real wood or Laminate wood flooring.
Why use Linoleum ? There are a number of reasons.
Vinyl Floor coverings are 100 % Recyclable.
Linoleum Fully Water resistant.
Lino has No need for expansion gaps around the outside of the floor.
Linoleum Very thin can be laid on top of existing floors
Revolutionary Glue less Floor fitting system.
One of the main factors that has sold me to Linoleum effect flooring is the glue less fitting system thus in turn opening the market to all tradesmen with a carpentry background. In the past I would never have considered fitting a Vinyl floor due to the fact that it needed to be glued directly to the sub floor which can be both very expensive for the consumer and also can be difficult for a carpenter to accomplish.
Negative points with Linoleum Flooring
If I could give any sort of negative feedback on Lino Floors it would be that the sub—floor that it is being fitted on needs to be perfectly level due to the thickness of the Vinyl generally being no more that 5mm. Apart from that fill your boots do your research and keep an eye out for the glue less Lino floor options that are on the market.
For any further information you can call me at my place of work in Swansea near Cardiff South Wales on 01792 884828.
How to get the most competitive timber or Wood prices from your Wood supplier?
As a person who has been an active part of the Timber and Wood business for over 20 years I realise that obtaining a quality timber product at an affordable price isn’t always as easy as it may first seem. There are a number of wood suppliers in the market place all competing for their slice of the cake and therefore offering cut prices. The question is at what cost do these cut price timber products come in at.
Is Cheap timber always the best option and how do I get the best Price ?
The answer to the first part of the question is quite simply NO discounted timber isn’t always the best option however that isn’t to say that there aren’t good deals to be had you just need to make sure that you are shopping for the right product. Here are a few tips when trying to obtain the most competitive timber prices also in turn not reducing the quality of the Wood that is purchased.
Firstly work out with a carpenter the suitable or required Timber specification for the job. ( Hardwood or Softwood ).
Work out a detailed Wood quantities & Sundry timber product list that you require for the whole job.
Put the whole list together as one large order. ( More likely to get a better discount on a big order ).
Look on-line for your local Timber Merchant.
Ring up your local superstores to see if they have any Wood offers at the present time.
Check if there are different grades of that particular type of timber.
Get 3 Quotes and let each of the Wood suppliers know that you are shopping around. ( Fight it out ).
What to look out For when purchasing timber and sheet materials. Here a few potential banana skins -
Softwood - Softwood especially comes in a wide variety of different grades all with varying degrees of stability and aesthetic suitability. ( EG You wouldn’t want to use ungraded timber on a roof ). Ask a carpenter the grade of timber that you require.
Plywood - Plywood also comes in a variety of different grades. What one supplier calls WBP Plywood another may call EN636-2.
( Varying grades of Plywood can make a huge difference to the Lifespan and suitability of the product along with a vast difference in the overall cost ). Make sure that when looking for quotes that you quote like for like.
Oak & Hardwoods – In the case of Oak and other Hardwoods there are various specifications eg – Sleeper Grade, D50 Oak, Construction Grade Oak. Along with Kiln Dried, Air Dried, Green. Then you have American White Oak & European Oak.
( For example you wouldn’t use Kiln Dried American White Oak on an external application you would use European Oak ).
Overall when purchasing wooden or timber products firstly find out exactly what they are being used for next ask a qualified person what grade or specification is required to carry the job out to a high standard and lastly make sure that you quote like for like with the supplier.
If you require any further information please feel free to drop me a line in Swansea South Wales ( 01792 884828 ). Where we can advise you of the correct Wood for the job.
Decking Restorer – Decking Restorer is the quick and easy way to safely restore grey or weathered decking back to its natural appearance with the minimum of effort and fuss. The unique non-acidic, gel formulation will brighten and revive dull and weathered timbers to leave your deck looking clean. This is ideal if you are in a rush to get your decking looking good. You will need to apply a wood treatment after cleaning. Decking Protector- Decking Protectors are usually a water-based formulation that protects from constant wetting, drying, splitting and swelling. It will prevent moisture penetration and resists mould and algae growth on the surface of the coating. Resists greying. This product is ideal for use in sprayers.
Decking Oil- Decking Oil is a durable scuff resistant tinted oil that forms a waterproof barrier to protect against weathering, warping, swelling, drying and splitting. It resists mould and algae growth and its fade resistant finish protects against UV rays. This product is ideal for use on hardwood decking such as yellow Balau.
Decking Paint – We don’t recommend treating your timber decking with paint as it can be prone to peeling.
Applying Decking Preserver
Before any sort of protection is applied it is vital that any dirt, grime and algae has been removed completely. I would recommend Ronseal decking cleaner for this job. You will buy the pack that contains two sachets of cleaner that should be diluted in a bucket of water. Once diluted use a tough garden brush to agitate any worked in grime from the grooves of the deck and then rinse away as necessary.
The decking should be absolutely spotless and dry to the touch before anything is applied to the surface. I usually advise a 3 – 5 day period of dry weather before application. This will allow the treatment to be fully absorbed evenly in to the timber without leaving blotches or any strange discoloured areas.
Application
Using a paint brush, roller, sprayer or pad you can now proceed to apply the treatment. You should try and apply said treatment as evenly as possible over the entire deck. Make sure you get the treatment in to all of the grooves and notches to ensure full protection.
After Care
As stated above the deck should have had around 3 – 5 days without rain before application. In an ideal world the deck should also receive 2 days of sunshine after application to allow the protector to absorb fully and evenly. Your deck should now be fully protected from the elements for the next 12 months.
Working from Swansea South Wales as an experienced designer and fitter of staircases I have learned that a well designed staircase can become one of the main focal points of any reception on living room. The quality of the individual stair handrail & stair banister can make all of the difference to the look and feel of the home. I tend to use two manufacturers however there are a number of stair case products of equal quality available on the market.
Each stair project is unique and usually requires bespoke stair parts and fixings that are readily available from local Timber Yard. The fact that all of these stair parts are readily available from my local timber supplier within the Swansea and Llanelli area means that I can complete jobs quickly and efficiently to the customer’s specification. No matter what they may be. From a modern straight line glass staircase for the contemporary property to the colonial spindle & banister style for those who prefer a more classical staircase look.
What are the benefits of using standard stairparts over a custom design?
Price – The cost of having a joiner to build a staircase to your specification can be extremely expensive due to each stair part being manufactured from scratch to fit your project. With the pre made stair parts it’s just a case of cutting and fitting to the customer’s specification. And as they are mass produced, the cost is kept to a minimum.
Quality – Only the highest quality guidelines are kept with the big stair part suppliers mentioned above. The quality control systems they have in place ensure that each and every part that leaves the factory if finished to the highest standards possible.
Ease Of Fitting – The stair planners available from the big suppliers make fitting the next customer’s staircase really easy.
Stair Planners – Now anyone can plan a staircase! The online staircase planners provided by said company’s means that now the customer can see exactly what they are getting in a detailed plan before giving myself the go ahead to order parts. Providing a detailed plan and list of the parts needed for myself to cross reference with my own plans means that I am never left short of parts on site.
My overall opinion
So in my opinion buying pre made staircase parts for your home is a great idea. It provides a lot of flexibility within the design and allows you to become very creative with one of the main focal points of your home. Couple that with the outstanding quality of the parts available and you are sure to have a staircase that will have each visitor to your home stunned and full of questions.
Feel free to give me a call on our Swansea South Wales number 01792 884828.
An Oak Framed Building Car Port is currently being erected in Swansea South Wales Depot.
We are currently in the process of fitting a number of Oak beams and Oak posts together to build a Beautiful traditional Oak frame.
The Oak framed building design has been bespoke produced to meet the specific size requirements of the oak Shelter that we require.
There are a number of unique Key features of the way that this Oak Car port has been supplied direct from the factory.
The unique features that made this Oak construction project plausible also meaning that a qualified carpenter could construct the frame were these –
Unique Features of Oak Kit
Bespoke design drawings produced to customer specification.
Oak structure supplied in kit form.
Oak beams cut to exact size.
Oak beams Mortice & Tennon joint.
Oak Posts Chamfered.
Additional Costs in fitting the Oak canopy
One of the main issues that we faced was the fact that it was bespoke to our building and needed to be fitted against a factory roller shutter door.
In order to tie the Oak structure in with the Steel sheets to make the seal watertight we had to call in a fabricating company. The cost was £800 which was something that we hadn’t allowed in our budget.
The following image shows the Oak Kit as supplied by the manufacturer, the kits are designed so that they can be constructed as easily as possible with all joints morticed. ( Green Oak is very heavy ).
When starting to erect the Oak structure we encountered a few hiccups for example we were unhappy about the thought of the Oak sitting in water so we tried to lift the structure off the floor using stainless steel brackets.
For further information or advice on Oak structures, Buildings or Canopys please feel free to give us me a call on our Swansea South Wales phone number on01792 884828.
Are there DIFFERENT TYPES OF OAK Timber on the market and what should I use for my Project ?
There are a number of Oak Timber options available on the Market.
Green Oak
These are used as Oak beams, Roof trusses or Oak Timber frames and staircases.
Green Oak is also commonly referred to as fresh sawn Oak. It is more often or not the preferred choice when carrying out building or constructional projects. Ideally mortice and tenon joints should be used as this method will allow the joints to expand and contract.
Air Dried Oak
Oak Beams, Fireplaces, Oak Beams & Timber Frames.
Air dried Oak is a green alternative way of drying Oak Beams. Generally Oak beams are left between 8 and 10 years to dry between 20-30%. Generally the cost of air dried Oak is more than traditional green Oak due to the improved stability of the Air dried Oak.
Kiln Dried Oak
Oak Skirting Board, Oak Furniture Timber, Internal Oak Joinery Projects
The Oak is dried in large Kilns. The amount of moisture left in the Oak timber after the kilning process takes place is minimal therefore reducing the amount of movement or shrinkage that occurs after fitting. Kiln Dried Oak is generally more expensive than Air Dried and Green Oak.
A good starting point if you are looking to start an Oak project is to ring your local timber merchant as they will be able to advise you on the most appropriate timber for your specific application. Also you will find that the majority of timber merchants are able to offer a Timber machining or cutting facility on site.
Speak to the tradesman who is constructing the building instruct them to deal with the supplier.
For further information feel free to contact us in our Swansea Depot South Wales on (01792) 884828. Ask for Dean our resident Oak expert.
To put it in simple terms, a laminate floor is a photocopy of a real wooden floor board. Laminate Flooring is designed to look and feel like real wood or solid wood flooring.
So why would I purchase a laminate floor instead of more traditional wooden floors ? There are a number of reasons why you may decide to purchase a laminate floor.
Reasons to Purchase a laminate Floor
Cost – Laminate Floors are a lot cheaper to purchase than Wood or engineered floor boards.
Movement – laminate floors are not so prone to movement ( Expansion & Contraction )with changes in climate.
Durability – Good quality Laminate Floors are less likely mark or scratch as the surface of the boards is a lot harder than you traditional solid wooden floors. A wooden floor is only as hard as the product that it is manufactured out of. Pine floors are particularly prone to marks and scratches.
Design – There are a wide variety of different styles of Laminate flooring available on the market.
Fitting – Good quality Laminate floors are very easy to fit together. Make sure that you check first as certain laminates can be very difficult to fit ( look at reviews online or better still ask a fitter).
Maintenance – Easy to maintain.
Changes – A good quality laminate floor generally will not change colour with age.
My opinion of Laminate floors
As an individual who has played an active role in the Uk flooring industry for over 20 Years my opinion of Laminate flooring is very favourable.
A good quality laminate floor will offer high durability and outstanding aesthetic design in a number of different locations within the home. I find it difficult to pick any significant problems with good quality laminate flooring however If I am to be critical for the sake of this article I would say that from time to time customers do mention that it is slightly colder underfoot than Solid Wood or Engineered Timber.
Make sure that it is a decent quality Laminate Floor that you are considering as I have heard some horror stories on poor quality laminates.
If you require any further information on Laminate flooring or what we would recommend please feel free to give us a call at our Swansea Depot South Wales on ( 01792 ) 884828 and ask for Dean.
Over the last few years the composite and Plastic PVC Decking market has grown considerably. We have a wide knowledge on composite decking and are stockists of Millboard and Trex decking along with the more traditional wooden decking options.
There are many advantages to having composite or PVC Decking:
Low Maintenance
Does not rot or warp
Anti – Slip properties
Resistant to fading and sun damage
Quick and easy installation
25-year guarantee
A little background information on Plastic PVC & Composite Decking products and the options that are available:
Millboard is moulded from real oak, and is a wood free decking system. It is designed to withstand all different types of weather and will not warp, rot, fade, splinter or lose its original appearance or appeal. It is handmade in the United Kingdom and is the only Decking available with a 25 Year Warranty.
Trex is environmentally friendly as it is produced from recycled plastics and waste wood. It is guaranteed for 25 years residentially and 10 years commercially. Trex is guaranteed not to fade, stain, rot or split.
We have noticed a change in the market over the last few years as our customers are now looking for maintenance free or low maintenance products for the garden. With the composite decking the main advantages are the anti-slip and Low maintenance.
We have on display the extensive range of decking available and are suppliers of softwood, hardwood, composite and PVC decking.
The composite decking, is designed for the DIY and commercial market but if you do need someone to fit your composite decking, there are a number of quality carpenters available.
For further information on Composite & PVC Decking please call our Dedicated decking sales line on ( Swansea, Carmarthen South Wales ) 01792 884828
Composite decking has become one of the most popular ways to deck any garden especially if you require a hard wearing area as they are virtually maintenance free. It is worth noting that a number of products within this deck design range also offer full anti-slip protection.
Why use a Specified Flooring Grade Plywood ?
