Supplying Timber met with TDUK member Eva Timber to find out more about its new Eva Direct offer of premium fencing, landscaping and softwood timber products.
In the ever-evolving world of timber supply, Eva Timber is quickly establishing itself as a trusted importer of premium timber, bringing products to the UK from Latvia.
Officially founded in 2019, the company supplies landscaping, fencing and construction timbers from the Baltic States, with around 98% of the timber it sources being imported to the UK.
Commercial Director David Whitehill, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the timber industry, has played a crucial role in shaping this vision. With an impressive resume that includes leading roles at Meyer International, Finnforest and Saint Gobain, David’s expertise and passion for the trade have been instrumental in Eva Timber’s rapid rise.
“I fell into the timber industry in 1993 and never quite fell out of it,” David reflects. “The industry has always been a good place to work, and the camaraderie and support I experienced early in my career shaped my approach to business today. Eva Timber is an extension of that spirit – focused on collaboration, trust, and delivering exceptional service.”
A flexible business model
What sets Eva Timber apart is its strategic location and innovative supply model. By operating from Riga, a vital hub for Baltic timber, the company has direct access to high-quality materials from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Scandinavia and Central Europe.
This well-established supply network ensures a consistent flow of products tailored to the precise needs of their diverse clientele, which includes timber merchants, agricultural suppliers, garden centres and equestrian businesses.
Recognising the industry’s need for flexible, cost-effective purchasing options, Eva Timber has launched Eva Direct – a new approach to timber supply. Traditionally, customers have had to choose between waiting months for bulk-ordered timber from source countries or paying a premium for fast, local stock.
Eva Direct bridges this gap by offering a pick-and-pack service directly from its fast-moving stock at Riga Quay. With 15 sailings a month to the UK and a two-to-three-week delivery window, customers can enjoy competitive pricing without the logistical headaches of long lead times or high warehousing costs.
“We enable our customers to optimise their inventory management and cash flow while reacting quickly to market demands,” David explains.
“By cutting out a link in the supply chain, we provide a service that combines the efficiency of local stock with the cost benefits of forward buying. It’s a win-win.”
As well as speeding up deliveries, Eva Direct also enables merchants to purchase timber in smaller, mixed loads. They can mix and match specifications, including different diameters and lengths of poles, along with posts, rails, or even sleepers – all within a single order. The timber can be kiln-dried and treated according to customer specifications, including different Use Classes, colours, and even creosote treatment.
A comprehensive portfolio
Eva Timber’s extensive product range is designed to meet the varied needs of the landscaping, fencing, and construction sectors, including:
- Peeled Poles: Slow-grown redwood for enhanced stability and strength, ideal for ground-contact applications.
- Machine-Round Poles: High-quality redwood poles suited for fencing, equestrian, and landscaping use.
- Posts: Available untreated or treated, with various Use Classes and colour options.
- Rails: Arris, Cant, and square-edged styles in different dimensions.
- Boards: Versatile for fencing, kickboards, bracing, and general utility purposes.
- Rainscreen Cladding: A modern timber profile with sleek, rounded corners for architectural applications.
- Sleepers: Durable oak and redwood sleepers for both aesthetic and structural uses.
Eva Timber began specialising in landscaping goods and is now expanding to become a one-stop softwood importer, representing mills that produce Thermowood, as well as some Cedar, Oak and engineered joinery.
“Our intention is for our customers to be able to come to us for all their softwood needs,” David says.
Committing to sustainability
Eva Timber only sources timber from FSC or PEFC-certified sustainable forests, ensuring that every product upholds the highest environmental standards. Each shipment undergoes rigorous quality inspections, maintaining the integrity of their supply chain and the satisfaction of their customers.
“We believe that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a responsibility,” David says. “Our sourcing office in Riga gives us a unique advantage. Our team speaks the local languages, understands the culture, and builds relationships with suppliers most UK companies would never even think to visit. This results in better sourcing and more innovative solutions for our clients.”
A vision for the future
As the timber industry faces evolving challenges – from post-Covid market shifts to the geopolitical impact of Russian timber bans – Eva Timber remains agile and forward-looking. The company anticipates increased demand for landscaping products as homeowners invest in outdoor upgrades and sees the importance of timber engineering in maximising material efficiency.
“The industry is delicately balanced right now,” David observes. “Supply constraints, rising demand and environmental factors are all playing a role. By investing in engineered timber and innovative sourcing strategies, we’re ensuring that our customers stay ahead of the curve, despite the current increase in demand, albeit small, putting a strain on the industry’s timber supply.
“There could be a perfect storm; if demand in the US and Europe picks up, demand could easily outstrip supply again. And another unforeseen world event could upset the industry’s delicate balance.”
Despite its relatively young age, Eva Timber’s blend of experience, adaptability, and dedication has positioned it as a rising star in the UK timber market. Through innovative services like Eva Direct, a comprehensive product range, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, the company is not just meeting industry demands – it’s shaping the future of timber supply.
David concludes: “We’re a young company but we have experience on our side; we’re energetic and we want to be part of our customers’ businesses.”
* This article was originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of Supplying Timber magazine.
