The Merchant Guide to Selling Timber is a comprehensive new resource from TDUK to help merchants maximise their sales of timber and timber products.

The Guide includes an overview of the benefits of timber as a construction material, as well as separate sections dedicated to all the different types of timber, including:

• Plywoods
• Hardwoods
• Panel and sheet products
• Structural and framing timbers
• Machined softwoods
• MDF mouldings
• Modified woods
• Decking, fencing and landscaping products.

Within each section, you’ll find an outline of the main product types and uses, as well as details of the common timber species used for different applications. Key facts around sustainability, safety and quality are included for each product type, along with details of the relevant certifications and British and European standards.

You will also find top tips around availability and lead times, as well as key questions you may wish to ask your customers. Crucially for merchants, each section also includes suggestions on how to upsell different timber products, as well as complementary products you may wish to consider stocking, such as the fixings, adhesives, paints and PPE that could add significant value to any timber sale.

Timber and wood products are recognised as among the most profitable product categories for many builders’ merchants, representing up to a quarter of a general merchant’s turnover. We wanted to create a useful resource that would give merchants all the information needed to support their customers and maximise timber sales.