Sourcing French Oak and The Role of a Timber Buyer
Our timber buyer, Ian Booker, recently visited France to add some inventory to our oak stocks. We are often asked about how and where we source our timber, so we thought it would be helpful to explain the role of a timber buyer and how/why we source much of our oak from France.
Why French oak?
In France they have approximately three times the volume of croppable land dedicated to sustainably growing hardwoods than we do in the UK. The French forests are also generally larger than those in the UK, meaning oak can grow taller as well as in bigger quantities. This results in a larger and more varied supply of oak and allows us to be extremely selective in choosing the very best quality oak for our customers.
How do you select the oak?
Ian travelled to North East France in search of high quality air and kiln dried waney edged oak boules. Boules are logs that have been milled into a variety of board thicknesses, ranging from 20mm through to 100mm. Selecting is a skilled and time-consuming job, as every board is inspected, measured and recorded. The moisture content is also randomly checked, to make certain there are no great variations between the different boules. It may be hard work, but the result is that our clients receive a premium product. By buying oak that is already sawn and dried, we can get the timber to our customers in a short time period, fulfilling customers’ needs in the most efficient way possible.
What does the role of a timber buyer involve at WL West Timber?
A timber buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing the timber (primarily oak) required by the business for a wide range of products and uses. The role involves evaluating and negotiating contracts and prices with suppliers in the UK and overseas, assessing the timber’s quality and ensuring a regular supply to meet the specific needs of the company. A timber buyer must also consider the sustainability of the timber procured, stay updated with market trends and ensure compliance with regulations.
Key aspects of the role
Develop new and maintain existing supplier relationships: Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, in addition to managing relationships with current suppliers.
Negotiation of contracts: Reaching agreements with suppliers as regards price, quantity, delivery terms and payment schedules.
Compliance: Ensure compliance with environmental and any regulatory standards.
Site visits: To assess the quality, volume and sustainability of the timber and to select timber for the needs of the business.
Quality control: Grading the timber (based on the species and any relevant standards) and assessing it for any defects.
Sustainability: Verifying the timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests and sourcing certified timber if required - FSC®, PEFC and GiB (Grown in Britain).
Managing deliveries: Working with suppliers and logistics companies to manage the transportation of the timber from the supplier’s location to WL West.
Inventory: Maintaining comprehensive and accurate records of timber purchases and company inventory.
Analysing the market: Developing an understanding of industry trends, supply and demand, and timber prices, in order to best inform buying decisions.
Source hardwoods for your next project
As you can see, the work of a timber buyer is crucial to our business and we are fortunate to have such experienced and skilled staff at WL West Timber.
If you are in need of some expert advice or specific hardwoods for your next project, then contact us today. We’ll be happy to help! Call 01798 861611 or email sales@wlwest.co.uk.