UK Timber shortage

David Hopkins, chief executive of the TTF, said: "The pandemic has been the biggest factor causing the problems between supply and demand… but there are other factors at play. We've got these huge forest fires raging across North America that will take lots of timber out of production.

"The fires, and now the bugs, are taking out a significant volume from the market."

Also there's a massive clue in the title of the article. I was talking to a joiner in the pub the other night who told me he's quoting 50% more on his estimates as he has work booked in till December 2022 and people are still accepting his quotes. People have used money for holidays that they can't go on for house renovations instead.
 
I've been waiting for 150 planks of fence wood since April. Been a long time since this issue started
 
The building trade has a shortage of materials in every trade. We're in the middle of building a downstairs extension and the lead times on some of the materials is ridiculous! And the prices have gone up by at least 30%

I waited 2 and a half months for the bi-fold doors, and when they turned up, the manufacturer had made them back to front. :oops::mad:

First world problems, I know. I do feel fortunate that I'm actually able to do this regardless of how long it's taking.
 
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Weve just cancelled plans to extend, paid £3000+ for architectural fees inc planning permission, been sat with a house since feb that weve stripped down to plaster.
Just going to upgrade now. Builders not taking bookings till april may, what materials are available are between 80%
and 150% up on last year.
 
Osboro said:
Weve just cancelled plans to extend, paid £3000+ for architectural fees inc planning permission, been sat with a house since feb that weve stripped down to plaster.
Just going to upgrade now. Builders not taking bookings till april may, what materials are available are between 80%
and 150% up on last year.
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We got slightly lucky as we managed to get our orders in before the prices went too silly so we're only a little over budget and not far from completion, it's more the lead times that have held us up. Floor tiles are going on today/tomorrow and rest of kitchen going in next week. Have been cooking on a camping stove and Microwave, and washing up in a bowl in the hallway for 2 months.

Also lucky that the architect is a friend who happens to also work in building and planning at local council so he put everything through for me (officially, not sneakly, he just handled it all for me so I didn't have to do anything other than pay the invoices)
 
US houses use a lot of what they call lumber (timber) and US housebuilding has increased a lot in 2021. At the same time their lumber mills are running below normal production rates because of staff shortages mainly due to Covid. Al ot of our timber comes from the USA and USA timber buyers are importing timber. Hence its a world shortage. Another factor on cost is the cost of shipping which has shot up as well.
 
Redwurzel said:
US houses use a lot of what they call lumber (timber) and US housebuilding has increased a lot in 2021.
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I've always wondered why they don't use bricks like everyone else?

Houses made of bricks won't burn down, nor will they get blown apart in a tornado.
 
SE4 Red said:
It's not just timber. Has anyone tried to order furniture recently?
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Not furniture, but I managed to order a full set of kitchen appliances which all arrived surprisingly quickly. (hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge freezer) all within a week.

o_O
 
Ordered a sofa and armchair from Barker & Stonehouse at the start of May and delivery is end of August.

There was also 12 week delivery times on made.com for a lot of their sofas when we were looking.
 
SE4 Red said:
Ordered a sofa and armchair from Barker & Stonehouse at the start of May and delivery is end of August.

There was also 12 week delivery times on made.com for a lot of their sofas when we were looking.
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I've had two from B&S, had to return them both. On one all the cushions stitching fell apart and the second one had a massive scuff on the corner, just waiting for replacement now, don't even have a date.
Their service is good though, they just swap it no bother.
 
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