Increasing costs of raw timber in 2021

Due to the continuing Coronavirus pandemic, prices for timber and lumber have increased in America and across the world leaving many businesses facing a potential shortage. Many sawmills had to cease production of timber over a sustained period because of the pandemic and as a result supply has declined dramatically. Couple this with the fact that the housing market has grown post pandemic and so demand has increased. Global lumber has become a much sought after commodity with demand outstripping supply. Prices of the material have now soared with an estimated growth of 500%. In the U.S. raw timber used to be range from $200 - $400 for a 1,000 board feet but now fetch prices in excess of $1,000. Furthermore, estimates suggest that the raw materials are still expected to increase by a further 500% over the coming year. China has also reported an increase in demand for lumber as it's housing industry flourishes, buying large quantities leaving more fragile economies to struggle in it's wake. Here in the UK increased demand of lumber was also detected as reported in the Guardian: "A record surge in the cost of timber, bricks and steel sent construction industry costs soaring in May as new orders across the sector grew at the fastest pace in 24 years.Severe shortages of essential building materials lay behind the increase in prices as the combined impact of Brexit and the pandemic caused supplies, many of them imported, to be held up on their way to the UK." https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jun/04/building-material-costs-soar... As a result, prices have had to increase here at Woodcraft UK. Normally we only increase prices once a year in line with inflation, however we have had no choice but to adjust the costs half way through this year, something unheard of in our 31 years of business. We have kept our price increases to an absolute minimum and hope that our customers know we are doing everything we can in order to pass on as fewer increases as possible.

Our bench was spotted at the Prince Philip memorial tribute.

We are really proud to see our Regents Park bench formed part of the Prince Philip tribute in April at Marlborough House in London.

Bespoke corner angled bench and table

A new bespoke outdoor bench and table was requested from a private customer in South Wales. The new wooden bench and table replaced the previous bench, patio table and chairs, however, the request came with some very interesting and specific requirements.

We are hiring!

Do you have a flair for working with wood? We are hoping to expand our team of master craftsmen with a creative individual that is great with working on wooden furniture and has an attention to detail. If you think you are that person and wish to join this exciting team here at Woodcraft UK working on projects that travel to all parts nationally and internationally then you might be the person we are looking for.

Our new Bollards Pinterest board

We've created a new Pinterest board with our bollards. Our ever growing archive of outdoor furniture pictures has increased with our bollards section. Why not check it out and become a follower on Pinterest.

The great locations our benches call home

Throughout the years our benches have found new homes all over the world, however, we are mostly proud of some of the great places nearer to home, here in the UK. Stately homes, country hotels, national parks and grand public spaces are just a few of the places you can find one of our wooden benches.