From Our Workshop to Your Project: The Timber Delivery Process

The success of any timber project starts with the quality of the materials, and at QTD Ltd, we take pride in ensuring your timber arrives in perfect condition. But delivering high-grade timber to your project site is more than a simple shipment. It’s a carefully managed timber delivery process, from order to offloading. In this article, we walk you through each phase so you know exactly what happens behind the scenes—and how to handle your order once it arrives.

Phase 1: Order Processing and Preparation

The timber delivery process begins as soon as your order is placed. Our team carefully reviews your specification—timber species, profile, dimensions, and quantity—before placing the order with one of our trusted partners: a ThermoWood® factory or Scottish mill.

Because we bring in material in sawn form for further processing, we must allow for shrinkage during thermal modification or kiln drying. For example, if you require a finished size of 20mm x 150mm, we would typically request 26mm x 178mm from the mill. After shrinkage and machining, this results in a final product of 20mm x 150mm.

We then carry out the following:

• Selection & Quality Control: Timber is hand-picked for grain consistency, knot position, and overall quality. Defective boards are rejected or trimmed.

• Profile Machining: Boards are machined to the desired profile. Any internal defects discovered are set aside and cut out.

• Surface Finishing (if required): Boards are brushed and textured to open the wood’s pores, ensuring coatings or oils can adhere effectively.

• Fire Retardant Treatment (if required): Timber is submerged in our treatment tank, then left to cure properly.

• Hand Charring (if required): For ThermoChar® products, every board is hand-charred to ensure consistency and profile accuracy.

• Order Assembly & Packaging: Boards are carefully palletised with foam sheets (for coated/charred timber), stabilising sticks every 10 rows, and full black wrapping to protect against weather and damage.

Phase 2: Loading and Transportation

Timber is safely loaded using Combilift forklifts and strapped securely onto curtain-sided lorries. Here’s how we handle this part of the timber delivery process:

• Safe Loading: We consider weight distribution and timber protection during every load.

• Transport Options: Curtain-side vans, Moffett carriers, and same-day or 3-day network deliveries are available, depending on your order.

• No Hi-Ab Deliveries: Unlike builders' merchants, we do not use Hi-Ab offloading due to the risk of profile damage without a spreader bar. Our materials require gentler handling.

Phase 3: Delivery – Your Responsibility Begins

When your timber arrives, it’s time for safe offloading and storage. Good site preparation and careful handling are key to preserving quality.

• Pre-Delivery Notification: We confirm the delivery window and offloading instructions ahead of time.

• Site Preparation: Ensure the area is clear, level, and accessible for the delivery vehicle.

• Offloading Tips:

  • Use PPE: Gloves and protective footwear are essential.

  • Manual Offloading: Carefully lift smaller orders by hand—avoid treating cladding like scaffold boards to prevent damage.

  • Mechanical Offloading: For larger orders, ensure you have a forklift and a qualified operator ready. We can provide weight and dimension info.

  • Protect the Timber: Avoid dragging boards across hard surfaces. Use padding to prevent edge damage.

  • Stack Smart: Use spacers (stickers) between layers and cover the stack with a breathable tarp for weather protection.

  • Inspect on Arrival: Check for any signs of transit damage. We usually include some extra boards free of charge, but always allow for 10% waste on-site.

Phase 4: Storage and Ongoing Timber Care

Proper storage protects your investment:

• Dry, Ventilated Storage: Ideal for preventing warping and moisture damage.

• Tarp Protection: If outdoors, cover with a loose, waterproof tarp to prevent water build-up and UV exposure.

• Regular Checks: Inspect for moisture ingress or insect activity if stored for extended periods.

• Need Extra Time? We can hold your order (wrapped and protected) for a short period if you need to delay delivery.

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Working Together for Success

The timber delivery process is a team effort. From careful preparation in our workshop to proper offloading and storage on your site, each step matters. By understanding how we manage your timber and taking the right steps on your end, you can ensure it remains in top condition, ready to bring your project to life.

If you need support at any point during delivery, storage, or handling, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always here to help.