Champion Timber: Quality Wood, Decking & CLS Guide
Champion Timber is a trusted UK timber merchant offering softwood and hardwood for builders, landscapers and homeowners. This guide covers Champion Timber products, CLS, 4x2 sizing, decking options, hardwoods and buying tips.
INTRODUCTION
SEO snippet : Quick overview of Champion Timber, what they sell, and who benefits from their product range.
Champion Timber is an established specialist timber merchant in the South East of England that sources Scandinavian softwood and stocks hardwood decking, oak, CLS and C24 structural timber for trade and DIY customers. Their offering spans treated decking, hardwood boards (Balau), planed oak, structural joists and a local branch network for collections and deliveries. Champion Timber+1
LSI keywords: timber merchant UK, timber suppliers, planed oak, treated decking, Scandinavian redwood, timber branch locator.
Expanded FAQs (short answers):
- Q: Who is Champion Timber? — A: A regional UK timber merchant with multiple branches supplying softwood and hardwood products. Champion Timber
- Q: Do they deliver nationwide? — A: They offer local and wider deliveries; check branch delivery terms. Champion Timber
- Q: Are Champion Timber products trade quality? — A: Yes — they target trade professionals with milled, low-knot stock. Champion Timber
External links:
- <a href="https://www.championtimber.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Champion Timber – official site</a>.
CHAMPION TIMBER
SEO snippet : Core profile, sourcing, branches and why professionals choose Champion Timber.
Champion Timber obtains premium-grade Scandinavian redwood, processes it at its Edenbridge facility, and distributes through its network of branches in London, Surrey, and Kent. The emphasis is on smooth, planed boards, structural carcassing, and selected hardwoods designed for professionals. Champion Timber+1
Why it matters (short): Sourcing and in-house machining improve dimensional accuracy and reduce waste on site. Champion Timber
LSI keywords: Champion Timber branches, Edenbridge mill, planed softwood, Scandinavian redwood, trade timber supplier.
Expanded FAQs:
- Q: Where do Champion Timber branches operate? — A: Mostly across the South East (London, Surrey, Kent); use the branch finder on their site. Champion Timber
- Q: What’s special about Scandinavian redwood? — A: Slow growth gives tighter grain, improved stability and smoother machining. Champion Timber
- Q: Do they offer trade accounts/discounts? — A: Yes — trade pricing and branch trade services are available. Champion Timber
External links:
- <a href="https://www.championtimber.com/about-champion-timber/about-us" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">About Champion Timber – company overview</a>.
CHAMPION TIMBER NEAR ME
SEO snippet : How to locate Champion Timber branches and choose the right local merchant.
To find your nearest Champion Timber branch use their branch/locator on the official website; many customers choose collection (Buy & Collect) for same-day pickup or local delivery for larger loads. Champion Timber
Buying tips (short): Compare branch stock, check product availability online, request samples (e.g., decking samples) before committing. Champion Timber
LSI keywords: timber branch near me, timber collection, Buy & Collect timber, branch stock check, timber delivery options.
Expanded FAQs:
- Q: Can I collect the same day? — A: Champion Timber offers Buy & Collect for many stocked items (subject to branch stock). Champion Timber
- Q: Do they deliver heavy timber loads? — A: Yes — delivery services are available; check branch terms. Champion Timber
- Q: How to check local stock? — A: Use the product pages and branch selector or call the branch directly. Champion Timber
External links:
- <a href="https://www.championtimber.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Champion Timber branch & Buy & Collect info</a>.
CHAMPION TIMBER CLS
SEO snippet : What CLS is, how Champion Timber supplies CLS studs and common uses.
CLS Timber (Canadian Lumber Standard) refers to smooth, eased-edge softwood studs commonly used for framing work. Champion Timber stocks and supplies these versatile studs across the UK market; Champion Timber lists studwork and structural framing timber for partitions, stud walls and construction. CLS is typically kiln-dried spruce, pine or fir, produced to regularised dimensions for quick, consistent studwork. TravisPerkinsChampion Timber
How CLS compares to C24: CLS is a dimensional standard (smoothed, eased edges), while C24 is a strength grading (structural grade) — they overlap but mean different things (dimensional regularity vs structural grade). essexboardandtimber.co.ukChampion Timber
LSI keywords: CLS timber meaning, CLS studs, regularised timber, planed studwork timber, kiln-dried studs.
Expanded FAQs:
- Q: What does CLS stand for? — A: Canadian Lumber Standard; originally manufactured in Canada and now made globally. TravisPerkins
- Q: Is CLS structural? — A: CLS is primarily a dimensional/stud product; if you need structural strength, check the grading (C16/C24) or supplier spec. essexboardandtimber.co.uk
- Q: Is CLS treated? — A: CLS can be supplied treated for external or ground-contact use; check product options. Champion Timber
External links:
- <a href="https://www.travisperkins.co.uk/content/what-is-cls-timber" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CLS timber explained — Travis Perkins</a>. TravisPerkins
CHAMPION TIMBER DECKING
SEO snippet : Decking range — treated softwood, hardwood Balau and composite alternatives available at Champion Timber.
Champion Timber provides a wide range of decking solutions, including UC4 pressure-treated softwood for ground or contact applications, Balau hardwood known for its durability, slip-resistant designs, and modern composite boards — giving customers choices that balance price, lifespan, and upkeep needs. Balau hardwood decking can last decades with proper installation and maintenance; treated softwood offers lower initial cost and easy finishing. Champion Timber+1
Decking selection tips (short): Consider deck use (poolside, high traffic), slip resistance, joist spacing, and whether boards are UC4 treated for ground contact. Champion’s technical brochures and product pages include installation and fixing guidance. Champion Timber+1
LSI keywords: hardwood decking, softwood decking, UC4 treated decking, Balau, slip-resistant, and composite decking are all available.
Expanded FAQs:
- Q: Can Balau decking withstand outdoor weather? — A: Yes — Balau is rated as highly durable, with natural resistance to decay and rot; it will silver over time if left untreated. Champion Timber+1
- Q: Do I need treated joists? — A: Yes — for ground-contact or external use use UC4 treated joists or C24 treated joists as recommended. Champion Timber
- Q: Composite vs timber — which to choose? — A: Composite offers low maintenance and rot resistance; timber offers natural aesthetics and can be more sustainable if FSC-certified. Champion Timberuk.fsc.org
External links:
- <a href="https://www.championtimber.com/decking-landscaping" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Champion Timber — Decking & Landscaping</a>. Champion Timber
CHAMPION TIMBER 4X2
SEO snippet : Understanding imperial & finished sizes — what “4x2” means and typical finished dimensions at Champion Timber.
A traditional “4×2” (nominal 2″×4″) commonly finishes around 45×95 mm (often listed as 44×95mm finished) depending on machining; Champion Timber lists structural sizes like 47×100 mm C24 (joistmate Xtra) and finished 45×95mm – so always check the product’s finished dimensions before ordering. Champion Timber+1
Champion Timber note: Traditional imperial timber measurements don’t always match the final planed metric dimensions. Always check the finished size and grading details before purchase. (e.g., C16 vs C24) for structural uses. Champion Timber
LSI keywords: 4x2 timber size, finished size 2x4, 45x95mm, joistmate, planed all round sizes.
Expanded FAQs:
- Q: Is 4x2 structural enough for stud walls? — A: Yes for many internal stud walls, but always verify load/structural requirements and grade. C24 offers greater strength than generic 4×2 stock. Champion Timber
- Q: What is the finished size of a 2x4? — A: Often 44×95mm (nominal 50×100mm) or 45×95mm depending on manufacturer machining. Champion Timber
- Q: Should I buy C24 for floor joists? — A: C24 is commonly recommended for joists and structural applications — check supplier specs and building regs. Champion Timber
External links:
- <a href="https://www.championtimber.com/47-x-100mm-c24-graded-and-treated-joistmate-xtra-timber-47100sct" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">47 x 100mm C24 Joistmate — Champion Timber</a>. Champion Timber
TIMBER MERCHANTS NEAR ME
SEO snippet : How to select a local merchant, what services to expect and comparison markers.
When searching “timber merchants near me,” prioritise: branch inventory visibility, delivery/handling capacity, milling services, trade accounts, FSC/PEFC certification options and technical support. Large merchants and regional specialists (e.g., Jewson, Howarth, Harlow Bros, Champion Timber) offer branch locators and trade services. jewson.co.ukhowarth-timber.co.ukHarlow Bros Ltd
Choosing guide (short): Look for milling services (planing, mouldings), stock depth (decking/hardwood availability), technical data sheets, and sustainability certificates (FSC/PEFC). Champion Timberuk.fsc.org
LSI keywords: local timber merchants, branch locator, timber delivery, trade timber supplier, timber planing service.
Expanded FAQs:
- Q: How to compare timber merchants? — A: Compare price, stock depth, delivery capacity, certifications (FSC/PEFC), and customer reviews. Champion Timberuk.fsc.org
- Q: Are chain merchants better than specialists? — A: Chains (Jewson) have widespread coverage and standard stock; specialists (Champion/Harlow) may offer bespoke machining and specialist hardwoods. jewson.co.ukHarlow Bros Ltd
- Q: What services should a merchant provide? — A: Milling/planing, cutting-to-size, sample provision, technical sheets, and trade credit where applicable. Champion Timber
External links:
- <a href="https://www.jewson.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jewson — branch & product info</a>. jewson.co.uk
CHAMPION TIMBER HARDWOOD
SEO snippet : Champion’s hardwood range — Balau decking, planed oak, Meranti, Sapele and engineered flooring options.
Champion Timber offers a variety of hardwoods, including Balau decking known for its long lifespan outdoors, and American white oak commonly used in joinery and flooring projects. Their hardwood range also includes tropical and temperate options, available in planed or tongue-and-groove profiles for both indoor and outdoor use. Champion Timber+1
Durability & uses (short): Balau is widely regarded as a high-strength hardwood suitable for outdoor spaces exposed to constant weathering, such as garden decking or high-traffic patios. Oak, by contrast, is typically machined to smooth, precise standards for joinery and internal flooring, valued for both strength and appearance. Champion Timber+1
LSI keywords: Balau decking, American white oak, planed oak, hardwood floorboards, durable hardwood.
Expanded FAQs:
- Q: What is Balau? — A: A durable tropical hardwood often used for external decking due to natural rot resistance. Champion Timber
- Q: Is oak suitable outdoors? — A: Oak can be used externally (sleepers, cladding) but durability depends on species and treatment. For internal joinery, oak is excellent. Champion Timber
- Q: Do hardwood deck boards need preservative treatment? — A: Many durable hardwoods (Balau) don’t require preservative treatment, though finishing oils can extend life and alter appearance. Champion Timber
External links:
- <a href="https://www.championtimber.com/decking-landscaping/hardwood-decking" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Champion Timber — Hardwood Decking (Balau)</a>. Champion Timber
CHAMPION TIMBER OAK
SEO snippet: Champion Timber’s oak collection covers multiple formats, including planed and PAR boards, tongue-and-groove flooring, as well as oak panels and doors.
The oak range spans from planed American white oak to laminated panels and solid doors, offering solutions for flooring, furniture, and joinery work. Engineered oak flooring is another option, designed to stay more stable over time and less prone to warping compared with solid timber boards. Champion’s oak TGV (tongue, groove & v-joint) and PAR ranges are described with finished dimensions and suitability for internal uses. Champion Timber+1
Design note (short): Oak’s grain and colour accept stains and finishes well — specify grade (clear, select, rustic) and inspect for defects prior to cutting. Champion Timber
LSI keywords: planed oak, American white oak, PAR oak, oak panel, oak floorboard, oak doors.
Expanded FAQs:
- Q: What grades of oak are available? — A: Ranges include clear/select grades for furniture and rustic/character grades for heavier looks; check product pages. Champion Timber
- Q: Is oak environmentally sustainable? — A: Oak may be sustainable if sourced under FSC/PEFC or from responsibly managed forests — always check certification. uk.fsc.org
- Q: Can oak be engineered for underfloor heating? — A: Yes — engineered oak flooring is commonly specified for underfloor heating due to dimensional stability. Champion Timber
External links:
- <a href="https://www.championtimber.com/timber/planed-oak-hardwood" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Champion Timber — Planed Oak range</a>. Champion Timber
CONCLUSION
SEO snippet : Final recommendations: how to choose Champion Timber products, check grades & dimensions, and confirm sustainability.
Serving both trade professionals and DIY customers, Champion Timber supplies structural softwoods like CLS and C24, alongside decking, hardwoods such as Balau, and a variety of oak products for joinery and flooring projects. Always check finished dimensions, structural grade (e.g., C24), treatment (UC4 when required) and sustainability certifications (FSC/PEFC) before purchase to ensure regulatory and durability needs are met. Champion Timber+1uk.fsc.org
Action checklist (short): Verify finished dimensions (not nominal), request samples for decking, confirm grading (C24 vs CLS), ask for FSC/PEFC evidence for tropical hardwoods, and choose a branch with suitable milling/delivery. Champion Timberuk.fsc.org
LSI keywords: timber buying checklist, timber grade check, finished timber dimensions, FSC timber verification.
Final FAQs :
- Q: Should I trust online product specs? — A: Yes if the merchant provides finished sizes, grade certificates and technical sheets; always cross-check and ask for sample pieces. Champion Timber
- Q: Is FSC certification necessary? — A: For public procurement and sustainability-conscious projects, FSC or PEFC certification is strongly recommended. uk.fsc.org
- Q: Where to do a final check before buying? — A: Visit the branch for samples, verify delivery vehicle access, and request product documentation (grade/treatment/cert). Champion Timber
External links:
- <a href="https://uk.fsc.org/what-is-fsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What is FSC? — Forest Stewardship Council (official)</a>. uk.fsc.org