Sharing Timber Market Expertise

Late in 2019 the Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) and The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) joined forces under a partnership agreement aimed at strengthening the market for timber cladding and decking.

The partnership will work similarly to the agreement currently in place between TDCA and the Wood Protection Association (WPA) and the three bodies will work together on projects of mutual interest whilst still maintaining their individual identities and operating as independent trade bodies. The TTF’s membership includes timber importers, merchants, agents and manufacturers and covers a large proportion of all the products and timber technologies that operate within the sector. TDCA is a smaller, technically orientated organisation but a proportion of members also support the TTF or do business with TTF member companies – sharing common ground. “By aligning with TTF, TDCA will extend its reach,” said Janet Sycamore, director of operations at TDCA. “In turn, the TTF recognises the value of the TDCA, as industry experts who can provide them with the resources to achieve their current objectives on both cladding and decking,”

TDCA and TTF will work together on planned projects of mutual interest that can benefit members of both organisations, wider target audiences and the general benefit of the timber industry. As well as scheduled meetings, paths cross regularly at industry events and trade meetings, so when the potential for working together or sharing knowledge arise, they can make the most of the opportunity. The partnership will initially focus on specifier and buyer education to raise awareness and confidence in the timber cladding and decking sectors. The move aligns with TTF’s plans to focus on market-facing educational activities. A series of TTF working groups are looking in depth at cladding, flooring and engineered wood products sectors. Output from these groups 

Style on Show at Newmarket Barn Home

James Latham supplied charred Accoya and Western Red Cedar which has been used as cladding in the part rebuilding, extension and conversion of a former agricultural building to create a barn-style home in Newmarket.

Cambridge-based NP Architects, an award-winning RIBA Chartered Practice, was commissioned to carry out the conversion and Arnold & Willis Construction was appointed as the main contractor.

The main steel-framed barn has been retained as a double height space and re-clad in corrugated steel, whilst the lower wings have been rebuilt in a courtyard arrangement and clad in charred Accoya. Large openings have been introduced to frame views and form a strong connection with the wider landscape from within. Charred timber cladding is a modern application of the ancient Japanese art of charring timber to provide a beautiful and longlasting timber cladding and this is a technique that Shou Sugi Ban has perfected. Hidden from the exterior view is a centrally located courtyard, where a change of materials offers a softer palette giving a more homely feel. The raw unfinished Western Red Cedar creates a unique and distinctive fragrance. Justin Hayward, James Latham’s technical timber sales development manager, added: “The reaction to Shou Sugi Ban from the market has been astonishing, it really does have the wow factor and enquiries and indeed orders are growing by the day. Charred timber cladding is becoming increasingly popular in the specification market. Traditional techniques are used to give uniqueness to each individual project and there are lots of finishes and textures available for both interior and exterior projects – from the traditional , highly charred, heavily textured looking cladding to the sleek and contemporary finish.

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Transforming Decking

Timber treatment company WJ Group has expanded its DeckWright anti-slip range to include a full service deck board. With a vision to be the market leader in high quality timber engineering and ethical timber treatments, they provide innovative products and services to customers in the timber and leisure homebuilding markets.

Transforming standard deck boards into fully tested and safe non-slip surfaces, the new service from WJ removes the burden of costly haulage and minimum order quantities by delivering them directly to their customer’s doors. Uniquely created from a specially formulated combination of resin and aggregate, DeckWright Anti-Slip is a robust solution to the many hazards posed in slippery conditions.

As part of the new full anti-slip service, WJ machine the timber to an exact customer profile, before applying anti-slip using a controlled process in one of their dedicated treatment facilities. Deck boards can then also be impregnated with any additional preservative treatments needed ahead of being delivered directly to the customer’s chosen address – and with treatment facilities in Hull and Rochester, WJ can provide the service to both the north and south of the UK.

Independently-tested and approved to health and safety standards, DeckWright comes with a five-year warranty, and has been awarded with a ‘DeckMark Plus performance rated product’ by the Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA). The anti-slip also secured a pendulum test value (PTV) score of 71, resulting in a ‘low slip potential’ status, as awarded by Health & Safety Executive. PTV is a measurement of how slippery a surface is and calculates slip-resistance with 0-18 very low slip-resistance, 18-25 moderate slip-resistance, 25-36 good slip-resistance and 36+ rated as excellent slip-resistance.

Mark Eggleston, Managing Director at WJ Group, said: “As a business that always puts its customers first, providing a full antislip service seemed like a natural progression for WJ. Managing the process from start to finish takes away any unnecessary hassle from our customers and enables us to give the best possible customer service along industry leading products.”

aims to issue guidance on avoiding risks, setting standards and timber species and specification. As part of this education a series of roadshows are planned to engage with trade and specifiers and the TDCA will attend key shows, providing knowledge, experience and resources. TDCA is also currently taking the lead in collaboration with TTF on a publication about timber cladding which will be available later in 2020.

“The partnership with TDCA, who are recognised industry experts, brings significant benefits and widening opportunities to TTF, WPA and our respective members,” said David Hopkins TTF managing director. “The knowledgeable and experienced TDCA team can provide the resources to achieve TTF’s current objectives on both cladding and decking.”

Janet Sycamore added: “Our directors were strongly in favour of a strategic alliance with TTF, recognising the benefits of expanding the reach of TDCA to a wider audience. Initially the agreement was to help TTF implement a programme of education for timber cladding, but we also aim to include decking under the same arrangement. We are excited by the opportunities that working together will bring. “TDCA is mindful of future threats and opportunities influenced by outside forces, which may affect members and the industry as a whole, from Brexit, which has the potential

to change the way in which timber can be imported/exported to changing building regulations in the aftermath of Grenfell which continue to evolve and impact timber in construction. Not forgetting the looming climate greatest asset in all this is wood. Timber is a historical material which has stood the test of time, but it has never been more relevant than today. It has proven advantages which benefit the environment, the economy, the

Timber is a historical material which has stood the test of time, but it has never been more relevant than today. It has proven advantages which benefit the environment, the economy, the construction industry and our health and well-being. In addition, innovative wood protection technologies extend the service life of timber and increase its performance capabilities in many applications.”

emergency which is increasingly affecting our everyday choices – as individuals and businesses – in terms of carbon footprints, sustainability and our reliance on plastics.

“This alliance allows us to respond and act as a collective. By working together in this manner, it gives our industry a greater voice. TTF, WPA and TDCA sit on many trade boards and working groups governing technical standards and policy making, which means we are in a greater position to influence. Our construction industry and our health and wellbeing. In addition, innovative wood protection technologies extend the service life of timber and increase its performance capabilities in many applications.”

The TDCA will continue to promote and advocate the use of timber for decking and cladding applications and through strong partnerships with such trade organisations as TTF, extend its reach to further educate and advise on best practice and quality.

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DRESSED FOR THE OCCASION

As a company initially set up to cater for the interior fit out sector, it may seem odd that Dresser Mouldings would feature highly on the agenda of the Timber Decking and Cladding Association. However, as the newest member of the ever-innovative James Latham Group, it seems they could actually bring a much sought-after service to a far wider and more relevant spectrum of customers.

Based in a cavernous disused railway station in Rochdale, Lancashire, Dresser are probably best known for their architectural mouldings, carvings, bespoke timber profiles and stair parts. It was products such as these that sparked the formation of the company back in the 1980s, as premium quality timber components proved hard to find off the shelf. With many years and an extensive portfolio of high-profile projects under their belt, it’s safe to say that Dresser had formed something of a niche for themselves. They even produced bespoke components for a number of Hollywood films that required grand, sweeping staircases and elaborate wooden decors and panelling.

It was when Dresser started turning their attention to bespoke cladding profiles that things became a little more interesting to the Latham group. Acting as in-house processors for the many timber cladding materials such as Accoya, Thermowood and Red Grandis that Lathams were promoting to architects, specifiers and designers, it became clear that they were capable of much more than matching historic interior timber profiles.

As well as producing unique profiles, Dresser also have a huge finishing and coating facility. This offers bespoke surface treatments and textures such as wire and nylon brushing to enhance or alter grain patterns or provide weathered and rustic appearances. From a coatings perspective, the story gets even more appealing, with the factory hosting both vacuum and spray facilities, allowing a host of colours and finishes from some of the world’s largest coating manufacturers. Taking this one step further, together, the two businesses have developed their own exclusive selection of claddings, factory finished in the innovative Sansin range of water-borne, environmentally friendly, wood protection finishes and treatments.

With the wealth of experience and knowledge gained by bringing the two companies together, the Dresser cladding portfolio not only features great products, but industry leading pre and post installation support. From liaison with architects or designers, through to working with installers during erection, the Latham team ensure the chosen system meets the requirements of everyone involved in the design and build process. James Latham Group see great things for the Dresser division and it’s not hard to see why.

For more details, email info@latham.co.uk or visit lathamtimber.co.uk