Dave Stevenson

* New style preasure treated batten is expected July/Agust

One of the pleasures in the building trade is watching the development, and introduction, of new products. They can be radically new such as the DuraPost garden fencing and metal post range. Or alternatively, the product can be simple, but visually exciting, such as planed exterior battens. 

Rise of the timber batten

Softwood timber battens are ideal for outdoor projects and sales have risen accordingly. The key raw material is our favourite slow-grown Scandinavian pine, chosen for its stability and durability. Our planed battens receive a pressure treatment to ensure a long-lasting performance.

Sawn battens can be used, but planed batten normally provides a cleaner and more contemporary appearance. Planed (aka Planed Square Edge PSE) batten is also easier to stain, or varnish, when the fence is completed.

Millboard design and manufacture a wide range of decking, cladding and assocated items. Many of these products are composite - think of the practicallity and strength of engineered materials. Then combine these aesthetics with the appearance of natural products to achieve the appearance of Millboard. 

A finished Millboard decking

By careful use of materials for the sub-frame oit should be posssible to achieve support for the decking levels as and where required. Differend coloured boards can be introduced to create "mood" areas which can then be opened up into play and activity areas for a little parental supervision.

Types of decking sub-frame

Because of the longevity of millboard we should be looking further than

Featheredge boards and fencing

We have always stocked feather-edge boards in large quantities, selected lengths and a choice of widths. Now, because demand has shifted more to 150mm width, we have made additions to our range.  So, lets recap on where we are.

Featheredge width 125mm – making it simpler

The 125mm feather-edge boards are being phased out so we can focus even more on stock lengths of 150mm width.  That means our stocks of 125mm at 1.2 metre, 1.65 metre and 1.8 metre are now obsolete.

Of course, the installer can still overlap the featheredge boards by differing amounts if required. 

Featheredge width 150mm – increasing the range of lengths

This is the real winner, we can now stock even more feather-edge lengths and hopefully reduce the number of cuts that are

There is some compatability between Elka and Quick-Step Match. John Lourenco and Dan Cockram have provided the following listing

Deliveries – Hutton Garden Products

We supply a wide variety of Hutton’s products, from small wooden garden planters up to 16‘ x 16’ timber sheds.  Even though these products are made in Great Britain the transport logistics are quite daunting. We have to balance the costs of what products we keep in stock and the delivery for each item to the customer.

Garden Seating and Picnic Tables

Most of our garden seating and picnic tables are delivered to our Devon, and some of our, Cornwall customers within 5 working days. Devon is a large county, and we must optimise our delivery runs to minimise diesel costs and driving time. Our larger picnic table weigh up to 112kg and the popular WYE table weighs approx. 64kg. Other items include the Hutton Cotswold Garden Bench 5'<

One of the major changes in demand during the last few years has been the “Garden Bar”.   Garden bars have become “a thing” since the Covid pandemic and they look as though they here to stay.

Garden Bars – serving a need

Many of us are apprehensive about welcoming people back into our houses. However demand is being driven by many of us who had forgotten how refreshing the garden can be. Timber garden bars look set to provide the solution by providing a wonderful night out without even leaving the home. Each garden may be different but families are creating outdoor entertainment areas so they can host friends and family at home

Some useful additions for the garden

For a low price introduction some older items of garden furniture could be sanded down and then treated to a coat of paint.  This is a budget friendly approach and also lets the kids engage in planning

You can still buy our popular fence panels. Sourced from Poland and Easern Europe. <br><br>

Feather edge panels are generally quickes to install as long as your customkers aren't too worried about the different height.

Featheregde slats and fence rails provide more flexibility but do tend to take longer. Heights can be graduated to reflect any changes in ground level.

My favourite work clothing

Working outdoors can be demanding at the best of times – with the wrong clothing it can be a real chore.  Wearing the right outdoor clothing helps to protect you from the elements, enhances safety and says something about you as a person or a business. We started stocking Herock Workwear in 2024 and have received some excellent feedback already.

Sound foundations

One of the core principles of outdoor clothing is layering which allows the adjustment of  clothing based on the weather conditions and intensity of work

• The base layer is worn closest to the skin and is responsible for managing moisture. 
• The mid-layer provides insulation and warmth, trapping body heat and providing warmth without being too bulky.
• The o

Welcome to Namgrass, the premier UK supplier of high-quality, sustainable artificial grass products. Whether you’re installing a professional sports pitch, crafting a safe play area, or creating of a serene rooftop garden, Namgrass offers the high performing grass solutions tailored to customer needs. Namgrass' UK stockist and installer network is primed for a wide range of commercial projects.

Namgrass artificial grass is designed with sustainability and professionalism at its core. From the careful selection of materials to the expert installation, every step in the Namgrass process adheres to the highest industry standards, ensuring a product that’s not only visually stunning but also durable and eco-friendly.

Each Namgrass Page has a link to the Namgrass 10 Year Warranty, which answers most questions. For anything else fee

Planning a fence, or a deck, is one thing. Transferring these plans into reality can be another matter.

Timing is everything

Planning a new fence is often taken out of or hands by the weather - weeks of wet-weather followed by a big storm leaves many a garden exposed. Here at Southern Timber we can offer solutions off the shelf, with a choice of fence panel styles and sizes. Timing can be an issue, but our experienced staff can help - advice on the options of ready-made fencing panels or maybe a component fence featuring featheredge slats, round-top pales or square edge slats.

Nobody can plan precisely for the demise of an existing garden fence, but we do our best by keeping large stocks of fencing panels and posts. Fencing stocks are kept at our Newton Abbot base, conveniently located for Exeter, Plymouth and South Hams customers.