Sector information: timber trade

There are different types of lumberyards, varying in the nature of their operations, specializations and market segments. Here are some common types of lumberyards:

• General lumberyards: These trading companies offer a wide range of wood products, including lumber, board, beam lumber, and other general wood products. They typically serve a variety of customers, from contractors to individuals.
• Specialist lumberyards: Some lumberyards specialize in specific wood species, sizes, or applications. For example, a trade specializing in hardwood, veneer, or lumber for specific industries such as furniture or shipbuilding.
• Building Material Traders: These trading companies not only focus on lumber, but offer a wide range of building materials, including lumber, cement, insulation materials, and more.
• Sawmills: Sawmills are involved in sawing and processing raw wood into various wood products. Some lumberyards may have their own sawmills.
• Online lumberyards: With the rise of e-commerce, there are online lumber stores that deliver wood products directly to customers over the Internet. Customers can order lumber online and have it delivered.
• Eco-friendly lumberyards: These trading companies emphasize sustainable forest management and offer wood products sourced from sustainable sources or recycled materials.
• Exotic timber merchants: Some lumberyards specialize in trading exotic wood, which comes from tropical or other specific regions. This wood is often used for high-end applications such as luxury furniture.
• Lumber shops with processing facilities: Some lumber stores have their own machining facilities where they can customize wood products, such as planing, profiling or sawing to size.
• Wood importers and exporters: businesses that specialize in international trade, importing wood products from other countries to sell in the domestic market, or vice versa.
• Wood recycling businesses: These businesses focus on collecting and recycling wood waste to produce new wood products or contribute to environmentally friendly practices.

What to look out for when buying a woodshop

When considering buying a lumberyard, there are several important aspects to consider. Here are some essential considerations:

• Inventory management: Analyze lumberyard inventory management. Look at the turnover rate of stock, the quality of wood, and any obsolete stock.
• Supplier Relationships: Analyze vendor relationships. Check for long-term contracts, reliability of suppliers and possible risks related to timber supply.
• Wood quality: Assess the quality of the wood offered. Make sure it meets the relevant standards and that there is enough diversity in wood types to meet different needs.
• Sustainability Practices: Research the sustainability practices of the lumberyard, especially when it comes to the sources of the wood. Sustainable forest management is important for environmentally conscious business practices.