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Are brise soleil and louvres different?
Brise soleil and louvres are essentially the same feature, as both are designed to control sunlight and reduce heat inside your home. The term brise soleil simply comes from French and means “sun breaker,” which perfectly describes how the system works. Whether you call them louvres or brise soleil, they create a modern design detail that improves comfort and energy efficiency.
Can I choose a bespoke colour for my cladding?
Yes, our Cape Cod cladding can be supplied in any colour of your choice. Once your colour is created, we store it in our archive for future use, making it easy to match for repairs or extensions later. This gives you complete flexibility to achieve the perfect finish for your home.
Can I choose a reversible decking profile?
Yes, our Thermowood decking is available in a reversible profile, giving you complete flexibility over the look and feel of your outdoor space. Choose a smooth finish on both sides for a sleek, contemporary appearance, or opt for a grooved surface on one side with a smooth reverse for added grip and versatility. This allows you to select the face that best suits your style, while still enjoying the durability and low-maintenance benefits Thermowood is known for.
Can shingles and shakes be painted?
Yes, Cedar shingles and shakes can be painted using a specially formulated water-based paint for long-lasting protection and colour. For added convenience, Benchmark Timber can factory-paint them before delivery, ensuring a flawless finish and saving you time on site.
Can you supply timber in set lengths?
Yes, at Benchmark Timber, we can provide timber cut to your required lengths to help reduce waste on site and make installation easier. This service is ideal for achieving a precise fit and saving time during your project.
Can your decking be installed without visible fixings?
Yes, our decking can be installed without visible fixings. We offer both traditional face fixed options and secret fixing systems, allowing you to create a clean, seamless deck with no screws on show. Whether you choose hardwood decking boards or softwood decking boards, we can supply the right fixing method to achieve a durable, modern outdoor finish.
Do you deliver nationwide?
Benchmark Timber offers reliable timber delivery across the UK. We operate our own fleet of vehicles and work with trusted haulage partners to ensure your order reaches you wherever you are. We’ll arrange the right vehicle size and offload option for your site, making delivery smooth and hassle-free.
Do you supply fixings for your decking?
Yes, if you’re choosing our secret fixed decking profile, we provide the correct clips and fixings to ensure a secure and professional installation. This makes it easy to achieve a clean, seamless finish without visible screws.
Does our timber cladding comply with fire regulations?
Most of our timber cladding species can achieve Euroclass B fire rating with an additional treatment process. This ensures compliance with building regulations while maintaining the natural beauty of your timber. Get in touch with Benchmark Timber for expert advice and to find out which options are best suited to your project.
How do I install the timber I’ve purchased from Benchmark Timber?
We make installation easy by providing detailed guides with step-by-step instructions for fitting your timber cladding correctly. These guides ensure you achieve a professional finish and maximise the lifespan of your timber. If you need extra help, our expert team is always available to offer advice and support.
How do shakes differ from shingles?
Shakes and shingles differ mainly in how they are made and the look they create. Shingles are sawn on both sides, giving a neat, uniform finish, while shakes are split on one side, making them thicker with a more textured, rustic appearance. Both are durable options for roofs and outdoor structures and work well for traditional or heritage style projects.
How long does Sivalbp® timber cladding last?
Sivalbp timber cladding is designed for long lasting performance because it is made from naturally durable species sourced from responsibly managed forests. Its protective coating helps shield the timber, although the lifespan can vary depending on sunlight and exposure. In most cases, you can expect Sivalbp cladding to last between 25 and 40 years or more, giving you a reliable exterior finish for decades.
How quickly can you deliver timber products?
Delivery times depend on the product, but if the timber is in stock, we normally deliver within around five days. Made to order items like machined timber usually take a little longer, and additional treatments such as coatings or fire protection may add extra time, but we always keep you updated. As trusted timber merchants and a timber supplier UK wide, we provide fast, reliable timber delivery for everything from hardwood timber and softwood timber to bespoke profiles.
I want a specific cladding profile, but I can’t find it on the website – can you help?
Yes, we can definitely help if you need a cladding profile that isn’t shown on the website. Our on site tool room allows us to create bespoke profiles, so we can produce the exact shape or style you are looking for. Whether you want a custom design or need to match an existing profile, we can machine your cladding to suit your project perfectly.
Is timber from Benchmark Timber sustainable?
Yes, all timber supplied by Benchmark is sustainably sourced. We hold full Chain of Custody certification and offer FSC timber and PEFC approved products, meaning every piece comes from responsibly managed forests. Whether you need timber cladding UK, construction timber or bespoke profiles, you can feel confident you are choosing a premium, eco friendly option from trusted timber merchants.
Can I request a sample before ordering?
Absolutely, we’re happy to provide samples so you can see the quality of our timber before making a decision. Simply email us at enquiries@benchmarktimber.co.uk with your request or fill our sample request form and our team will arrange this for you quickly.
What are the benefits of using brise soleil?
Brise soleil helps keep your home naturally cooler by blocking strong sunlight before it reaches your windows, which reduces overheating and lowers the need for air conditioning. This makes your home more energy efficient while supporting a more sustainable way of living. It also adds a modern architectural feature that looks great and improves overall comfort.
What are timber shingles and shakes typically used for?
Wood shingles and shakes are typically used on heritage or prestige projects, including traditional roofs, church spires and decorative features on historic buildings. They are also a popular choice for garden structures like summer houses, stables and gazebos, adding a natural, traditional look. Made from quality timber, they offer a durable and attractive finish for a wide range of outdoor projects.
What is a louvre and what does it do?
A louvre is a timber feature designed to let natural light and fresh air into your home while reducing heat and strong sunlight. This helps improve ventilation and makes your home more energy efficient without relying on artificial cooling. It also creates a sleek, contemporary look that enhances comfort indoors.
What is the minimum order requirement?
There is no strict minimum order with Benchmark, so we can supply anything from a single metre of timber to large project quantities. Very small orders may include a machine set up charge, but we will always let you know beforehand. If your project only needs a small amount, we may already have a suitable stock option available, and we offer nationwide timber delivery to make ordering as easy as possible.
What lengths can I get Thermowood decking in?
Our Thermowood decking boards are available in 3.9 metre, 4.2 metre and 4.5 metre lengths, giving you plenty of flexibility when planning your outdoor space. These longer boards help create a durable, stylish deck with fewer visible joins for a cleaner finish.
What louvre design options can I choose from?
You can choose from several louvre designs, including aerofoil, rectangular, bullet and trapezoidal profiles, giving you plenty of options to match your style. We also offer perforated louvres if you want a balance of natural light, shading and outdoor views. All designs create a modern architectural feature and are made from quality timber for long lasting performance.
What types of timber do you stock?
We stock a wide range of timber, including popular options such as Cedar, Douglas Fir, homegrown species and thermally modified timbers, giving you plenty of choice for your project. Alongside this, we also supply premium ranges such as Cape Cod and Sivalbp for customers looking for distinctive, sustainably sourced finishes. Fire-treated options are available across selected timber ranges where additional performance is required.
Why choose wood shingles and shakes for your project?
Wood shingles and shakes provide natural insulation, helping garden rooms, seating areas and small outdoor buildings retain warmth year-round. Their timeless, rustic appearance works well on roofs and traditional structures. Durable and versatile, they’re ideal for heritage projects, summer houses and gazebos.
Why does Cape Cod® cladding have a longer coating warranty than other timbers?
Cape Cod cladding has a longer coating warranty because each board is made from carefully selected timber and goes through a strict factory preparation process before being finished. The water based acrylic coating is oven dried for maximum strength, and the textured surface helps the paint adhere securely. This combination creates a durable, long lasting finish that outperforms standard timber coatings.