UK facing timber shortage 'well into 2021'

Disruption caused by COVID-19, combined with huge domestic demand for timber during lockdown, has already affected its availability. 

And now the Timber Trade Federation says strain on the supply of timber will continue until at least the second quarter of 2021, according to Construction News.

A sharp increase in the number of coronavirus cases in Sweden, the biggest exporter of timber to the UK, have seen delivery crews having to self-isolate, adding to an already strained situation. Companies are being advised to plan well in advance if they require timber for projects.

Timer Trade Federation chief executive, David Hopkins, said: "It is understandable that many customers should be surprised by, and angry about, the new reality we are facing together. The reported price inflation has also made it difficult for some manufacturers to accurately price projects for customers. 

"We would like to reassure the wider sector that volume supplies are available, though on much longer lead times than we have all been used to. This situation will be with us well into 2021, so we advise contacting your suppliers to discuss meeting your needs for the year ahead. 

"The challenge going forward will be to achieve the balanced product mix needed by the market, a factor which may be further complicated by the haulage demands and new customs and plant health procedures engendered by Brexit."

This article originally appeared on Architects' Journal, written by Ian Weinfass