Reclaimed Structural Timber Buyer's Checklist London 2026

Before you go

• Ring ahead — confirm the timber is still on the yard
• Ask for photos of the exact stock
• Confirm price per unit and total
• Route-plan to the London yard, factor in weight for return trip

On the yard

• Dense, slow-grown fibre — often 30–50% stronger than modern C16
• Air-dried for decades — dimensionally stable
• Nail holes and character marks add heritage patina

Payment protection

• Prefer card over cash for larger buys
• Get an invoice with VAT number where applicable
• Photograph loaded vehicle before leaving
• Keep receipts against manufacturer warranty (surplus)

Collection and delivery inside London

Most London sellers hold stock inside N, E, SE and SW postcodes and offer same-day van hire from £120; hiab drops £180–£280. For loads over a tonne of timber, a hiab drop is usually more economical than multiple van runs.