UK · Updated 2026 · Price comparison
Reclaimed Structural Timber Cost Comparison Cambridge 2026: Merchant vs Surplus vs Reclaimed
Three ways to buy timber in Cambridge, three very different price tags. This 2026 comparison lays out what you actually pay via merchant, surplus and reclaimed routes across East of England.
Cambridge price bands 2026
| Route | Typical £ | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| New merchant list | £2,100 per m³ | Full-warranty specified jobs |
| Merchant clearance / surplus | £890 per m³ | Trade cost-optimisation |
| Reclaimed | £380–£1,400 per m³ | Heritage matching, low carbon |
Hidden costs to build in
- Delivery — often 5–15% of material cost
- Wastage — allow 5–10% overage
- Installation labour — sometimes higher for reclaimed
- Storage on site if bought early
Which route wins by project type
- Standard extension: surplus wins in Cambridge
- Heritage refurb: reclaimed for matching, planning
- HMO/BTR: surplus and merchant clearance
- Self-build: mix all three by trade package
Collection and delivery inside Cambridge
Most Cambridge sellers hold stock inside CB1, CB2 and CB4 and offer East Anglia next-day pallet £52–£82. For loads over a tonne of timber, a hiab drop is usually more economical than multiple van runs.
Frequently asked questions
+What's the biggest cost lever in Cambridge?
Route choice — merchant to surplus alone typically saves 30–50% on timber.
+Is reclaimed timber structurally graded?
Not automatically — arrange visual regrading (BS 4978) or lab strength testing for load-bearing use.
+Is the cheapest route always right?
No — heritage jobs, warranty-critical spec and public projects each shift the calculus.
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