British or Imported Timber?

In the UK, 80% of the timber used in construction is currently imported. This was outlined in the previous government’s Timber in Construction roadmap, which aims to boost the use of home-grown, sustainable timber and create new jobs in the industry. However, it is important to note that using imported timber is not  necessarily bad, as long as you source it responsibly.

So, when weighing up your options, which should you choose? Make the decision easier with our guide to British vs imported timber.

Why Choose British Timber

A reliable Oak, a tough Larch or a budget-friendly British Cedar; the world of British timber offers  some brilliant choices for a variety of construction projects. Aside from the timber species on offer, though, why should you go native for your next build?

Reduce your carbon footprint

By opting for British-grown timber, you can drastically reduce the environmental impact of shipping your timber to your project site.

Let’s say, for example, that you are choosing timber grown in Scotland for a project in Brighton, which is one of the longest distances you could choose. The distance covered would be around 500 miles, which – for an average van – would result in 0.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Now, let’s say you are importing timber from the US (one of the UK’s biggest timber suppliers). That is a distance of about 4,000 miles and would need road transport on either side along with either a boat or plane shipment. It is not hard to see how the emissions would start to add up!

Support local industry

Choosing British-grown timber does not just benefit the environment, but also bolsters local economies. In fact, when you buy British timber, you support the livelihoods of many people in the industry, from the tree farmers to the sawmill operators, and the transportation employees who deliver your timber products to your door.

This commitment to local production also reduces reliance on imported materials, fostering greater resilience and self-sufficiency in the construction supply chain.

Traceability and UK standards

The UK is stricter than many other countries when it comes to timber production. We have our own sustainability standards, for example, outlined under the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) which applies to all woodlands. This helps protect our native forests and animal species while balancing environmental and economic priorities.

UK timber is also frequently easier to trace, ensuring you know exactly from where your products have come and how they got to your construction site.

Why Choose Imported Timber

The main perk of imported timber is that it gives you more options in terms of species. You can choose hardwoods such as Greenheart and Cloeziana, for example, which are incredibly durable but do not grow on British soil.

These exotic timbers are ideal for specialised projects requiring extreme strength, durability or unique aesthetics which native species may not provide.

Is Imported Timber Sustainable?

There is no getting around the CO₂ emissions produced when importing timber, which can increase its environmental footprint when compared to British timber. However, that does not mean imported timber is not a sustainable construction material.

It still carries a far smaller carbon footprint than materials such as concrete, steel or plastic. It is also renewable and biodegradable, and has excellent carbon sequestration properties which  can counteract some of the CO₂ emissions from shipping.

Furthermore, many imported timbers – including ours at EcoChoice – come from sustainably managed forests certified by organisations such as the FSC and PEFC. These certifications ensure that the wood is harvested responsibly, with a focus on reforestation, biodiversity and fair labour practices.

When used thoughtfully, imported timber can complement British-grown wood to create versatile, eco-friendly designs while still contributing to sustainable construction practices.

It is also important to remember that deforestation is having a much greater impact in places such as Brazil and Africa than it is here in Britain. If we can maintain the imported timber market by managing those forests sustainably, we reduce the risk of the trees being bulldozed to make way for cattle or palm oil plantations.

Find Eco-Friendly Timber at EcoChoice

Whether you are considering British timber or imported timber, choose the eco option at EcoChoice. All our timber species are sustainably sourced from independently certified forests, keeping the environment at the heart(wood) of your construction project.