subject: Completing Diy Jobs [print this page] When it comes to home improvement and DIY, finding the right tools for the job is almost as important as sourcing the best materials. But although you might be tempted to muddle through with a less than perfect saw, or slightly worn screwdriver, there are few handymen, trade professionals or home owners who would be prepared to make do with substandard bricks or timber. More than a false economy, the very fabric of your home could become unstable if you try to cut corners and opt for materials that not only undo all the time and hard work you have put in, but actively damage existing structures. Timber is a good case in point as it can be so vital to the structural integrity of our homes, but can also easily rot and perish if not sourced from a reputable supplier.
There are a wide number of timber suppliers, but finding one you can trust is about more than just good customer service. Many firms may be keen to help you with advice and support, but don"t ultimately know exactly where their wood is sourced from, how it"s been matured or the effect that certain conditions will have on it. Large and reputable firms are the best to turn to as they often have total control over the supply chain and, in many cases, are actively part of the creation, development and supply of the timbers they stock. Arnold Laver, Jewsons and Travis Perkins are examples of large companies that put a lot of effort into guaranteeing the very best quality, along with a sustainable environmental policy that seeks to minimise damage to the environment. Arnold Laver, in particular, have made considerable investments into sustainable development, having drawn up principles of sourcing materials from legal and well managed forests and mills. All of their products have been independently verified as being ecologically sound.
Whether you source your building materials from a large multinational such as Arnold Laver or a small High Street retailer, it is wise to check the returns policy of goods. Where products such as timber have been cut to size, it"s not always possible to return them, so take the time to make sure they"re suitable for the job in hand. As the old saying goes, "measure twice and cut once". Nascent DIYers should take note that this maxim is as applicable to the type of timber as it is to the size of it: as there are a wide range of products available and not all of them will be able to handle the rigors of external and structural use.
