Explore the beauty and durability of exotic hardwoods from Asia and Australia. Discover popular species like Yellow Balau & Macassar Ebony, their unique features, and why sustainable sourcing is essential at WL West.

Learn how to build a bespoke oak porch with WL West’s step-by-step guide. Discover the benefits, planning permission requirements, and expert tips for choosing materials, design, and construction.

Learn about the rich history of Maple wood, its unique properties and many diverse applications - from musical instruments to furniture. Explore its environmental benefits and how it’s become an iconic and treasured tree species around the world. Whether you’re a woodworking enthusiast or simply appreciate nature’s wonders, maple is an great choice fro your next project.

How can you use oak wood in your upcoming projects? Here are the top 10 uses for oak wood; from flooring to wine barrels and everything in-between. Read now.

Whether you're considering roofing or cladding, understanding the 6 key differences between timber shingles and timber shakes will help you make an informed choice for your next project - with unique manufacturing processes, aesthetic qualities and installation methods these traditional materials offer sustainable options, timeless charm and can be utilised for contemporary designs.

African hardwoods offer us an incredible choice in terms of their appearance, their properties and their versatile range of applications. In this blog, we focus on six stunning exotic african hardwood timbers that both we (and our customers!) love.

Douglas Fir wood stands out as one of the most versatile and reliable building materials available today. Find out what makes it so special, from its remarkable characteristics to its practical applications and sustainability.

Our retail shop stocks a huge range of native and exotic woods, but elm is special to us and to many of our customers. Explore why.

With increasing popularity, discover the properties and benefits of opting for European larch in your projects.

Read our complete guide on the types of cladding profile, the most appropriate profile for your project, plus top tips on installation!

A pergola can completely change the way you use your garden, but only if you choose the right one. From style and size to purpose and finish, this guide walks you through everything you need to know before you buy, so your new pergola feels like it’s always belonged in your space.

This December 2023, the Government launched a new plan, the ‘Timber in Construction Roadmap’. Discover our thoughts on the roadmap.

Choosing between oak and Douglas Fir isn’t just about appearance - it’s about how your pergola will stand the test of time. This guide explores how each timber ages, weathers and transforms over the years, helping you choose the one that fits your garden and your lifestyle.

In the timber trade it has always been important to understand the differences between species and end use applications. Moreover, one of the most important ways to select a timber for the job is to consider its strength merits when compared and contrasted with other species.

Oak is a popular choice for various woodworking projects, primarily due to its durability, beauty and natural characteristics. However, when it comes to painting oak, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Today, we're delving into the reasons.

Olive wood is a stunning material for many applications. Explore exactly where it derives from, it's properties and it's uses.

Thermo-treated wood vs. tanalised timber, what's better and what are their benefits? Take a read to find out.

Spalted wood is a striking material to use for many wood working projects, but which projects is it most suitable for? Take a read.

Wenge wood has sometimes had a bad name for sustainability, unrightfully so. Take a read to see how wenge wood can be a sustainable choice.

Wondering which type of material is most appropriate for an upcoming external timber cladding project? Wonder no more.