Where in the UK can I get construction timber for free or extremely cheap?

Question

I've been checking and asking on Freecycle, and have had limited success. Are there any other places where I can get timber for a construction project either free, or nearly free?

Answer 1

Keep your eyes open for building work going on in your area, don't be shy about asking the builders are finished with or if they have any timer they don't want.

A job I had sometime ago was checking the work of apprentices on site, most of these where doing loft conversions and they just through away all excess timber and I'm not kidding if you where persistent you could collect enough to build your own loft conversion.

But be prepared some are not keen on you snooping around. So if there funny just your looking for some cheap construction timber.

Answer 2

in your dreams!

Answer 3

Nothing in life is free. Except trouble. And even that comes at a premium sometimes.

Answer 4

In the woods

Answer 5

Try a construction site at 3:00 am!

Answer 6

rob it from building site !

Answer 7

Building sites need to provide waste transfer tickets for any material that is taken off site that is classified as waste. Proof is required, by law, of where that material has gone.

Any left-over timber that they may have should be sold to you, as so you take ownership of the goods and responsibility thereafter. If you were to take materials and then fly-tip some of them, the contractor would still be held responsible, as the goods officially belong to them.

So in my ramblings.... yes, go to a contractor and try to get timber from them but be aware that if they decline, it's not because they're being awkward, it's probably because they don't want the hassle that could be caused from giving the stuff away.

Answer 8

From any good timber merchant, but go there late at night and wear dark clothing, be prepared to climb walls and to run away fast...

I'm willing to bet in a few years you will be one of these who keep saying... "I'm a pensioner, can I have it cheap?"  Get out your wallet and pay up with a smile on your face.  Be a man my son................

Answer 9

I don't know where you are in the country, but I sometimes work at film or TV studios where sets are being thrown out. If you don't mind stripping them down (they are usually only nailed) I'm sure the previous owners would be delighted if you recycled them, since it would save them some money for disposal.