Short answer: Take this checklist when you buy garden timber at a timber merchant: project type, species, ground contact yes/no, sizes, cutting, fasteners and delivery date. That prevents ending up with half a fence before you notice the posts are too short.
Full buying guide: buy garden timber. Merchant or garden centre: explained.
1. Project in one sentence
Write: “Fence 18 m, 180 cm high, no ground contact for the boards” or “Deck 4×5 m on joists”. Without that sentence every species is “maybe fine”.
2. Choose the species
- Above ground, warm look → Douglas
- Budget / posts → impregnated
- Heavy or permanent ground contact → hardwood
Overview: timber species · outdoor: species for outdoors.
3. Check ground contact
Posts in the ground differ from weatherboard above. Read durability classes before you order.
4. Sizes and cutting
Note lengths and thicknesses. Ask if the merchant cuts to size. At Jan Sok we do - send sizes via quote or material calculation.
5. Delivery and collection
Plan collection in Meppel or delivery. Truck deliveries are scheduled with you - see lead time.
6. Final check
- Does the order show the correct species name?
- Which screws/post bases come with it?
- What happens if you are short or have leftovers?
Choosing a supplier: choosing a timber merchant in the Netherlands.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to the timber merchant?
Sizes, a sketch or photos, and whether there is ground contact. Too much context beats too little.
Can I order garden timber online with the same checklist?
Yes. Follow the same steps and put questions in your quote request. The checklist works online and at the yard.
What is the biggest mistake when buying garden timber?
Buying boards first and only then discovering posts or fasteners do not fit - or putting Douglas in permanent ground contact.