From choosing the perfect grain and colour contrast to tried-and-tested timber pairings, discover how to make your next piece truly stand out in our contrasting timbers guide.

Our timber buyer, Ian Booker, recently visited France to add some inventory to our oak stocks. We are often asked about how and where we source our timber, so we thought it would be helpful to explain the role of a timber buyer and how/why we source much of our oak from France.

Siberian larch was a popular choice for external cladding due to its durability and affordability, however, since 2022 we have looked to British larch as an excellent alternative.

Discover the definition of conflict timber, how to identify and avoid conflict timber, and the benefits of British larch as a replacement for Siberian larch.

Discover the benefits of green oak cladding for your project. From natural beauty and durability to sustainability and low maintenance, explore why fresh sawn oak is the perfect choice for exterior cladding.

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!

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

In the vast world of timber, some woods stand boldly in the spotlight, while others fade into the background. Jelutong (Dyera costulata), a lesser-known hardwood from the heart of southeast Asia, is one such hidden gem.

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.