Sourcing timber will come with a whole range of different considerations, but these days one of the most important should always be sustainability. We all need to be more environmentally aware and making sure we get timber from sustainable sources is a key way we can work towards that, and it’s important to choose suppliers wisely—there are two major certifications any merchant should have, so make sure to look out for them if you want to be confident in your choice.

The first is the FSC (or Forest Stewardship Council) certification, with this key standard ensuring that the wood you buy comes from well-managed, protected and sustainable forests. It implements a chain of custody throughout the entire supply chain to ensure you’re getting an environmentally sound solution, with the FSC being committed to protecting the environment as well as the lives of forest-dependent people. Then there’s the PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certified Schemes) standard that provides the necessary assurances that any wood being purchased comes from sustainable sources, with the organisation being dedicated to helping promote the proper management of forests.

Ideally you’ll want to find a supplier that’s achieved both standards, because by choosing a fully-certified merchant you can be confident that you’re not having a negative impact on the environment. This should apply no matter what services you’re actually looking for—whether you’re after basic raw materials or want someone to provide MDF cutting or CNC routing, make sure you choose an environmentally-aware supplier and you can buy with a clear conscience.