- Brookgate, Ashton Vale Trading Estate, Bristol, BS3 2UN
- Contact Us: 0117 963 3136 timber@robbins.co.uk
KAYAK & CANOE CONSTRUCTION
We offer Cedar (Western Red) Strip in either a Bead & Cove or Rapid Strip profile, both of which are primarily used for the construction of kayaks and canoes. The product provides a good strength to weight ratio, long lengths which are typically required and both structural and aesthetic flexibility with regard to design. We have supplied machined strip to many interesting and varied projects over the years!
AVAILABILITY
We machine to order, and can therefore offer complete flexibility to the specification of your project. That said, the most popular finished sizes are as follows.
6 x 20/33/45 mm
9 x 20/33/45 mm
12 x 20/33/45 mm
PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS
We stock and distribute a range of adhesives, epoxy and finishes aimed specifically at the marine environment.
Whatever your specification or target finish, our product range consists of market leading and established brands.
We are appointed UK stockists for all products referenced.
TRADITIONAL QUALITY
For those looking for a more traditional marine fastening, we stock a full range of copper boat nails and roves, silicon bronze gripfast nails and silicon bronze slotted woodscrews.
COPPER
Copper nails, with good resistance to corrosion and high malleability, are well suited to a marine application. In a damp environment, they will become reddish brown in colour and coated with a green patina, which in turn limits corrosion.
SILICON BRONZE
Silicon bronze, an alloy of copper and small amounts of silicon, is a material extremely well suited to a marine environment. Its properties make it resistant to self corrosion, even immersed in seawater and therefore enable it to compete with marine grade stainless steel.
AVAILABILITY
All our marine fastenings are available for collection or delivery, with discounts available for bulk orders.
TIMBER THAT PERFORMS
For any boatbuilding or restoration project, the selection of the right timber for the right application, is critical.
For external applications, where good durability characteristics are paramount, then a tropical timber is likely to be appropriate. Examples include Iroko, Sapele, Utile and Teak (separate section below).
In contrast, for interior fitout most commercially available hardwoods have a role to play, although different species will offer different characteristics and qualities. The most popular species for interior fit-out include Ash, Beech, Cherry, Maple and Oak (European).
AVAILABILITY
We stock, and offer rough sawn or machined to profile, an extensive range of marine grade hardwoods. Please click the link below to read more.
BOATBUILDING QUALITY
All marine plywoods from Robbins Timber are exclusively manufactured to our specifications, are of the highest quality and are approved under one or more of the following respected standards: BS1088, Lloyds Register Type Approval, PS1-95, KOMO Class ‘A’ or ‘C’.
The fact that one board has a standard which another of our boards lacks does not necessarily mean the quality is better or worse, it is usually an indicator of which management system our producing mill is working to. All our marine plywoods are made in mills which have been inspected personally by our Directors, and carry our own guarantee of quality.
If a particular standard or approval is critical for your project, please let us know at the time of order which you require.
We are always happy to discuss which is the appropriate board for your project.
Full details of the above standards are available on request.
TIMBER THAT PERFORMS
For any boatbuilding or restoration project, the selection of the right timber for the right application, is critical.
The commercially available marine grade softwoods each have their own unique characteristics which lend them to certain marine applications.
Durability, strength and weight are the key drivers for most boatbuilders and for the vast majority of projects we can offer an appropriate species.
AVAILABILITY
We stock, and offer rough sawn or machined to profile, the main commercially available marine grade softwoods. Please click the link below to read more.
A PRODUCT IN TRANSITION
Recently imposed sanctions against Myanmar and its timber sector make the import of traditional, highly sought after “old growth Burmese Teak” into the UK (and many other countries) illegal.
UK timber merchants previously involved in the import, processing and distribution of this timber from Myanmar, have for some years been awaiting alternative products to fill the void.
A NEW MINDSET
“Old growth Burmese Teak”, particularly for marine applications, was almost too good! It offered a natural, aesthetic, tight grained, durable material which machined well and aged beautifully. Identifying a direct replacement is tricky, and probably impossible.
The industry is having to think differently, and challenge accepted perceptions or expectations, to solve this problem.
A NEW BREED OF PRODUCTS
Commercially viable alternatives are now available. The product range includes solid, modified and engineered timber solutions.
At Robbins Timber we have, over recent years, met many suppliers and tested many of these products, both in house and working with our established marine customer base.
View Teak & Alternatives page.
