Timber procurement in European construction operates across a complex network of forests, sawmills, processing plants, and logistics chains spanning from the boreal forests of Scandinavia to the construction sites of Western Europe. Understanding lead times — and the factors that influence them — is essential for any builder or project manager working with structural timber.
This guide provides a practical, country-by-country reference for timber delivery times across Europe, covering all major product types and offering strategies to keep your project on programme.
The European Timber Supply Chain
Production Geography
Europe's timber production is concentrated in a band stretching from Scandinavia through the Baltic states, Central Europe, and into the Alpine regions:
| Region | Primary Products | Annual Production (sawn softwood) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | C24 structural, glulam, CLT | 18.5 million m³ |
| Finland | C24 structural, plywood, LVL | 11.2 million m³ |
| Germany | Glulam, CLT, structural timber | 21.8 million m³ |
| Austria | Glulam, CLT, KVH | 10.1 million m³ |
| Poland | Structural timber, pallet wood | 4.8 million m³ |
| Latvia/Lithuania | Structural timber, planed products | 6.2 million m³ |
| Romania | Structural timber, hardwoods | 3.1 million m³ |
| Czech Republic | Structural timber, glulam | 3.4 million m³ |
Supply Chain Stages
Every timber delivery passes through these stages, each adding time:
- Forest harvesting → 0 days (continuous, from standing stock)
- Log transport to sawmill → 1–5 days
- Sawing and initial drying → 7–21 days (kiln drying to 18–20%)
- Further processing (planing, grading, treatment) → 3–7 days
- Engineering/manufacturing (for glulam, CLT) → 14–56 days
- Order processing and scheduling → 3–7 days
- Loading and transport → 2–14 days (depending on mode and distance)
- Customs/port handling (if applicable) → 1–5 days
- Final delivery to site → 1–2 days
For stock items (standard C24 sections), stages 1–4 are already complete — the product sits in warehouse ready for dispatch. For made-to-order products (glulam beams, CLT panels), stages 4–5 represent the critical manufacturing time.
Country-by-Country Lead Time Guide
Sweden
Sweden is Europe's largest exporter of structural softwood, with highly efficient sawmill and logistics infrastructure.
| Product | Lead Time to Western Europe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| C24 structural (stock sizes) | 2–3 weeks | Large stockholding in Swedish ports |
| C24 non-standard lengths | 4–6 weeks | Requires sawmill scheduling |
| Glulam (standard sections) | 4–6 weeks | Multiple manufacturers |
| Glulam (custom/curved) | 8–12 weeks | Design approval required first |
| CLT panels | 12–16 weeks | Limited Swedish CLT capacity |
| Planed/treated timber | 3–5 weeks | Treatment adds 1–2 weeks |
Transport: Sea freight from Swedish ports (Gothenburg, Karlshamn, Gävle) to UK/Netherlands/Belgium takes 3–5 days. Road transport to Germany/Denmark takes 2–3 days.
Seasonal factors: Swedish sawmills typically shut for maintenance in weeks 28–30 (July) and weeks 51–52 (Christmas). Order before these periods or expect 2-week delays.
Finland
Finland specialises in high-quality structural timber, plywood, and LVL products.
| Product | Lead Time to Western Europe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| C24 structural (stock) | 3–4 weeks | Slightly longer sea routes |
| LVL (Kerto) | 6–10 weeks | Specialist product, limited producers |
| Plywood (structural) | 4–6 weeks | Large production capacity |
| Glulam | 6–8 weeks | Fewer manufacturers than Sweden |
| Thermowood (modified) | 4–6 weeks | Specialist treatment process |
Transport: Sea freight from Finnish ports (Kotka, Rauma, Helsinki) to Western Europe takes 5–7 days. Winter ice conditions (January–March) can add 2–3 days to Baltic Sea routes.
Germany
Germany is Europe's largest timber market and a major producer of engineered timber products.
| Product | Lead Time (domestic/neighbouring countries) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| C24 structural (stock) | 1–2 weeks | Extensive distribution network |
| KVH (solid structural timber) | 2–4 weeks | German-specific product |
| Glulam (standard) | 3–5 weeks | Many manufacturers |
| Glulam (custom) | 6–10 weeks | Design-dependent |
| CLT panels | 8–14 weeks | Growing capacity |
| BSH beams | 4–6 weeks | Standard production |
Transport: Road delivery within Germany takes 1–2 days. To neighbouring countries (Netherlands, Belgium, France, Poland) add 1–3 days.
For BSH glued laminated beams, German and Austrian manufacturers offer the most competitive lead times due to concentrated production capacity and established logistics networks.
Austria
Austria punches above its weight in engineered timber, with world-leading CLT and glulam manufacturers.
| Product | Lead Time to Western Europe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CLT panels | 10–14 weeks | Major CLT production hub |
| Glulam (standard) | 4–6 weeks | High capacity |
| Glulam (large section/curved) | 8–14 weeks | Specialist capability |
| Brettstapel (dowel-lam) | 8–12 weeks | Niche product |
| C24 structural | 2–4 weeks | Primarily for domestic market |
Transport: Road from Austria to Western Europe takes 2–4 days. Alpine routes can be affected by winter weather (November–March) and weekend driving bans for heavy vehicles.
Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia)
The Baltic states offer competitive pricing with reasonable lead times for standard structural products.
| Product | Lead Time to Western Europe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| C24 structural (stock) | 2–4 weeks | Growing export capacity |
| Planed structural timber | 3–5 weeks | Good planing capacity |
| Glulam (standard) | 5–8 weeks | Developing capability |
| Treated timber | 4–6 weeks | CCA and copper-based |
| Cladding/decking | 3–5 weeks | Competitive pricing |
Transport: Sea freight from Riga/Klaipeda to UK takes 4–6 days. Road to Germany/Poland takes 2–3 days. Rail options available for large volumes.
Poland
Poland is a significant timber producer with proximity advantages for Central and Western European markets.
| Product | Lead Time to Western Europe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| C24 structural | 2–3 weeks | Large production, close proximity |
| Construction timber (general) | 1–3 weeks | Extensive sawmill network |
| Glulam | 5–8 weeks | Growing manufacturing sector |
| Pallet and packaging timber | 1–2 weeks | Major producer |
| Hardwoods (oak, beech) | 4–8 weeks | Significant hardwood resource |
Transport: Road from Poland to Germany takes 1–2 days, to Netherlands/Belgium 2–3 days, to UK 3–5 days (including Channel crossing).
Romania
Romania offers hardwood species and competitive softwood pricing, but with longer and less predictable lead times.
| Product | Lead Time to Western Europe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood structural | 4–6 weeks | Less developed logistics |
| Hardwood (oak, beech, ash) | 6–10 weeks | Significant resource |
| Glulam | 8–12 weeks | Limited manufacturing |
Transport: Road from Romania to Western Europe takes 3–5 days. Border crossings and infrastructure quality can add variability.
Lead Times by Product Type
Standard Structural Timber (C24)
| Scenario | Lead Time | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Stock sizes, local distributor | 3–5 days | 47×100 to 47×225, lengths 2.4–4.8 m |
| Stock sizes, direct from mill | 2–3 weeks | Full packs (typically 3–5 m³ minimum) |
| Non-standard sizes | 4–8 weeks | Requires sawmill scheduling |
| Non-standard lengths (>6 m) | 4–8 weeks | Limited availability |
| Fire-retardant treated | +2–4 weeks | Additional processing step |
| Preservative treated | +1–2 weeks | Standard treatment process |
Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam/BSH)
| Scenario | Lead Time | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard sections (stock) | 4–6 weeks | 100×200 to 200×600, straight |
| Standard sections (made to order) | 6–8 weeks | Any rectangular section |
| Large sections (>200 mm wide) | 8–12 weeks | Specialist pressing equipment |
| Curved beams | 10–16 weeks | Requires bending jig fabrication |
| Tapered beams | 8–12 weeks | CNC machining after pressing |
| With steel connections factory-fitted | +2–3 weeks | Coordination with metalwork supplier |
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)
| Scenario | Lead Time | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard panels (design complete) | 10–14 weeks | Manufacturing + delivery |
| Complex panels (many openings) | 12–16 weeks | Extended CNC time |
| Large panels (>12 m length) | 14–20 weeks | Special transport arrangement |
| With factory-applied insulation | +2–3 weeks | Additional processing |
| Design development phase | +6–12 weeks | Before manufacturing starts |
Specialist Products
| Product | Lead Time | Source |
|---|---|---|
| LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) | 6–10 weeks | Finland, Germany |
| Accoya (modified timber) | 6–10 weeks | Netherlands |
| Thermowood | 4–8 weeks | Finland, Baltic states |
| Kebony (modified timber) | 8–12 weeks | Norway |
| Hardwood decking (tropical) | 8–16 weeks | Via European importers |
Transport Modes and Timing
Road Transport
Road is the default for most European timber deliveries:
| Route | Transit Time | Maximum Load |
|---|---|---|
| Within country (<500 km) | 1 day | 24–26 tonnes |
| Neighbouring country (500–1500 km) | 2–3 days | 24–26 tonnes |
| Cross-Europe (1500–2500 km) | 3–5 days | 24–26 tonnes |
| To UK (including ferry/tunnel) | +1 day | 24–26 tonnes |
Constraints: Weekend driving bans in Germany, Austria, France (Saturday afternoon to Sunday evening for vehicles >7.5 tonnes). Plan deliveries to avoid weekend transit through these countries.
Sea Freight
Sea transport is cost-effective for large volumes from Scandinavia and the Baltic:
| Route | Transit Time | Vessel Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden → UK (east coast) | 3–4 days | Ro-Ro or bulk carrier |
| Finland → UK | 5–7 days | Bulk carrier |
| Baltic states → UK | 4–6 days | Container or bulk |
| Sweden → Netherlands/Belgium | 2–3 days | Short-sea shipping |
Add 2–3 days for port handling (unloading, customs, onward transport).
Rail Transport
Rail is increasingly used for sustainable logistics:
| Route | Transit Time | Minimum Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Scandinavia → Central Europe | 5–7 days | Full wagon (60–70 m³) |
| Baltic states → Germany | 4–6 days | Full wagon |
| Austria → Northern Europe | 3–5 days | Full wagon |
Rail requires intermodal transfer (rail to road) for final delivery, adding 1–2 days.
Strategies to Reduce Lead Times
1. Early Procurement Planning
The single most effective strategy is starting procurement early:
| Project Stage | Action |
|---|---|
| RIBA Stage 2 (Concept) | Identify timber products needed, budget pricing |
| RIBA Stage 3 (Developed Design) | Engage preferred suppliers, confirm availability |
| RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design) | Place orders for long-lead items (CLT, glulam) |
| RIBA Stage 5 (Construction) | Call off standard timber from framework agreements |
2. Design for Stock Availability
Design with standard available sections to avoid manufacturing delays:
Standard C24 sections (always in stock):
- 47 × 100, 47 × 125, 47 × 150, 47 × 175, 47 × 200, 47 × 225 mm
- 75 × 150, 75 × 200, 75 × 225 mm
- Standard lengths: 2.4, 3.0, 3.6, 4.2, 4.8, 5.4, 6.0 m
Standard glulam sections (typically in stock):
- Widths: 90, 115, 140, 160, 185, 200 mm
- Depths: 200, 225, 270, 315, 360, 405, 450, 500, 600 mm
3. Multiple Supplier Relationships
Maintain relationships with 2–3 suppliers for each product type:
- Primary supplier for best pricing on bulk orders
- Secondary supplier for urgent/small orders
- Alternative source in different country for supply security
4. Buffer Stock Strategy
For projects with tight programmes, consider holding buffer stock:
- Order 5–10% additional standard sections at project start
- Store on site or at local distributor
- Use for variations, damage replacement, or programme acceleration
- Return unused stock at project end (agree terms in advance)
5. Procurement Schedule Template
| Week | Action | Product | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| −20 | Order CLT panels | CLT | 14 weeks |
| −16 | Order glulam beams | Glulam | 10 weeks |
| −12 | Order metalwork connections | Steel | 6 weeks |
| −8 | Order structural timber (bulk) | C24 | 4 weeks |
| −4 | Order secondary timber | C24/C16 | 2 weeks |
| −2 | Confirm delivery dates | All | — |
| 0 | First delivery to site | C24 structural | — |
| +1 | Glulam delivery | Glulam | — |
| +2 | CLT delivery | CLT | — |
Seasonal Patterns and Market Cycles
Annual Demand Cycle
European timber demand follows a predictable seasonal pattern:
| Period | Demand Level | Effect on Lead Times |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | Low | Shortest lead times, best availability |
| March–May | Rising rapidly | Lead times extending, order early |
| June–August | Peak | Longest lead times, potential shortages |
| September–October | Declining | Lead times normalising |
| November–December | Low | Short lead times, but holiday shutdowns |
Planning Around Shutdowns
| Country | Typical Shutdown Period | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | Weeks 28–30 (July) | 2–3 weeks |
| Finland | Weeks 27–30 (July) | 3–4 weeks |
| Germany | Varies by region | 1–2 weeks |
| Austria | Weeks 29–31 (July/August) | 2–3 weeks |
| All countries | Weeks 51–1 (Christmas/New Year) | 1–2 weeks |
Strategy: Place orders 4–6 weeks before shutdown periods to ensure production is completed before the break.
Risk Factors and Contingency Planning
Supply Disruption Scenarios
| Risk | Probability | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawmill breakdown | Medium | 2–4 week delay | Multiple suppliers |
| Transport disruption | Medium | 1–2 week delay | Buffer stock |
| Raw material shortage | Low–Medium | 4–8 week delay | Early ordering |
| Certification issue | Low | 2–4 week delay | Verify before ordering |
| Currency fluctuation | Medium | Cost impact (not time) | Fix prices at order |
| Port congestion | Low–Medium | 1–2 week delay | Road transport alternative |
| Customs delay (UK) | Medium | 1–5 day delay | Correct documentation |
Building Contingency into Programmes
For timber-dependent construction programmes, build contingency as follows:
- Standard structural timber: +1 week contingency
- Engineered timber (glulam): +2 weeks contingency
- CLT panels: +4 weeks contingency
- Specialist/imported products: +4 weeks contingency
Related Resources
- Structural Timber Guide — comprehensive reference for timber construction
- C24 Structural Construction Timber — standard structural timber specifications and availability
- BSH Glued Laminated Beams — engineered beam solutions with European-wide delivery
- Timber Import Regulations UK — post-Brexit import requirements