Jointed British Sweet Chestnut Cladding wins Best Cladding System at Build It Awards

Vastern Timber, which operates two sawmills in Wiltshire, is celebrating after one of its key products triumphed at the national Build It Awards. The company’s Jointed British Sweet Chestnut Cladding secured Best Cladding System at a glittering event at the Tower Hotel, London, hosted by popular comedian Hugh Dennis.

Vastern Timber is the leading supplier of British sweet chestnut cladding, supplying many other builders merchants. The product delivers both the aesthetic of oak, as well as specification choice and environmental benefits.

Speaking about the award success, Tom Barnes, MD of Vastern Timber said “We are delighted to have won this national award for a product that is produced in the South West. However, the product is hugely important as one that entirely supports our own domestic timber industry, which has suffered for many years from timber imports. The wood comes from well-managed, sustainable sources and it makes for a beautiful and superior cladding system.

“Vastern Timber is committed to the domestic forestry and woodland industries, so we consider this award to be one that is shared between the entire British industry and supply chain.

“Through choosing British timber over imported timber, people can be assured that they are making the sustainable choice, not just for the environment, but for the British forestry and timber industries and the domestic communities that rely on them.”

Vastern Timber is one of the largest British hardwood sawmills in the country, specialising in cutting and manufacturing native grown timbers including English oak, sweet chestnut, ash, sycamore and larch. A family business, it is owned and run by three members of the Barnes family – Peter, Jon and Tom, who represent the third and fourth generations of family working in the company. Vastern Timber operates a sawmill in Wootton Bassett and a second sawmill at Studley, near Chippenham.