Timber & Sheet Cutting Service

✂️ Simple, Practical Cutting – Done In-House

At Nottage Timber Merchants, we offer a basic cutting service as part of our everyday yard operation. This service is available to all customers, on any order size or value, and is designed to make timber and sheet materials easier to handle, transport, and use.

🪚 What Our Cutting Service Covers

Our standard cutting service includes straight, square (90°) cuts only.

We can:

  • Cut timber to length

  • Cut sheet materials into rectangles or squares

  • Reduce full-length materials into more manageable sizes

For straightforward cutting, this can often be completed while you wait at the yard, depending on workload.

⚠ What This Service Does Not Include

This is a practical yard cutting service, not a precision or joinery service.

The following are not covered:

  • Angled or mitred cuts

  • Rip sawing or re-sawing

  • Profiled, circular, or inset cuts

  • Precision cutting to tight tolerances

If your project requires higher accuracy or specialist machining, our team will be happy to advise on alternative options.

💰 Cutting Charges

We don’t define cutting charges purely by the number of cuts — instead, we assess time and complexity.

✅ Typically Included as Part of Our Standard Service

Cutting is usually carried out free of charge where it is:

  • Simple and repetitive

  • Quick to complete

  • Easily incorporated into normal yard operations

Examples include:

  • Cutting multiple lengths in half

  • One or two straight cuts to shorten timber

  • A single straight cut on a sheet to make it manageable

💷 When Cutting Becomes Chargeable

Cutting may become chargeable where the work:

  • Requires significant setup or measuring

  • Involves multiple different sizes

  • Takes a noticeable amount of sawyer time

  • Disrupts normal yard workflow due to volume or complexity

Typical examples include:

  • Cutting sheets into multiple panels (e.g. 5–6 pieces from one sheet)

  • Large cutting lists with varied dimensions

  • Mixed materials requiring careful sequencing

In these cases, cutting is assessed on time required, not per cut.

💰 Costs & Pricing

Where cutting is chargeable:

  • Cutting is charged at £75 + VAT per sawyer, per hour

  • Charges are based on time spent, not the number of cuts

  • Any additional cost will always be discussed before cutting begins

Most cutting lists can be completed within a reasonable timeframe by our experienced sawyers.

🛒 Cutting When Ordering Online

When ordering online, you can add a cutting list at checkout.

Please note:

  • Large or complex cutting lists may be reviewed by our team

  • If additional fees apply, you will be contacted

  • Cutting will only proceed once any agreed-upon charges are paid

If additional charges are declined:

  • The order will still proceed

  • Goods will be supplied uncut

⏳ Lead Times & Collections

Cutting lead times varies depending on workload and complexity:

  • Typically 1 hour to 72 hours

Important to consider:

  • Adding cutting may cause a missed delivery slot

  • This may delay your order beyond standard delivery timeframes

  • For collections, cutting may not always be completed before arrival — a short wait may be required

📏 Accuracy & Tolerances

This is not a precision cutting service.

Please allow for:

  • A cutting tolerance of ±5mm per cut

  • Blade thickness when planning cuts

📌 Tip:
Allow at least 10mm total for blade thickness — especially when cutting sheets.
For example, cutting a 1220mm sheet in half will not produce two exact 610mm pieces.

📐 Providing Cutting Lists – Best Practice

To help us cut accurately and efficiently:

  • Clearly list all dimensions

  • Always include units of measurement

    • e.g. 200mm × 100mm × 2400mm

  • Consider using layout software such as Opticutter to plan sheet layouts

If your cutting list exceeds the amount of timber purchased:

  • The order will be placed on hold

  • We’ll contact you to agree a solution before proceeding

🔁 Returns & Cut Timber

Once timber or sheet materials have been cut at your request:

  • They become non-returnable

  • This applies whether cutting was free or chargeable

Please double-check all measurements before submitting your cutting list.

🤝 Need Advice Before Cutting?

If you’re unsure whether your cutting list is likely to incur a charge — or whether cutting is suitable for your project — please speak to our team before ordering.

We’re always happy to help you find the simplest, most cost-effective approach.