The price of scaffold boards is expected to increase in the coming months as the timber market faces a period of significant upheaval, according to Ollie Appleby, Director of Brent Scaffold Boards Ltd.
Appleby explained that the challenges currently facing the European timber industry, including the recent collapse of Ziegler, a major German timber mill, are having a significant impact. Known for its aggressive pricing strategy of selling timber at a loss to drive volume, Ziegler’s very recent downfall is sending shockwaves through the timber trade.
“This will send shock waves around the timber trade,” Appleby commented. “Even without Ziegler going bust, we would have seen increases for sure—this will only intensify the situation.”
The timber market has struggled over the past two years, with mills across Europe reporting significant losses due to depressed prices. The situation is now reaching a tipping point, and many in the industry are predicting that timber prices will rise into next year as suppliers adjust to maintain profitability.
For the scaffolding sector, which relies heavily on timber scaffold boards, these price increases will likely lead to higher project costs. While the market correction may provide some stability for timber producers, it underscores the need for scaffolding companies to plan ahead and manage budgets carefully in anticipation of rising material costs.
This development comes as the scaffolding industry faces broader challenges, including supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand. Industry firms like Brent Scaffold Boards Ltd. are urging contractors to prepare for the increases and to consider the long-term implications on their operations.
