From the yard
Sykes Timber is a family business…
Published
John Sykes founded the business in 1862. George joined in 1870, Joseph followed in 1913 and Stephen in 1942. Robert and Richard took the business forward in the 1990s, and the sixth generation is now involved.
The ten-acre Atherstone site supplies sawn and machined hardwoods and softwoods. Long-standing relationships with sawmills and suppliers support the range, with further selection and grading carried out by the Sykes team.
Timber for merchants and makers
Sykes timber is used in joinery, furniture, restoration and boatbuilding, from architectural work to everyday shelves and tables. Requirements range from individual boards to commercial quantities, with the same practical approach to selection and service.
Boatbuilding customers use species including teak, mahogany, walnut, iroko, elm and oak. The material is selected for the application and reviewed against the customer’s specification.
Stewardship in daily work
The business retains its founding values of integrity, simplicity, fairness and sensible stewardship. Woodland planting, wood boilers and solar panels are part of that approach, alongside responsible sourcing and care in how timber is handled and used.