Field of Reclaimed Poles
In recent years, sustainability has become a critical consideration in all aspects of industry and lifestyle, from construction to fashion to food. This shift towards environmentally responsible practices has had a significant impact on the landscaping industry, where the demand for sustainable materials is increasing. At the forefront of this movement is LMA Timber, a family-owned business established in 2018 by Martin Thompson and his wife Helena which is dedicated to providing reclaimed Australian hardwood to New Zealand’s landscaping industry and beyond.
Sustainable Sourcing - Why Reclaimed Australian Hardwood
As many in the industry know, Australian hardwood is prized for its durability, strength, and unique character which has been used in New Zealand for more than a century. This in particular was one of the main drivers for launching the business as most hardwood imports - the likes of Purple / Green Heart, Kwila, Vitex to name a few come from tropical rain forest sources. This has led to significant environmental impacts from deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and increased carbon emissions. Rightly or wrongly, tropical rainforest hardwood is still being specified and in particular by some councils, government and surprisingly, by a number of designers / architects. By going one step further, LMA Timber are reclaiming hardwood timber (Australian Eucalypts) from existing sources such as old warehouses, bridges and power-poles etc, this helps to substantially reduce this environmental impact. By giving reclaimed hardwood a new life, this contributes to a circular economy, where resources are reused and recycled rather than discarded or sourced from tropical rainforests.
Reclaimed hardwood brings not only sustainability but also a distinct aesthetic appeal to landscaping projects. The natural patina, weathered grain, and rich colour variations tell a story of the timber's past. This unique look is difficult to replicate with new wood, making it highly sought after for architectural and landscaping designs that value character and history. Not only that but some hardwood species like Grey Iron Bark, Tallowwood are class 1 naturally durable both in ground (25 years or more) and out of ground (plus 40 years). This in itself makes the hardwood a favoured option as landscape architects / designers look towards less toxic treatment options like H4 CCA treated pine – especially when it comes to the likes of children’s playgrounds or nursery / preschool outside play areas.
Superior Access to Reclaimed Sources
LMA Timber has established key relationships with a number of hand-selected hardwood supplier’s both locally in New Zealand and Australia who carefully extract hardwood from old warehouse buildings, wharfs, jettys, power poles etc to ensure the timbers character and integrity are preserved. Such is the abundance of reclaimed hardwood in Australia that over 200,000 power poles are available to recycle each year with over 6 million in service at any one time. The beautiful thing about power-poles is at the end of their operational lifespan (around 25 years and beyond when they start to get ground rot), they are being replaced once again by new hardwood poles, not concrete thus helping to future proof the continuity of supply.
The hardwood once salvaged can then undergo a number of processes including de-nailing to ensure all metal work is removed. Metal work if requested however can still be left in the timber should the landscape project require. LMA Timber is fortunate to have access to one of the largest salvaged hardwood suppliers in New Zealand whilst also stocking a substantial selection of “as is” hardwood at their yard / warehouse at 66 Wickham Street, Bromley, Christchurch. Designers / architects frequently visit their yard to personally view and even hand select the specific hardwood members they require for their individual projects.
Peak View Retreat – Spotted Gum Decking
Sudima Hotel Kaikoura – Spotted Gum Pergola
LMA Showroom – Christchurch – Grey Iron Bark Pergola
Kowhai Park Playground
A range of finishes, sizes, custom options….
From hardwood pergolas at the new Sudima Hotel in Kaikoura to decking at Peak View Retreat to a children’s playground in Kowhai Park – Fielding, LMA timber offer a wide range of landscaping options to meet project needs. It is this wide scope of supply capability that has made LMA Timber the supplier of choice for many designers around New Zealand in the last few years.
One of the main unique selling points for LMA Timber is the way the reclaimed hardwood can be finished. Whilst many love the “as is” natural look fashioned from tens to hundreds of years of weathering, some are looking for a more refined look. From a hand-brushed finish through to a sawtooth or dressed finish, the options are endless enabling the landscape designer / architect to explore the many different options to suit their specific projects needs. All of these options can be found at https://lmatimber.co.nz/timber/timber-finishes/
Another unique selling point is the range of timber dimensions LMA Timber can supply. For prefinished items such as hand-brushing and dressed, anything up to 11.8m long is possible and up to 400mm x 400mm. These prefinished options are milled to order from LMA’s hardwood suppliers in Australia and shipped to New Zealand in one of their weekly arrivals of a 40FT containing carrying around 24,000 tonne of product. This frequency due to the size and scale of LMA Timber ensures that project needs are met in a timely fashion. Larger hardwood sizes are readily available but are only sold “as is / weathered” without any pre-finishing.
From a custom perspective, LMA Timber has access to a CNC machine allowing for the scope of the project to amplify from the likes of a carefully carved hardwood post with a traditional Māori pattern to a simple pre-drilled bolt hole saving both time and money on site.
“As Is” Weathered Hardwood
Leading the way when it comes to sustainability…
Whether it be the entrance to a new subdivision, a children’s playground or some feature hardwood posts to beautify a communal commercial area – you can find Australian hardwood in hundreds of projects all over New Zealand.
To ensure LMA Timber sets the benchmark for hardwood supply, they are looking to Toitu, a company who lead businesses with their systems of carbon and environmental programmes utilising science-based tools, actions and evidence to sustain holistically and continually. This means not only to look to carbon certify it’s products but also themselves as a business. As government policy, council mandates etc look to ensure projects have as little carbon impact as possible, it will become part and parcel for businesses supplying product to have their products carbon certified to some degree. LMA Timber want to ensure they set this benchmark and to continue to be market leading in their approach.
A key component to this methodology is by providing education and training so designers, architects, consumers etc can make more conscientious decisions about where the hardwood is being sourced from. Understanding the seed to tree and beyond process will hopefully see a trend to move away from tropical rain forest options where over 800,000 km2 of Brazilian rainforest alone is felled each year!
LMA Timber's commitment to delivering an exceptional, sustainable product is backed by its dedicated customer service / sales team working via their various showrooms / offices located throughout New Zealand in Christchurch, Auckland, Tauranga and its soon to be opened Wanaka showroom in mid-July 2024. This size, reputation and capability of the business enables clients greater confidence and security, especially when working on large scale council or government projects where business performance, deliverables and continuity is absolutely paramount.
LMA can also provide expert advice / guidance and support (where required) to help clients identify the right hardwood product or finish for their landscaping project. This personalised approach coupled with their numerous showrooms allows clients to obtain a superior understanding of the hardwood products being supplied whilst ensuring the best possible experience and outcome all can be proud of.
By offering sustainable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing materials, LMA Timber can look to transform how landscaping using hardwood is approached in New Zealand. Through its commitment to environmental responsibility and innovative practices, LMA Timber is leading the way toward a greener future for landscaping making a positive impact on the environment while creating beautiful and enduring outdoor spaces filled with character and history.
Further Information
For further information head to https://lmatimber.co.nz/products/joinery-landscaping/landscaping-hardwood/ or contact Martin on martin@lmatimber.co.nz or phone 021398800.
