J Gard & Sons Ltd

J Gard & Sons Ltd, timber and landscaping in Essex since 1919

J Gard & Sons Ltd is a family-run timber and landscaping merchant based in East Hanningfield, near Chelmsford, Essex. Founded in 1919 by Jack Gard, the company started out in Chelmsford selling firewood and gradually expanded into timber, fencing and sheds. It is currently run by Martyn and Kevin Gard, grandson and great-grandson of the founder, and describes itself as one of the largest timber merchants in Essex.

The company serves contractors, builders, carpenters, landscapers and DIY enthusiasts, and states that it covers Chelmsford, Maldon, Basildon, Colchester, Braintree, Brentwood and nearby areas of Essex and London.

Materials catalogue

The range includes softwood and hardwood, both sawn and treated as well as planed, along with oak sections. In the fencing and gates section it offers fence panels, posts, rails, made-to-measure wooden gates and fence panels in custom sizes.

It also sells porcelain and Indian sandstone paving, decorative aggregates, sleepers and edging; building products such as MDF, plywood, OSB, cement, sand, ballast and fixings; and garden and outdoor solutions such as concrete products, trellis and general gardening items. The range is completed by softwood and composite decking and cladding, insulation, aviary panels, tools, sealants, paints and treatments, felt, membranes and tarpaulins.

On-site mill and bespoke machining

The company has a mill at its Chelmsford premises that allows it to manufacture made-to-measure fence panels and garden gates, as well as timber mouldings such as skirting boards, architraves and other profiles, in addition to planing and cutting hardwoods and softwoods to precise dimensions. It also offers a sheet material cutting service for MDF, plywood and similar, so that a large part of its timber and sheet products can be delivered already cut to size.

Delivery in Essex and London

J Gard & Sons has its own fleet and delivers Monday to Saturday in Chelmsford, Maldon, Braintree, Basildon, Colchester, Brentwood and across Essex and London. The fleet includes small flatbeds, larger vehicles and Hiab crane lorries in various sizes, making it possible to serve both restricted-access properties and large-scale commercial projects. Standard orders are usually delivered within two to three working days, and next-day delivery is often available for in-stock items during quieter periods. The company has a driver tracking system that can provide real-time updates and estimated arrival times on request.

Customer service

The company states that it has more than 900 excellent online reviews and highlights the service of a team it describes as friendly and knowledgeable about the product, willing to offer technical advice, bespoke quotes and last-minute deliveries.

Location and contact

The Timber Mill, The Tye, East Hanningfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8BY · Phone: 01245 400181 · Email: sales@gards.co.uk