We’re not run of the mill!
Over the years, award winning Duncombe Sawmill has maintained a reputation for manufacturing quality products made from sustainable British timber. We are so confident of our workmanship that all products made in our joiners shop are guaranteed.
About Us
Established over 120 years, Duncombe Sawmill is very much at the heart of timber milling and joinery in North Yorkshire.
Originally the sawmill was part of Duncombe Park Estate where, in the nineteenth century, it would have maintained the woodlands and provided gates and fencing for the estate, as well as firewood for the main house. It moved in the 20th century to it’s present location in Sawmill Lane and was known for a while as Bobbin Mill (look out on our website for our Bobbin style gates!) and in the 20th century was one of four sawmills based in Helmsley.
We are very proud of our heritage – we have one customer who has bought from us every month for the last 50 years. And many of our team have been connected to the sawmill for the last 25 years – Chris, our manager, is the second generation to work at the sawmill, with his daughter Angela making it three! Eddie and Steve, our joiners, still use traditional skills that have been passed down to them over the years; and Dave has worked in several sawmills during his career to give him a huge knowledge in how to cut and store timber.
Since 2003, Duncombe Sawmill has been owned by Emma Woods (who received an MBE for services to rural business & skills in North Yorkshire, as well as being awarded Yorkshire Rural Entrepreneur of the Year) and managed by Chris Storey, who has worked with forestry for most of his career and is known for his vast knowledge of timber.
Duncombe Sawmill specialises in bespoke larch and oak framed buildings; drive and estate gates; garden furniture; and all types of fencing. Hand crafted on the premises to your specific requirements, using locally sourced sustainable timber, and offering local installation and nationwide delivery.
We supply both retail and trade customers throughout the UK. Any of our standard products can be ordered on-line but please call or email us to discuss any bespoke queries you may have.
Stella McCartney chose to display Duncombe Sawmill gates in her last catwalk show and our planters were on display at Chelsea Flower Show in 2015 on the Forestry Stewardship Council stand! Our specialist staff have over 100 years of experience between them of working with timber and have accrued a vast level of knowledge. We are happy to help with fencing, gate or ‘how to keep the dog in’ queries, and offer sensible, cost effective solutions. We give advice on the best product or timber species to suit your needs.
We can make gates and fencing to your design & measurements or bespoke items such as oak bird tables, forts & even trebuchets! We are FSC® certified and regard ourselves as a one stop timber shop and supply timber to the individual or to the trade.
We predominantly work in larch, spruce, cedar, oak and iroko. All our products are crafted from high quality British timber, that is sourced locally where possible.
Watch the sawmill in action by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezOUlZ84fQY