Hardwood, an easy choice

Established in 2018, LMA Timber has quickly become New Zealand’s leading supplier of recycled, reclaimed, and sustainably sourced Australian hardwood, importing about 24 tonnes of timber into the country every week.
Post-pandemic, the company has gone from strength to strength, opening four new showrooms nationwide: Auckland, Tauranga, Christchurch, and now Wanaka. These multi-purpose spaces offer an unprecedented point of difference and allow clients to experience the full range of products and services LMA Timber provides.
Director Martin Thompson says these showrooms are about more than just providing products. From the refined hardwood ceiling to solid hardwood floors, every surface of the showroom demonstrates the potential of reclaimed timber for an industry that demands sustainable yet durable products with low carbon footprints. The new showroom also acts like a hub for the local industry experts that accommodates team meetings and consults for interior designers, architects, and builders alike.
The LMA team takes a personalised and authentic approach to customer service. The team of timber experts can guide you over a cup of tea at any of their four showrooms to help you achieve your vision. They can even coordinate site visits to existing builds which showcase their wide range of hardwood products.
Naturally strong, durable, and sustainable, it’s no wonder that Kiwis constructing their dream homes and tackling new projects are now embracing Australian hardwood. Its natural beauty offers options ranging from rustic, weathered finishes to refined, dressed looks that show off the material’s magnificent grain and colour. While Aotearoa boasts many native trees with specific uses, and radiata pine remains the most common timber in New Zealand, the latter is not naturally durable and requires treatment to endure the outdoor rigors of the country’s harsh outdoor conditions.
Thankfully, just across the ditch are a number of hardwood species, predominantly those in the eucalypt family, that can handle harsh climates along with being used in heavy structural applications. Australian hardwoods have a reputation of being very versatile, a reliable product and worthwhile investment, saving clients time and money on maintenance costs in comparison to other softwood products like cedar and thermally modified timber.
Unlike steel, which has a high carbon footprint, hardwoods offer a cost-effective, sustainable, and aesthetic solution. With these benefits in mind, LMA Timber builds to last, offering a product range that stands the test of time. This future-oriented approach is reinforced by their long list of successful projects across New Zealand.
LMA Timber’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond its products. The company supports the next generation of apprentices at Mt Aspiring College with a $1500 scholarship and educates students about the environmental impact of our built environment. By combining education with action, LMA Timber leads the way as both a supplier and an advocate for sustainable building practices.
Minimising waste and reducing landfill impacts by reclaiming timber is the name of LMA Timber’s game. Construction waste comprises nearly two-thirds of New Zealand’s landfills, and LMA Timber tackles this issue by transforming reclaimed materials such as power poles and wall beams into cladding, decking, structural hardwood beams, posts, and more.
As an NZIA-approved CPB provider and ADNZ National Partner, this deep commitment to sustainability continues. LMA work closely with reputable Australian hardwood suppliers on both sides of the Tasman.
With its aesthetic character and structural capability, reclaimed, recycled, and sustainable timber is a sound choice for building projects that need to withstand New Zealand’s challenging climates, including the harsh conditions of Central Otago. Whether you’re making your dream interior a reality or embarking on an exterior project to last, LMA Timber is here to bring your ideas to life. Get in touch
Contact details:
LMA Timber
021 398 800
info@lmatimber.co.nz
www.lmatimber.co.nz
Written by: Ben O'Connell