Hardwood glulam beams and posts with steel connections forming a covered pergola beside a tropical beach

Sterling Trading Ventures

International timber trading, from source to site

We source timber from established mills in Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and supply importers, distributors and projects around the world, delivered to your port or site.

Why Sterling

Timber bought across borders is easy to get wrong. We take that risk out.

The wrong species, an unchecked mill or missing paperwork can cost a project months. We match species and grade to your specification, check the mill before you order, and ship on clear commercial terms. We have 16 years of experience in global trade and construction supply.

Dark hardwood decking on a covered terrace beside an infinity pool overlooking tropical trees and the sea

Who we supply

Built for buyers who order by the container

Importers and distributors

Container-load supply direct from the mill, with consistent grading, FOB, CFR or CIF pricing, and full documents on every shipment.

Builders and developers

Hardwood, glulam, treated timber and prefabricated structures for residential and commercial projects, supplied to your specification and programme.

Hotels and resorts

Decking, glulam, pavilions, cladding and marine timber brought together into one supply programme for your project.

Run a mill or treatment plant? Introduce your mill.

Timber products

From our partner mills in Asia and Africa

Six ranges, shipped by the container direct from the mill to any port, including Australia and New Zealand.

Hardwood glulam beams, weathered hardwood, decking boards, bamboo panel and eucalyptus poles laid out on a concrete floor
Silver-grey weathered hardwood decking boards on a terrace with a glass balustrade and ocean view

Australian and NZ timber

Australian and New Zealand timber, exported worldwide

Plantation pine, treated timber and Australian hardwoods, for importers and projects worldwide.

How we work

From your requirements to your port or site

01

Understand your requirements

The use, loads, exposure, standards, quantities and budget.

02

Assist with engineering

If required, through our timber engineering partners.

03

Find the right timber

The species, grade and treatment that suit the job and the price.

04

Check the mill

Capacity, quality, grading and legality, with photos before loading.

05

Deliver to port or site

Shipped direct from the mill with full documents, anywhere in the world.

What you can count on

Matched, checked and documented

The right material

Matched to your use, climate and standards, not to whatever a mill has in stock.

Consistent quality

Checked mills, agreed grading, and photos of every pack before it is loaded.

The right price

Pricing direct from the mill, quoted FOB, CFR or CIF, so you can compare like with like.

Reliable supply

Realistic lead times, full documents on every shipment, and one point of contact from order to delivery.

Weathered hardwood posts, beams and decking forming an open pavilion on piles over a turquoise lagoon

Timber chosen for how long it has to last.

Sterling Trading Ventures at a glance

CompanySterling Trading Ventures Pty Ltd
ABN 38 699 483 602
What we doInternational timber trading and supply, from source to site
Who we supplyTimber importers, distributors and wholesalers
Builders, developers and contractors
Hotel and resort projects
Manufacturers
Where we sourcePartner mills in Asia and Africa
Australia and New Zealand
Where we shipAustralia and New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific and Indian Ocean islands, or any other port
Timber productsHardwood glulam
Prefabricated timber structures
African hardwoods
Asian hardwoods
Bamboo decking and cladding
Eucalyptus poles, laths and fencing
Australian and NZ timberRadiata pine
Treated timber H3 to H6
Thermally modified timber
Australian hardwood
Sleepers and poles
ServicesProject sourcing
Hotel and resort projects
Timber engineering through our partners
Site supervision, anywhere in the world
Minimum orderOne container, 20 or 40 foot, depending on the lengths required
Lead timeTypically 4 to 8 weeks, order to port, depending on requirements
Shipping termsFOB, CFR or CIF (Incoterms 2020), to any port
Payment30% deposit on order confirmation
Balance against shipping documents
Terms of trade
DocumentsLegality file
Certificate of origin
Phytosanitary and treatment certificates
Packing list
Quote replyWithin two working days

Timber supply FAQs

Who is Sterling Trading Ventures?

Sterling Trading Ventures is an Australian international timber trading company. We source timber from partner mills in Asia and Africa and from Australia and New Zealand, and supply importers, distributors and projects around the world. We have 16 years of experience in global trade and construction supply.

Who do you supply?

Mainly timber importers, distributors and wholesalers, along with builders, developers, hotel and resort projects, manufacturers and contractors who buy by the container.

Which countries do you supply?

Anywhere with a port. We ship directly from the mill to your nearest port or to site, so timber made in Malaysia for a project in the Maldives, for example, goes straight there without passing through Australia.

Which timber products do you supply?

Hardwood glue laminated timber (glulam), prefabricated timber structures, African hardwoods such as sapelli and iroko, Asian hardwoods such as merbau, balau and meranti, bamboo decking and cladding, and treated eucalyptus poles, laths and fencing. From Australia and New Zealand we export radiata pine, treated timber H3 to H6, thermally modified timber, Australian hardwood, and sleepers and poles.

Can you help with engineering and installation?

Yes. Through our timber engineering partners, we can help with the engineering and shop drawings, and we can supervise installation on site anywhere in the world. Your own builder installs the timber, and approvals stay with you and your designer. More on engineering and supervision.

What is the minimum order, and how long does delivery take?

The minimum is one container, 20 or 40 foot, depending on the lengths required. We generally load no more than two species in one container, from the same origin and supplier, depending on the sizes and quantities. Delivery typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from a confirmed order to arrival at your port, depending on requirements.

Which shipping and payment terms do you offer?

FOB, CFR and CIF under Incoterms 2020, quoted to any port or site. Payment is a 30% deposit on order confirmation, with the balance against shipping documents. See our terms of trade.

How do I get a timber quote?

Choose timber products, Australian and NZ timber or project sourcing on our quote page, tell us the product, sizes, quantity and port, and we reply within two working days.

More answers in our buying guides: H1 to H6 hazard classes explained · Decking timbers compared · All resources

Tell us what you need

Product, quantity, port. Anywhere in the world. We reply within two working days.