Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

About Mitchell Bros

Who are Mitchell Bros?

Mitchell Bros is a family-owned sawmill based in Darfield, Canterbury. We’ve been supplying quality timber products to the South Island for nearly 80 years.

Where is Mitchell Bros Sawmill located?

Our sawmill is in Darfield, Canterbury, New Zealand, with easy access to supply the wider region.

How long has Mitchell Bros been operating in Canterbury?

We’ve been proudly operating since 1946, with almost 80 years of experience in sawmilling and timber supply, making us one of the longest-serving timber suppliers in Canterbury.

What products and services do Mitchell Bros provide?

We are a wholesaler who specialise in structural timber. We also sell outdoor wet treated products as well as fence posts, bins and pallets.

Do you supply timber across all of Canterbury or just Darfield?

Our timber reaches far beyond Darfield. We supply customers right across Canterbury and the South Island.

Why choose Mitchell Bros over other timber suppliers?

Our customers choose us for superior quality and service with a 50-year treatment guarantee. Our timber is graded and regularly audited to meet the NZ standards (NZ3622). Our posts are air dried, so they dry naturally and maintain their strength and durability.

Are you family-owned and locally operated?

Yes, Mitchell Bros has remained locally owned and family-run for generations.

Who are the Mitchell Bros team?

The sawmill is run by cousins Brad and Scott Mitchell, who are both directors and continue the family tradition.

Timber Products & Supply

What types of timber does Mitchell Bros supply?

We supply Radiata Pine, one of New Zealand’s most versatile and trusted timbers.

Do you sell fencing timber in Christchurch and Canterbury?

We supply durable fencing timber across Christchurch, Canterbury, and the wider South Island.

Do you supply round fence posts?

Yes, we stock durable round fence posts ideal for rural and lifestyle block fencing.

What sizes of fence posts do you stock?

We stock a wide range of post sizes to suit different fencing requirements. Details can be found on our product listings.

Do you sell treated timber for outdoor use?

All our outdoor timber is treated to withstand outdoor conditions, making it ideal for fencing, landscaping, and structural use.

Do you supply sawn timber for construction?

Yes, we supply structural sawn timber suitable for a variety of construction projects.

Do you sell custom-cut timber?

We don’t offer custom milling of individual logs, but we do supply sawn timber in a variety of sizes for wholesale orders.

Can I order timber in bulk?

Yes, bulk wholesale timber orders are available, though we do not sell direct to the general public.

Do you sell to both trade and retail customers?

We work primarily with trade and wholesale customers, who then supply our timber to the public.

Do you offer wholesale timber supply in Canterbury?

Yes, we specialise in wholesale timber supply across Canterbury and the South Island.

Why do many Canterbury customers choose Mitchell Bros for wholesale timber supply?

Customers choose us because we provide the best quality in the market, long-lasting timber with a 50-year treatment guarantee, backed by decades of experience and compliance with NZ standards.

Sawmill Services

Does Mitchell Bros have their own sawmill?

Yes, we operate our own sawmill in Darfield, ensuring consistent quality control from log to finished product.

Do you custom cut logs to order?

No, we don’t provide custom cutting of individual logs. Our focus is wholesale timber production.

Can I bring my own logs to be milled?

No, we do not offer log milling as a service and we don’t process customer-supplied logs.

Do you process both hardwood and softwood?

We process softwood only, specialising in Radiata Pine.

What type of machinery do you use at the sawmill?

Our Darfield sawmill is equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art machinery designed to process Radiata Pine efficiently and accurately. From log debarking to final timber treatment, every step is handled with modern equipment to ensure consistent quality.

Some of our key equipment includes a Nicholson A-600 Debarker, a CAE High Strain Band Head Rig, Foggarty Kilns with a Scott’s bio-fuel heat plant, and a Leadermac Planer Moulder with auto-feed systems. We also use automated stackers, resaws, and preservative treatment cylinders to produce durable timber that meets New Zealand standards.

For a full breakdown of our sawmill technology, you can read our blog post here.

Can you supply timber for large building projects?

Yes, we regularly supply bulk timber for commercial, rural, and large-scale building projects.

Fencing Products

Do you sell timber for rural fencing?

Our wet treated fencing timber and posts are widely used on farms and rural properties throughout Canterbury.

Do you supply posts and rails for lifestyle blocks?

Yes, we supply timber fencing products suitable for both rural farms and smaller lifestyle blocks.

Are your fence posts treated for durability?

All posts are treated for long-term durability and come with a 50-year treatment guarantee.

How long do your timber fence posts last?

When installed correctly, our treated timber posts are designed to last up to 50 years.

Can I order fencing timber delivered to my farm or property?

Yes, delivery can be arranged across Canterbury and the wider South Island.

Delivery & Ordering

Do you deliver timber across Canterbury?

Yes, we deliver timber products right across Canterbury and other parts of the South Island.

What areas do you service outside of Darfield?

We supply timber throughout the South Island, including Christchurch and surrounding regions.

Can I pick up timber directly from the sawmill?

Wholesale customers are welcome to collect orders directly from our Darfield sawmill, or they can organise their own freight.

How do I place an order with Mitchell Bros?

Orders can be placed by setting up a trade account with us. Once registered, we can process and deliver wholesale timber orders.

Do you offer quotes for bulk timber supply?

Yes, we provide tailored quotes for bulk and wholesale orders on request.

What is the minimum order size?

The minimum order is one pack of timber.

Quality & Sustainability

Where do you source your logs from?

Our logs are primarily sourced from Canterbury and the West Coast, supporting local forestry.

Is your timber sustainably harvested?

Yes, we are committed to responsible forestry practices and use sustainably harvested Radiata Pine.

What timber treatment options do you use?

We provide a range of treatment options, including CCA H3.2, H4, H5, H6, and Boron H1.2, to suit different uses and environments.

How do you ensure the quality of your timber?

We are audited quarterly, and also carry out strict in-house quality checks to ensure every product meets New Zealand standards.

Do you comply with New Zealand building standards?

Yes, our timber complies with NZ standards (NZ3622) for structural and treated timber.

Pricing & Payment

Can I set up a trade account with Mitchell Bros?

Yes, trade accounts are available for regular wholesale customers. This allows easier ordering, account management, and invoicing.

What payment options are available?

Payment arrangements are discussed during trade account setup to suit ongoing supply needs.

Do you provide GST invoices?

Yes, all timber supply orders include proper GST invoicing for business customers.

Additional Questions

Do you supply timber for landscaping projects?

Yes, we supply timber suitable for landscaping projects, though all sales are through wholesale customers.

Can you help with timber for DIY projects?

We don’t sell direct to DIY customers, but many of our retail partners supply our timber for home projects.

Do you sell firewood or offcuts from the sawmill?

No, we do not sell firewood or offcuts to the public.

How do I contact Mitchell Bros for more information?

You can contact us through our website or by phone for trade enquiries, quotes, and more details.