"I came across Cedar Strip on-line when I was thinking about building a Canadian canoe and wanted to check on the availability of materials in the UK.
A call with Barry Biddlecombe, who owns the operation, convinced me that not only was there a ready supply of materials available from Cedar Strip, but that with my very limited boat-building skills it would be possible for me to build a reasonable example. Since starting the build Barry has been my guide and mentor whenever needed. His endless enthusiasm, expertise, wide experience and encyclopaedic knowledge of boat building, plus his willingness to give up his time to share both, is unique. His guidance, helpful tips and practical instructions have made what could have been a difficult and stressful experience into a pleasant and exciting one.
Cedar Strip has provided me with the plans and all of the wood for the 15 feet canoe I’m building, including machined strips, gunwales, lamination pieces for stems, west system epoxy and resin, glass-fibre mat and so on. The wood has been of extremely high quality and delivered when promised. As UK agents for Bear Mountain Boats in Canada, Cedar Strip can also provide their plans and other support materials.
Cedar Strip is a friendly, responsive and customer focused organisation and I have no hesitation in highly recommending their services. I have already recommended that Cedar Strip should be their first port of call to friends who are also considering building canoes themselves"
"From our early talks, I became satisfied that Barry's firm would be the best source for the materials for my canoe. Not only on price, but also on quality. Barry pointed out that his fibreglass cloth came in a width sufficient to cover the whole canoe without the need for joints, and he took special care to colour match the strips as I requested. This, and a lot of advice on the build amounted to very good service. More impressive still, Barry even delivered the strips personally when the courrier wasn't able to do so on the agreed date. A five hours round trip, That was most appreciated"
"Barry Biddlecombe at Cedar Strip came up with a timely and competitive quote for the cedar strip for my first boat. I'm very pleased with the quality of the cedar supplied - uniform, knot-free and accurately machined (bead and cove). Very happy also with the service provided - I actually got the strip several weeks earlier than quoted"
"Top quality cedar strips and excellent service. Very reasonable price compared to other suppliers I looked at. Delivered on time and well packaged. Great communication throughout order process. Would definitely use again"
"During the build I had some questions, a book or video can only tell you so much. Why should Barry help me as after all he had supplied everything I wanted. I sent follow up emails asking for help and advice and straight away he came back with what I could/should do.
Genuinely, and I don’t say this lightly, Barry has been an absolute pleasure from start to finish. He’s interested and has been a really great find. Simply put, great service, great prices and great after sales follow through.
If you want to build your own boat get some tools, get some wood and get yourself a Barry"