About Us

The History of A Wood Idea

Our story begins back in 2011 in the town of Blaydon, Tyne and Wear. This unassuming location in Gateshead Borough is perhaps best known as home of the Blaydon Races, but fast forward to the present and it’s now also the home to the best flooring and internal and external door outlet in the North East – A Wood Idea.

Why Choose A Wood Idea?

As the arguably corny – but certainly memorable – name suggests, we sell all things wood: wooden floors, external and internal doors, staircases, frames and mouldings, wall panelling and much more. However, the good idea behind A Wood Idea is also to supply superior wood products, which give our customers the best of both worlds when it comes to affordable quality and stylish products.

This stems from our past experiences in the timber merchant industry, where all too often we’d see homes being built with products that had a pure emphasis on cost, rather than design and build quality. So ultimately, we’re here to redress the balance and bring our customers a range of products that are creative, innovative and at the right prices. Our collection spans from contemporary and traditional internal door styles to suit every home, to easy to install wall panelling, durable and stylish flooring, to essential internal door handles and external door hardware.

Unlike other wood suppliers and stockists, we also strive to go the extra mile with our customer service. Whether it’s our in-house team answering your questions, our local craftsmen providing an unparalleled fitting service, or our great relationships with customers and suppliers alike.

Our Aims

Our ethos and ambitions can be distilled into the following three business aims:

  • To give our customers an exceptional experience and value both in-store and online.
  • To be thought of as the best place to shop either online or in store for wooden internal and external doors, flooring, staircases and accessories.
  • To provide a family-oriented, caring environment for our wonderfully talented staff.

Shop with A Wood Idea 

Choose A Wood Idea for your home improvement requirements, whether you visit our Blaydon showroom or shop online, you are sure to find flooring, internal and external doors, staircases, frames and mouldings and door hardware and accessories to suit your home style and personal preferences, with our extensive selection of high quality and affordable products.

Staff profiles

Iain Smith - Managing Director

Many, many years ago, back in the heady times of New Romantics, when hair and fashion were best forgotten, a young Iain turned down an offer for Chelsea and Glasgow schools of art. He was a dab hand with a pencil but the world of work and the lure of timber technology captured his heart and imagination. At the tender age of 17, Iain joined the timber industry, working with a Scottish hardwood timber importer and merchant in Glasgow and spent the rest of his career to date cultivating his passion for all things wood.

Andy Brown - Director

Having fallen foul of a dodgy knee which cut short his pro-football career Andy fell into the industry because football management wasn't challenging enough. This opened a new door for him and has certainly been to our advantage. His passion for Newcastle may be his first love but his knowledge of wooden products is most certainly top of the premier league.

Lorna Smith - Director

After working for many years in Customer service for the rail industry, managing National Rail Enquiries customer service complaints team, Lorna decided to take the arguably easier route of bringing up kids for a while. Now that they are both teenagers it is easy to see why she is back working with us at A Wood Idea where she manages our purse strings as well as several other things which Iain and Andy chuck her way.

Chris Johnson - Sales

Chris is proving to be an instant hit with staff and customers alike. Has great experience in the industry and is the one to speak to for door enquiries and sales.

Mark Nee - Sales

A new member of staff who has joined the team in 2019, Mark is new to the industry but it has taken him no time in adjusting.

MP Joinery- Joiner

An extremely skilled member of our team, Marc is the man who will carry out your staircase replacement or renovation. When he isn't doing that, he will hang your door or fit your floor. Extremely skilled in any joinery department.

P. McNichol Joinery- Joiner/Craftsman

Phil fits our staircases and doors, a master craftsman and an absolute delight to have in your home. You are in safe hands if Phil is doing your staircase refurbishment or replacement. Phil can also help with any joinery needs.

MBH Joinery- Joiner

Michael is tasked with doing your staircase whether it is a conversion or new flight replacement. A wonderfully talented joiner who can also fit your floor, doors or anything joinery related.

DJB Joinery - Joiner / Floor Fitter

David has been a member of our team since the beginning, he will look after all your needs shall you need a floor fitting, door hung or staircase renovated.

Hero Joinery- Joiner / Floor Fitter

Ron fits our flooring and internal doors - whether it is laminate, vinyl, solid or engineered flooring. He will also fit your internal doors whether they are Oak, White or Walnut. A highly valued member of our team.

Irving Floors - Floor Fitter

Andy will fit your flooring, a highly skilled fitter who specialises in solid herringbone floors with or without borders. A real asset to our company.

James Kennedy - Warehouse/Driver

Now a fully fledged member of our team, James oversees operations in the warehouse and deliveries. He is responsible for ensuring our reputation for a prompt delivery service continues.

SC Allen French Polishing

We offer a professional and reliable French polishing service across the North East. SC Allen is one of the leading french polishing companies serving commercial and domestic clients across the North East. Coverted by many, Stuart and his team will polish your staircase or doors to suit your needs.