About William Frances
William Frances Timber is a traditional timber yard with a DIY shop attached in Herne Bay, on the Kent coast. We have a varied customer base, including professional carpenters, building contractors and DIY enthusiasts from across Herne Bay, Whitstable, Canterbury and Ashford.
A very well established business, William Frances began trading in 1958 and the present owners, Julie and David Mount, took over in 1996. We have remained a friendly, local business with an emphasis on customer service and giving honest, expert advice.
Quality has always been our focus here at William Frances Timber. Whilst we strive to be competitive on all our product range, our prices offer good value for money.
If you have any queries please contact us on 01227 374469 for friendly advice on your bespoke project.
Meet the team
Dave Mount - Director
David has led William Frances as Owner and Director since 1996. With a lifetime of experience in the timber industry, he offers expert guidance on a wide range of projects, providing knowledgeable advice tailored to clients’ carpentry and construction needs.
Jeff Spray – Bespoke timber specialist
Jeff has been a valued member of the team since 2002, bringing extensive experience gained at William Frances. He combines strong technical knowledge with hands-on expertise to support both sales and production, ensuring consistently high-quality results. Jeff is highly skilled in operating key machinery, including the spindle moulder, planer/thicknesser, and circular saw, playing a vital role in delivering precision-crafted timber products
Tom Mount – Operation specialist
Tom has been with William Frances since 2013, having completed his apprenticeship with the company while studying for his Bench Joinery NVQ Level 2 (City & Guilds) at Maidstone College. Now a fully qualified member of the team, Tom contributes skilled craftsmanship and a strong understanding of traditional and modern joinery techniques.
Micheal Smith – Timber technical sales & production specialist
Micheal joined William Frances after completing work experience with the company in 2020 and has since progressed into a full-time role. He studied Carpentry (Levels 2 and 3, City & Guilds) and Level 2 Furniture Making at Canterbury College. Now a fully qualified wood machinist, Micheal plays an important role in the production team, applying his technical skills to deliver high-quality timber products.
