The business was started in 1884 when George Barnsdale opened a small carpentry firm, which soon built a reputation on quality craftsmanship. Soon after the First World War, George's two sons Walter and Fred joined the business.
Between the wars Fred was involved in the development of BS 664 (British Standard for Timber Windows). During this time both Walter and Fred championed a modern joinery factory with the latest steam powered machines (the factory was steam powered until 1934).
The business did manage to keep trading during the turbulent times of the Second World War but was very much scaled down. After the war Fred's son John joined the business.
When John was at retirement in 1985, his daughter Helen and her husband Stephen joined the management team. It was Stephen that brought product performance to the forefront.
They're proud to still remain a family business and to operate from the same site in Donington, Lincolnshire.

Livery: 'BARNSDALE BUILDERS MERCHANTS' in black text on both sides of loadbed.
'BARNSDALE' above 'SHEFFIELD' in black text on rear of loadbed.
'BS' in white on side of cab with 'Tel.532' on both cab doors.
'BARNSDALE SHEFFIELD' above 'THE BUILDERS MERCHANTS' on front of cab.

Variations: No known variations.