In 1974 the concept of a retail business focused on board and timber products was initiated in the Western Cape by two independent entrepreneurs. The first Timbercity was opened in modest premises in Parow, Cape Town with the opening of a branch in Claremont following soon thereafter.

In 1976 PG Wood acquired the Timbercity brand and outlets in order to reach the market through smaller retail-type operations. In 1979 the first Timbercity franchise was born and further growth rapidly took place with a combination of franchise and fully-owned stores. In 1986 PG Wood merged with Bisonbord (a subsidiary of Mondi) to form PG Bison.

In 2004 the Steinhoff Group, through the acquisition of PG Bison, gained ownership of Timbercity, which now forms part of the Trade Retail arm of Steinhoff Africa.

After over thirty years of providing superior products, outstanding service delivery and successful branding and advertising, Timbercity and its industrious beaver "Chippie"  is  today one of Southern Africa's best known brands.