Guides
Building materials guides
Straight answers to the questions builders and homeowners ask when they're putting a materials list together. When you're ready, send the list to Allan for a quote.
Buying guides
Which material, which grade, which thickness.
- CLS vs C24 timber: what’s the difference?CLS and C24 aren’t opposites. CLS describes the size and finish of the timber; C24 is a strength grade. Here’s what that means when ordering.
- C16 vs C24 timber: which grade do I need?C16 and C24 are strength grades for structural softwood. C24 is the stronger grade. Here’s what the numbers mean and how to tell which your job needs.
- What plasterboard do I need for a ceiling?Choosing plasterboard for a ceiling: the usual thickness, when you need fire-rated or moisture-resistant board, overboarding an old ceiling, and fixings.
- OSB or plywood: which board should I use?OSB vs plywood for floors, roofs, sheds and walls: how they differ, where each is usually used, and what to check before ordering.
- Which plasterboard thickness do I need?A plain-English guide to choosing plasterboard: standard thicknesses, special boards for moisture, fire and sound, and what to check.
- How much loft insulation do I need?The recommended depth of loft insulation, how to work out how many rolls you need, and what else to buy.
Project guides
What a typical job needs, stage by stage.
- House extension materials, stage by stageWhat materials a single-storey house extension typically needs, from foundations to second fix, as a checklist to price with your builder.
- Loft conversion materials: what you’ll needA checklist of materials for a typical loft conversion: floor, walls, insulation, stairs, windows and finishing.
- Garden room materials: a checklistWhat you need to build a timber garden room or garden office: base, frame, insulation, cladding, roof and finishing.
Work out quantities
The materials calculators cover plasterboard sheets, stud wall timber, loft insulation rolls and concrete. Add the results to one list and send it for a quote.