Construction Guides
In-depth guides to help you make better decisions on your next building project.
400mm vs 600mm Centres — Which Spacing to Use? Complete Guide (2026)
Free guide: 400mm vs 600mm centres compared — load capacity, cost comparison, and building regulations. Find the right spacing for studs, joists & rafters.
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Roof Pitch Chart: Complete Reference Guide
Full roof pitch chart with degrees, slope percentages, and multipliers for every common pitch from 1:12 to 12:12. Includes material and climate recommendations.
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Minimum Roof Pitch for Slates, Metal & Tile
Find the minimum roof pitch required for concrete tiles, natural slate, standing seam metal, clay tile, and more. Includes Building Regulations references and low-slope solutions.
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Ready-Mix vs Bagged Concrete: Which Should You Use?
Ready-mix vs bagged concrete compared: cost per cubic metre, strength, convenience, and best uses. Learn when to order a truck vs mix bags yourself.
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How Much Does Concrete Cost? 2026 Price Guide
Concrete costs £80–£120 per cubic metre for ready-mix. Complete price guide covering slabs, footings, driveways, bagged concrete, labour costs, and saving tips.
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How Much Paint Do I Need? Complete Guide
How much paint for walls, ceilings, and trim? Complete guide covering measurement, coverage rates, coats, surface prep, and cost breakdown with calculator links.
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Timber Prices Guide: What Does Wood Cost?
Current timber prices by species, grade, and size. Covers structural timber, engineered wood, plywood, price trends, where to buy, and bulk discounts.
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Composite vs Wood Decking: Which Is Better?
Composite vs wood decking compared: cost, durability, maintenance, appearance, and lifespan. Learn which deck material is best for your project and climate.
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How Much Does Gravel Cost? 2026 Price Guide
Gravel costs £15–£40 per tonne. Complete price guide for driveways, patios, paths, drainage, and landscaping with delivery costs and how to calculate amounts.
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How Much Does a Driveway Cost? 2026 Price Guide
A new driveway costs £2,000–£15,000 depending on material and size. Complete price guide covering concrete, tarmac, gravel, and block paving with cost-by-size breakdowns, factors affecting price, DIY vs tradesman, and saving tips.
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Flooring Cost Guide: What Does New Flooring Cost?
Flooring costs £2–£15 per sq ft installed. Complete price guide covering hardwood, laminate, tile, carpet, and LVP with room-by-room estimates, installation costs, and saving tips.
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Complete Stair Building Guide: Building Regs, Calculations & Materials
How to build stairs — complete guide covering stair anatomy, UK Building Regulations Approved Document K, rise & going calculations, stair types, materials, and costs.
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Floor Joist Span Table: BS 5268 & Eurocode 5 Reference
Floor joist span tables for 47x150, 47x175, 47x200, 47x250mm timber at 400mm and 600mm centres. Covers C16 and C24 graded softwood per BS 5268 and Eurocode 5.
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Rafter Span Table: Complete UK Roof Framing Reference
Rafter span tables by size, spacing, pitch, and snow load. Covers common UK timber sizes with Building Regulations and Eurocode 5 references.
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Ceiling Joist Span Table: UK Building Regs Reference
Ceiling joist span tables by size, spacing, and load type. Covers uninhabited loft, light storage, and habitable loft spans per BS 5268 and Approved Document A.
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