FAQ's
Timber
What is CLS?
CLS is an abbreviation of ‘Canadian Lumber Size.’ The name originates from the Canadian market. CLS is typically used for internal stud work. The usual sizes of CLS are 38mmx63mm or 38mmx89mm. Lengths include 2.4m, 3.0m, and 4.8m. View our CLS range here
What is C24 treated timber?
C24 treated timber is kiln dried, planed, and chemically treated. All edges are eased. C24 is a grading level that architects, engineers, and builders often require. The C24 grade confirms the timber is of a certain strength. C24 timber is ideal for structural use as well as home DIY. All our treated timber is impregnated with Lonza Tanalith solution. Tanalith gives the timber the ultimate long-term protection against wood decay and insect attack, wherever the timber is to be used. Treated timber is ideal for outside use. View our C24 Treated Timber range here
What is C24 untreated timber?
C24 untreated timber is kiln dried and planed. All edges are eased. C24 is a grading level that architects, engineers, and builders often require. The C24 grade confirms the timber is of a certain strength. C24 timber is ideal for structural use as well as home DIY. View our C24 Untreated Timber range here
What is timber grading?
Constructional timber is checked to make sure it is strong enough to be used in a structure, such as a house. Engineers and Architects require that timbers are of a certain strength to make sure structures will be stable. These grades are classified. For example, C24 timber is a higher (better quality) grade than C16 timber.
What is PAR timber?
PAR timber is a timber that has been planed all around. It is planed on all sides offering a smooth finish which makes it exceptionally versatile allowing it to be used for multiple uses, such as internal joinery and furniture construction. View our PAR Timber range here
What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?
Hardwoods are more likely to be found in high quality furniture, decks and flooring, generally construction that needs to last. Hardwood is typically more expensive than softwood.
What is green timber?
Despite the name, green timber isn’t really ‘green’ in the way you might think.  The slight green tint on the timber is the naturally occurring result of the pressure treating process the timber has been subjected to. This is done to extend the life of the timber and increase its overall durability.
What is architrave?
Architraves are a style of moulding that frames the edges of rectangular structures such as windows, doors, or other openings. An architrave covers the gap between the wall and the door or window frame, hiding the joins or disguising movement and shrinkage between the two.
Landscaping
What is feather edge
Feather edge is a piece of timber used for fencing. One edge is typically thinner than the other edge. Feather edge is a very popular fencing timber in the UK. View our Feather Edge range here
What is wall coping?
Wall coping is the coping of the wall on the top. It gives the wall a smooth and sophisticated style. View our Wall Coping range here
What are Gravel boards?
Gravel boards are typically 100mm or 150mm thick. They are used to protect the bottom of the fence from the soil, debris, and insect damage. Gravel boards are available in concrete or timber. Check out our range of Gravel Boards here. View our Gravel Boards range here
What is natural paving?
As you might have thought, natural paving is made from natural stone. Natural stone can look absolutely beautiful, but it’s important to note that you will not get the same amount of uniformity in the slabs as you would from manufactured paving, but it will provide your patio with plenty of character and texture.
What is a project pack?
Some paving products will feature a project pack featuring a number of different sizes slabs. These are designed to be placed side by side to create a natural, neat effect. Â A project pack has the correct number of slabs to cover the advertised area and often comes with a laying guide, making it easier for the consumer to lay.
What is efflorescence?
Efflorescence is a relatively rare phenomenon, which appears on the surface of a concrete product in the form of a white deposit. Â It is caused when moisture from the manufacturing process or rain interacts with the soluble salts found within the natural substance. Â Efflorescence is harmless and completely natural and will disappear over time through weathering as the salts within the product are used up.
What is lap panel?
Lap fencing is one of the most popular types of fencing. It is constructed using wooden slats in a traditional, horizontal and partially overlapping design. Each lap panel fence has a robust timber frame that secures the panel and makes it easy to slot into wooden or concrete fence posts.
What is the difference between sharp sand and building sand?
Also known as 'grit sand' or 'concrete sand', sharp sand is coarser than building sand thanks to its larger particles. Having a larger grain size means sharp sand is slightly heavier, giving the mortar more strength yet making it less flexible to work with.
Should I mix packs when laying paving?
Incorporating slabs from different packs is recommended when laying a patio and this eliminates distinctive colour blocks and distributes the colour variation.
What is calibrated paving?
Calibrated paving means that all of the slabs will be of a uniform thickness. Calibrated paving is often more expensive than non-calibrated, but it is so much easier and quicker to lay.
What is a kerb?
Kerbs are generally used with block paving and give a finished edge around the area of paving.
What is composite decking?
Composite decking consists of a mixture of wood fibres and recycled plastic and is designed to give the look and feel of traditional timber decking, whilst removing the drawbacks associated with wood. Â Composite decking offers exceptional durability, resilience and performance and is perfect for withstanding the elements.
Building
What is DPM?
A damp proof membrane (DPM) is a type of membrane material used to prevent dampness from occurring through capillary action. It is often used underneath a concrete floor to stop it from gaining moisture.
What is contact adhesive?
Contact adhesive (also known as ‘contact cement’) is a type of adhesive that is rubber based. Contact adhesives can be made of natural or synthetic rubbers such as polychloroprene. Unlike removable adhesives, once the surfaces over which a contact adhesive has been applied make contact, the bonding is permanent.
What is cavity wall insulation?
Cavity walls can be insulated by injecting insulation into the cavity from the outside through drill holes in the outside walls. Insulation is usually mineral wool or polystyrene beads, or polyurethane foam.
Plumbing
What is TRV?
A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is a self-regulating valve fitted to a hot water heating system radiator to control the temperature of a room by changing the flow of hot water to the radiator.
What is a BTU?
A BTU is the measurement used to represent the amount of energy it takes to heat one pound of water (about a pint) by one degree Fahrenheit. Â A BTU is the standard heat measurement when it comes to choosing radiators.