Blog

  1. How to Hang a Door

    white mdf door with silver handle and a pink surrounding wall

    Can a beginner hang a door? It’s a common question, particularly amongst new homeowners, and if you’ve never hung a door before, you may not feel confident that you can complete the job properly. 

    However, if you implement the right techniques and use proper tools, it can be a straightforward DIY project.

    Whether you are replacing an old door or installing a new one, getting a gauge of the recommended steps from the Builders Supply Company will help you complete this application successfully.

    Ready to learn how to hang a door? Continue reading as we guide you through the necessary steps.

    How to Hang a Door in an Existing Frame

    Replacing a door doesn’t always mean tearing out the frame, hanging a new door in an existing frame can be quick and cost effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

    1. Remove your old door and hardware, unscrewing the hinges before taking the old door out. Keep the screws if they are in good condition.

    2. Check the existing door frame for warping, cracks, or uneven surfaces

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  2. What is CLS Timber?

    four pieces of cls timber stacked on top of each other

    CLS timber is a softwood timber that is often used in construction, particularly for internal framing and studwork.

    Typically, CLS is made using kiln dried pine, fir, or spruce. It is planed smooth on each side with rounded edging, which makes it easy to handle.

    It is suitable for a range of structural applications and is available in strength grades such as C16 and C24.

    CLS timber is popular in commercial and domestic construction due to its durability, ease of use, and versatility.

    What is the Difference Between CLS and Regular Timber?

    The primary differences between CLS and standard timber relate to grading, strength, and purpose.

    CLS timber is carefully graded and kiln dried to provide stiffness and consistent strength, which makes it reliable for load bearing construction projects, including framing.

    Regular timber is a more general purpose wood that isn’t necessarily graded or standardised. There is an array of different timber types, so when we say standard timber, its moisture content,

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  3. How to fix skirting board

    a recently renovated room with white skirting and sliding doors

    Neat skirting makes a room feel finished. The job is fairly simple if you plan your cuts, get the corners right, and choose the correct fixings for your wall. 

    Below is a clear walk-through that covers how to cut skirting board, how to cut skirting board corners, how to mitre skirting board, and how to attach skirting board so it stays put.

    Tools and prep

    Tape measure, pencil, mitre saw or mitre box (pick a box the right size for your skirting) and panel saw, coping saw, drill and bits, countersink, grab adhesive, screws and plugs for masonry, lost-head nails or pins for studs, filler, decorator’s caulk, sandpaper, and a stud/pipe detector.

    Buy a little extra length. Add around 20 per cent to your room’s total run so you have offcuts for practice and joint trimming.

    Terminology Tips: A mitre is an angled cut used to form a corner. To scribe means shaping one piece so it fits the profile of another. A countersink is a shallow recess that allows a screw head to sit just below the surface.

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  4. How to lay a patio for beginners

    woven furniture and wood dining table sitting on a grey square patio with grass in the background

    If you’re wondering how to lay a patio for beginners, the process is simpler than you might think if you plan ahead and have the right materials to hand. A well installed patio will last a lifetime, and look fantastic. 

    It adds a clean, practical outdoor space for seating, dining, or entertaining. 

    This step-by-step guide will walk you through preparation, laying, and finishing, so you can handle anything from a full garden installation or simply just knowing how to lay a small patio.

    Things you’ll need:

    Must-haves

    • Paving slabs

    • Sub-base aggregate (MOT Type 1 or similar)

    • Sharp sand

    • Cement

    • Rubber mallet

    • Trowel

    • Shovel

    • Rake

    • Spirit level

    • Tape measure

    Optional

    • String line and pegs

    • Wheelbarrow

    • Cement mixer

    • Jointing compound

    How to Lay a Patio On Different Sub-bases

    How to lay a patio on grass

    If your chosen space is currently turf, strip it back to bare soil. Dig down around 150mm, ensuring the ground is firm and level. Add a 100mm compacted sub-base, followed by 40mm of sharp sand mixed with

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  5. How to Block Pave a Driveway

    a block paved driveway with small flower on top

    Knowing how to block pave a driveway serves a number of purposes. You might need to maintain your existing block paving, want to lay new block paving on your drive, or simply just want to know how to block pave a path; regardless, it’s all a similar process and understanding how it’s done is a solid skill to have.  

    The process may seem daunting if you’ve never done it before, but with this guide, we aim to simplify it for you as much as possible, and give you all the best industry insights. 

    Read the benefits of a block paved driveway, with a step-by-step guide on how to complete one yourself. 

    What is Block Paving?

    Block paving is a popular form of driveway paving that looks fantastic, but isn’t quite as easy to install as typical slab work for example. A block paved driveway is made up of multiple blocks, which can be individually lifted out and replaced in the event that they are mucky, broken, or simply just need to be swapped out.

    Bricks are used to make these driveways, and you

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  6. How To Lay And Clean Artificial Grass

    lush green artificial grass from above

    Looking to give your garden/property a low-maintenance upgrade? Artificial grass does exactly that. But knowing how to lay artificial grass is a different story. 

    Whether you're covering soil, concrete, or old paving, the right installation will make all the difference, and then you can begin to think about how to clean it and maintain for years to come. 

    We’ll walk you through how to lay artificial grass on different surfaces, how to keep it looking its best, and what to expect in terms of cost.

    Laying Your Artificial Grass

    How to Lay Artificial Grass on Soil

    If you’re working with soil, your first step is to dig out any existing turf. Aim to go down about 75mm, this gives you the depth needed for proper drainage and a smooth finish.

    Once cleared, put in some treated timber edging around the perimeter. It makes securing the grass much easier later on. 

    Before laying anything else, roll out a weed membrane to stop any unwanted growth from poking through your new grass.

    Next, the sub-base.

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  7. How to Lay Decking That Lasts: Costs, Materials, and Methods

    a girl standing on a grey decking with pink shoes and blue jeans

    Knowing how to lay decking can be a significant life skill to have. You can gain an understanding of how it can work in your space, how to maintain it over time, and many other benefits. 

    A well built decking area can completely overhaul the usability and appeal of any garden or landscape. But only if it is done correctly. 

    At The Builders Supply Company, we work with tradespeople and homeowners across the UK, helping them source the building materials they need for projects like decking. We know a thing or two when it comes to using the right materials, and getting it installed, all of which we will cover in this guide. 

    Preparing For Your Decking

    Take the time to assess your space. Is the ground level, sloped, or already paved? Does the area get a lot of sun, or will you need to account for tree cover or drainage? 

    Always mark out your planned decking area using stakes and builder’s line, then clear the ground of turf, plants, and debris.

    If you’re building decking on soil, you will

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