Masonry
Blocks, bricks, sand, cement, lime, and mortar for the walls and below-DPC groundwork of a domestic extension, covering the raw materials your bricklayer will use every day.
Building Sand: The Complete Guide for UK Homeowners
Everything you need to know about building sand for bricklaying and blockwork: mortar mix ratios, quantities, colour matching, delivery logistics, and common mistakes. UK 2026.
Cavity Boards: The Mortar-Catching Tool That Stops Damp Bridging Your Walls
UK guide to cavity boards: what they are, how to make one, why mortar in your cavity causes damp years later, and what building control will check at the structure inspection.
Cavity Closers: What They Are, Why You Need Them, and How Not to Get Them Wrong
UK guide to insulated cavity closers: what they do, fire-rated vs standard, current brands after Thermabate's discontinuation, prices, and first-fix installation.
Cavity Trays: What They Are, Where They Go, and Why Your Builder Cannot Skip Them
UK homeowner guide to preformed cavity trays: NHBC 2024 mandate, Type X vs Type E, weep vent spacing, prices, and the questions to ask your builder.
100mm Aerated Concrete Blocks: The Inner Leaf Workhorse Explained
Everything a UK homeowner needs to know about 100mm aerated blocks: specs, brands, weight, thermal performance, mortar mix, fixings, and the below-DPC rule that trips everyone up.
100mm Dense Concrete Blocks: The Below-DPC Workhorse Explained
Everything a UK homeowner needs to know about 100mm dense concrete blocks: specs, weight, blocks per m², where to use them, and the most common beginner mistake.
140mm Concrete Blocks: When Your Structural Engineer Upgrades from 100mm
Why structural engineers specify 140mm blocks, when the 1m foundation depth rule kicks in, how to handle 27kg blocks safely, and what to pay in 2026.
DPM Jointing Tape: How to Seal Damp Proof Membrane Joints Properly
The complete UK guide to DPM jointing tape: single-sided vs double-sided, why foil tape isn't a substitute, cold weather rules, radon zones, prices and brands.
Engineering Bricks: Class A vs Class B, Where They Go, and How Many You Need
UK homeowner guide to engineering bricks: Class A vs B specs, mortar requirements, quantity calculations, and what building control will check below DPC.
Facing Bricks: How to Choose, Match, and Order for Your Extension
The complete UK homeowner guide to facing bricks: brick types, frost ratings, matching existing brickwork, quantity calculations, and what to pay. Covers common beginner mistakes.
Frame Sealant: Acrylic, Silicone, or MS Polymer for UK Window and Door Perimeters
The complete UK guide to frame sealant: acrylic vs low-modulus silicone vs MS polymer hybrid, BS EN 15651 compliance, application technique, and the bath-silicone mistake.
Hydrated Lime in Mortar: What It Is, Why It's Used, and When to Choose It
The complete guide to hydrated lime for UK construction: mix ratios, lime vs plasticiser, safety, storage, and why it's not the same as hydraulic lime.
Mortar Plasticiser: How It Works, Correct Dosage, and When Not to Use It
UK guide to mortar plasticiser: dosage in ml per bag, BS EN 934-3, NHBC rules, plasticiser vs lime, and the locations where 1:6 plus plasticiser will fail.
Plastering Sand: What It Is, How to Use It, and How Much You Need
The definitive UK guide to plastering sand (rendering sand): particle sizes, mix ratios, render coverage calculations, and where to buy. From £2.50 per 25kg bag.
Polyethylene DPC Roll: Widths, Standards, and Installing It Without a Damp Bridge
How to choose, size, and install polyethylene damp-proof course on a UK extension. Widths, standards, NHBC rules, real retail prices, and the mistakes that cause damp.
Portland Cement: What It Is, How to Use It, and How Much You Need
The definitive guide to Portland cement for UK homeowners: CEM I vs CEM II, mix ratios for mortar and concrete, how many bags per m², storage, safety, and current prices.
Premixed Mortar Bags: When to Use Them and When to Skip Them
UK guide to premixed mortar bags - coverage per bag, cost vs site-mixing, mortar classifications (M4/M6), when bags make sense, and the quantity trap that catches DIYers.
Sharp Sand: What It Is, What It's For, and How Much You Need
The definitive UK guide to sharp sand: concrete and screed mix ratios, quantity calculations by job type, bulk bag vs 25kg bags, and the beginner mistake that ruins floors.
Weep Vents: What They Do, Why They're Required, and How to Spot a Botched Job
The complete UK guide to weep vents: spacing rules, fire-safety updates, plastic vs stainless steel, and how to detect fake or missing vents on your build.