Anyone used online-building-supplies?

Niv

Hi All,

As per title really. Has anyone used a company called 'online-building-supplies'? If so, how did you find them?

Or - have you used any other similar building supplier with success?

I am basically looking to buy some concrete blocks for a garden wall and am looking for the best price I can.

Thanks

Dan-Dan

never heard of them , but there isnt anything better than going down your local jewsons or buttles etc and having a good look yourself and see if you can get a deal

Money_maker

Agreed. Unless you need enough to build a house, there's plenty of builders merchants out there and they deliver too.

Niv

Ok thanks for the info. I found the high street to be a reasonable amount more expensive, but will re-check.

Next question, I am building a garden wall, is the medium density 3.6N suitable or do I need to use the 7N type? I intend to paint and not (at least in the first instance) render.

I have been trying to find what the difference is between the two types but my googling has not got me there yet :-)

Furts

Seven newton is used in the ground where it is frost resistant and it is suitable for all normal domestic load bearing uses. A 3.6Newton will be fine for a garden wall - but it may not be any cheaper, or if so, only by very little.

Beware if the blocks are very fresh - you could find the 3.6 loose their corners or chip a little. It is your choice but I would go for the sevens.

On a practical note, and forgive me being blunt...Never render a garden wall. Yes there will be forum users who will disagree but this is not good practice. Painting is your choice, but there will be a shortish life span to the coating if there is any degree of exposure.

You will probably find B&Q Tradepoint very competive on concrete blocks - it was price on application where I am - they are always monitoring the competition on blocks. If you are retail bear this in mind and still try to get a good B&Q price...or get any tradesman to buy them for you.

Niv

Furts wrote: »

Seven newton is used in the ground where it is frost resistant and it is suitable for all normal domestic load bearing uses. A 3.6Newton will be fine for a garden wall - but it may not be any cheaper, or if so, only by very little.

Beware if the blocks are very fresh - you could find the 3.6 loose their corners or chip a little. It is your choice but I would go for the sevens.

On a practical note, and forgive me being blunt...Never render a garden wall. Yes there will be forum users who will disagree but this is not good practice. Painting is your choice, but there will be a shortish life span to the coating if there is any degree of exposure.

You will probably find B&Q Tradepoint very competive on concrete blocks - it was price on application where I am - they are always monitoring the competition on blocks. If you are retail bear this in mind and still try to get a good B&Q price...or get any tradesman to buy them for you.

Many thanks for your reply. I agree regarding rendering, it was never really my intention, I guess my only lingering thought was my idiot neighbour that huffs and puffs at everything I do (while doing what I consider a bodge to his own garden). I think it was his comment of 'building a block wall without rendering is a false economy' and as he is a builder (of sorts) I thought he may have a point so left the future option 'on the table' so to speak.

Will stick to the 7N though, good shout - I did wonder if it was a frost resistance thing but couldnt really find any thing to confirm.

Furts

Niv wrote: »

Many thanks for your reply. I agree regarding rendering, it was never really my intention, I guess my only lingering thought was my idiot neighbour that huffs and puffs at everything I do (while doing what I consider a bodge to his own garden). I think it was his comment of 'building a block wall without rendering is a false economy' and as he is a builder (of sorts) I thought he may have a point so left the future option 'on the table' so to speak.

Will stick to the 7N though, good shout - I did wonder if it was a frost resistance thing but couldnt really find any thing to confirm.

Of course you could impress him with your superior knowledge!... and perhaps score a few points...have you considered ordering "fair faced" blocks? These are far more suitable for a paint finish, Indeed, outdoors they would look fine without applying any finish.

Niv

Furts wrote: »

Of course you could impress him with your superior knowledge!... and perhaps score a few points...have you considered ordering "fair faced" blocks? These are far more suitable for a paint finish, Indeed, outdoors they would look fine without applying any finish.

Having never heard of 'fair faced blocks' it had not occured to me . However after a little googling I see what they are and will ask about these when I pop down to TP at the weekend and try and get some pricing undertaken! (as I have been put off buying from an online supplier).

Thanks once again!

Self_Builder

Niv wrote: »

Hi All,

As per title really. Has anyone used a company called 'online-building-supplies'? If so, how did you find them?

Or - have you used any other similar building supplier with success?

I am basically looking to buy some concrete blocks for a garden wall and am looking for the best price I can.

Thanks

I have used them but their customer service is shocking. Delivery never came when promised and they didn't call me to explain. Had to chase them. The problem being you line up labour and if the materials don't arrive you have one expensive job on your hands. Try a local builders merchant and be sure. It will save you money in the long run.

A.Penny.Saved

Make sure that any thermalite blocks that you purchase have no score marks because they will not look good painted. Those type are not suitable for unrendered walls.