Inspiration & Advice

There are a multitude of different timbers available, but if two of the most popular grades of timber went head-to-head, it would have to be a straight fight of the heavyweights – C16 vs C24 timber. Which emerges as the winner depends on four key factors though; use, strength, quality and cost. Before you can weigh in with a decision on which is the best for your projects, we need to weigh up all the advantages and disadvantages of each. There are so many questions. What is C24 timber? Is …

When designing or renovating a home or workspace, choosing the right flooring is important. The variety of flooring options available today means there’s something to suit every style, function, and budget.  In this guide, we’ll walk you through some popular flooring types, their features, and ideal applications to help you make an informed decision. 1. Vinyl Flooring Vinyl flooring is a versatile and affordable option that works in almost any room. Available in sheets, planks …

If you’re in the building trade, a joiner in particular, or work at Howarth Timber & Building Supplies, you’ll know a great deal about the different types of timber. But there is always something new to learn or types of timbers that you’ve never or rarely worked with. We thought it would be a good idea to create an “all you need to know” style definitive guide that takes a comprehensive look at all types of timber. Everything from standard CLS timber and PSE ti …

If you're considering a loft conversion this winter, you’re not alone. With property prices climbing and families needing more space, converting your loft can be a smart and cost-effective answer. From dormer extensions to Velux windows / Keylite windows, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about loft conversions, including costs, planning permission, and design ideas in this helpful article. What Is a loft conversion? A loft conversion involves transforming an unde …

However, which one do you choose? Do you go for a traditional lime mortar mix or cement mortar? How do you mix lime mortar? What is hydraulic lime mortar? What is cement mortar best for? Before we get stuck into all that, there’s one question we need to get out of the way first… is mortar and cement the same? Mortar or Cement? Ever wondered what’s the difference between mortar and cement? Well, in a nutshell, mortar is a creamy mix of cement, sand and sometimes lime, which c …