Inspiration & Advice
Are you looking for useful do-it-yourself advice? Do you want to know how to clean your artificial grass, or need some ideas for a garden transformation? At Howarth, we have plenty of how-to guides, product selections, and inspired themes to help you towards making your home or next garden project a success. You can also meet our expert authors to learn more about the people behind our advice and discover their industry experience.
We are much more than just timber, and with our innovative ideas and practical advice, you can create a home to be proud of.
Solar Thermal vs Solar PV – What’s the difference?
Over time, we have started to look for more renewable and sustainable ways to create energy, and solar power seems to have become the go-to solution. But did you know that there is more than one way to use the sun’s energy?
In this blog, we’ll look at the main differences between solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems, and how they work.
What is solar PV?
Solar PV systems use panels made from semiconductor materials like silicon to turn sunlight directly into electricity. This
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24th Oct 2025
Underfloor Heating Guide
Underfloor heating is an efficient, modern heating solution that’s becoming increasingly popular in both new builds and renovations. Suitable for a wide range of structures, including timber frames, solid floors, and joisted systems, it offers flexible options to match any building type.
This guide explores the essentials and provides you with the knowledge to select and install the right system with confidence.
How does underfloor heating work?
There are two types of underfloor heating,
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22nd Oct 2025
A Buyer’s Guide to Preservative Treated Timber
When choosing timber for your next project, durability is imperative. Preservative treated timber offers enhanced strength and protection against decay, moisture, and insects, which makes it a smart choice for everything from garden decking to fencing and landscaping.
In this guide, we’ll explain what treated timber is, how timber preservation works, and why using the right timber preservative can make all the difference in maintaining quality and performance over time!
What is preservati
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21st Oct 2025
Timber Panels: The Unsung Heroes of Construction
Timber panels are foundational to today’s construction industry. Though often overlooked, products like OSB, MDF, and chipboard are integral to residential, commercial, and interior projects across the globe. This article explores what they are, how they differ, and why they are central to the future of sustainable construction.
What are OSB, MDF & Chipboard?
Timber panels are engineered wood products created to improve efficiency, strength, and sustainability in building applicatio
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21st Oct 2025
How to waterproof a shed for winter
As temperatures drop and rain increases, protecting your outdoor buildings becomes essential. If you’ve noticed damp patches, leaks, or condensation forming, it’s time to learn how to waterproof a shed effectively. As, without proper protection, moisture can quickly damage the structure, warp wood, and cause mould or rust on stored items.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shed waterproofing, including how to seal walls, protect the interior, and even
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14th Oct 2025