When embarking on any construction or renovation project in the UK, understanding and adhering to the building regulations is paramount. These regulations are designed to ensure that buildings are safe, energy-efficient, and accessible. Whether you're a seasoned tradesperson or a homeowner keen on a DIY project, being well-versed in these regulations is crucial to avoid potential pitfalls and legal repercussions.

Understanding building regulations

Building regulations are a set of standards that outline the minimum requirements for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings. The regulations are determined by the government and can be accessed via the GOV.UK website. They cover aspects such as structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Understanding and complying with building regulations

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is delighted to announce its annual Help for Hospices fundraising week is taking place between Monday 11th and Friday 15th December. 

 The Help for Hospices initiative reflects Covers' dedication to supporting the healthcare institutions that play a crucial role in their communities. By involving customers, staff, and the local community, Covers makes a meaningful impact on the lives of those who depend on the vital services provided by the charities.

Across its branch network, Covers is aiming to raise £30,000 during the week for 12 hospices located in the South East. This figure will add to the £217,000 that the Help for Hospices initiative has raised since it launched in 2015. 

The week will see all Covers branches actively fundraising for their respective local hospices, with the company pledging to contribute £1 for every metre of 4x2 timber sold during the week.

As we get ready to step into 2024, property owners are gearing up to transform their living spaces with the latest trends in home improvement. We understand the importance of staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of design and functionality, so here's a glimpse into the top home improvement trends that are set to dominate in 2024.

Flexible living spaces: The concept of dedicated rooms with fixed purposes is evolving. Homeowners are increasingly opting for flexible living spaces that can adapt to their changing needs. Consider open-plan layouts, modular furniture, and versatile storage solutions to create a home that can easily transform to meet your requirements.

Sustainable living takes centre stage: In a world increasingly conscious of environmental issues, sustainable living is becoming

Embarking on a home improvement project is an exciting venture that can breathe new life into a living space. Whether upgrading your kitchen, renovating a bathroom, or tackling a complete home makeover, it's crucial to approach the process with careful planning and attention to detail.

However, the path to a successful renovation is often fraught with potential pitfalls. To ensure your project runs smoothly and achieves the desired results, it's crucial to steer clear of common mistakes. In this guide, we'll explore some of the most prevalent home improvement missteps to help you steer clear of them.

1. Ignoring the importance of planning

One of the most significant mistakes homeowners make is diving headfirst into a project without a well-thought-out plan. Planning

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is delighted with the recent success of Horsham racing driver Declan Lee, who the company has been sponsoring for the past three years. Declan was recently crowned winner of the MSVT Miata Championship.

The Miata Trophy, a Mazda MX-5 Championship organised by MSVT Racing, showcases the prowess of MK3 MX5 Mazda drivers across six of the best circuits in the UK. With a focus on driver skill and race car setup, this single-make series ensures driver ability is at the forefront through strict adherence to regulations.

Declan Lee clinched the championship with remarkable performances throughout the season. His achievements included fastest qualifying, pole position in the SuperPole shootout and an impressive seven out of 11 race victories. Declan's incredible consistency and skill on the track secured his well-deserved championship title.

Expressing his elation, Declan Lee said:

"It's been a fantastic year and

Covers Timber and Builders Merchants is pleased to announce the acquisition of NYEs Building Supplies.

NYEs Building Supplies is an independent building, landscaping, timber and plumbing merchant operating from sites in Kingsfold and Billingshurst, West Sussex, formerly owned by David Nye.

NYEs’ depots will continue to provide the same high standards of customer service while benefiting from Covers’ extended range, especially of timber.

David Cover and Son, the family owned and managed timber and builders merchant, is headquartered in Chichester, West Sussex, and celebrated its 175^th anniversary in 2022. Covers operates from 15 locations across Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex, with its mill and timber operation based at its Chichester depot.

Rupert Green, Chairman of Covers, welcomes NYEs to the Covers Group. He commented:

“We are delighted to bring such a well-run local

A convoy of lorries has left timber and builders' merchants Covers in Chichester on a long journey to bring vital aid to the people of Ukraine.   

The company has donated three crane lorries to the humanitarian organisation Stay Safe UA and now they are en route to help Ukrainian civilians near the front line. 

The lorries, with volunteer drivers Chris Hurst, Malcolm Sargeant, Jamie Lewis and Lina Lazar from the Healing Hands Network charity at the wheel, are heading for the Poland/Ukraine border, where they will be handed over to Stay Safe UA. Their eventual destinations are Bakhmut and Kherson, a journey of about 1,800 miles. 

The lorries are loaded with a forklift, a tracked recovery vehicle, a Bobcat loader and angle broom for rubble clearance and a container of equipment including fridges, freezers, clothing and medical supplies that have either been donated or paid for with donations.

Stay Safe UA's brave volunteers will use

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants’ Chichester depot recently held a free event where local tradespeople and property owners were able to speak directly with some of the industry’s leading suppliers.

Visitors engaged with and saw demonstrations from paving manufacturers Brett Landscaping and Bradstone, specialist hand and power tool distributors OX Tools and Toolbank, artificial grass manufacturer Namgrass, and chemical product specialist Sika.

Landscaping product manufacturer Azpects, screws and fastenings suppliers OSC Sales and Spax, door distributors LPD Doors and PM-Mendes, and product experts from Covers Timber Services were also on hand to provide advice and answer questions.

The suppliers invited visitors to take part in fun challenges to win Love2shop gift cards on the day, and there were special offers and free food and drink available.

Martyn Beck, depot manager at Covers Trade Centre in Chichester,

A team from Worthing-based company ECE Architecture has raised £915 for the G2 Neurological and High Dependency Unit at University Hospital Southampton after taking part in Shoreham’s charity raft race on Saturday 8^th July.

ECE team member Selina Walker and partner Daryl Long, who is product manager at Covers Timber & Builders Merchant, have personal experience with the unit as their young son was treated and supported by the incredible G2 staff throughout his treatment and full recovery. The cause is therefore important to both companies.

To help the architecture firm build its raft, Covers donated £600 worth of supplies, which included treated carcassing, plywood, rope and fixings.

Paul Fender RIBA, Design Director at ECE Architecture, commented:

“Selina and Daryl received tremendous support from University Hospital Southampton, and our team wanted to say thank you by fundraising for the G2 unit. The team had great fun taking

The Chichester branch of Covers Timber and Builders Merchants is delighted to be the new shirt sponsor of Clanfield Cricket Club’s junior and women’s teams.

The builders merchants’ two-year sponsorship will help to support the players and their coaches. New shirts displaying Covers’ logo have been issued to the club’s two women’s teams who compete in the W10 Hampshire league, and the two junior teams for under 9 and under 11-year-olds. The Club also run All Stars and Dynamos which are national ECB programmes designed to introduce children to cricket

Clanfield Cricket Club was re-established in 1994 following several years of no club existing in the village. It has since gone from having just one men’s team playing friendlies to a thriving membership of over 100 ladies, men and juniors playing across nine teams.

The club is continually expanding by welcoming new members and is a supportive environment for anyone who wants to be involved in cricket. The club plays

Covers Timber & Builders Merchant is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of West's Wood Fair. This partnership highlights Covers' commitment to supporting local communities and celebrating the beauty of wood craftsmanship. 

West's Wood Fair – organised by specialist woodturning and furniture makers West’s of East Dean – is a renowned annual event that showcases the finest in woodworking and the many interesting ways wood is used. 

Taking place in East Dean near Chichester, the three-day event attracts thousands of visitors, including woodworking enthusiasts, industry professionals, and families looking for an enjoyable day out. With its diverse range of exhibitors, captivating demonstrations, and interactive workshops, the fair offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of wood.

As an official sponsor, Covers will be attending the event and aims to further enhance the experience for attendees by showcasing the different types of hardwood, cladding

A team from Covers Timber & Builders Merchants’ Chichester depot completed a 5k charity walk through Itchenor on Tuesday 2nd May in aid of St Wilfrid’s Hospice. The route

The Chichester depot of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is delighted to become an official sponsor of this year’s Chichester Pride 2023 day of celebration. Taking place

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants’ Chichester and Bognor Regis depots are inviting local tradespeople and property owners to two free events where they will be able to see product demonstrations and receive advice from some of the industry’s leading suppliers.

On Wednesday 10^th May, the Chichester depot, which is located on Quarry Lane, will be hosting the Velux 2in1 Roof Window event. Visitors will be able to learn more about Velux roof windows and how to bring more daylight into a living space.

Experts from Velux Windows will be at the depot with their latest display vehicle. The Velux team will be demonstrating its range, including the new 2in1 roof window, and answering questions.

Then, on Wednesday 17^th May, Covers’ Bognor Regis branch, located on Station Road, is hosting a meet the supplier event. Visitors to the depot will be able to receive advice, see demonstrations and learn more about some of the industry’s latest products from

Stephen Woods, who works at Covers Timber and Builders Merchants’ Portsmouth depot is celebrating an impressive 48 years with the company, becoming the longest serving employee.

Having joined Wheelers Builders

Looking for suitable paving for your garden? Don't know the difference between Porcelain, Natural Stone or Concrete? Here's a little insight into the difference.

Porcelain

Our beautiful range of porcelain paving truly gives you the best of both worlds.

Porcelain paving is formed by baking a mixture of clay, sand and other minerals in a high temperature kiln producing an incredibly durable and non-porous material.

Being resistant to water absorption ensures that porcelain paving requires lower maintenance. There’s no need to apply a sealant as pavers are already stain and mildew resistant. Liquids such as oils and chemicals cannot penetrate the surface, so they can easily be cleaned away. An exceptionally dense material, porcelain

As part of its Covers in the Community Scheme, an employee from Covers Timber and Builders Merchants' Chichester depot spent a day volunteering with the Tsunami Explorer Scout Unit.

Nathan Bilham, a mill assistant at Covers’ branch on Quarry Lane, supported young people who were undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Practice Expedition on the South Downs. He helped them plan a route and pack their bag correctly, before providing guidance to the team of six during their 24km expedition.

Nathan commented:

“I have been involved with the Scouts since I was six years old – I joined as a Beaver and I’m now an adult leader for the 2nd Bognor Sea Scouts. During my time as a Scout, I have learnt many skills and, through many adventures, I have developed a passion for sport and hiking.

“One of the main aspects of Scouting and the Duke of Edinburgh award is supporting

Preparing the garden for spring is a crucial time in any gardener’s calendar. If your outside space is looking a little unkempt after a freezing winter, it can feel daunting to get started.

The key is to plan to make sure that spring doesn’t catch you unprepared. Look at what jobs need to be done and get all the essential materials you need in advance – as they can sell out quickly! 

Here are some of our ideas for things you can do to get ready for the new season.

Mulch beds

One of the first things you’ll want to do is remove weeds and mulch beds with bark chippings. This prepares beds by helping to reduce weeds and improve soil structure and drainage – laying the foundations to produce happy plants.

You’ll also want to stock up on compost and topsoil to make sure you’ve got everything you need when the time comes to start planting.

Eleven hospices in the south east are to benefit from more than £32,000 thanks to a special fundraising campaign by Covers Timber & Builders Merchants.

The company, which has 14 depots across Hampshire, Sussex and Kent, gave £5 for every purchase during its annual Help for Hospices charity week, which took place from 12^th to 16^th September and donated a total of £32,155.

Covers’ chairman Rupert Green said:

"Thank you to everyone who supported our Help for Hospices week this year and helped us to provide an incredible amount of money. It means that since we launched the initiative in 2015, our customers have helped us to raise more than £217,000 for hospices across the south east."

He added:

"Charities rely on donations and the money raised will help hospices continue to provide vital services to the communities they serve."

Hospices

As part of Covers Timber and Builders Merchants’ 175th anniversary celebrations, and the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, the builders merchant planted 175 beech trees at Selhurst Park near Chichester on Thursday 17th November.

The trees were kindly provided by Maelor Forest Nurseries and planted by Tilhill, members of BSW Group and sister companies to BSW Timber – a leading Covers supplier – and Covers staff. The new woodland has been created at Monarch’s Way, as it crosses from the A285 to Selhurst Park Road, enhancing the public footpath and the South Downs landscape.

Planting beech trees near Goodwood is particularly apt for the Green family, who have been running Covers since the 1940s. The family’s forestry business, which began operating in Sussex in the 1930s, harvested trees from the Goodwood Estate and ran the timber mill at Charlton.

Members of the Green family – the oldest being Richard, aged 84, and the youngest

The Brighton depot of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has donated sheets of OSB to the Woodingdean Food Hub.

The Woodingdean Food Hub was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver produce that had been donated by the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership to people who were in need. It continues to be a vitally important resource by operating as a social supermarket where people can choose their own food and make a small contribution if they can.

The wooden boards donated by Covers Brighton have helped the hub to ensure it has a safe space to store tinned food.

Philippa Parsons, Chair of the Food Hub Committee, commented:

“In addition to providing food, the hub is used as a free drop-in centre to reduce loneliness – especially in elderly residents and young parents – and help prevent the potential stigma that can come from accessing charity. We have received fantastic

An employee from Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Portsmouth is getting ready to shave off all 22 inches of his hair to raise money for the charity Sarcoma UK.

Oliver Martindale, who works as an operations manager at Covers Portsmouth, is fundraising in memory of his aunt, Michelle Martindale. Michelle had battled and overcome sarcoma – a rare form of cancer – but sadly became ill in February this year and passed away. She was a supporter of Sarcoma UK, so Oliver is carrying on her fundraising and will be shaving his hair on Wednesday 21^st December.

As part of Covers’ match funding scheme, the company will be matching the amount of money Oliver raises by up to £1,000.

Oliver commented:

“My Aunt Michelle bravely battled sarcoma and is very much missed by all our family. I wanted to honour her memory and raise money to help the charity continue to support other people fighting this type of cancer.

“Thank you to everyone

The nights are becoming darker and longer, and the winter starts to show it's signs with the colder months approaching. The thought of staying in becomes the popular option for many of us.

At Covers, the bathroom is one of the perfect places to warm up and unwind, from a bath  or a warm shower, we have everything you need to create your ideal bathroom, from furniture to accessories.

All homes are unique, and we can help with whatever style, size or price you are looking for, to create your dream bathroom.

Baths

One of the best ways to relax is by having a bath especially during the winter months, we supply high-quality and stylish baths of all shapes and sizes that are fit for any home.

With baths, we understand that spillage and splashes are a regular occurrence, especially

Covers Timber and Builders Merchant is delighted to announce the acquisition of Wingham Timber and Mouldings, based near Canterbury in Kent.

Wingham Timber is an independent timber merchant supplying construction grade timber, sheet materials, internal mouldings, wooden flooring, garden fencing and decking materials, along with timber for garden structures. It has a range of fencing manufacturing machinery, as well as moulders and a treatment plant.

Wingham Timber’s principal owners and directors, Beau Hart and Nigel Hylands, will continue their involvement with the business, with Beau assisting during a transitional period, and Nigel continuing to operate the business.

Nigel Hylands commented:

“We see Covers as an ideal new home for Wingham with its family ownership and similar values. I look forward to continuing to run the business and overseeing the transition to a new General Manager in due course. We and Covers have already

An employee from Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Chichester has raised over £7,500 for Cancer Research UK, following her own breast cancer diagnosis in March of this year.

Gina Trusler, Administration Manager at Covers head office in Chichester, underwent a mastectomy earlier this year and took the decision to shave off her hair before losing it due to chemotherapy treatment. After being contacted by a friend who said she was going to ‘brave the shave’ by also shaving her own hair, Gina set up the Bald Babes for Breast Cancer fundraising initiative, which has so far raised £7,532.

Gina commented:

"Being open about my diagnosis and sharing my own story has enabled others going through cancer to contact me, including some of my lovely friends. Offering others help and support whilst they are going through their own journey and fundraising for Cancer Research UK's life-saving research has helped me feel like I am giving something back. The support

The Portsmouth depot of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants welcomed Penny Mordaunt, the Conservative MP for Portsmouth North and Leader of the House of Commons, to its depot on Friday 7^th October.

Ms Mordaunt was given a tour of the depot by manager Dale Lambourne who explained its operations and products as well as how the business gets involved with community projects and charitable giving. She also met Covers’ Managing Director Henry Green. The Green family has been running the independent business since the 1940s.

William Cover founded the company in 1846 when it began trading in Chichester, and members of the Cover family remained connected to the business until 1989. The company started by selling home grown timber, which was brought to site by horse-drawn wagon. Since then, Covers has expanded to 14 depots operating across the south of England and extended its product offering to include a full range of construction materials. Its values of having a

As the temperature begins to drop, we need to ensure we prepare our homes properly to keep the heat in.

At Covers, we understand that this year more than any other most of us will feel the sting of the cold as we may not be switching on our heating as much as normal due to high energy costs. That's why we provide a range of insulation perfect for any home.

It has become more important than ever to insulate our homes and ensure we keep the heat we need throughout these cooler months, but what insulation would work best for you?

Insulation Boards

Insulation boards are a great choice for your home. This is because they have many positive effects, such as continuous

At Covers, we understand how important it is to have a home that feels uniquely yours and renewing parts of your home, such as your internal doors, can make all the difference.

Our range of interior doors is the ideal choice for any home when looking to make a change.

What doors do we offer?

Mendes doors are a great choice when looking for a change. Whether you want to create a modern feel in your home or prefer a more traditional look, there is something in our range for you. Mendes doors are high-quality and stylish doors ideal for any home. Our favourite Mendes doors are the Mendes White Primed Corsica Internal Door 35 x 1981 x 762mm and the Mendes White Primed Mexicano Internal Door 35 x 1981 x 762mm.

Mendes White Primed Corsica Internal Door

Here at Covers, we’ve got everything you might need to give your home a new lease of life. Whether it’s updating your doors, giving your space a lick of paint or even a new kitchen or bathroom – we’ve got it all at Covers, and we’ve got all the tips and tricks to make the most of your space this autumn.

Internal Doors

(JB Kind Metro White Internal Door)

Whether it’s time for a replacement or you just fancy a change, internal doors are an effective way to finish the look of your space. Whether you’re after something modern or a little more classic, we’ve got the door for you.

We also have a wide range of glass doors which are ideal for making a space feel bigger and brighter and even for opening up a smaller space that still needs some separation.

Additionally,

As summer draws to a close, it is important for your home to be a place that brings you comfort and warmth, especially as the colder months begin to creep up on us. Your flooring has a big impact on giving your home that perfect ‘homely’ feel - choosing the right type can make a big difference.

At Covers there are two popular options when it comes to flooring, especially if carpet isn’t really your thing. They are solid wood flooring and engineered flooring, but why are they such good options?

Where to start?

It is tricky knowing where to start when choosing a new flooring style, especially if it’s something you’ve not really focused on or had an interest in before, which is why it is good to get the right information.

Solid Wood Flooring

Solid

It can be easy to lose track of your house décor, especially during winter. However, wall panelling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to give your home a new lease of life by making your walls look a little more interesting.

Panelling has been a quick growing trend over the past year and it’s clear to see why - it allows for gorgeous designs, colours, and textures that are unique to you. It also provides insulation, gives you the chance to cover up any uneven walls and is very cost-effective.

Types of Wall Panelling

There is a range of different wall panelling out there, so let’s take a look and see what would work for your home.

Tongue and Groove

Tongue and groove wall panelling gives you the look and feel of classic panelling in a fraction of the time and without the need of a joiner. Add character to your kitchen, personality to your bedroom or install it in the hallway and up the stairs for a grand

To celebrate Covers Timber & Builders Merchants’ 175th anniversary, its Brighton depot is inviting customers and the local community to join the team for an Anniversary Challenge & Demonstration Morning on Wednesday 14th September.

Between 7.30am and 1pm, visitors to the depot can speak to suppliers from fastening specialist Spax, plasterboard and ceiling manufacturer British Gypsum, paving supplier Global Stone, outdoor composite decking specialist Millboard, insulation manufacturer Rockwool, speciality adhesives company Sika, and leading hand and power tool distributor Toolbank.

Throughout the event, each supplier will be encouraging customers to complete various challenges for the chance to win up to £175 worth of Love2Shop gift cards. Customers will also be able to enjoy a free hog roast and a drink.

All those taking part in the challenges will have the chance to become one of Covers’ Challenge Champions. Those with the highest score for each challenge

To celebrate Covers Timber & Builders Merchants’ 175th anniversary, its Gosport depot is inviting customers and the local community to join the team for an Anniversary Challenge & Demonstration Morning on Friday 23rd September.

Between 7.30am and 1pm, visitors to the depot can speak to suppliers from fastening specialist Spax, plasterboard and ceiling manufacturer British Gypsum, paving supplier Bradstone, outdoor composite decking specialist Millboard, insulation manufacturer Rockwool, speciality adhesives company Sika, and leading hand and power tool distributor Toolbank.

Throughout the event, each supplier will be encouraging customers to complete various challenges for the chance to win up to £175 worth of Love2Shop gift cards. Customers will also be able to enjoy a free hog roast and a drink.

All those taking part in the challenges will have the chance to become one of Covers’ Challenge Champions. Those with the highest score for each challenge at the

To celebrate Covers Timber & Builders Merchants’ 175th anniversary, its Alresford depot is inviting customers and the local community to join the team for an Anniversary Challenge & Demonstration Morning on Tuesday 20^th September.

Between 7.30am and 1pm, visitors to the depot can speak to suppliers from fastening specialist Spax, plasterboard and ceiling manufacturer British Gypsum, paving supplier Bradstone, outdoor composite decking specialist Millboard, insulation manufacturer Rockwool, speciality adhesives company Sika, and leading hand and power tool distributor Toolbank.

Throughout the event, each supplier will be encouraging customers to complete various challenges for the chance to win up to £175 worth of Love2Shop gift cards. Customers will also be able to enjoy a free hog roast and a drink.

All those taking part in the challenges will have the chance to become one of Covers’ Challenge Champions. Those with the highest score for each challenge

As autumn is just around the corner, are you thinking about preparing your home and outdoor spaces?

At Covers, we understand the importance of keeping your homes in the best condition year-round, so why not check out all our outdoor and indoor essentials to keep your home cosy, warm and stylish throughout the autumn months?

Outdoor Essentials

Preparing your garden for autumn can make all the difference in keeping on top of it through winter. Ensuring your outdoor space is properly set up to deal with weather changes is essential for keeping it a safe space.

As you’re probably aware, more leaves begin to fall off trees during autumn, and although the colours are beautiful, they can make our gardens look and feel cluttered. Using

The Burgess Hill depot of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants welcomed Mims Davies, the Conservative MP for Mid Sussex, to its depot on Thursday 18^th August.

Ms Davies was given a tour of the depot by manager Terry Lace who explained its operations and products as well as how the business gets involved with community projects and charitable giving. She also met Covers’ Chairman, Rupert Green and Regional Director Sean Clarke. The Green family has been running the independent business since the 1940s.

William Cover founded the company in 1846 when it began trading in Chichester, and members of the Cover family remained connected to the business until 1989. The company started by selling home grown timber, which was brought to site by horse-drawn wagon. Since then, Covers has expanded to 14 depots operating across the south of England and extended its product offering to include a full range of construction materials. Its values of having a dedicated team and

The Chichester depot of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has donated £4,500 to Stonepillow, helping the local charity replace flooring in its Chichester hostel.

Formed in 1989, the charity supports and empowers homeless people across West Sussex by offering a complete recovery journey that focuses on improving health and wellbeing. It provides community outreach services to support rough sleepers, residential services to help people gain stability within the community, supported accommodation for those recovering from homelessness, and a residential community-based abstinence service for people recovering from substance misuse.

Stonepillow’s Chichester hostel has 11 individual bedrooms, bathrooms and a communal area. The charity relies on donations and funding, and received a grant to help with renovations, but needed further funds to enable the flooring in all bedrooms and the communal lounge to be replaced.

  Hilary Bartle, CEO of Stonepillow,

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is aiming to raise £30,000 for hospices across the south of England during the company’s annual Help for Hospices week.

Between Monday 12^th and Friday 16^th September, Covers’ 14 depots will be fundraising for 11 hospices that provide vital care and support to people in the communities where they operate.

The builders merchant will be contributing £5 for every transaction made during the week and has pledged £20,000 to the campaign.

Additionally, on Monday 12^th September, each of Covers’ depots will be inviting people to an anniversary themed bake-off, to tie in with the company’s 175^th birthday celebrations, which are taking place throughout this year. The sweet and savoury treats will be made by the branch teams and judged by a representative from each depot’s local hospice, who will be raising awareness about the work their charity does.

The bake-off entries will then be

As part of its 175th anniversary celebrations, Covers in Tunbridge Wells will be hosting an Anniversary Challenge & Demonstration Morning at its depot on Wednesday 10^th August from 7.30am to 1pm.

This extra special trade morning, which includes a free hog roast, is part of a series of events being hosted by the builders’ merchants that will run until the autumn and is open to all customers.

Covers’ top suppliers, including Bradstone, British Gypsum, Millboard, Rockwool, Sika, Spax and Toolbank will all be in attendance providing demonstrations and offering visitors the chance take part in a range of anniversary challenges to win up to £175 of Love2shop gift cards on the day.

Challenges will include Bradstone’s Test Your Memory, Rockwool’s Fill The Frame, British Gypsum’s Beat The Buzzer, Sika’s Test Your Strength, Spax’s Screw Challenge, Millboard’s Spin The

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has added three brand new electric forklift trucks at its Chichester depot, further supporting the company’s ambitions of reducing its carbon footprint and reaching net-zero for carbon emissions.

The builders merchant is committed to increasing its fleet of electric machinery and road vehicles. The new electric forklifts at Chichester are in addition to the seven already being used at the depot.

In 2022, Covers has replaced eight of its diesel fork trucks with electric machines, and 11 more are due to enter service across the group in 2023.

Covers has also been working to reduce the carbon footprint of its road-going fleet by replacing traditional fuelled cars with alternative fuel, fully electric and hybrid vehicles. In the last year, 18 fully electric cars and 16 hybrid vehicles have been added to the fleet, and Covers is committed to replacing the remaining conventional cars in the next few years.

As part of its 175th anniversary celebrations, Covers OTBS in Bexleyheath will be hosting an Anniversary Challenge & Demonstration Morning at its depot on Tuesday 9^th August from 7.30am to 1pm.

This extra special trade morning, which includes a free hog roast, is part of a series of events being hosted by the builders’ merchants that will run until the autumn and is open to all customers.

Covers OTBS’s top suppliers, including Bradstone, British Gypsum, Millboard, Rockwool, Sika, Spax and Toolbank will all be in attendance providing demonstrations and offering visitors the chance take part in a range of anniversary challenges to win up to £175 of Love2shop gift cards on the day.

Challenges will include Bradstone’s Test Your Memory, Rockwool’s Fill The Frame, British Gypsum’s Beat The Buzzer, Sika’s Test Your Strength, Spax’s Screw Challenge, Millboard’s Spin

For many reasons, porcelain paving is the most popular choice for garden paving and patios, but is it the right choice for your garden? We have answered some of our frequently asked questions on porcelain paving.

What is porcelain paving?

Porcelain paving is formed by baking a mixture of clay and naturally occurring materials, which are exposed to significant pressure and fired at high temperatures in a kiln. This process, known as the “vitrification process”, creates an extremely strong and hard-wearing material, which absorbs very little water in its lifetime. Creating a high density, hard, and wear-resistant surface has made it probably the best type of paving available today.

Does porcelain paving last a long time or fade?

Porcelain paving is designed to withstand

Most paving will require regular maintenance to keep it looking its very best. Routine brushing will help keep your outdoor patio surface clear of most dirt and debris that is most likely to build up over time.

Moss, algae, lichen, and other fungi will often develop when paving is exposed to moisture and will stain and mask the colour of the paving. Likewise, during the laying process, cement can often spill and dry on the paving surface. The good news is that such dirt can be successfully removed from most pavers. Our handy step-by-step guides will help you with three different paving cleaning methods:

The humble brush and soapy water still go a long way when cleaning light stains from paving slabs.

How to Clean your Patio Slabs with Soapy Water

Step 1 – Sweep the paving area and make sure it is clear

With the Summer months hotting up, we’ve all been spending lot more time in the garden and have started to transform or update our outdoor areas budget-friendly. We have put together these simple but effective ways to update your outdoor living space.

10 Garden Ideas to Transform your Outdoor Space

Clean your Patio or Decking

Start by pulling up any plants or weeds that have grown in between the patio slabs and sweeping away the debris with a stiff brush. Using the same brush, you can then use soapy water to scrub the patio or decking or use a pressure washer to remove stubborn dirt and stains. We also have an extensive range of cleaning care items that will

The Southampton branch of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is delighted to be the new kit sponsor of Winchester City Football Club’s under 16s team for the 2022/2023 season.

The builders' merchant’s sponsorship will help to support the players and their coaches, and new match day and training kits displaying Covers’ logo have been issued to the team.

Winchester City Under 16s is a squad of 15 hardworking and talented boys. Core members of the team began playing together nine years ago as under 7s and have competed in all age groups of the Southampton Tyro League. Last season they won the league and made it to the league cup final.

Russell Vowles, Manager of the Winchester City Under 16s, commented:

“Sponsorship for match day and training kits from local companies is invaluable. Like most clubs, Winchester City is run on an entirely voluntary basis and, therefore, the funds to

To celebrate Covers Timber & Builders Merchants’ 175th anniversary, its Rudgwick depot is inviting customers and the local community to join the team for an Anniversary Challenge & Demonstration Morning on Wednesday 13th July.

Between 7.30am and 1pm, visitors to the depot can speak to suppliers from fastening specialist Spax, plasterboard and ceiling manufacturer British Gypsum, paving supplier Bradstone, outdoor composite decking specialist Millboard, insulation manufacturer Rockwool, speciality adhesives company Sika, and leading hand and power tool distributor Toolbank.

Throughout the event, each supplier will be encouraging customers to complete various challenges for the chance to win up to £175 worth of Love2Shop gift cards. Customers will also be able to enjoy a free hog roast and a drink.

All those taking part in the challenges will have the chance to become one of Covers’ Challenge Champions. Those with

Covers Home Ideas in Chichester is hosting a free Neff cookery demonstration on Thursday 14th July in the working kitchen area of its showroom.

Between 10am and 2pm, visitors will have the chance to sample a selection of savoury and sweet dishes served by official Neff demonstrator Adrienne Cleasby.  Recipes will include oat and ginger cookies, herb-crusted salmon, red onion and gruyere tarts, spinach and feta ring, chocolate and cherry cake, and more.

Ian Maple, Depot Manager at Covers Home Ideas, said:

“Our live cookery demonstrations always prove to be popular with customers. We are looking forward to welcoming Adrienne and giving visitors a taste of some delicious delights they can try recreating at home.”

The free cookery demonstration takes place between 10am and 2pm on Thursday 14^th July at Covers Home Ideas, located on Quarry Lane, Chichester.

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants welcomed Maria Caulfield, the Conservative MP for Lewes, to its depot on Friday 17^th June.

Maria was given a tour of the depot by manager Phil Stillwell who explained its operations and products as well as how the business gets involved with community projects and charitable giving. Maria also met Covers’ Managing Director, Henry Green and Marketing Manager, Ben Gale. The Green family has been running the independent business since the 1940s.

Maria Caulfield MP commented:

“It was great to visit the team at Covers Timber and Builders Merchants at their branch in Cooksbridge. Celebrating 175 years of business is an incredible achievement. Being a family firm, they are able to provide that personal service to both local builders and budding DIY enthusiasts and I wish them well in celebrating this brilliant milestone in their history.”

Staff at Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Chichester have raised £230.00 for local hospice charity St Wilfrid’s after walking 5K.

The team of 18, which included Covers’ employees and their family members, followed a route across the South Downs, taking in the beautiful countryside around Madehurst, including the bluebell woods.

St Wilfrid’s Hospice provides end of life care both in the community and at its hospice. It supports patients living with a terminal illness, and their family and friends. Services are provided free of charge thanks to the ongoing support of local people and businesses.

Dawn Hogg, Sales Management Support at Covers Chichester, said:

“Covers has been a keen supporter of St Wilfrid’s, as well as other local hospices in the communities we operate, for many years. It’s been an absolute pleasure to take on this walking challenge with the team and do something

Since the pandemic in 2020, we can all aggree it made us rethink our home living areas and the importance of our homes.

"Home" is a place that we can call refuge from the outside world, and we probably all noticed areas we neglected during our normal busy lives, but when everything stopped you could see the jobs you wanted to do to create that sanctury you needed.

Updating your home can be very easy with jobs like painting and decorating through to changing doors, installing a new bath or adding a new tap to your kitchen sink.

Bringing the outside in

We have learnt more than ever the importance of bringing the outside in, of making

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants welcomed Jeremy Quin, the Conservative MP for Horsham, to its depot on Friday 6^th May.

Mr Quin was given a tour of the depot by store manager John Hamilton who explained its operations and products as well as how the business gets involved with community projects and charitable giving. Mr Quin also met Covers’ Chairman Rupert Green. The Green family has been running the independent business since the 1940s.

Jeremy Quin MP commented:

“It was great to meet the team at Covers and hear of a local family business still providing a valued service in their 175^th Anniversary year. This is a terrific milestone and I wish them all the best for the future. I was delighted to hear of the 175^th Anniversary woodland that will be planted later this year – a very fitting way of marking the year.”   

As part of its 175^th anniversary celebrations, Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Burgess Hill will be hosting an Anniversary Challenge & Demonstration Morning at its depot on Wednesday 18^th May from 7.30am to 1pm.

This extra special trade morning, which includes a free hog roast, is part of a series of events being hosted by the builders’ merchants that will run until the autumn and is open to all customers.

Covers’ top suppliers, including Global Stone, British Gypsum, Millboard, Rockwool, Sika, Spax and Toolbank will all be in attendance providing demonstrations and offering visitors the chance take part in a range of Anniversary Challenges to win up to £175 of Love2shop gift cards on the day.

Challenges will include Global Stone’s Test Your Memory, Rockwool’s Fill The Frame, British Gypsum’s Beat The Buzzer, Sika’s Test Your Strength,

As part of its 175^th anniversary celebrations, Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Bognor Regis will be hosting an Anniversary Challenge & Demonstration Morning at its depot on Tuesday 10^th May from 7.30am to 1pm.

This extra special trade morning, which includes a free hog roast, is part of a series of events being hosted by the builders’ merchants that will run until the autumn and is open to all customers.

Covers’ top suppliers, including Bradstone, British Gypsum, Millboard, Rockwool, Sika, Spax and Toolbank will all be in attendance providing demonstrations and offering visitors the chance take part in a range of Anniversary Challenges to win up to £175 of Love2shop gift cards on the day.

Challenges will include Bradstone’s Test Your Memory, Rockwool’s Fill The Frame, British Gypsum’s Beat The Buzzer, Sika’s Test Your Strength, Spax’s

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants welcomed Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP for Gosport, to its depot on Friday 22^nd April.

Dame Caroline was given a tour of the depot by manager Jamie Dent who explained its operations and products as well as how the business gets involved with community projects and charitable giving. Dame Caroline also met Covers’ Managing Director, Henry Green and Marketing Manager, Ben Gale. The Green family has been running the independent business since the 1940s.

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP commented:

“Covers is a great local success story, serving the South Coast for 175 years. It was great to meet the team at Covers Gosport to learn more about their history and how they are still making a difference with their local customer service and support for community projects. It was welcome to hear their passion for product sustainability and their role in protecting

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Burgess Hill has donated more than £500 worth of materials, including decking and sleepers, to the children’s charity, WellChild.

WellChild provides garden makeovers for children living with complex care needs. Its latest project, Max’s Garden located in Burgess Hill, is on behalf of 11-year-old Max who has four limb cerebral palsy, is non-verbal and has hearing and vision problems. He uses a wheelchair and requires full adult support, 24-hours a day.

The current family garden, which doesn’t allow Max to spend time outside, will be converted to address his needs and provide enough outside space to allow him to build up his strength using mobility aids.

The project is scheduled to start at the end of March and will involve a group of volunteers from ServiceMax, who will be given just two days

As part of its 175^th anniversary celebrations, Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be hosting a series of Anniversary Challenges & Demonstration Mornings at its depots starting with Southampton on Thursday 28^th April from 7.30am to 1pm.

These extra special trade mornings, which include a free hog roast, will run until the autumn and will be open to all customers.

Covers’ top suppliers, including Bradstone, British Gypsum, Millboard, Rockwool, Sika, Spax, Toolbank, Mendes Doors and Woodpecker Flooring will all be in attendance providing demonstrations and offering visitors the chance take part in a range of Anniversary Challenges to win up to £175 of Love2shop gift cards on the day.

Challenges will include Bradstone’s Test Your Memory, Rockwool’s Fill The Frame, British Gypsum’s Beat The Buzzer, Sika’s Test Your Strength, Spax’s Fastest Screwer,

An employee from Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Chichester has raised £1,307 for St Barnabas House after completing the Brighton Half Marathon. As part of its fund matching scheme, Covers has agreed to donate an additional £1,000 making the total amount £2,307.

Jackie Redman, Sales Office Manager at Covers Chichester, decided to take on the challenging 13-mile course to raise funds for St Barnabas House in Worthing. The hospice is close to Jackie’s heart after taking care of her mother, who sadly passed away from cancer in October 2021.

Despite being a regular runner, Jackie has never completed an event more than 10 miles long. She said:

“This my first half marathon event and, even though it was tough going, I was thrilled to finish in 1 hour and 52 minutes.

 

“My sister and I lost our wonderful mum in October. She had successfully

We have a wide range of high-quality products with different materials, styles, colours, sizes and accessories, we have just what you need to help you get the job done!

Timber Decking

Our range of timber decking

An employee from Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Chichester has raised £1,340 for the children’s charity Little Princess Trust after chopping off her hair. As part of Covers’ match funding scheme, the company agreed to match the amount raised by up to £1,000, taking the final amount to £2,340.

Emma Bailey, who is a Management Accountant at the company, wanted to do something special for a worthy cause during her 30^th birthday year. Emma’s original fundraising target was £550 – the amount it costs Little Princess Trust to provide a real hair wig to a young person.

She said:

“I am thrilled to have raised enough money to cover not just my original goal of one wig, but at least four. This means more children will benefit from the funds raised. I am so grateful to all my supporters, including Covers, and would

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants welcomed Greg Clark, the Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells, to its depot on Friday 25^th March.

Greg was given a tour of the depot by store manager Max Dempster who explained its operations and products as well as how the business gets involved with community projects and charitable giving. Greg also met Covers’ Managing Director, Henry Green. The Green family has been running the independent business since the 1940s.

Greg Clark MP commented:

“It was great to visit Covers to help them celebrate their 175^th anniversary and I enjoyed meeting the team at Tunbridge Wells and finding out more about the business. I was impressed with their agile response to the pandemic, where they took advantage of the flexibility that furlough offered to properly implement Covid measures that resulted in a successful trading period for the company. Covers clearly

Keep your outside space private with one of the quickest and easiest ways with our range of fencing. Whether you are repairing or renewing or even a first-time user, it is affordable, efficient, and easy to understand.

Fences can provide various functions, whether for privacy, security, ensuring children and pets are safe and secure, or purely for decorative purposes, such as Round Top Panel fence at the front of your garden. We have something for you.

At Covers, there is a range of different products for you. From lap panels, featheredge, and the more popular garden screening to fencing accessories.

When buying new fencing, if you know the style of fence you intend to buy, then you’re halfway there. There are a few things to consider:

• Height: whether the type of fencing

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants welcomed Royston Smith, the Conservative MP for Southampton, to its depot on Friday 11^th March.

Mr Smith was given a tour of the depot by depot manager Michael Sheath who explained its operations and products as well as how the business gets involved with community projects and charitable giving. Mr Smith also met Covers’ Finance Director James Bowry and Assistant Depot Manager, Tony Jewell. The company is headed up by Chairman Rupert Green and Managing Director, Henry Green. The Green family has been running the independent business since the 1940s.

Royston Smith MP commented:

"I'm grateful to Covers Timber and Builders Merchants for inviting me to visit their Southampton depot to celebrate their 175^th birthday. It was great to meet the team and see the extensive range of timber and building supplies they offer. I was also pleased to learn

Plywood

Plywood is available in a wide range of styles and thicknesses depending on the application. It can be used internally and externally depending on the class.

Plywood is very closely related to MDF and chipboard that you will also find in our sheet materials section. It is manufactured from engineered wood that is cut into fine veneers and then rotated 90 degrees for every tier and glued together. This is different to solid wood which has one wood grain, where as this method is known as a cross-grain technique.

There are several benefits to this technique including:

• High strength and stability
• Prevention of warping
• Lower split risk – especially when nails are used around the edges of the sheet

What can plywood be used for?

High quality plywood can be a great alternative to solid-wood as well as being more versatile

Here at Covers we’re passionate about making your ambition for a sustainable home a reality. Within our Home Ideas depot in Chichester, you will find our Eco-Centre where you can view the wide range of eco technologies and products that we have on offer. Our Eco-Expert is on hand to give you up-to-date information and guidance to help you choose the most appropriate solution for your individual circumstance.

If you’re ready to get started, you can book an appointment with our Eco-Expert now and someone will be touch as soon as possible to go through any questions you have and help you decide on the next steps. You can also call our energy showroom on 01243 791478.

However, if you’re not quite sure that our eco-energy alternatives are for you, read on for a bit more information about our most popular solutions and why you should choose eco-energy products.

Why choose Eco Energy

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants welcomed Nick Gibb, the Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, to its depot on Friday 4^th March.

Mr Gibb was given a tour of the depot by Bognor’s Depot Manager, Paul Allwright, who explained its operations and products as well as how the business gets involved with community projects and charitable giving. Mr Gibb also met Covers’ Chairman, Rupert Green and Sean Clarke, Regional Director. The Green family has been running the independent business since the 1940s.

Nick Gibb MP commented:

“Covers has, over the last few decades, become a well-loved established institution in the Bognor Regis town centre. It is the haunt of all those engaged in improving or extending their homes, whether as a DIY aficionado or a professional tradesman. 

“It is a tribute to the Green family who own Covers,

Covers started as a small family timber merchant working out of the Canal Basin in Chichester. We now have 15 depots in Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, offering a wide range of timber and building materials.

Although our product range has grown and changed over the years, our values have remained the same with family still firmly at the heart of the business. It’s clear to see the value of working for a family run business - there are family connections all around the company: a story spans three generations.

Phil Clare, one of our Chichester Sales Representatives has worked at Covers for 20 years. Phil started in 2002 on the counter at just 17 years old.

“I remember walking through Portsmouth depot with my dad as a kid. We’d gone to get some timber. I remember thinking how big the shop was, how there were all these amazing things going on around me

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants welcomed Gillian Keegan, the Conservative MP for Chichester, to its depot on Friday 4^th March.

Ms Keegan was given a tour of the depot by Chichester Trade Centre Manager Martyn Beck and Timber Director Neil Woods, who explained its operations and products as well as how the business gets involved with community projects and charitable giving. Ms Keegan also met Covers’ Chairman Rupert Green who accompanied her on the tour. The Green family has been running the independent business since the 1940s.

Gillian Keegan MP commented:

“It was fantastic to be at Covers to celebrate its 175^th anniversary. Covers is a brilliant local business, which has transformed many times over the years. Today it is at the forefront of sustainable living, offering a huge range of home improvements that will help the planet and help reduce energy bills.”

The Horsham branch of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be sponsoring Roffey FC for the remaining part of the 2021/2022 season.

The builders’ merchant has confirmed an official sponsorship agreement, which will include the company’s logo on perimeter boards around the pitch and advertising within the club’s grounds.

Philip Gibbs, Chairman of Roffey FC, said:

“We’re really excited to have a major regional brand name such as Covers sponsoring Roffey FC. The new advertisement boards will make the ground look far more professional and we hope will help us attract a whole new range of local, regional and national sponsors. The monies raised through sponsorship will be steered towards infrastructure developments at our ground in preparation for our anticipated promotion into step 5 football for the 2022-2023 season. We will also use the funds to grow our

An employee from Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Chichester will be chopping off her hair to raise funds for the children’s charity, Little Princess Trust.

Emma Bailey, who is a Management Accountant at the company, wanted to do something special for a worthy cause during her 30^th birthday year. She said:

“I wanted to start 2022 by doing something special for someone else, so I thought what better way than to help a charity. I have always had long hair and I had heard of Little Princess Trust before. It’s an amazing charity that donates real hair wigs to children who lose their hair to cancer or other conditions. I knew immediately that this was the charity I wanted to support.”

Emma is hoping to raise £550 – the amount it costs Little Princess Trust to provide a real hair

International Women's Day is a global event celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, designed to raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.

As part of marking this occasion, we've been spending some time celebrating the women within our company by sitting down with them to see what their experience working within a traditionally male-dominated environment is like.

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants was founded in the 1840s. The company, with its Head Office situated in Chichester, West Sussex, has grown during this time to include 14 depots situated across the south of England. The company’s internal teams for marketing and e-commerce, HR, finance and credit control are predominantly female.

We also have women working as drivers, sales representatives, sales managers, depot management, kitchen and bathroom designers and serving on our depot counters,

With numerous drills on the market, it can be difficult to decide which will work best.

If you’re looking for the ideal drill for the job, then look no further. Whether it’s for general use or specific purposes, here we provide our handy guide to buying the perfect drill for your project.

Should I buy a cordless or corded drill?

Cordless drills are usually heavier than their corded counterparts because they require a battery pack. However, bear in mind that what you gain in terms of a lighter machine, you will potentially lose in flexibility - it is highly likely you will need to use an extension lead with a corded drill for most jobs. Therefore, depending on how often and where you will be using the drill, consider these factors before making a commitment.

The main advantage of investing in a cordless drill is you aren’t restricted

As Spring approaches, this is the perfect time to start getting your garden space ready for the warmer months, so it's ready to enjoy when the sun starts shining!

Our handy checklist makes it easy to get started on the first gardening jobs of the year. From reviving your soil, pruning shrubs and bushes, and giving your fence a lick of paint - we've got everything covered. We've also got a a few bits of advice on garden maintenance to make it easy to get your outdoor space ready for entertaining friends and family when Spring finally arrives.

With our handy guide you'll have gorgeous garden in no time!

The Clean Up

The best place to start is cleaning up your garden so that you can see what you're working with. Getting rid of leaves, weeding flower

Here at Covers, we offer a wide range of Namgrass' artificial grass, and we want to make the process of achieving your dream lawn as easy as possible.

From ordering to installing, this guide will take the stress out of your purchase so you can sit back and enjoy your new lawn quickly and easily.

How to order your artificial grass lawn

Step 1: Measure the area for your artificial grass

Our artificial grass offering comes in 2-metre or 4-metre rolls, and you will need to allow for the widest area of your lawn and trim to fit. We can cut the grass to any length up to 25m.

If your area is wider than 4 metres, don't worry, you

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be celebrating its 175^th year of trading in 2022 with a range of special events, offers and activities for its customers, staff and suppliers.

The family run builders’ merchants, which opened its first depot in Chichester, West Sussex now operates from 14 different locations across the south of England supplying specialist timber services and products to the building trade and for home DIY.

Originally founded by William Cover, who was eventually joined by his son David in the 1850s, the company has remained a family run business throughout after it was bought by the Green family in the 1940s. Today, Covers has more than 400 staff and its annual sales exceed £90 million. It is the leading family-owned timber and builders merchant in the south of England.

The 175^th anniversary year marks an important milestone for the company and to celebrate the occasion

The team at Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Chichester and the team at Covers OTBS in Bexleyheath have donated money to their local hospices, after taking part in Christmas Jumper Day.

The staff at the company sported a variety of seasonal fashion choices including festive sweaters and jumpers in return for a £2.00 donation.

St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Chichester provides tailored end of life care both in the community and at its hospice. It supports patients living with a terminal illness, and their family and friends. Demelza Hospice Care for Children in Bexleyheath provides care and support for seriously ill children, young people and their families across East Sussex, Kent and South East London. It is almost entirely dependent on the generosity

Flooring. It’s the largest and most used surface in your home, yet it often gets overlooked. The wrong floor can compromise the practicality of your home, and the look of an entire room scheme, so it’s surprising that, when redecorating, we often agonise far more over paint colours and furniture than our choice of flooring.

Your floor puts up with a lot, so practical and hard-wearing options are a must. Hard flooring is often the best choice. Sturdy and spillage-proof, it also gives a classic look that will never go out of style. To top it off, hard floors also provide a healthier living environment. Unlike carpets, which trap dust, moisture and other allergens, hard floors are easy to clean and maintain. This makes them ideal for allergy sufferers, or anyone who wants to enhance the air quality of their home.

Here at Covers, we offer a wide range of hard flooring options, from engineered

An internal door does more than a way to create a barrier between rooms or an aid to privacy. Internal doors are a great opportunity to add some of your personal style to a space, while also perfectly finishing off a room. But when there’s so much to choose from, where do you start? That’s where we can help!

We’ve created this helpful door buying guide to ensure our customers can make the best decision when choosing their internal doors!

Where to start?

The best place to start is thinking about things you can’t budge on – size, budget, and whether to not you require fire doors.

Measuring your door

Measure the width of your door at the top, middle and bottom of the frame opening where the door will go. Use the widest measurement of the three to find the width

Why do you need a fire door?

Fire doors are often the first line of defence against a fire, whether that’s at work or at home. Fire doors play a vital role in slowing down the movement of a fire and through a building.  This minimises damage, and also potential threat to life that can occur because of a fire by protecting the safe ways out of a building, as well as occupants in a building that has a ‘stay put’ fire plan.

Fire doors in stairwells and corridors can keep the escape routes in buildings free of smoke, and allow firefighters to move through a building as easily as possible to ensure everybody gets out of the building safely, and where possible a fire is put out.

Fire Door Awareness

Since the tragic aftermath of the Grenfell Fire, awareness around fire doors, particularly in high rise buildings, has grown. It is strongly recommended that property managers,

Your toolbox is there to equip you for the job at hand. But whether it’s a quick fix or a long project, it’s important to ensure that your tools support your safety and comfort. That’s where ergonomic design comes in. Increasingly, tools are being designed to reduce user stress and fatigue, while also promoting long product life. So, whether you’re taking on your first restoration project, or you’re a DIY aficionado looking to update your toolbox, our guide to the top ten toolbox essentials will help you get kitted out with the right tools for the job.

Claw hammer

You can’t have a toolbox without a hammer, and finding the best hammer for you is the first step in building up your tool collection. A claw hammer is a good place to start. They are suitable for most home DIY projects, used to drive a nail into the wall, and extract it out.

If you haven’t replaced your hammer for years, it’s worth considering an upgrade.

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Bognor Regis has supplied a local primary school with materials to help them improve their library.

The company, which is based at Station Yard in the town, donated a selection of timber to Southway Primary School to help them complete a new ‘Woodland Wonderland’ area in its library. The area features seating areas in the shape of tree stumps and a boat.

Mike Wood, Principal of Southway Primary School, said:

“We absolutely love reading at Southway and look for every opportunity to get the children enjoying their books. Every class will visit the library each week to enjoy reading and improve their reading skills.

“We have our own librarian and the books that can be borrowed are all on our Accelerated Reader system so that we can help our students progress very effectively. For those children not ready to read

Here at Covers Timber & Builders Merchants, we offer our customers a wide range of high-quality timber products. Combined with specialist timber knowledge in our depots, we are the timber buying destination in the South of England.

However, we know buying timber can be a bit daunting, especially when buying online. So we want to ensure our customers receive the same service online as they do in our depots, using our expert knowledge to ensure you're buying the suitable Timber for whatever job it is you're taking on. So, whether it's a big roofing job, replacing your garden decking, or choosing some decorative skirting boards to finish off your living room, Covers want to make sure you get the product that suits you best.

Our timber buying guide is for you if you're feeling a little unsure when browsing our timber offering on our website. Or even if you think you've got it covered, maybe you just want to know all the things we can do for you with Timber. For all things

An employee from Covers OTBS in Bexleyheath has completed a 50-kilometre challenge for charity in memory of her partner.

Zoe Elms, a sales representative at the Orpington timber and builders’ merchants, embarked on the Thames Path Challenge alongside her mum, Liz Elms. The pair were raising money for Heart of Kent Hospice, which cared for Zoe’s partner, Craig Petch, in his final days before he sadly passed away from cancer.

Despite some difficult moments, Zoe and Liz finished the challenge ahead of their goal finish time, completing the 50km route in an impressive 9 hours and 25 minutes.  

Zoe said:

“A huge thank you to everyone who has shown their support and for their kind words, messages and donations. We have raised a massive £1,030 on JustGiving and, due to Covers’ generous funding match, we have increased that total to £2,030 for The Heart of Kent Hospice.”

The Bognor Regis depot of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be sponsoring local football team Pagham FC for the 2021/22 season.

As part of the sponsorship deal, Covers’ logo will be displayed on the main ground entrance and on the home and away dug outs.

Marc Hilton, Chairman/Club Secretary of Pagham FC, stated:

“We are thrilled that Covers will be sponsoring Pagham FC for the upcoming season. We have an excellent team who have been training hard and securing brilliant results, including winning on penalties during the FA Vase second qualifying round. With the help of Covers, we hope to continue to build on our successes.”

Sean Clarke, Regional Director of Covers, added:

“We are proud to be sponsoring Pagham FC and supporting them during the 2021/22 season. We wish them the best of luck for their forthcoming matches.”

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be continuing with its long running sponsorship of rugby club, Worthing RFC.

As part of the sponsorship agreement, Covers’ logo will be displayed on perimeter signage around the club’s ground, in the match day programme and across its social media feeds.

Sean Clarke, Regional Director of Covers said:

“We are delighted to be continuing with our sponsorship of Worthing RFC. It is an excellent club and we have supported them for many years. We wish them every success for the coming season.”

Barny Hall, Chairman of Finance and Commercial Manager of Worthing RFC, added:

“We really appreciate Covers continuing with the sponsorship of our club. We have had many successes over the years and hope that with Covers’ support we will go on to achieve even greater accomplishments.”

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has donated £30,000 to hospice charities, following the return of its hugely successful fundraising initiative Help for Hospices. The money will be divided between twelve charities.

The charities that have benefited include Demelza Hospice in Sittingbourne, Kent; Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham, Surrey; St Barnabas House in Worthing, West Sussex; Martlets Hospice in Brighton, East Sussex; St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Bosham, West Sussex; St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley, West Sussex; St Peter & St James Hospice & Continuing Care Centre in Lewes, East Sussex; The Rowans Hospice in Waterlooville, Hampshire; Mountbatten Hospice in Southampton, Hampshire; Hospice in the Weald in Tunbridge Wells, Kent; and children’s hospices, Naomi House and Jacksplace in Winchester, Hampshire; and Chestnut Tree House in Arundel, West Sussex

In addition to Covers donating £5 for each registered customer that made a purchase during the

Covers Timber and Builders Merchants has reached the finals in two categories of the BMJ Industry Awards 2021.

Organised by the Builders Merchants Journal, the awards aim to celebrate the UK merchanting industry and highlight the businesses, brands and people that make the sector so successful.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Covers has reached the finals of the awards, the winners of which are decided by votes from across the industry.

Covers, which has been operating for over 175 years, has been named as a finalist in the following categories: Timber Merchant of the Year and Merchant Showroom of the Year

Henry Green, Managing Director at Covers, said: 

“We are delighted to once again be shortlisted for these awards. It’s always wonderful to be recognised for our achievements and dedication to supplying high quality products and exceptional customer service – it is testament to our staff’s hard work and commitment.

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has won two awards at the TTJ Awards 2021.

Organised by the Timber Trades Journal (TTJ), the annual TTJ Awards is one of the industry’s leading awards events recognising service excellence and product quality across the timber sector.

Covers, which has 14 depots across the south of England, was announced as the winner of Timber Merchant of the Year – an award that was voted for by customers and suppliers based on their product and service offerings – and the Smart Manufacturing Award, which was judged by the awards panel.

Neil Woods, Timber Director of Covers, said: 

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring home two awards especially when we were up against such very strong competition. It’s testament to our amazing staff and all the hard work they do ensuring our products are of the finest quality and that our service is always delivered with a smile. I would like to thank them for their outstanding achievement

Already got an account with Covers? To view products on your pricing terms, print and view invoices and statements, and pay bills where appropriate all you need to do is link your account with our website. All you need, is your account number and the email address and postcode associated with your account and you’re ready to go.

Not sure where to start? Follow our handy guide below for step-by-step instructions for linking your account with our website.

Step 1

Head to the My Account area of our website and click “Link Account”.

Step 2

So you’ve got an existing Covers trade account and you’re wondering what the benefits of linking it with our website are? We think there’s quite a few:

• If you have an existing credit account you can pay your account online which we think will save you time!
• View your personalised pricing terms on the go, on desktop, mobile or tablet
• Shop our web-exclusive deals and offers including money off vouchers, free delivery, and exclusive web deals and products
• Free click and collect service with direct contact from your selected depot when your item is ready to collect
• Keep track of your orders
• Check your credit and pay your bills securely online
• View your invoices and statements up to two months after purchase date

Here at Covers Timber & Builders Merchants, we provide a wide range of materials from structural

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has been shortlisted in two categories at the TTJ Awards 2021.

Organised by the Timber Trades Journal (TTJ), the annual TTJ Awards is one of the industry’s leading awards events recognising service excellence and product quality across the timber sector.

Covers, which has 14 depots across the south of England, has been nominated for Timber Merchant of the Year and Timber Garden Supplier of the Year.

Covers will be up against several other businesses, all of which have been voted for by customers and suppliers based on their product and service offerings. 

Henry Green, Managing  Director of Covers, said: 

“At Covers we are committed to providing high quality timber products and exceptional service for all our customers. We are delighted to be nominated for these awards – it is testament to our team’s dedication

Covers Timber & Builders Merchant in Chichester has donated materials to local outdoor education and wellbeing centre Tuppenny Barn to help create a new sensory garden.

Tuppenny Barn, which is located in Southbourne, cultivates and harvests organic produce to promote the benefits of growing, cooking and eating healthy food. As well as hosting school trips, after school clubs, workshops and holiday activities, the centre also provides weekly social and therapeutic sessions to support vulnerable members of the community.

The centre’s latest project to create a sensory garden will allow visitors and groups to learn about how plants and flowers have multiple uses and can improve overall health and wellbeing.

Duncan Bryant, who works in the Social and Therapeutic team at Tuppenny Barn, said:

“I love seeing first-hand how green space positively impacts lives. We decided to create

After a break due to the pandemic, Covers Timber & Builders Merchants’ hugely successful fundraising initiative Help for Hospices will return in September.

The company, which has 14 depots across the South of England, is aiming to raise £30,000 on behalf of local hospice charities, including Demelza Hospice in Sittingbourne, Kent; Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham, Surrey; St Barnabas House in Worthing, West Sussex; Martlets Hospice in Brighton, East Sussex; St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Chichester, West Sussex; St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley, West Sussex; St Peter & St James Hospice & Continuing Care Centre in Lewes, East Sussex; The Rowans Hospice in Waterlooville, Hampshire; Mountbatten Hospice in Southampton, Hampshire; Hospice in the Weald in Tunbridge Wells, Kent; and children’s hospices, Naomi House and Jacksplace in Winchester, Hampshire; and Chestnut Tree House in Arundel, West Sussex.

From Monday 13^th September until Friday 17^th

The Southampton branch of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be sponsoring local football team AFC Taunton for the 2021/2022 season.

As part of the sponsorship agreement, Covers’ logo will be proudly displayed on the team’s kit.

Matt Kiloh, Yard Assistant at Covers Southampton who plays for AFC Taunton, said:

“The players and I really appreciate Covers becoming the new sponsor for AFC Taunton as we go into our fourth season. We got promoted in our first season, then our second season saw us win the division 6 league and get into the semi-finals of the cup, but we sadly couldn’t play due to Covid. We finished mid table in our third season, so with the support of Covers we hope to have a successful fourth season too.”

Mike Sheath, Depot Manager of Covers Southampton, said:

“It

The Portsmouth branch of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is pleased to announce it will be sponsoring local football club, Moneyfields FC.

The club is currently in the early stages of building a new stadium, which will be named the John Jenkins Stadium in honour of John Jenkins, a local D-Day veteran. Mr Jenkins was well known in the area and sadly passed away in 2019 at the age of 100.

As part of the sponsorship agreement, Covers’ brand will be displayed around the stadium, including at the pitchside, in the dugouts and at the entrance to the grounds. Alongside this, Covers will also be sponsoring two of Moneyfields FC’s players – Tyler Moret and Elliott Turnball.

Pete Shires, Vice Chairman of Moneyfields FC, said:

“We are thrilled to have Covers on board and thank them for their generous support. Sponsorship is extremely important

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has donated materials to help a Southampton family with special needs children to build a skateboard ramp in their garden.

Tracey Kerr, who lives in the town with her family, is a single mother to four children, two of whom, Kai and Aishahave been diagnosed with Asperger’s – a brain development disorder that can affect social skills, behaviour and coordination. In addition to Asperger’s, Aisha is receiving cognitive therapy for PTSD and Kai suffers from epilepsy.

Aged 11 and 29, both children enjoy skateboarding which has successfully helped them to manage their condition, including releasing pent-up energy and emotions. The children regularly enjoy visiting the local skateboard park. However, their condition has meant they have often been the subject of bullying from others and this has prevented them from going.

Ms Kerr explained:

“My children love the skateboard park and my 11-year old, Aisha, has encouraged, Kai,

The Horsham branch of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be continuing its sponsorship of a Horsham FC youth team for the 2021/2022 season.

The team has been supported by Covers for the last eight years as they have progressed through the age groups. This season the team will move up from the U17s to the U18s and will continue to display the builders’ merchant’s logo on its kit.

Annie Raby, who is Horsham FC’s Youth Secretary, said:

“We are very proud to have Covers Timber and Builders Merchants on our playing shirts again - they are our longest youth section sponsor at the club and we appreciate all the support they have given us. It's been tough times for business over the last couple of years at Youth Football, but we hope Covers and Horsham FC U18 SCYFL have a very successful year.”

John Hamilton, Depot Manager

An employee from Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is aiming to raise £1,000 by walking a million steps between 1^st July and 30^th September.

Philip Paine, who works at the company’s Tunbridge Wells depot, will be putting his best foot forward to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK and spread awareness of the condition, which affects more than 3.8 million people across the country.

Commenting on the challenge, Philip said:

“My wife, Sue, suffers from Type 2 diabetes, so I wanted to do something to support her and help other people living with the disease. I’m a keen walker and, although I am a driver by trade, I still manage to clock up over 12,000 steps a day, so it made sense to combine my enjoyment for walking with the opportunity to fundraise for charity. I’m aiming to complete 360,000 steps per month, which should equate to more

Family-owned business Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has donated a further £5,000 to the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF).

This is the second substantial donation the generous company has made to the charity, following its original contribution of £5,000 during the first lockdown – part of the £50,000 funding total it gave to support those in need during the pandemic.

HIWCF is an independent charitable trust which works with companies, individuals, families and trusts to provide donations and grants to charitable and voluntary groups providing vital services and resources in the local area. 

One of the charities that has recently benefited from HIWCF funding is Parklife Community Café in Southampton, which received a grant to help provide food donations for vulnerable people and families in the community. The organisation also provides

Family-owned business Covers Timber and Builders Merchants has donated a further £10,000 to the Sussex Crisis Fund.

This is the second substantial donation the company has made to the charity, following its original contribution of £15,000 during the first lockdown – part of the £50,000 funding total it gave to support those in need during the pandemic.

The fund was set up by Sussex Community Foundation to support local charities and community groups helping people suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March, the charity has raised and given out more than £3 million in grants to more than 300 causes.

One of the charities that has recently benefited from the Sussex Crisis Fund is Selsey Community Forum, which received a £5,000 grant. The charity is a partnership of local voluntary organisations and runs the Selsey Care Shop in the town’s high street, which provides

A mum of two will be celebrating the Euros in style after receiving the ultimate TV package worth £700 after winning a competition organised by Covers Timber & Builders Merchants.

Covers’ competition celebrated the return of the Euros football tournament that kicked off on 11^th June and asked football fanatics to submit a photo on the company’s Facebook page of their current TV setup along with a few words explaining why they deserved to win.

Megan Wright was the lucky recipient of a brand new 60” 4K Ultra High Definition TV and £100 of Sainsbury’s vouchers after submitting an image of her existing TV with dangling wires and unfinished walls. She explained that being married to a builder meant she has seen many jobs started and finished to a high spec, but sadly her own home never takes priority.

Commenting

An employee from Covers Timber & Builders Merchants is aiming to raise £2,000 for charity by playing 72 holes of golf during the longest day of the year – Monday 21^st June.

Adam Wolniewicz, who works at the company’s Chichester depot, along with two friends, Anthony Hill and Tommy Hill, will be walking more than 20 miles in one day around Sunbury Golf Course, while playing four rounds of golf with the aim of raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Commenting on the challenge, Adam said:

“I love golf and have been playing it for years, so it made sense to combine the sport with raising funds for a charity that’s close to my heart. My two friends and I have all had family who have been cared for by Macmillan, so we wanted to do something to repay them for the amazing work they did and the support they gave our loved ones. Playing 72 holes in one day is going

If your garden or outdoor area is small, you might be struggling to come up with ways to best utilise the space.

Here, we take a look at how to make the most of your small garden and provide our top five tips for bringing a small outdoor area to life.

1. Introduce different levels

Installing steps up to a seating area or creating different levels will make a garden feel bigger as well as more interesting. This is particularly useful in sloping gardens, where levelling will introduce vertical lines and visually increase the space.

Levels can be created in a variety of ways. Decking is a great way to add height in a garden simply and effectively. Available in both wood and composite

With socialising well and truly back on the agenda, garden parties and get togethers are now in full swing. Whether it’s a table for two or a group of thirty friends, don’t let your garden disappoint your guests!

We’ve put together our five top tips for creating stunning outdoor entertainment areas and exceptional al fresco dining spaces.

1. Patios and paving

A patio is more than just slapping a few slabs on the ground outside your back door. The perfect patio will take time to plan and should be designed to make the most of your outdoor space. When well thought through, a patio will help to enhance your garden’s natural shape and size, while providing the ideal area for relaxing, unwinding and entertaining.

One of the most popular choices for garden patios and paving is porcelain

With football back on the sporting calendar this summer, Covers Timber & Builders Merchant will be celebrating in style by giving one lucky football fan the chance to experience a home win with an ultimate giveaway worth £700.

Organised to celebrate the return of the Euros in June, Covers’ competition will ask football fanatics to submit a photo on the company’s Facebook page of their current TV setup and explain in a few words why they deserve to score a brand new 60” 4K Ultra High Definition TV and £100 of Sainsbury’s vouchers to spend on food and drinks.

Ben Gale, Marketing Manager of Covers, said:

“Following a year of disappointments, it’s great to have one of our favourite football tournaments back this summer. While fans may struggle to attend in person, we wanted to ensure that one lucky football supporter received the ultimate home advantage with a set

An employee from Covers OTBS in Bexleyheath is planning to take part in a 50K challenge for charity in memory of her late partner.

Zoe Elms, who is a sales representative at Orpington Timber and Builders’ merchants’  Bexleyheath depot, will be tackling the Thames Path Challenge on Saturday 11^th September 2021 to help raise funds for The Heart of Kent Hospice, which cared for her partner, Craig Petch (Petchy), in his final days before he sadly lost his battle with cancer.

Starting out at Bishops Park in Fulham, the picturesque route will head upstream along the famous Thames towpath, finishing at Runnymede in Windsor. Zoe, who will be jogging with her mum, Liz Elms, is aiming to complete the course in approximately 13-14 continuous hours and raise £500 for the hospice.

Zoe said:

“In late 2018, my partner, Craig (Petchy), aged 33, was

Covers thanks NHS workers with discount scheme

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be providing NHS workers with a special discount as a mark of appreciation and thanks for their hard work and commitment during the pandemic.

The scheme, which is part of a wider initiative organised by the Builders Merchants Federation called ‘Builders’ Merchants Supporting the NHS’, will provide NHS workers with significant savings on Covers’ extensive range of products, including DIY and timber supplies.

To benefit from the scheme, NHS workers will need to apply for a Covers DIY discount card and provide their NHS proof of ID at sign up, which will ensure they benefit from additional discounts and preferential rates on top of the standard reductions already enjoyed

Over the past year our homes have become a hybrid of living, working and playing space that’s in constant use. Making the most of the room you have available has never been more important and there are many ways you can improve your living areas to make them as flexible, tranquil and practical as possible. 

Here, we provide our top 5 DIY projects that will make your home a haven of happiness, a picture of productivity and the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s work.

1. Small jobs that make a big difference

The good news is you don’t have to be a DIY expert or enthusiast to turn a living space from dull to dazzling. Choosing one small job to undertake every couple of months is a great way to make continual and cost-effective changes to your home. For example, simply painting a

 Covers Timber & Builders Merchants in Chichester has donated three bulk bags of play pit sand to Sidlesham Parish Council for one of its local play areas.

Playgrounds were one of the many facilities closed to the public last year when the UK went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, under the most recent lockdown rules, they have been allowed to remain open.

Caroline Mackenzie, Parish Clerk to Sidlesham Parish Council, said:

“We are very grateful to local businesses for their support of the playground which is used by numerous children throughout Manhood Peninsular. In particular, we would like to thank Covers for providing the sand for the sand pit.”

Martyn Beck, Depot Manager of Covers Chichester, added:

“With limited activities available over the past few months,

Owning an outdoor space is now one of the most sought after items on a property purchaser’s wish list and a highly valued asset for home owners in the UK. According to recent research by Post Office Money, landscaping your garden could increase your property’s value by up to 77%.

With many of us spending more time at home, updating outdoor areas is now top of the agenda for lots of home owners. If you’re looking to make a move on a garden makeover, we’ve rounded-up all the latest landscaping trends and top tips to turn your garden into a sublime sanctuary this summer.

The white stuff

White is set to be the colour of summer and there are numerous ways you can introduce it into your garden to create sensational and stylish results. Whether you’re influenced by the whitewashed walls of spectacular Santorini or the subtle white sands of the Seychelles, we’ve got all the

The shift in lifestyle over the past 12 months has seen a surge in creating additional space for home offices, games rooms, bars and craft areas using garden outbuildings, sheds and summerhouses. According to AMA Research, domestic garden buildings and structures were predicted to grow by 12% between 2018 and 2022.

If you are considering installing a garden building or summerhouse and you’re looking for the perfect items to complete your project, Covers has a wide range of high quality products that offer the ideal finishing touch. We’ve rounded-up a few of our favourites for you below.

Cladding – Timber & Composite

The trend for cladding in garden building design has seen rapid

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has been named as Mountbatten Hampshire Hospice’s Fundraising Charity Partnership of the Year in the charity’s annual awards.

The builders’ merchant has supported the hospice for many years with company donations from initiatives including its Help for Hospices campaign and more recently the company’s Christmas Jumper Day.

Mountbatten Hampshire Hospice has been caring for people with life-limiting illnesses in Southampton and West Hampshire for over 40 years. This includes conditions such as respiratory disease, heart disease, Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, and end-stage dementia, as well as cancer.

Covers was recognised by the charity for its regular annual donations, even during the pandemic when the company was unable to host its usual fundraising activities.

Rupert Green, Chairman of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants, said:

“We are delighted to have been named as one

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has agreed to sponsor the 2021 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards.

This will be the fifth occasion that the company has supported the prestigious event. Organised by the Sussex Heritage Trust, the awards aim to recognise and reward the highest quality conservation, restoration, and well-designed new build projects while encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts.

Henry Green, Managing Director of Covers, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards once again. Protecting and preserving Sussex’s rich building heritage is crucial to ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and splendour of our county’s buildings for many years to come. We look forward to finding out who the winners are in July.”

Helen Reeve, Chief Executive of the Sussex Heritage Trust, added:

“The Sussex Heritage Trust is proud to have Covers Timber & Builders Merchants as

The Portsmouth branch of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be sponsoring Horndean FC for the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons.

The builders’ merchant, which has supported the club for many years, has now confirmed an official sponsorship agreement. This will include the company’s logo on perimeter boards around the pitch and advertising within the club’s grounds.

Michael Birmingham, Manager of Horndean FC, said:

“We value all our sponsors at Horndean Football Club and it is fantastic to have Covers on board with us for the next two seasons. This year has been difficult for everyone, including grass roots football, so to have Covers’ continued commitment and sponsorship, along with all our other great sponsors, allows us to progress and reinvest both on and off the pitch."

Dale Lambourne, Manager of Covers Portsmouth, added:

“The pandemic has

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has donated more than £15,000 for local hospices after taking part in Christmas Jumper Day.

The staff at the company got into the festive spirit by wearing an array of seasonally inspired sweaters and jumpers in return for a £2.00 donation. Covers further bolstered funds by making a generous donation of £5 for every transaction completed across its chain of 14 depots on the day.

The hospices to benefit from the funding are St Wilfrid’s in Chichester, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care in Farnham, Martlets in Hove, St Peter & St James Hospice in Lewes, Hospice in the Weald in Tunbridge Wells, Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity in Southampton, St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley, The Rowans Hospice in Waterlooville and St Barnabas House in Worthing. The children’s

A member of staff from Covers Timber & Builders Merchant in Brighton has raised £1,250 for Cancer Research UK after organising a Christmas raffle.

Gareth Young, who works in the internal sales team at the company, organised the raffle in support of a close friend, who is sadly suffering from cancer.

Covers’ generous suppliers contributed a variety of prizes, including a wooden gate and a darts board. Raffle tickets were available to customers and staff in return for voluntary donations.

Gareth said:

“I wouldn’t have managed to achieve this fantastic target for Cancer Research UK without the support from our generous customers, staff and suppliers. It has been a tough year for everyone, so to receive as many donations as we have is outstanding. I couldn’t be more proud of our industry and grateful to my manager at Covers for making it all happen.”

As the days get colder and longer nights set in, there are all sorts of things that could start to go wrong in a property. From burst pipes to broken heating, winter can cause havoc on our homes. However, with regular maintenance and a bit of planning, you can avoid any cold weather calamities. Here, we’ve provided our top jobs for getting your home ready for winter.

Check your guttering

Leaves, twigs, stray branches and other debris can all combine to clog up guttering and block drains. Obstructions in guttering and drains will render them ineffective - rainwater will not drain properly, potentially leading to damp issues for your property. Therefore, it’s a good idea to schedule in a regular once over of your home’s drains and gutters to ensure they are clean and clear. We suggest at least twice a year, towards the end of autumn and again in early spring.

To check

Covers Timber & Builders Merchant will be continuing its sponsorship of Burgess Hill Town FC for the 2020/2021 season.

Established in 1882, Burgess Hill Football Club is a founder member of the Sussex County Football Association. The club currently plays in the Pitching In South East Isthmian League.

As part of the sponsorship agreement, Covers’ logo will be displayed at the club’s home ground – The More Than Tyres Stadium in Burgess Hill.

John Rattle, General Manager of Burgess Hill FC, said:

“It is fantastic news that Covers is continuing its sponsorship this season. These are difficult times for everyone and our club is no different. Covers’ support allows us to provide football through our junior and women’s teams and, of course, the first team who receive fantastic support from the local community.”

Terry Lace, Depot Manager at Covers Burgess Hill, added:

“After a tough year for everyone,

Horsham resident, and promising young motor racing driver, Declan Lee has agreed a sponsorship deal with local business Covers Timber and Builders Merchants.

The company, which has 14 branches across the south of England, started supporting the 18-year old last year, when he commenced his car racing, after spending several years in race karts.  Declan competes in one of the most competitive race series in the UK, the BRSCC Mazda SuperCup, driving converted Mazda MX-5 road cars.

Unfortunately, like so many other events, the pandemic scuppered this year’s plans with all track activities being suspended by the governing body, Motor Sports UK, just five days before the first event was due to start.

However, in late May special test days recommenced for professional drivers, elite driver athletes and their teams giving Declan the chance to practice and develop with his new Worthing based team, Hills Motorsport. This

The Horsham branch of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be continuing its sponsorship of Broadbridge Heath FC for the 2020/2021 season.

The club, which was founded in 1919, celebrated its centenary year in 2019 by moving to its very own purpose built facility. In addition to this, the club became a Community Amateur Sports Club and is run by volunteers with all profits put back into the facilities. This season the club will be running 14 junior teams and four senior teams, providing community football for everyone from 6 to 60+ years old.

The season long support package provided by Covers will include the company’s logo featuring on perimeter boards at the club’s grounds on Wickhurst Lane.

Rachel Green , Commercial Director of Broadbridge Heath FC, said:

“Financial support provided via sponsorship from companies like Covers to community clubs such as ours helps us to maintain the facilities

The Horsham branch of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be continuing its sponsorship of a Horsham FC youth team for the 2020/2021 season.

The team has been supported by Covers for the last seven years as they have progressed through the age groups. This season the team will move up from the U16s to the U17s and will continue to display the builders’ merchant’s logo on its kit.

Annie Raby, who is Horsham FC’s Youth Secretary, said:

“Horsham FC youth would like to thank Covers for its continued support of Horsham FC U17s for the new season. The team will be playing in the Mid Sussex Youth Football League and are proud to being wearing the amber and green shirts with Covers as their main sponsor. Even in these difficult times, Covers is supporting the youth section at Horsham FC and we are very thankful, especially as the youth section is self-funded.”

John Hamilton, Depot

Local family owned company Covers Timber and Builders Merchants has donated £50,000 to five charities across the South East to support those struggling during the pandemic.

The charities include Sussex Crisis Fund, Stonepillow Homeless Centre, Chichester Information Shop (CIS), Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF), and 13 community foodbanks located across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Kent.

Covers is well known for its generosity, regularly giving thousands of pounds to charities and worthy causes, including more than £30,000 last year to local hospices. Chairman Rupert Green also raised over £13,000 by doing a freefall parachute jump for the charity Combat Stress, which helps veterans with mental health issues.

One charity which has benefited from the fund, receiving £13,500 cash along with the use of a three-bedroom property was Chichester-based homeless charity, Stonepillow. It provides support

Covers Timber & Builders Merchants has been named Timber Merchant of the Year at the third annual BMJ Industry Awards 2020.

Organised by the Builders Merchants Journal, the awards aim to celebrate the UK merchanting industry and highlight the businesses, brands and people that make the sector so successful.

The ceremony, which was originally scheduled to take place in London, was instead hosted as a live-stream event by Alan Dedicoat, better known as the National Lottery’s Voice of the Balls.

Family-owned Covers, which has been operating for over 170 years and has a chain of depots across the south of England. Offering hardwoods, clears, bespoke special mouldings, the full range of treatment as well as a myriad of sheet materials. Its fast and modern sawmill produces thousands of metres of stock profiles for Covers’ depots and custom-made mouldings per week and has supplied numerous historical buildings, including Arundel Castle, Goodwood House and

Covers Timber and Builders Merchants has reached the finals in seven categories of the BMJ Industry Awards 2020.

Organised by the Builders Merchants Journal, the awards aim to celebrate the UK merchanting industry and highlight the businesses, brands and people that make the sector so successful.

This is the third consecutive year that Covers has reached the finals, the winners of which are decided by votes from across the industry.

Covers, which has been operating for over 170 years, has been named as a finalist in the following categories: Multiple Merchant of the Year, Timber Merchant of the Year, Merchant Showroom of the Year, Merchant Kitchen & Bathroom Showroom of the Year and Merchant Marketing Campaign of the Year. Employee Daniel Rayment, who works in the timber mill at the Covers Chichester depot, is also a finalist in both the Independent Rising Star of the Year and Apprentice/Trainee of the Year categories.

Henry Green, Managing Director

Double check the size of the trellis against the space, line up the trellis and drill pilot holes

Screw the trellis to the post and fence

Materials needed

• Trellis
• Fence Clips
• Batten
• Screws

Tools needed

• Spirit Level
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Cordless Drill

PPE needed

If using a gravel board ensure it is level. Mark on the post the height of the new fence

Mark 150mm from the bottom and 150mm from the top of the panel. Mark the centre of the post

Use this position for fixing the clips. Slide the fence panel through the clips

Fix the panel to the clips. Finish with some end caps

If using

Keep the decking flat to avoid warping

Prepare and clear the area, if required, lay a membrane down first

Measure and mark the required length for the frame and then cut and treat the ends of the cut wood

Mark the placement for the joists and lay the frame out in the desired area

Screw the sides and joists together

Keep the decking flat to avoid warping

Prepare and clear the area, if required, lay a membrane down first

Measure and mark the required length for the frame and then cut and treat the ends of the cut wood

Mark the placement for the joists and lay the frame out in the desired area

Screw the sides and joists together

String a line along the fence boundary line

Mark out where the post is going to go

Dig the hole

You can double check the length with a batten

Double check the depth and place the post in the hole

Add the PostFix and follow the instructions

Measure and mark the next position

Slide in the concrete gravel board

Double check the gravel board is level

Slide the fence panel through the grooves

Materials needed

Tools needed

PPE needed

• Gloves

Watch the video now...

Measure and plan your raised bed

Cut the sleepers to length and treat the cut edges

Lay the sleepers down to create your design

Ensure the corners are square before fixing them from the top with screws

String a line along the fence boundary

Mark out where the post is going to go

Install the Metpost ensuring to keep it straight

Put the fence post into the Metpost

Attach a sacrificial piece of timber and hammer into place

Measure and mark the next position

Prepare and clean the surface

If you are using concrete posts, mask these off

Mix your paint thoroughly before use

Pour the paint into a sprayer or use a brush

Ensure to apply an even coat with sprayer or brush

Ensure to do any cutting in with a brush

Materials needed

• Paint

Measure and dig the required space

Measure the hole and cut the gravel boards

Treat the ends of the cut wood

Put the gravel boards into place

Lay the membrane and cut to size

Fill with scalpings and compact as

The team at Covers Timber and Builders Merchants in Chichester has helped patients at the Rowans Hospice Charity by donating three parasols to its Living Well Centre.

Last year, patients at the Rowans Hospice, based in Waterlooville, Hampshire, couldn’t enjoy the Living Well Centre courtyard garden area due to a lack of available shade.

Richard Murrell, Depot Manager of Covers Home Ideas, said:
“We heard about the difficulty the Rowans Hospice was having providing suitable shade for its outdoor area. It’s a shame as patients there use the garden regularly as a form of therapy, as well as for gardening activities. Therefore, it was a great pleasure to rectify that by donating some parasols to allow the patients to comfortably enjoy the outdoors during the warmer months.”</blockquote>

Tracy Jeffrey, Manager at the Rowans Hospice Living Well Centre, added:
“An enormous thank you to Covers for its

Covers Timber and Builders Merchants has been shortlisted in seven different categories of the BMJ Industry Awards 2020.

Organised by Builders Merchant Journal, the awards aim to celebrate the UK merchanting industry and highlight the businesses, brands and people that make the sector so successful.

Covers has been nominated for Multiple Merchant of the Year, Timber Merchant of the Year, Merchant Showroom of the Year, Merchant Kitchen & Bathroom Showroom of the Year and Merchant Marketing Campaign of the Year. Employee Daniel Rayment, who is an apprentice at the Covers Chichester depot, has also been named in the Independent Rising Star of the Year and Apprentice/Trainee of the Year categories.

Covers is up against several other businesses, all of which have been nominated by those working in the industry. The eventual winners of the awards will be decided by public vote.

Henry Green, Managing Director