5 Common Decking Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Building timber decking is a rewarding project, but it’s easy to make mistakes that cost time and money. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or starting your first build, this guide highlights five common decking errors – and how to avoid them – to help you create a deck you’ll be proud of.

Why It’s Important to Avoid These Mistakes 

Timber decking can transform a garden, but it’s important to do it right. Avoiding common mistakes from the start helps save time, money, and stress. A well-planned, properly built deck won’t just look good, it’ll last for years with minimal hassle. By steering clear of simple yet costly errors, you’ll avoid unnecessary repairs, enjoy smoother installation, and get more value from your materials and hard work. Most importantly, you’ll end up with a finished result you can be proud of – a sturdy, stylish outdoor space that stands the test of time.

Not

Maintaining Your Timber Decking With The Best Decking Paint, Treatment, Cleaner, & More

Keep your decking looking great year-round with our essential maintenance guide. From cleaning tips and colour refreshes to protective treatments and repairs, discover how to extend the life of your timber decking and keep it safe, strong, and beautiful for years to come.

Protecting Your Decking and Extending Its Lifespan 

Over time, even the best-quality decking will show signs of wear from exposure to the elements. Rain, sun, foot traffic, moisture, and insects all take their toll, causing fading, splintering, and structural weakening. But with the right care, you can keep your decking looking its best and performing well for years. Regular cleaning, reapplying stains or oils, and using protective treatments like anti-slip coatings and wood preservatives all help maintain its appearance and durability. Investing a little time each year

A successful decking project starts long before the first board is laid. Proper garden preparation is essential for ensuring your decking is safe, stable, and looks fantastic for years to come. By taking the time to clear and level the area, assess drainage, and carefully measure your space, you’ll set the perfect foundation for your new outdoor living area.

At Covers Timber & Builders Merchants, we understand how crucial this stage is, which is why we’re here to guide you through each step. With the right preparation – and the right tools – your decking project will be off to a great start.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Before you begin, think carefully about where you want your decking. Consider how you’ll use the space. Will it be for outdoor dining, relaxing in the sun, or a play area for the kids? The purpose of the decking will influence the ideal location.

Take note of the sun’s path throughout the day. If

Choosing the right timber is a crucial first step in creating a durable and functional decking space. Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor retreat or a versatile area for entertaining, the material you choose will determine not just the look of your decking but also its lifespan and the maintenance it requires. 

The decision can feel overwhelming with options ranging from practical and affordable treated softwood to premium hardwood with its stunning natural grain, and even modern composite for low-maintenance convenience. This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of each option, helping you make an informed choice that fits your budget, style, and sustainability goals.

The Different Types of Timber for Decking

When it comes to choosing the best timber for your decking, there

When it comes to tackling projects around the home, the question often arises ‘Can I do this myself, or do I need to call in the experts?’ Whether you’re aiming to spruce up your living space or undertake more substantial renovations, knowing your limits is key. Some jobs are perfect for a hands-on approach, while others are best left to trained professionals.

Here’s a breakdown of common projects to help you decide when to pick up the tools yourself and when to get a tradesperson involved.

DIY-friendly projects

For those who enjoy getting stuck in, there are plenty of jobs you can tackle yourself with the right tools, materials and a little patience.

1. Painting and decorating

Transforming a room with a fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper is a rewarding and straightforward DIY project. All you need is some quality paint, brushes, rollers and masking tape

A Comprehensive Guide to Exterior Architectural Cladding 

Whether you’re looking for a consistent and attractive exterior, weather protection, energy efficiency, or more, exterior architectural cladding is a fantastic solution across domestic and commercial projects. Our helpful guide covers everything you need to know, across uses, material options, and benefits.

What Is Architectural Cladding?

Architectural cladding is a protective and decorative layer added to the exterior of buildings. It serves two main purposes: improving a building’s appearance and offering protection from weather conditions, but it offers a wide range of other benefits

What Is Fire Resistant MDF? Everything You Need To Know

If you want the peace of mind extra fire protection offers or you need to meet certain health and safety fire standards, then flame resistant MDF boards are a great option. Our comprehensive guide explains what fire resistant MDF is, when to use it, fire rating systems, and more – helping you decide if it’s right for your next project.

What is Fire Resistant MDF?

Fire Resistant MDF, also known as fire retardant, flame resistant, or fire-rated MDF, is a specialised type of medium-density fibreboard designed to slow the spread of fire. It is manufactured by adding fire-resistant chemicals to the

At Covers, we’re big fans of DeWalt. Why? Because DeWalt tools are like that trusty mate who always shows up on time, works hard all day, and never complains (unlike that guy who disappears  when it's time to clean up). Built tough for the toughest jobs, DeWalt power tools are trusted by professionals across the construction industry.

If you’re in the market for high-quality, dependable equipment, pay us a visit. Let’s dive into some of the most popular DeWalt tools we stock and why they’ve earned their stripes with professionals and DIYers alike.

Cordless circular saws: Cut through the chaos

Need to power through timber fast? DeWalt cordless circular saws are the go-to choice for precision and power without the hassle of cables. Whether you’re cutting roofing timbers, floorboards, or framework, DeWalt’s circular

What is Thermowood? Here’s Everything You Need to Know 

If you’re looking for weatherproof, stable, and eco-friendly timber, Thermowood is a perfect choice. Our timber experts are here to answer any questions you might have about the thermal modification process, Thermowood’s properties, what projects it’s best used for, and if it’s right for you. 

What is Thermowood? 

Thermowood, also known as thermally modified timber, heat-treated wood, or thermal wood, is an enhanced timber cladding treated at extreme temperatures. This process alters the wood's chemical and structural properties, making it more stable and durable. While Thermowood can be made from various softwoods, at Covers, we use European Redwood (Red Pine) to ensure a high-quality, beautiful finish. 

How is Thermowood

What Timber Should You Use For Building a Stud Wall? 

When building a stud wall, choosing the right timber is essential for creating a stable, long-lasting finish. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about selecting timber for your stud wall from the basic structure to the best timber types and sizes. With the right materials, you'll be able to build a sturdy, professional-looking wall in your home.

What Is a Stud Wall?

A timber-framed stud wall is a wooden framework used to construct internal walls. Stud walls are commonly used to create internal partitions, allowing you to add extra rooms, section off larger spaces, or create an ensuite bathroom. Their structure consists of vertical studs fixed between horizontal ceiling and floor plates, forming

Our in-store timber cutting service is a great way to get your timber cut to the size required for your project or to fit inside your vehicle with ease. We can cut timber bought from Covers in most of our depots.

Using our handy timber cutting service can save you time and effort – we’ll do the hard work for you with our saws. It also means no mess in your home, garage, or workshop. Our expert cutting team and specialist equipment are accurate and precise, so you don’t have to worry about making mistakes on your next project.

You can get your timber cut at 11 of our depots 5 days a week. Check your local depot page to see if they offer the service, and get more information on charges and lead time for cutting service.

*Charges and lead times are dependent on cuts

Autumn brings with it cooler temperatures and shorter days. It’s the season of crunchy leaves, Halloween, Bonfire Night and pumpkin themed everything. Autumn is also the perfect time to tidy up outside and start making inside living spaces feel cosy, comfortable and warm.

Here are some of our top tips and essential products to make sure your home and garden is ready for the colder, and wetter, seasons ahead. 

Tidy up and protect decks and patios

We advise cleaning your patio twice a year – at the end of winter AND the end of summer. This ensures that your patio is protected against unwanted green growth that can make it look old and tired.

As well as this it’s important to regularly brush decked and paved areas throughout autumn and winter. Regular sweeping protects against

The Best Sizes, Spacing, and Strength Grades For Building a Timber Decking Frame

Are you wanting to build a beautiful decking in your garden but don’t know where to start? Our guide explains the basics of decking framing and the best sizes, spacing, and strength grades to create professional-looking and stable decking. 

What Makes Up a Timber Decking Frame?

In order to figure out the right size timber for your decking, you need to know the different components of a decking subframe. 

Joists

Joists are the backbone of your deck’s structure, playing a crucial role in timber framing. They are sturdy beams that support your decking, making sure everything stays strong and level. Typically running perpendicular to your house, they’re attached

What Is PAR Timber? Our Comprehensive Guide

If you’re searching for wood with a smooth, professional finish, PAR timber could be the right choice for you. Our team of experts have answered your most important questions about PAR timber.

What is PAR Timber?

PAR timber stands for "planed all round," meaning the wood is planed on all sides to achieve a smooth, uniform finish. This process involves sanding the wood down to remove rough surfaces, creating a sleek and consistent appearance. PAR timber can be made from both hardwood and softwood, provided that it has undergone the planing process on all sides.

Traditionally, planing was done by hand, requiring considerable skill and effort. However, modern advancements have introduced specialised machinery that makes achieving this smooth finish quicker and

What Is Carcassing Timber? A Complete Guide By Timber Experts 

From framing, to flooring, to decking, carcassing timber is your essential timber choice for all structural projects. In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through what carcassing timber is, its main uses, if it can be used externally, and answer all of your important questions. 

What is Carcassing Timber? 

Carcassing timber is vital for creating the skeletal structure of a building. It is primarily used for first-fixing applications, such as framing and joists, and can be made from both softwoods and hardwoods. Most carcassing timber will be used in load-bearing applications, which makes strength grading incredibly important, with most carcassing options in the UK being either C16 and C24. 

C16 and C24 timber are softwoods

What is C24 Timber? Everything You Need to Know 

If you need strong, top-quality, timber for your structural projects, C24 is the right choice for you. Our timber experts are here to answer all of your questions such as definition, uses, dimensions, and more. 

What is C24 Timber? 

C24 timber is the highest-strength grade of timber commonly used in the UK, carefully selected and graded to meet stringent quality standards and provide superior performance than lower grades like C16. The meaning of the “C” is “coniferous” as it’s made from softwood, typically spruce, fir, or pine trees, and the 24 represents its strength grading. It’s a kiln-dried timber to reduce its moisture content to below 20%, giving it strength and durability. 

What is C24 Timber Used For? 

What is C16 Timber? A Comprehensive Guide By Timber Experts  

Understanding what C16 timber is and whether it's right for your project can be confusing, so our timber experts are here to answer all your questions and help simplify the decision-making process. 

What is C16 Timber? 

C16 timber is a type of kiln-dried softwood, typically pine, spruce, or fir, that is used extensively for construction and DIY projects. The "C16" grading refers to its strength class, with the “C” standing for “coniferous”, marking it out as a softwood. C16 timber undergoes a kiln-drying process to reduce its moisture content to around 20%, making it strong, durable, and unlikely to

What is CLS Timber? Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Our comprehensive guide will answer all your questions about CLS timber, covering its definition, where it can be used, and the sizes it comes in, helping you decide if it’s right for your next project.

What is CLS Timber? 

Typically made from pine, fir, or spruce, CLS timber is a kiln-dried softwood known for its graded strength and smooth, rounded edges. These features make it easy to handle and work with while remaining reliable with its durability.

CLS timber stands for “Canadian Lumber Standard”, as it was originally produced in Canada. As it gained popularity worldwide, much of it began to be sourced from Europe; at Covers Builders Merchants, we import all of our CLS timber from Sweden and Germany. 

Owning an outdoor space is one of the most sought-after items on a property purchaser’s wish list. Research conducted by mental health charity Mind highlighted the value of owning an outdoor space. The study found that people’s mental health had benefitted from spending time in nature since the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, seven million said their well-being was helped by taking up gardening for the first time.

With many of us spending more time at home, updating outdoor areas is now at the top of the agenda for many homeowners. 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 haven this summer. 

Creating a secluded sanctuary

Achieving garden privacy is crucial for relaxation. Regardless of your outdoor space's size, we offer various solutions

Gardening is an incredibly popular and rewarding pastime. Many people take it up because they want to improve their outdoor area, but the benefits extend well beyond your green space, and spending time gardening is proven to aid both physical and mental health and wellbeing. Perhaps that’s why around half of UK adults count gardening as one of their favourite hobbies. 

As we leave winter behind, many of us will be hoping to spend more time enjoying our gardens. However, creating an inviting and well-looked-after outdoor space takes hard work and careful planning.

To help you get ahead this spring, the team at Covers has put together a month-by-month checklist of garden jobs for the year. Happy gardening!

March

Garden jobs really start to kick off in March, and it’s the month to start mulching and sowing.

• Remove

When it comes to creating a lasting first impression, the exterior of your home plays a pivotal role. One of the most effective ways to elevate the kerb appeal of your property is by revitalising the front garden. From driveways to planting, lighting to woodwork, and paving to aggregates, there are numerous elements to consider when embarking on this transformative journey.

Create an elegant driveway

The driveway is often the first thing visitors notice, so it's crucial to make it both functional and visually appealing. Traditional block paving offers a timeless look, while permeable options help manage rainwater runoff. For a sleek, modern aesthetic, consider resin-bound driveways that provide a smooth, durable surface in various colours.

Choose a paving option to suit your style

Choosing the right

In the quest for a more sustainable and energy-efficient home, one area often overlooked is the loft. If you've ever wondered why your energy bills remain stubbornly high, the answer might be just above your head. Loft insulation, a simple yet effective solution, can play a significant role in reducing energy consumption and, consequently, your monthly bills. Let's delve into the importance of insulating your loft and why it should be a top priority for every homeowner.

Keep the warmth in

One of the primary benefits of loft insulation is its ability to trap and retain heat. As we all know, hot air rises, and without proper insulation, a significant amount of warmth can escape through the roof. By installing loft insulation, a barrier is created that prevents this heat loss, ensuring that the warmth generated by a heating system stays inside living spaces. This not only keeps your home more comfortable but also dramatically reduces

In an era where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly important, many homeowners are seeking ways to make their properties more eco-friendly. From large-scale projects to simple changes in daily habits, there are numerous ways to reduce your carbon footprint and create a more sustainable living space. In this blog, we'll explore a range of tips to help you transform your home.

Solar panels: Harness the power of the sun

Consider investing in solar panels for your home. Although the initial cost may seem daunting, the long-term benefits, including lower electricity bills and a reduced impact on the environment, make it a worthwhile investment. Consult with a professional to determine the feasibility and potential savings for your property.

Air Source Heat Pumps: Replace fossil fuels in your home

With the current government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, installing an air source heat pump

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A recent survey revealed that 51% of UK builders have been the victim of tool theft, with tools being stolen from vans, workshops, or directly from construction sites.

The study by the Federation of Master Builders makes shocking reading, but sadly the results will not be a surprise to the thousands of tradespeople who’ve become victims of increasingly sophisticated thieves.

The good news is that some advance preparation and a few sensible precautions can help cut your chances of being targeted, either when out on the job or in your own workshop and could minimise the impact on your business if you do find you’ve been burgled.

There are a whole host of styles and finishes to choose from, whether you prefer a contemporary feel with a sleek modern look or you want to add a period

Summer deluges, autumn hurricanes, winter gales . . . it’s an unavoidable fact that storms can hit the UK whatever the season. Extreme weather events wreak devastation on homes and businesses, inflicting billions of pounds worth of damage. In one month alone – February 2020 – the cost of wind and flood damage during storms Dennis and Ciara was more than £360 million.

Forecasters generally give us good warning of approaching storms, offering a window of opportunity to take protective action. But preparing for a storm is one of those tasks you might put off, hoping that when the time comes, your house will somehow survive unscathed. The problem with storms, however, is that they are mightily unpredictable, and whilst the weather report may suggest that a storm is going to be tame, this could quickly change, and you could find yourself and your home in danger of extensive damage.

Read our helpful guide to protect against

or most homes, fences fulfil the important role of protecting the property from unwanted looks and intruders. Whether a fence is inherited from a previous homeowner or you've put it up yourself, it's important to take good care of it in order to make it last - as putting up a new fence can be costly and time-consuming.

If your fence has become damaged, make sure you fix the damage as soon as possible to avoid further damage through water entering the wood or the fence becoming instable.