DIY Builds
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Are breeze blocks as strong as bricks?

Brick is made up of sand, lime and concrete materials, while concrete blocks are produced from aggregate consisting of crushed sand or stone. Concrete blocks have a much higher water resistance than bricks, and their compressive strength is higher.

How much does it cost to build a shed yourself?
How much does it cost to build a shed yourself?

LawnStarter estimates that a 6x4 shed (providing a 24-square-foot floorplan) will range between $480 and $4,200, whereas a 10x12 (measuring out at...

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What is the biggest factor in a home appraisal?
What is the biggest factor in a home appraisal?

Livable space is what is most important to buyers and appraisers. Bedrooms and bathrooms are most highly valued, so the more beds and baths your...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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Bricks vs solid concrete blocks: which is better?

There are several main differences between clay bricks and concrete blocks, in terms of composition and usage. As a building material, they should be carefully selected according to the type of project and the intended use of the building. We break down the benefits of each.

The differences between bricks and solid concrete blocks

Bricks and concrete blocks are made from different raw materials, meaning they have different structural compositions. Brick is made up of sand, lime and concrete materials, while concrete blocks are produced from aggregate consisting of crushed sand or stone. Concrete blocks have a much higher water resistance than bricks, and their compressive strength is higher. Concrete has a shorter life than brick, though it still gives efficient results for up to 100 years. It is also incredible durable and can be painted more easily than brick, which secretes metallic salts that can cause paint to peel off. One of the main advantages of solid concrete blocks is that they offer outstanding fire resistance and the very highest fire safety rating. They're often favoured for their thermal efficiency and sound insulation.

Which is better?

There is no simple answer to this, as it depends on the nature of your project and the intended use of the building. If sound insulation, fire resistance and thermal efficiency are priorities, then solid concrete blocks could be the right choice for your construction project. It's also worth noting that concrete blocks can be painted easier than brick can, giving you more flexibility in terms of design options and finishes.

About our solid concrete blocks

We supply high-strength 100mm 7.3N solid concrete blocks for use in cavity and solid walls, load-bearing and solid partitions, columns and block and beam flooring. Our concrete blocks have a tolerance of D1, a mean compressive strength of 3.6 - 30N/mm2 (unit strength) and a shear bond strength of 0.15N/mm2 (tabulated value). Available in packs of 88, they are available for delivery or collection from our concrete plant in Avonmouth, where they are manufactured.

Find out more

To learn more about our solid concrete blocks or to place an order, please don't hesitate to contact us today on today on.

Can Neighbours complain about solar panels?
Can Neighbours complain about solar panels?

Can My Neighbours Object to My Solar Panels? If your installation is permitted development, or you have received the necessary planning permission...

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Can you burn bamboo for firewood?
Can you burn bamboo for firewood?

Bamboo is the easiest wood to split, dry, and use for firewood. Having a log of hardwood is a lot of work especially in times of urgency. What is...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Can you paint over rusted metal?

Scrub partially rusted metal areas with a wire brush to remove flakes and powdery surface rust, then prime with a rust-inhibitive primer. Once done, you can paint over rust.

Step 1

Prep rusty metal for a new coat of paint: For light rust

Family Handyman

Can you spray paint metal?

In short, yes! That old wrought iron fence or steel gutter may look terrible, but with the right preparation and primer, most rusty metal surfaces can be restored to almost new. The first step is to clean off loose rust and flaking paint and then apply a rust-inhibitive primer. You don’t need to get down to bare, shiny metal—just clean off the flakes and powdery surface rust that prevent paint from adhering. However, badly rusted metal areas need more prep work and possibly a special primer. Start with a wire brush (Photo 1). Scrub partially rusted metal areas with a wire brush to remove flakes and powdery surface rust, then prime with a rust-inhibitive primer. Once done, you can paint over rust.

How to Remove Rust from Concrete

What is the best floor to put in a shed?
What is the best floor to put in a shed?

Pressure-treated plywood is one of the best options for shed flooring. Pressure-treated plywood is resistant to wood rot, insects, and water. It is...

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Should you anchor your shed?
Should you anchor your shed?

Add Strength and Stability: Steel and aluminium buildings are designed for durability and rigidity. Yet, without proper anchoring, this natural...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
What is the best wire to run underground?
What is the best wire to run underground?

An underground wire can be made from either copper or aluminum. Copper wire can safely be bare in the ground or can have a protective jacket or...

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These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

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Can I stop my neighbor from running an Airbnb?
Can I stop my neighbor from running an Airbnb?

If you discover that your neighbors are using their house as a vacation rental in violation of the zoning ordinance, one option is to file a...

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