Leveling a floor involves prepping the subfloor by cleaning and priming, then applying a self leveling compound, also known as screed, or using underlayment for minor, localised, or wooden floor corrections.
When your floor is uneven, it’s important not to ignore it, as it can worsen and cause avoidable damage down the line.
Regardless of whether an uneven floor causes squeaky floor boards and cracked tiles, or doors that are unable to close, it can have a negative impact on both the aesthetic appearance and performance of your interior space.
Ready to learn how to level a floor properly? Read on as the experienced team at Joseph Parr Northants breaks it down.
Why You Must Level a Subfloor
Before you begin to contemplate the finished surface, you should start by considering what’s underneath. A subfloor is the flooring system’s foundation, so if it is uneven, problems will arise.
Here are some of the issues an uneven subfloor can cause:
Cutting concrete blocks can be difficult if you don’t have the tools or experience to back it up. However, there is an array of methods out there for the average DIYer.
The technique that you use should align with your skill level and the type of concrete block that you are cutting. Different blocks handle cutting differently, so making sure you find the right method will ensure that you achieve a clean finish.
Continue reading as we delve into some useful methods for cutting concrete blocks you can implement to do so successfully.
How to Cut Dense Concrete Blocks
Dense concrete blocks are designed for strength and robustness, so power tools are the best approach.
When working with these blocks, mark out the cut line using a pencil and a straight edge. Use an angle grinder with a diamond masonry blade to score along the mark. A shallow first pass will help guide the tool, while also preventing chipping.
Use slow and deliberate passes, letting the blade work through at its own pace. It is
Small details can make a massive difference when finishing a room. You could have a perfectly laid floor and immaculately painted walls, but if your bedroom or living room lacks a tidy skirting board, things just won’t feel complete.
Skirting boards don’t just provide decorative benefits, but also help protect your wall from scuffs and cover uneven edges in the floor.
Whether you’re renovating, redecorating, or installing in a new build, understanding how to fix skirting boards will save time and help you achieve a professional finish.
What is a Skirting Board?
If you’re a homeowner, you likely already know this. Skirting boards run along the bottom of interior walls where the wall meets the floor. It is both practical and aesthetic, shielding your wall from furniture knocks and cleaning tools like vacuum cleaners, while also putting the finishing touches on a room and making it look well-designed.
Coming in a variety of materials and sizes, you can find a skirting board style that suits
Plasterboard is a commonly used material in modern construction due to its affordability, ease of installation, and the smooth surface it can create, which is well prepared for painting.
The prospect of completing a plasterboard project for the first time can feel like stepping into the unknown, which is why we have compiled a useful guide that will help educate you on how to fit plasterboard effectively.
What is Plasterboard?
Plasterboard is a flat panel that is made by pressing a layer of gypsum between two heavy paper sheets.
Also known as drywall or gypsum board, plasterboard offers a quick and efficient way to build interior walls and ceilings, a quicker, less messy alternative to traditional plastering.
It varies in terms of thickness, with a wide variety of different options, including fire-resistant and soundproof options.
Insulated plasterboard improves thermal efficiency by reducing heat loss through walls and ceilings.
Cladding in buildings is the outer layer that is applied to the exterior of a structure, which provides weather-resistant protection, moisture control, thermal and acoustic insulation, and aesthetic enhancement.
You can find an appearance that suits your building and use a variety of materials for cladding, such as metal, timber, vinyl, brick, fibre cement, composite panels, and glass.
Cladding can also provide structural support to a building. When it comes to selecting the right cladding system, you should take into account factors like fire resistance, maintenance needs, cost, and environmental impact.
Make sure that your cladding system closely follows standard building regulations and fire safety codes. This is particularly important if you’re installing cladding in high-rise blocks or public buildings.
What is Wall Cladding?
Wall cladding provides the finishing layer on the walls of a building. It can increase the lifespan of the wall’s underlying materials by protecting them from
Sheet materials are manufactured boards used across construction, joinery, and furniture making. Unlike solid timber, they are engineered to be more stable, consistent and cost effective.
Each board type has its own properties, making it better suited to specific applications. The goal of this guide is to give you a better understanding of each type, and help you make a decision that’s best for your project.
With such a wide selection, choosing the right sheet material can make a big difference to both the look and performance of your project.
Plywood Sheets
Key features of plywood
Plywood is made by bonding thin veneers of timber with the grain running at right angles. This cross-layering gives excellent stability, reducing the risk of warping or splitting.
It is strong, durable, and available in a wide range of thicknesses and grades, including structural and marine ply for
Knowing how to lay composite decking is a handy skill to have in your locker, and it doesn’t need to be as overcomplicated as you may think. With the right tools, foundation, and installation method, you can build a low-maintenance outdoor space that looks smart.
This guide aims to make the process as simple to understand as possible, alongside covering all the recommended installation tips, tools, and FAQs that most of our customers have.
What is composite decking?
Composite decking boards are made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibres. Unlike timber decking, they’re much more resistant to rot, splintering, and weathering. This makes them ideal for UK gardens, patios, and terraces.
Composite decking is stocked in many finishes, so there is always something that fits your desired look. Prices can be affordable, with the average board costing about £30, and up to £50 per board for matching edge options.
Knowing how to estimate building materials quickly is a key skill to have for both DIYers and tradespeople. It helps you stay on budget, avoid costly delays, over ordering, and wasted materials.
You may be pricing up a potential home extension or preparing for a new site development. This guide will explain how to estimate building materials in the best way and what methods to use.
How To Estimate Building Materials For Home Construction
When planning a residential project, your first material estimate should be done early, ideally at the concept stage.
Even a rough takeoff can help gauge feasibility. Once you have approved plans or architectural drawings, a more detailed quantity takeoff (QTO) can begin.
The best approach? Review your blueprints and break the build down into key phases. These might be: groundwork, foundations, structure, roofing, insulation, finishes, etc.
