As the new year approaches, now is the perfect time to start planning and preparing for your installations in 2026. Whether you’re a trade professional or a DIY enthusiast, a little planning can save you time, money, and stress.
At Ilkeston Ply & DIY, we’re here to help you get organised from the ground up.
Define Your Project Scope Early
Before you order materials or book labour, have a clear idea of what your installation involves:
- Measurements – Take precise measurements of the space. If you’re covering walls, ceilings, or floors with sheet materials (such as plywood, MDF, or OSB), calculate the square metres you will need.
- Environment and conditions – Will the installation be indoors or outdoors? Moisture, humidity, or exposure will influence material selection (for example, marine-grade plywood versus standard interior plywood).
- Regulations – For specific installations (fire doors, structural timber, cladding), you must ensure compliance with building regulations; planning enables you to source the correct grades or treated materials.
Choose the Right Materials from Our Ranges
Ilkeston Ply & DIY supplies a wide range of materials tailored for various installation needs. Some standout options:
- Sheet materials – We supply plywood (softwood, hardwood, phenolic-coated), MDF (standard, moisture-resistant, veneered), and OSB (including TG4 and OSB3). Sheets are versatile, cost-effective, and ideal for walls, flooring substructures, cabinetry or furniture frames.
- Timber and joinery – From structural graded timber (C16/C24) and planed decorative redwood to hardwood mouldings and planed oak – these can be used for framing, skirting boards, architrave, or decorative finishes.
- Drylining and insulation – When installing new partitions or refurbishing interiors, plan materials such as plasterboard (fire, moisture, sound rated), insulation slabs, PIR boards, loft roll, and more. Effective insulation enhances energy efficiency and comfort.
By choosing the right materials, you avoid costly last-minute changes, waste, and suboptimal results.
Logistical Considerations
- Lead times and stock – Certain specialist panels or hardwoods may have longer lead times. Checking availability early helps you prevent delays. Ilkeston Ply & DIY’s in-house cutting service is a significant benefit – you can have sheets or timber cut to size before delivery or collection.
- Delivery versus collection – Consider whether you will collect materials or require delivery; heavy sheets and large beams need suitable transport.
- Tools and fixings – Remember that screws, nail fixings, adhesives, sealants, and hardware are just as necessary as the primary materials. Also include safety gear (PPE) and finishing supplies. It’s best to list these along with your “big” material order so nothing gets missed.
Planning Budget & Sustainability
- Cost estimation – Consider “material cost + labour + wastage + finishing/accessories.” Remember to include off-cuts and scrap material when placing orders.
- Sustainable options – Where possible, use certified timber or materials rated for longevity (e.g., marine-grade, treated, or high durability woods). This reduces environmental impact and future maintenance.
Benefits of Partnering with Ilkeston Ply & DIY
Working with a trusted, local supplier gives you advantages:
- Expert advice – Our staff can assist you in selecting the appropriate material types, grades, and finishes to suit your project’s requirements.
- Quality & variety – From structural timber and sheet materials to decorative mouldings, insulation, fastening & joinery, we offer almost all material types under one roof.
- Efficiency – Services such as in-house cutting, good delivery options, and flexible collection times help make the installation process smoother.
In Summary
By starting to plan now – defining the project, choosing the right materials, sorting out logistics, budgeting, and thinking about sustainability – you can make your installations in 2026 run much more smoothly.
Ilkeston Ply & DIY provides a wide range of timber, sheet materials, drylining, insulation, joinery, and accessories to help you achieve strong, attractive, long-lasting results. With the right preparation, you’ll avoid last-minute issues and receive exactly what you need, when you need it.