Blog

  1. Crusher Run vs Gravel: Which Is Best for a Driveway Base?

    Crusher Run

    Mapping out a driveway and how it will function means you need a base material before you get started on planning anything else. The driveway base layer you opt for determines how the driveway will hold up over years of both foot and vehicle traffic.

    It’s not always an easy task to work out, which is why we’ve put together this guide to help you decide between crusher run and gravel.

    What Is Crusher Run?

    Crusher run is blended aggregate, made with stone dust and crushed stone. It has a graded particle mix, containing pieces around 40mm to very fine dust.

    Compacted, the larger stones interlock, and the fines fill in the gaps between; the result is a really dense and stable layer that resists movement under heavy load.

    It’s worth noting that you might also see crusher run referred to as MOT Type 1 or crush and run.

    What Is Gravel?

    Gravel is a loose aggregate made up of small stones of a consistent size and shape, typically ranging from 10mm to 20mm. It can be angular crushed stone or naturally

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  2. How to Choose the Best Acoustic Wall Panels for a Home Office

    How to Choose the Best Acoustic Wall Panels for a Home Office

    More and more people use home offices nowadays, with a massive rise in remote working. The first things that tend to come to mind when creating the most efficient working space inside a house are comfortable seating, proper desks, good lighting, etc.

    We should acknowledge that all of the above are very valid, but without good acoustics, the room will feel echoey, meeting calls can feel unprofessional, and overall concentration can be impacted by external noise.

    Are you a North-East customer looking to improve the sound quality of your home office? Or a tradesperson working on a relevant project? Read on, as we explain how to choose the best acoustic wall panels for home offices.

    Best Wall Panel Option for Most Home Offices

    For UK standard rectangular rooms between 10 and 20m², fabric wrapped acoustic panels mounted on the walls behind your desk and opposite the main reflective surface are often chosen, as they deliver the best improvement.

    In terms of NRC, aim for panels at 0.80 or higher

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  3. The Cost of Decorative Gravel for Driveways in the North East

    Grey Decorative Gravel

    If you’re planning a gravel driveway in the North East, you’ve already got one thing right: the type of driveway you’re laying.

    Why? Because gravel is one of the most cost-effective, low-maintenance surfaces available, and when it’s laid correctly (and with the right materials), it looks great and lasts for years.

    The thing to nail here is knowing what you actually need before you order, so you’re not caught short on site or overspending on bags you ultimately don’t need.

    Whether you’re doing the groundwork yourself or just want to understand what your contractor should be ordering, this guide covers everything, from bulk bag pricing and coverage rates to sub-base requirements.

    20mm Gravel Bulk Bag Pricing

    In the North East, the price of a bulk bag of 20mm decorative gravel is typically around £180 to £250. Golden gravel and pea gravel sit at the lower end. Going for white chippings costs a little bit more.

    Joseph Parr Middlesbrough stock bulk bags that are competitively priced, and we

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  4. What Type of Fence Panel is Best For Privacy?

    A fence in a garden

    Has your fence ever blown down? This may have been because panels were purchased with low cost in mind, rather than quality.

    Often, fencing quality is only really considered when a panel breaks or the garden feels exposed. That’s why getting it right saves a lot of headaches down the line. If you’re ready to put up a fence that prioritises quality and privacy, read on.

    Our guide covers the main fencing panel types, what to look for if you’re in the North East, and the often overlooked details.

    Overlap vs Feather Edge

    Many question which panel type works best out of overlap and feather edge, but struggle to come to a conclusion. The reality is that these are the two most common panel styles for residential privacy fencing, and both have earned their place.

    Overlap panels are made from horizontal boards that overlap each other slightly. They’re cost-effective, widely available, and give reasonable privacy. The trade-off is that they tend to be weaker over time. Water can collect in the overlapping

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