BUILDING A STUDIO IN THE UK - material suppliers

[porly]

I've just spent the best part of six weeks sourcing materials for a studio build in London finding the right specs and cheapest prices. In the spriit of this forum I think it's only fair to share my findings. Please bear in mind that these companies and prices suited me best so they should serve only as a recommendation for you.

ROCKWOOL - contact Travis Perkins - they are a national supplier and should have a branch near you and will deliver. The kind of rockwool you need to ask for is RWA45 for general insulation (between studs and traps etc.) and RW3 for floors and ceilings. These are the equivalent to Owens Corning 703 and 705 respectively.

WALLBOARD, MDF, PLY, TONGUE & GROOVE FLOORING, DRYWALL SCREWS, WOOD SCREWS ETC. - I recommend Wickes - again a national retail chain who will deliver to your door. Prices at these places outstripped all my local buiding suppliers and were much cheaper than the usual stores like B&Q and Homebase who tend to cater for occasional DIY enthusiasts.
Please note that Wickes do not sell plasterboard in thicknesses of over 12.5mm. If you need this then contact your local drywall supplier.

NEOPRENE - contact StudioSpares at Staples Corner, London, These guys sell strips in handy sizes and do mail order if you can't find anything closer to where you are. Otherwise I would recommend trying your local rubber factory/merchants (I looked at this too)

TIMBER - contact your local building supplier. Our guys in London, Elsons, outstripped timber prices at Wickes - although their prices were competitive too.

CAULK - contact Screwfix - these guys are mail order only but as using alot of this stuff is more often than not the name of the game, you will save alot of money buying from them. At the time of writing they were 66% cheaper than anywhere else.

SPECIALIST DRYWALL PRODUCTS ie. LAMINATING SCREWS, RESLILIENT CHANNEL, STEEL STUD SYSTEMS - I would suggest you contact either KNAUF or LAFARGE (LEFARGE?). Speak to their technical depts. they will be able to confirm specs and point you to your local supplier.

DOORS AND WINDOWS - again take a look at Wickes. They stock double glazed window sections without frames that could be incorporated into studios well. They also stock the cheapest patio style sliding doors I could find. Otherwise it's your local glazier and generally (for me at least) a much higher price.

SPECIALIST DOOR SEALS - see my previous post

Have fun..

Porl

[caduk]

You can get everything you need for soundproofing as well as acoustic treatment products from www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk
there are also loads of useful technical help articles and DIY designs

[uk03878]

Some more....

Specialist Door/Window Seals
For U gaskets cheapest place to buy them is a Car Parts store - look for car boot seals
Or try http://www.automobiletrim.com/trunk-seal.html
sells it at about GBP3 per metre - no miniumum order but delivery is GBP9

Rockwool
As well as Travis & Perkins (who deliver!!!)
The following suppliers can supply most types - RW3, RW5, RW6
http://www.essexinsulation.co.uk/produc ... es_17.html
http://www.fgflimited.co.uk/fgf_depot_map.asp?From=Main
http://www.encon.co.uk/locations/
http://www.build-center.co.uk/build/default.html

[Steve]

What are the prices for rw3 at Travis Perkins?

[hally]

Hi,
Thanks for the links to products in the uk, what sealent did you go for @ Screwfix

thanks
hally

[pootle roche]

http://www.aimlimited.co.uk/aim_floor_units.html
Lamella floating floor.
http://www.doordeals.co.uk/emerchantPro ... ategory=53
solid core doors (from £75)
Door frames.