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MATERIALS CALCULATOR

Work out what you need before you order. Our free material calculators turn simple measurements into accurate quantities for bricks, blocks, aggregates, roof tiles, and paving - so you buy the right amount first time, with less waste and fewer emergency top-up runs. Pick a calculator below, enter your dimensions, and order straight from the results. Free local delivery across Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk for orders over £20.

CHOOSE YOUR CALCULATOR



HOW TO USE THE CALCULATORS

  1. Measure the area. Take length, width, and where relevant depth or height in metres. Measure twice at the widest points.
  2. Pick the right calculator for the material you are buying, and choose your unit or bag size.
  3. Enter your figures and press calculate. Re-run it whenever you change an input.
  4. Add 5-10% for wastage to cover cuts, breakage, and settlement before you order.
Diagram showing how to measure the width, length, and depth of an area in metres

AVAILABLE BAG SIZES

Loose materials are sold in four standard formats. The calculators convert your total weight into whichever bag size suits your access and storage.

QUICK REFERENCE RATES

Handy coverage figures the calculators use behind the scenes. Useful for checking a quote or estimating on site.

MaterialStandard unitCoverage rate
Facing / common brick215 x 65mm60 per m² (single skin, 10mm joints)
Concrete block440 x 215mm10 per m² (single skin, 10mm joints)
Paving slab600 x 600mm3 per m² (laid edge to edge)
Patio packMixed sizes1 of each size ≈ 1.17m²
Decorative stone50mm depth≈ 1 bulk bag per 10m²
Mortar (bricks)Per 1,000 bricks≈ 1 tonne sand + 170kg cement
  • All figures are estimates. Verify measurements and quantities before ordering.
  • Rates assume 10mm mortar joints for brick and block, and no joint gap for paving.
  • Coverage varies with compaction, depth, and ground conditions, especially for loose aggregates.
  • Always allow 5-10% extra for cutting and wastage, and more for diagonal or irregular layouts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are the calculator results accurate enough to order from?

They give a reliable working estimate based on standard UK unit sizes and industry coverage rates. Because site conditions, cutting, and layout all affect the real figure, we recommend adding 5-10% for wastage and checking your measurements before placing an order.

How much extra should I order for wastage?

Add 5-10% on straightforward rectangular jobs. Allow nearer 10-15% for diagonal paving patterns, curved edges, irregular shapes, or where you are matching an existing bond pattern.

What if my area is not a simple rectangle?

Split the space into rectangles, run the calculator on each one separately, then add the results together. For circular or heavily irregular areas, calculate the smallest rectangle that contains the shape and allow for the offcuts.

Which bag size should I choose?

Bulk bags (≈850kg) are the most economical per tonne but need crane or forklift access. Mini bulk bags (≈425kg) suit tighter driveways, and small bags (20-25kg) are best for top-ups and jobs you need to carry through a house or gate.

Do you deliver, and is there a minimum spend?

Yes. We offer free local delivery across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk on orders over £20, or you can collect from your nearest branch. Delivery is currently 1-5 working days due to high demand. Use our branch finder to locate your closest depot.

Can someone check my quantities for me?

Of course. Call our team on 01255 446920 or get in touch with your measurements and we will talk the figures through with you before you order.

POPULAR MATERIALS

Not sure what you need?

Our branch teams estimate jobs like yours every day. Send over your measurements and we will confirm quantities, bag sizes, and delivery options.

Talk to our team

Call us on 01255 446920. These calculators provide estimations, so actual measurements and material quantities should be verified.


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Silverton Builders Merchants Ltd
Devereux Farm
Walton Road
Kirby-le-Soken
Frinton-on-Sea
Essex, CO13 0DA
United Kingdom



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