Forward Builders Supplies Limited

02/08/2026

Planning an outdoor porcelain patio? Choosing the slab is only one part of the project 📝
This job by Green Velvet Landscapes is a great example of why the smaller details need to be thought about before the project starts

Grey porcelain creates a clean, modern base, but the overall high-quality finish comes from how everything has been paired together 🤝 The charcoal grout helps define the laying pattern, while the Black Ice gravel is used as a border to add contrast, depth and a more finished edge around the paving.

If you are browsing for outdoor porcelain, here are a few things worth thinking about:

✅ Tile size
Larger format slabs, like 900 x 600, can help create a cleaner and more contemporary look

✅ Grout colour
Grout is not just a practical choice. A darker grout can add definition and make the laying pattern stand out more clearly

✅ Borders and edging
Decorative gravel can do more than fill a gap. Used as a border, it can frame the paving and help the whole patio feel more planned and complete

✅ Product quality
Outdoor porcelain needs to look good, but it also needs to perform. Choosing the right paving, grout and finishing products can make a big difference to the final result

Products featured:

Essential Grey 900 x 600 Porcelain
➡️ https://www.forwardbs.co.uk/porcelain-slabs-outdoor-tiles-essential-grey-900x600

Black Ice Gravel 20mm
➡️ https://www.forwardbs.co.uk/black-ice-gravel-20mm

Flowpoint Fine Grout in Charcoal by Instarmac Group plc UltraScape
➡️ https://www.forwardbs.co.uk/ultrascape-flowpoint-fine-rapid-set-flowable-grout

Need help choosing the right porcelain, grout or decorative stone for a job? Call us on 0151 357 1035, send us a message or pop into the depot so we can help 📲

30/07/2026

29/07/2026

So which one should you use? 🤷🏼‍♂️ We hear this a lot, and the honest answer is that it depends on the job

Crusher run can be a useful, cost-effective option when it’s used correctly. But when used for a project that really needs MOT Type 1, it will end up costing a lot more to fix in the long run

As a general guide, crusher run can be useful for:
✅ Filling holes
✅ Levelling areas (that don’t support any weight)
✅ Farm tracks
✅ Temporary access roads (such as events or construction sites)

MOT Type 1 is the better choice for:�
✅ Driveways�
✅ Patio sub-bases�
✅ Shed bases and foundations�
✅ Pathways, roads and parking areas

The key difference is that MOT Type 1 is the more reliable option when you need a strong, compacted sub-base that will support weight properly

Shop now at: https://www.forwardbs.co.uk/mot-type-1-sub-base

If you aren’t sure which is right for your job, ask before you order. We can help you choose the right materials for your project, not just the cheapest option 🤝

Call us on 0151 357 1035, send a message or pop into the depot for advice 📲

24/07/2026

Your garden doesn’t need a full redesign for you to make a big difference ➡️ sometimes, one simple path is enough to make the space feel functional, more practical and easier to enjoy

That’s why stepping stones and gravel are such a popular combination 🤝 they add structure without high cost or commitment of a full patio, and they work just as well for:
✅ Front gardens
✅ Side paths
✅ Borders
✅ Seating areas
✅ Awkward corners

George has put together 3 combinations to use as inspiration for your next project:

1️⃣ Cotswold chippings (£4.99 each)
with round concrete stepping stones (£6.95 each)

2️⃣ Scottish pebbles (£5.99 each)
with wood-effect stepping stones (£10.99 each)

3️⃣ Black basalt (£4.25 each)
with 300 x 600mm sandstone slabs (£6.25 each)

Buy 4 x 20kg gravel bags and get the 5th completely FREE 💸 available to shop online & in store

Free local delivery* or click & collect available now at www.forwardbs.co.uk 🚛

Do you want to plan a summer garden refresh, but need advice? Get in touch on 0151 357 1035 or message us now 📲

*Within an approximate 50-mile radius of our depot. Please visit our T&Cs or get in touch for more information

22/07/2026

Been putting off your next garden project? This could be the right time to make a start 👀 Save over 15% on more than 15 different types of decorative aggregates 💸 available on bulk bags at www.forwardbs.co.uk/gravels/

Ideal for:
✅ Gravel paths
✅ Driveway refreshes
✅ Garden borders
✅ Low-maintenance garden spaces
✅ Quick projects to add kerb appeal

We stock a wide range of gravels included in the sale, with different colours, sizes and finishes to suit all traditional, natural and modern garden styles

Offer ends 31.07.26, while stocks last!
Shop the sale now at www.forwardbs.co.uk/gravels/

🚛 Free* local delivery available
🚛 Same-day click & collect on stocked lines
🚛 Nationwide delivery using couriers

Need advice? Call us on 0151 357 1035, send us a message or pop into the branch 📲

16/07/2026

Ever been caught out by this? 👀
The exact same product can have several different names depending on who you talk to, where they are from, or how long they have been in the industry

If you've ever visited our trade counter and thought, "I think I know what I need, but I'm not quite sure what it's called," please don't worry – you are definitely not alone 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

After many years in the industry, we have heard just about every variation imaginable, and chances are that we (sadly!) know exactly what you mean

We promise 🤝 no judgement, no such thing as silly questions, just friendly advice from our team who will help you find the right product for the job

What's the strangest, funniest, or most unusual product name you've ever heard? Share it in the comments below 💬

12/07/2026

Will that one garden job really make a big difference?

This before and after is a good example of what starting in stages can look like 👇

The whole garden doesn’t need to be finished in one go to feel more usable. Usually, getting the basics sorted first can make the biggest difference

That might mean:
🪏 clearing overgrown areas
🏡 adding simple fencing
🪴 starting to separate the garden into clearer sections
👩‍🌾 making the space easier to use day-to-day

A full redesign isn’t always the most realistic place to start ➡️ one practical job at a time can still make a big difference without breaking the bank, as well as being a more enjoyable project

Do you know which garden job you want to tackle next?
Pop into the depot or call us on 0151 357 1035 to speak to the team for practical advice 📞

You can also browse garden and landscaping materials online here: www.forwardbs.co.uk/

🚚 Free local delivery available
📦 Same-day click & collect on stocked items
📲 Please call for live availability

Photo credit: Cherry Grove Landscapes

11/07/2026

Raised beds make sense when you don’t want to tackle the whole garden at once 🪏

They are one of those projects that feels manageable, even if the rest of the garden still needs work.

You can use them to:
🪴 Grow veg, herbs or flowers
🌱 Keep plants contained in one dedicated area
📏 Add structure to a blank garden
🔨 Start small and build things up over time

For a simple raised bed project, we recommend ➡️ sleepers, topsoil and compost as the basics to get you started

If raised beds are on your garden to-do list this summer, you can find more ideas and advice on our blog here: www.forwardbs.co.uk/blog/

Or if you prefer to talk to someone – pop into the depot and speak to our team for practical advice 🗣️

🚚 Free local delivery available
📦 Same-day click & collect on stocked items
📲 Please call for live availability

09/07/2026

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the garden in your new home? You’re not alone👇🏼

Homeowners often assume they need to plan a full garden redesign, but starting with the smaller projects that make your outdoor space usable is much more realistic and can have a big impact when done thoughtfully (as well as being much more budget-friendly too!)

Here are 3 simple ideas to start with:

1️⃣ Raised beds 🌻

Great for growing veg, herbs, flowers or adding structure to an empty garden. They’re also a good first project because you can build them in stages and add to them over time.

2️⃣ Gravel pathways and stepping stones 🏘️

A simple way to create clearer access through the garden, tidy up awkward areas and add kerb appeal without committing to a full patio project.

3️⃣ Low-maintenance garden zones 🌳

Use edging, bark, hardy shrubs or grasses to create areas that feel more finished but are easier to look after.

Taking a phased approach can make your garden feel much less overwhelming, especially when you’re still settling into a new home.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, visit the blogs on our website at www.forwardbs.co.uk/blog/ or pop into the depot to see our outdoor displays and have a chat with our team for practical advice 📲

🚚 Free local delivery available

📦 Same-day click & collect on selected items
(please call 0151 357 1035 for stock availability)

21/02/2026