When it comes to home improvement, few upgrades make as immediate and noticeable a difference as improving natural light. Dark rooms can feel smaller, colder, and less inviting, while bright, well-lit spaces instantly feel more open, modern, and comfortable. One of the most effective ways to transform a space is by installing roof windows or skylights, and that’s where VELUX products really stand out.

Why VELUX Roof Windows Are So Popular

VELUX roof windows are designed to bring daylight in from above, which is often the most effective angle for brightening a room. Unlike traditional vertical windows, skylights capture more consistent natural light throughout the day, helping to reduce reliance on artificial lighting and creating a more uplifting living environment.

Whether you’re converting a loft, extending a kitchen, or simply upgrading an existing space, roof windows can dramatically improve the feel of a room without requiring major structural changes.

A Wide Range of Sizes Available from Stock

One of the biggest advantages for homeowners and tradespeople alike is the wide variety of VELUX window sizes available from stock. From compact units perfect for smaller rooms or stairwells, through to large-format windows designed to flood open-plan spaces with light, there’s a solution for almost every type of roof and layout.

Having a strong stock range available locally also means faster project turnaround times, helping you keep home improvements on schedule without long delays waiting for specialist orders.

The Impact on Home Lighting and Living Space

Adding roof windows or skylights completely changes how a room feels. Natural daylight helps to:

Make rooms feel larger and more open
Improve the overall atmosphere and comfort of living spaces
Reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day
Enhance interior design by showcasing colours more naturally

Even small spaces such as hallways, bathrooms, and box rooms can be transformed with the addition of overhead glazing.

VELUX Rewards – Get More from Your Purchase

For those investing in VELUX products, it’s worth looking into the VELUX Rewards programme. This scheme allows eligible customers to earn points on qualifying purchases, which can then be redeemed for a range of rewards.

Signing up is straightforward and can usually be done online through the VELUX Rewards portal. Once registered, you simply upload your invoices or purchase details to start earning. For tradespeople and frequent installers, this can quickly add up to valuable benefits over time.

A Smart Upgrade for Any Home

Whether you’re planning a full renovation or a simple room upgrade, roof windows and skylights remain one of the most effective ways to improve both the look and feel of a home. With a strong range of sizes available from stock, fast installation options, and added benefits through schemes like VELUX Rewards, it’s an upgrade that delivers value well beyond aesthetics.

If you’re looking to brighten your next project, VELUX roof windows are a reliable, long-lasting solution that can completely transform the way you experience your home.

Essex TP Chandler Materials: Proud Stockists of Anglia Lime Products

At Essex TP Chandler Materials, we take pride in supplying high-quality building materials that meet the needs of both modern and traditional construction projects. That’s why we’re delighted to be a proud stockist of Anglia Lime products—offering a wide range of lime-based solutions ideal for restoration, conservation, and sustainable building practices.

Who are Anglia Lime?

Anglia Lime is a leading specialist in lime-based building materials, supplying a comprehensive selection of lime mortars, plasters, renders, and paints. With years of expertise, they provide high-quality, traditional building materials designed to enhance and preserve historic structures while also being an excellent choice for environmentally conscious new builds.

Why use Lime in Restoration Work?

Lime-based products have been used for centuries in construction and remain an essential material for the restoration and conservation of historic buildings. Unlike modern cement-based products, lime offers breathability and flexibility, making it the perfect choice for older buildings.

Here are some of the key benefits:

• Breathability – Lime allows moisture to pass through, preventing trapped moisture that can cause damp and structural damage.
• Flexibility – Unlike rigid cement, lime mortar accommodates the natural movement of a building, reducing the risk of cracking.
• Eco–Friendly – Lime absorbs CO2 during its curing process, making it a more sustainable option compared to cement.
• Aesthetic Compatibility – Lime blends seamlessly with existing historic materials, ensuring a more authentic restoration.

Essex TP Chandler Materials: Your Go-To Supplier for Anglia Lime Products

As a trusted supplier, we offer a wide selection of Anglia Lime products available for collection or delivery. Whether you’re a contractor working on a heritage restoration project or a homeowner looking to use traditional materials for your property, our team is here to help with expert advice and product recommendations.

Visit us in-store or get in touch to learn more about how Anglia Lime products can support your next project. At Chandler Materials, we’re committed to providing quality materials that preserve the past while building for the future.

We look at the latest bathroom trends for 2026 for the UK

What’s Next for Design, Materials and Everyday Luxury

As we move into 2026, bathroom design continues to evolve beyond purely functional spaces and further into considered, design-led environments that balance style, wellbeing and practicality. Feedback from leading bathroom manufacturers and industry voices points to a clear direction of travel: bathrooms that feel calmer, more personalised and built to last, without sacrificing visual impact. A relaxing retreat away from the hectic busy world we now live in.

Below, we explore the key bathroom trends predicted for 2026, alongside how recently launched ranges from Roper Rhodes, Lakes Showering and Multi-panel are shaping the future of bathroom design.

Calm, Natural and Softly Layered Interiors

Nature-inspired design remains influential, but 2026 sees a softer, more refined interpretation. Expect muted colour palettes, warm neutrals, subtle stone tones and gentle textures that create a spa-like atmosphere at home. Bathrooms are becoming spaces to unwind rather than statement rooms that overwhelm.

Elevated Storage with a Furniture-Led Feel

Bathroom furniture continues to move away from purely practical units and towards furniture that wouldn’t look out of place elsewhere in the home. Floating vanities, modular layouts and concealed storage are expected to dominate in 2026, helping create uncluttered, open-feeling spaces.

Recent Roper Rhodes ranges have leaned into this trend, offering flexible configurations and clever internal storage without compromising on design. The focus is on clean lines, quality craftsmanship and adaptable layouts that suit both compact ensuites and larger family bathrooms, often featuring niche storage solutions.

Showers as the Centrepiece

Showers are increasingly becoming the focal point of bathroom design, especially as homeowners prioritise daily comfort and ease of use with modern fixtures. Walk-in showers, minimal framing and seamless glass are set to remain key features through 2026, often complemented by earthy tile choices.

Lakes Showering’s latest collections highlight this evolution. Their newer ranges showcase refined profiles, enhanced glass coatings and elegant hardware finishes that elevate the shower space without making it feel intrusive. There is also a clear emphasis on accessibility, durability and easy maintenance, aligning with the growing demand for bathrooms that work well for all life stages, including freestanding fixtures.

Seamless Surfaces and Low-Maintenance Materials

Practicality is playing a bigger role in design decisions, particularly when it comes to wall finishes. Large-format wall panels, grout-free installations and hygienic surfaces made from natural materials are expected to grow further in popularity throughout 2026.

Multi-panel’s newest launches demonstrate why this category continues to expand. Their recent ranges introduce more realistic stone, concrete and textured finishes, allowing homeowners to achieve high-end looks with far less maintenance. The ability to create seamless walls around baths and showers without compromising on aesthetics is a major driver behind this trend, especially with the use of marble tiles.

Start Your Bathroom Renovation Project

The bathroom trends of 2026 are less about dramatic reinvention and more about refinement, with an emphasis on earthy tones and natural materials. Calm interiors, smarter storage, beautifully designed showers and practical, low-maintenance materials are all set to define the year ahead.

If you’re feeling inspired by the bathroom trends set to shape 2026, now is the perfect time to start planning your own modern bathroom space. Visit our showroom to explore the latest ranges from leading bathroom brands and see materials, finishes and layouts up close. Our experienced team is on hand to offer advice and create a tailored design to suit your home and lifestyle. Book an appointment today and take the first step towards designing the bathroom you’ve always imagined.

How to Plan Your Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Outdoor Space

Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or refreshing a tired outdoor space, knowing how to plan your garden properly is the difference between a space you love and one that frustrates you every summer. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything, from getting your ideas down on paper to choosing the right hard landscaping materials to bring it all together.

Grab a sheet of paper (graph paper if you have it, regular A4 will do), a measuring tape, and let’s get started.

First Steps: Assess What You’ve Got

Before you decide how to use your garden space, spend time understanding it as it is right now. A good garden plan is built on knowing what you’re working with, not just what you want it to look like.

Walk around it at different times of day and take note of:

• How much sunlight each area gets. Does it get full sun, partial shade, or deep shade? Different areas of the same garden can vary dramatically.
• Drainage. Where does water pool after rain? Are there slopes that funnel water toward the house or a seating area?
• What’s already there. Established trees, existing paths, or structures you want to keep will all shape your design.
• Access. How will materials and equipment get in during the build? This matters more than people expect.

Understanding these basics will save you a lot of grief later when you’re making decisions about surfaces, levels, and layout.

Put Your Plans on Paper

The next step is to sketch your garden to scale. You don’t need to be an architect; just pace out or measure the boundaries and note them down. Mark on your sketch:

• The position of the house and any doors or windows that look out onto the garden layout are crucial for creating a cohesive space.
• Existing features (trees, fences, sheds, paths)
• North-facing direction, so you can work out where sunlight falls throughout the day
• Any slopes or changes in level

Now you can start mapping out different zones. Think about how you want to use the space:

• Closer to the house: a patio, seating area, or composite decking works well here, keeping entertaining spaces accessible and easy to flow to from indoors
• Middle sections: lawn, raised beds, borders, or a kitchen garden
• Further from the house: a more relaxed planting scheme, a pergola or trellis for structure and greenery, or storage and utility space

Thinking in zones like this helps you arrive at a cohesive look rather than a collection of unrelated ideas. It also makes it much easier to work out your paving and surface requirements early, so you can budget and order materials before the season gets busy.

Things to Consider Before You Start Buying Materials

Getting the planning right before you order anything will save you time, money, and plenty of frustration on site. Here are the key things to work through:

Levels and Ground Preparation

If your garden slopes, you’ll need to decide early whether you’re cutting into the slope, building up with raised sections, or a mix of both. Garden sleepers are a practical and good-looking solution for retaining terraced levels or creating raised beds. Sort your levels before you finalise any surface choices.

Drainage

Hard surfaces need somewhere for water to go. If you’re laying a large paved area, you’ll need to think about falls, drainage channels, or permeable options. Getting this wrong is one of the most common and costly mistakes in garden landscaping.

How You’ll Actually Use the Space

A garden that looks great in a design sketch but doesn’t suit how you live in it will always feel like it’s missing something. Be honest about whether you need:

• Space for outdoor dining and entertaining
• A low-maintenance surface that’s easy to keep clean is essential in any garden layout.
• Room for kids or pets to run around
• Separate zones for relaxing, gardening, and storage

Access for Materials and Trades

Think practically about how materials will get to site. Paving slabs, Decking boards can be integrated into your garden design for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces., and sleepers are heavy and bulky. If access is tight, this can affect what’s feasible and how long the job takes.

Landscape Design: Choosing Your Hard Landscaping

The hard landscaping elements are the foundation of any garden project. Get these right and everything else, including planting and furniture, falls into place around them.

Paving

Paving defines the feel of the whole space in your garden design more than almost anything else. A contemporary large-format porcelain patio reads very differently to a traditional textured stone path. When choosing, think about how you plan a garden that suits your lifestyle and preferences.

• The style of your house. Modern properties suit clean, large-format slabs. Older or period homes often suit more natural, textured finishes.
• Colour and tone. Will it complement or contrast with your walls, fencing, and other materials?
• Practicality. Some surfaces need more maintenance than others. Smooth porcelain can be slippery when wet; textured slabs hide dirt better.

You can browse our full paving range at Essex TP Chandlers, including Bradstone ranges available to view in person or on our landscaping displays at our Southend or Chelmsford branches.

Decking: Softwood vs Composite

Decking is a great option for creating level outdoor living space, especially on sloped plots or where you want to raise a seating area. The main decision is material:

• Softwood decking is affordable and looks great when new, but requires regular treating to prevent rot and splitting over time.
• Composite decking costs more upfront but is genuinely low maintenance and resistant to rot, fading, and insect damage. Brands like NewTechWood give you the look of natural timber without the ongoing upkeep, making it a strong choice for busy households.

Garden Sleepers

Sleepers are one of the most versatile landscaping materials available. Use them to retain terraced levels on a sloped garden, build raised beds, edge a path, or add structure to a border. Essex TP Chandlers stock a range of garden sleepers suited to both functional and decorative applications.

Pergolas and Trellis

If you want to add height, shade, or a sense of enclosure to part of your garden, a pergola or trellis is worth planning in from the start rather than bolting on later. A pergola over a seating area creates a defined outdoor room. A trellis along a fence line can soften a boundary and add structure without taking up much ground space.

A Quick Checklist Before You Start Buying

Before you head to the merchant, run through these:

1. Have you sketched your garden to scale and noted sun, shade, and drainage?
2. Have you decided on your zones: entertaining, lawn, planting, storage?
3. Have you sorted your levels and ground preparation plan?
4. Have you settled on a paving or decking style that suits the house and your maintenance appetite?
5. Do you know whether you need sleepers, a pergola, trellis, or other structural elements?
6. Have you accounted for site access for materials and trades?

Getting all of this clear before you start spending makes the whole project run more smoothly and means far less second-guessing once work begins.

See Materials In Person Before You Decide

Colours, textures, and finishes all look different in person to how they appear on a screen or in a brochure. We have landscaping displays at our Southend and Chelmsford branches where you can compare options side by side and talk to our team about what will work for your project.

Our full landscaping and fencing range covers paving, decking, sleepers, and more: everything you need to turn your plan into a finished garden.

Good planning is what separates a garden that works from one that’s a constant source of frustration. Take the time to get it right on paper first and the build will be far more straightforward.

As we mark International Women’s Day on 8th March, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate some of the talented women across Chandler Materials who help drive our business forward every day.

The construction and building materials industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but this continues to evolve as more women build successful careers across the sector. From marketing and finance to HR and leadership roles, women are making an important impact across the industry.

To recognise this, we spoke with three members of our team – Lauren Penney, Katie Choppen and Sara Day – about their experiences working within the construction and builders merchant industry.

Lauren Penney – Marketing & Operations Manager

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in the construction or builders merchant industry?
   I was inspired to join the building materials industry because my mum was in the industry. She set such a good example of how a woman can be successful in our industry & still have a family.
2. How has working in this industry helped you grow personally or professionally?
   Working in this industry has really helped me. I’ve grown in confidence & my sense of self-worth is much higher than previously. I credit this to the numerous networking opportunities in our industry to meet genuine, and real people who all want to work together for the industry as a whole.
3. Have you seen the industry become more inclusive over time?
   The industry is definitely more inclusive, even only over the 10 years I’ve been in the industry. When I first started out there would be only a handful of women or minorities at industry events. And although it is not a 50/50 split, there are definitely more women in the room & taking on more senior roles in our industry.

Katie Choppen – Finance Manager

What has your experience been like working in a traditionally male-dominated environment?
Overall my experience has been good. I have been treated as an equal, been made to feel like my opinion matters and have been given the opportunity to progress in my role.
My dad worked in the Building Industry for over 40 years and it’s great that the industry has come a long way to be more inclusive of women so I can now do the same.

What do you enjoy most about working in the construction/builders merchant sector?
No two days are the same and the variety of my role means there is never a dull moment. That and the many conversations about football in the office.

What achievement in your role are you most proud of?
I have two:
In 2024 I won the BMN Merchant Achiever of the Year award. Winning was amazing but being nominated by those I work with and for was even better!
I am one of three women that hold a managerial position at Chandlers. Whilst the management team is not a 50/50 split just yet it’s great that three of us hold these positions and can bring a different perspective on a subject sometimes.

Sara Day – HR Manager

1. How can businesses better support women entering the industry?
   By making their business an attractive place for women to work. We have recently reviewed our family friendly policies. We offer enhanced maternity and other family friendly benefits. We provide mentors for our new joiners and the women in the company regularly meet to support each other. We promote diversity and inclusion, strive to make our advertising attractive to women, our company attractive to women and support them so they want to stay and develop their career with us.
2. How does working in the construction and building materials industry differ from the industries you’ve worked in previously?
   I previously worked in Corporate Law firms in London so working for an independent family run merchant is completely different. I am made to feel like part of the family, as are all staff and am completely invested in wanting the company to succeed. Decisions are made collectively, there is a fantastic team spirit and I feel I can make a real difference.
3. What skills do you think are most important for succeeding in this industry?
   Excellent communication skills are essential. To deliver first class customer service, to communicate effectively with colleagues, ensuring an efficient, joined up service. Teamworking skills are also important and the ability to adapt.

Celebrating Women in the Construction and Building Materials Industry

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the achievements and contributions of women across every industry, including the construction and building materials sector.

At Chandler Materials, we are proud of the talented women across our teams who support our customers, strengthen our business and contribute to the wider construction industry.

As the industry continues to evolve, it is encouraging to see more women entering the sector, developing their careers and taking on leadership roles.

We’re proud to celebrate the women of Chandler Materials and the important role they play in our business every day.

A proud moment for Chandler Materials

Chandler Materials is incredibly proud to announce that Katie, our Finance Manager, has been named the Merchant Achiever of the Year 2024 at the Builders Merchant Awards 2024. The award was presented at the Builders Merchant Awards in London, November 2024 by Jo Brand.

Katie was nominated by Chandler Material’s Finance Director Ben. Ben says “we nominated Katie because of her dedication to Chandler Materials. Nothing is too much trouble & she regularly goes the extra mile to make sure her & her teams work is completed in a timely manner to an excellent standard.

Since Katie joined Chandler in 2017, she has set up management accounts with monthly reporting on KPI’s & turnover based targets. As well as taking on this huge task, she is always approachable & ready to help other managers & her colleagues in other departments.

She is a credit to Chandler Materials & we feel she should be celebrated for her accomplishments.”

Chandler Material Supplies, a revered name in the building supplies industry, proudly announces its acquisition of Essex Timber & Plywood, a well-established timber specialist based in Southend-on-sea, Essex. This strategic move signifies Chandler’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings while fortifying its presence in the region.

As a third-generation family-owned and operated business deeply rooted in the Chelmsford community, Chandler Material Supplies has always prioritised local partnerships and customer satisfaction. With a sterling reputation for quality materials and exemplary service, Chandler has become synonymous with reliability in the area.

Essex Timber & Plywood brings ten decades of expertise and a reputation for supplying top-tier timber products at competitive prices. Renowned for their vast range of sizes, including lengths up to 7.2 meters, ETP has earned the trust of tradespeople, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts alike. Notably, ETP distinguishes itself by stocking unique timber products rarely found elsewhere and maintaining exceptional standards of quality and customer care.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Essex Timber & Plywood into the Chandler family,” says Julie, Managing Director at Chandler Material Supplies. “This partnership allows us to combine our strengths and resources to better serve our customers and drive housebuilding & renovations in the region. Together, we’re ready to boost service quality and broaden our product range.”

The acquisition will see Essex Timber & Plywood gradually diversifying its inventory to include a broader range of building materials while continuing to excel in its speciality timber products. Customers can expect an even more comprehensive selection, coupled with the same outstanding customer service and efficiency they’ve come to expect.

Aaron, Branch Manager at Southend, expresses enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The team at Essex Timber & Plywood is excited to embark on this new chapter with Chandler Material Supplies. We look forward to expanding our stock ranges and meeting the evolving needs of our valued customers.”

Customers can anticipate seamless transitions as both the Chandler and Essex Timber & Plywood teams remain with the business, ensuring continuity of service and familiar faces in the branches. With over 450 years of combined experience at Chandler’s Chelmsford branch and over 100 years at Southend, customers can trust in the expertise and dedication of the teams.

For more information about Chandler Material Supplies and Essex Timber & Plywood, visit their respective websites at chandlermaterials.co.uk and essextp.co.uk.

A Proud Moment for Chandler Materials as Lauren Wins this fantastic award

Chandler Materials is incredibly proud to announce that Lauren, our Operations & Marketing Manager, has been named the BMF Young Merchant Achiever of the Year 2023. This prestigious award was presented at the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Annual Members Day Conference and Awards Dinner, held at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham in September 2023.

This recognition is a testament to Lauren’s dedication, innovation, and outstanding contribution not just to Chandler Materials, but to the wider merchanting industry. Her leadership, strategic thinking, and tireless efforts have helped to drive forward new initiatives, strengthen our brand presence, and position Chandler Materials for continued growth and success.

About the BMF and the Award

The Builders Merchants Federation is the leading trade association for the building materials supply sector in the UK, representing over 870 merchant and supplier companies. The Young Merchant Achiever Award is one of the BMF’s most significant honours, celebrating rising stars under the age of 35 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and forward-thinking in the merchant industry.

To have a member of our team recognised at this level is a reflection of the talent and ambition we value so highly here at Chandler Materials.

A Well-Deserved Honour

Lauren’s journey with Chandler Materials has been marked by her passion for innovation and her deep understanding of both operations and customer engagement. Her success in winning this award is a point of pride not just for Lauren herself, but for our entire business.

Lauren’s win highlights the strength of the team at Chandler Materials and the future of our industry. We are proud to support and celebrate the next generation of leaders who are making a difference today and shaping the future of merchanting in the UK.