Buying Building Materials Online: What to Check Before You Order
Buying building materials online used to feel risky. Missed deliveries, damaged goods, vague lead times — most people have heard at least one horror story.
The reality is this: buying building materials online works extremely well, if you know what to check before placing an order. The problems usually don’t come from ordering online — they come from ordering without clarity.
This guide walks through the key things to look for before you commit, whether you’re a homeowner planning a project or a trade customer ordering at scale.
1. Be Clear on Delivery Method (This Matters More Than Price)
Building materials aren’t delivered like parcels. Most paving, blocks, sand, and cement are delivered on pallets, using specialist vehicles.
Before ordering, check:
- Is delivery kerbside or offload-assisted?
- Is a HIAB crane included if needed?
- Can the delivery vehicle access your road safely?
- Is delivery nationwide or postcode-limited?
A cheap price means nothing if the delivery fails.
Our delivery policy is here
2. Check Lead Times — Not Just “In Stock” Claims
“In stock” doesn’t always mean “ready tomorrow”.
Good suppliers will clearly state:
- Typical delivery windows (e.g. 1–3 days, 3–5 days)
- Whether items are dispatched directly from the manufacturer
- If mixed orders may arrive separately
If lead times are vague or missing entirely, expect problems.
3. Make Sure the Product Specification Is Clear
This is where many buyers get caught out.
Always check:
- Exact product name and size
- Thickness (especially for paving and porcelain)
- Colour name (manufacturers often have similar shades)
- Coverage per pack or per m²
If a product page is thin on detail, that’s a red flag.
Internal link reminder: link to a well-specified product page or category page.
4. Understand How Damage Is Handled
Palletised materials can occasionally arrive with damage — that’s just reality. What matters is how it’s handled.
Before ordering, look for:
- Clear instructions on what to do if goods arrive damaged
- A sensible reporting window
- A supplier that understands pallet deliveries aren’t perfect
If a website hides this information, that’s usually deliberate.
5. Know Whether You’re Buying From a Yard or a Delivery-Only Supplier
Traditional builders’ merchants operate very differently from delivery-only suppliers.
Delivery-only suppliers:
- Don’t run expensive yards
- Don’t rely on walk-in trade
- Focus on logistics, stock flow, and pricing efficiency
That model often results in better pricing and clearer delivery processes, provided the supplier is set up properly.
This is why businesses like UK Building Supplies operate on a delivery-only basis — it keeps things straightforward for customers and avoids unnecessary overheads.
6. Reviews Tell You More Than Any Sales Copy
Ignore star ratings alone. Read the actual reviews.
Look for comments mentioning:
- Delivery reliability
- Communication
- How issues were resolved
- Accuracy of orders
A supplier with occasional problems but strong responses is far safer than one with suspiciously perfect silence.
7. Don’t Order on Assumptions — Ask One Simple Question
If you’re unsure, ask one clear question before ordering:
“Can you confirm delivery method, access requirements, and lead time for this order?”
The response will tell you everything you need to know.
Final Thought
Buying building materials online isn’t risky — buying blindly is.
When delivery, specifications, lead times, and support are clear, online suppliers can outperform traditional merchants in both price and reliability.
Take five minutes to check the basics before you order, and you’ll avoid 90% of the issues people complain about later.