Local & Industry Related News By Neil Sullivan & Sons

What Surfaces Can You Lay Turf On?

When it comes to laying new turf, as with many jobs, there are ways of doing it right and there are ways of doing it wrong. You can’t just take your turf, drop it anywhere and expect to end up with a lush and green lawn at the end. So, before we look at surfaces that you can lay turf on, let’s take a look at a few that you can’t. Things you shouldn’t lay turf on Okay, so in theory this list could go on forever, so let’s restrict ourselves to a couple of things that might actually occur to…

How To Repair Concrete Drives & Paths

Concrete is one of the strongest and most durable construction materials around – according to some experts, it may even have been used to build the Pyramids in Egypt over 4500 years ago. But even concrete can start to show its age after a while. Drives and pathways can be subject to regular, heavy traffic that can cause it to crack, and once those cracks appear, weeds, moss and grass can get in and cause further deterioration. At which point you have to decide that if you want it looking its best, do you replace it all or is there a…

Were The Pyramids Built With Poured Concrete Or Rocks?

The Pyramids at Giza in Egypt were constructed between 2550 and 2490 BC – that’s over 4500 years ago – and are the oldest of the ancient Wonders of the World still standing today. As feats of engineering, given the technology available at the time, they are probably unparalleled in human history. When we think about how they might have been built, we tend to bring to mind images of thousands of slaves hauling huge blocks of rock, while being ‘encouraged’ in their labours by overseers cracking whips. It’s probably an image remembered from classic movies. However, that image is based…

Why & How to Use a Concrete Calculator

Unless you have many years of experience in the business, it’s a tricky thing trying to work out how much concrete you’re going to need for a project. Thankfully, here at Essex concrete specialists Neil Sullivan & Sons Ltd, we’ve given you access to a handy concrete calculator that’s convenient, easy to use and reliably accurate. It’s been a feature on our website for a while now, so we thought it high time that we took a closer look at how to use it and how to make the most of it. Why Should You Use A Concrete Calculator? If you…

The One – a 100,000 Square Foot Mega Mansion

In early 2020, a new house was completed in Bel-Air, Los Angeles, and the first steps were taken in the search for a potential buyer. But this was no run-of-the-mill, two-up, two-down new-build. In a land where big is, if not always beautiful, then at the very least something to be actively aspired to, it has been labelled both the world’s biggest and most expensive home. Unfortunately, the title of world’s most expensive home is now in some doubt after the asking price apparently dropped by $150 million during the pandemic. It’s now a snip at just $350 million. Size matters…

How To Dog-Proof Your Garden?

Making the decision to get a dog is incredibly exciting. And, as any new dog owners know, there is a lot to think about. From deciding what breed to get to training your new furry friend, another important thing to do is dog-proof your garden. Whether you’ve adopted a puppy or a more mature pooch, gardens can be dangerous places with a wide range of hazards able to cause them harm. There are a number of things you can do to keep your dogs safe when exploring your garden. How to build a fence to protect your dog Perhaps the biggest…

Top Tips On How To Lay Turf

Unsure about how to lay turf but DIY is your thing? Let’s take a look at some top tips on how to lay turf so we can change that! What turf should I use? You’ll want to lay purpose-grown turf, this will provide you with much quicker results and a healthy-looking lawn from the very first day of installation. By opting for fresh turf rather than sowing seeds and waiting for the grass to grow, you can save yourself time and wastage that’s usually associated with seeding your own lawn. Tools you will need: Fertiliser Gardening knife Hose Rake Spade Turfing…

Coronavirus Update (COVID-19)

Neil Sullivan & Sons are open and working in line with government advice to ensure your safety and ours with a contact-free service. Due to COVID-19, we are reserving the rights not to service certain areas due to government regulations. To find out if we’re serving your area, drop us a call. We thank you for your understanding and patience during this difficult time. How we support contact-free collections: We’re closely monitoring the health of our staff. Gloves and masks will be worn to reduce spreading the virus through touching objects. We will not ask for your signature but will sign…

How to Stain Concrete to Look Like Wood

Concrete is the optimal construction material, used for a variety of jobs because it’s durable and affordable, the only drawback is that it doesn’t offer the most attractive finish. That said, there are things you can do to get the best of both worlds. This month, Neil Sullivan & Sons are here to share with you some concrete beauty hacks, so you can achieve an attractive finish by painting your concrete to look like wood. Cleaning concrete before painting the surface: Use a degreaser to lift any existing dirt Use a straw brush to remove the dirt Rinse thoroughly with fresh…

How Polish & Dye Can Transform a Concrete Floor

Polish or dye can take a concrete floor to the next level, making it a style statement for any hotel, home, business, office, or showroom. Not only that, but polished concrete is becoming a popular choice to add a touch of elegance to flooring without relying on coatings or wax. All you need is the right equipment and the right know-how; in this article, we explore why you should get this sleek, unique look for your home or business using polishing, dying and engraving. What is Polished Concrete? The process of concrete polishing is simple and involves adding chemical densifiers to…