Building Material Supply: What Contractors Should Know Before Ordering

24 July 2025

When you’re juggling tight deadlines, sub-contractors and unpredictable weather, the last thing you need is a hold-up with your building material supply. Whether you’re laying the groundwork for a housing development or resurfacing a local road, getting the right construction materials at the right time is key to keeping your project on track.


At WM Thompson & Sons, we’ve been supplying contractors across Glasgow and Central Scotland for decades. From high-quality aggregates to reliable asphalt supply, we know what works and where things can go wrong. Here’s what every contractor should consider before placing an order.


1. Know Your Material Specs Inside Out


Not all construction materials are created equal. Before placing your order, double-check the material specifications required for your job - this includes aggregate grades, moisture content and compaction levels. Using the wrong type of stone or asphalt mix could compromise the quality of your work or lead to costly rework later down the line.


At WM Thompson & Sons, we supply a wide range of certified products - including Type 1 sub-base, crusher run and tar planings - so you can be sure you’re getting exactly what your spec demands.


2. Consider Access and Delivery Timing


Ordering materials is one thing, but getting them to your site safely and on time is another. Consider:


  • Site access restrictions
  • Delivery vehicle size
  • Lead times during peak season


Our team can help you schedule deliveries around your site needs, and because we operate from our quarry in Blantyre, we can respond quickly to jobs throughout Glasgow and the surrounding areas.


3. Bulk Ordering vs Just-in-Time Supply


Depending on the scale and pace of your project, you’ll need to balance storage space with supply timing. Ordering in bulk can save on cost per tonne and reduce delays, but it’s only worthwhile if you’ve got secure space to store materials.


We offer flexible delivery options, from full loads to small drops, to suit your site and budget. Whether you need one-off asphalt supply or regular loads of recycled aggregates, we’ve got you covered.


4. Think Sustainability


More and more clients are demanding eco-conscious builds, and that starts with your choice of materials. Recycled aggregates and reclaimed asphalt are cost-effective, environmentally friendly and just as reliable as virgin alternatives when sourced correctly.


WM Thompson & Sons is committed to sustainable supply. Our recycled construction materials meet stringent quality standards while reducing waste and carbon output, something your clients will appreciate.


5. Speak to Your Supplier


Every project is different, and it pays to work with a supplier who understands that. A quick call to our team can help you avoid costly mistakes, check availability or get advice on the best material for the job.


We’ve been in the game for over 70 years - we know construction, and we know what works for Scottish sites.


Ready to Order?

Whether you’re resurfacing a driveway, laying a new road or tackling a large commercial build, WM Thompson & Sons is your trusted partner for building material supply in Glasgow. Get in touch today to discuss your needs or arrange a delivery:

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