Using SURE STEP DB in Brick and Block Construction

Although timber frame is gaining momentum, brick and block construction remains the dominant method of housebuilding in the UK, offering a proven balance of strength, durability, and cost efficiency. As performance standards continue to rise, particularly in areas such as thermal efficiency, moisture control, and long-term reliability, the specification of materials, and a move beyond standard choices within this construction type, has become increasingly important.

Brick & Block vs Timber Frame: What’s the Difference?

Timber frame construction is widely recognised as a key modern method of construction (MMC), designed to improve build efficiency, create a lightweight structure for foundations, and enhance overall build consistency through highly controlled, off-site production. Utilising off-site construction can reduce build programmes by several weeks or even months, making it particularly attractive for developers looking to accelerate delivery.

At its core, the building structure is formed from prefabricated timber panels, typically manufactured off-site and delivered ready for installation. This enables rapid assembly, allowing the building to become weathertight much faster than with traditional methods.

However, despite its growth, timber frame’s share of the English housing market remains around 15%, according to the Structural Timber Association (STA) in 2025. Adoption also varies significantly by region. In comparison, Scotland’s housing market currently sits at around 90% timber frame.

Brick and block construction, often referred to as masonry construction, remains the dominant method of housebuilding in the UK. Comprising a combination of concrete blocks, brickwork, and cavity wall systems, it delivers high structural mass due to the inherent strength of its materials. This results in strong acoustic performance and fire resistance, driven by its non-combustible nature.

The fundamental difference between the two methods comes down to speed versus mass performance. While timber frame continues to grow in popularity, masonry construction remains the backbone of UK housebuilding, delivering homes at scale.

To bridge the gap between traditional methods and modern performance demands, incorporating timber-based solutions within masonry builds can help improve site efficiency and build speed, without requiring a complete shift in construction methodology.

Challenges with Common Flooring Materials

The choice of flooring materials plays a pivotal role in a home’s overall performance. While often overlooked, structural flooring boards influence not only load-bearing integrity, but also on-site safety, durability during construction, and the quality of the finished build.

In UK housebuilding, P5 moisture-resistant chipboard continues to be one of the most widely specified solutions, used across both timber frame and brick and block construction. Its widespread adoption is largely due to its cost-effectiveness, availability, and ease of installation, making it a consistent default for developers.

However, as performance expectations evolve, particularly around safety, durability, and build efficiency, the limitations of standard flooring materials are becoming more evident.

1. Site Safety

In the UK, slips, trips, and falls account for around 30% of non-fatal workplace injuries. Most commonly used structural flooring boards, including standard and higher-density chipboard panels, are not manufactured with inherent slip resistance. As a result, surfaces can become hazardous in wet or exposed conditions, particularly during early construction phases when buildings are not yet watertight.

2. Durability in Site Conditions

While many flooring boards are classified as moisture-resistant, prolonged exposure to rain and site moisture can still affect performance. In practice, this can lead to issues such as surface wear, edge swelling, or general degradation, particularly during extended build programmes in challenging weather conditions. These risks can impact both installation quality and programme efficiency if remediation is required.

3. Waste and Site Efficiency

To protect boards during construction, temporary solutions such as peel clean layers are often specified. Although effective at shielding the surface, they introduce additional processes into the build cycle. The protective film must be removed and disposed of once no longer required, generating extra waste and adding time to site clean-up. Depending on the material, disposal routes may also be limited, contributing to broader sustainability concerns. 

4. Limited Contribution to High-Performance Builds

As the industry moves towards low-energy and fabric-first construction, materials are increasingly expected to play a role beyond basic structural function. However, most commonly specified flooring boards are designed primarily to meet baseline requirements. While reliable in this role, they do not typically contribute to wider performance goals such as improved airtightness, enhanced moisture control, or long-term building resilience associated with advanced building standards.

A Smarter Alternative to Standard and Peel Clean Boards

SMARTPLY SURE STEP DB, an airtight, load bearing, tongue and groove OSB/3 panel with a high-performance and durable coating, has been developed to go beyond baseline flooring requirements, offering a multi-functional solution that enhances safety, durability, and site efficiency, without requiring a change in construction method.

Rather than replacing existing systems, it integrates seamlessly into both brick and block and timber frame developments, delivering measurable improvements across key performance areas.

1. Improved Site Safety

SURE STEP DB delivers an immediate improvement in on-site safety through its factory-applied, improved slip-resistant surface. Unlike standard boards, which can become hazardous in wet or exposed conditions, it provides consistent underfoot grip in high-traffic areas, helping to reduce the risk of slips without requiring additional site-applied measures.

2. Built-in Surface Protection Without Waste

The durable surface layer is built into the board itself, providing protection throughout the construction phase and remaining in place after installation. This removes the need for temporary coverings such as peel clean films, eliminating associated removal time, disposal requirements, and the risk of damaging the surface during stripping.

3. Enhanced Durability

Designed with the realities of site exposure in mind, SURE STEP DB offers enhanced protection during extended build programmes. Its coated surface helps shield the board from weather-related wear, and it can be exposed for up to 45 days without degradation. This helps reduce the likelihood of damage, minimise remedial work, and support more predictable build timelines.

4. Supporting High-Performance Construction

As building standards evolve, materials are expected to do more than fulfil a structural role. SURE STEP DB supports this shift by contributing to fabric-first approaches and improved overall build quality. Its Passive House Institute certification further positions it for use in projects targeting airtightness, advanced energy performance, and long-term building durability.

Conclusion

Common structural flooring solutions, including standard chipboard and boards with temporary protective layers, continue to meet core performance requirements and remain widely specified across UK housebuilding. However, they can present challenges in areas such as on-site safety, durability under prolonged exposure, and overall site efficiency, particularly when additional processes or waste streams are introduced.

SURE STEP DB offers a more integrated approach. By lowering the risk on on-site slips with a durable, permanent surface layer, it removes the need for temporary protection while supporting safer working conditions and reducing material waste. At the same time, its resilience in challenging site environments helps minimise damage and maintain build quality throughout the construction process.

As the demands on housing continue to evolve, incremental improvements in material specification will play an important role in delivering better outcomes. Solutions like SURE STEP DB enable developers to enhance performance within existing construction methods, supporting safer, more efficient builds without requiring fundamental changes to established practices.

1. https://timberdevelopment.uk/slow-progress-for-timber-frame-amid-structural-challenges/
2. https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/overview.htm