The design of a building is one thing, yet the final look and feel depends on the chosen building materials. Bricks, cladding, roof tiles and paving. These decisions transform a CAD design into a structure that works. So, how do architects and developers pick the ideal materials for the project? They rely on samples provided by suppliers, and we’ve been constructing sample boxes for several building material suppliers.
What is a Building Materials Sample Box?
We custom-make sample boxes to typically fit 3-6 variations of a building material. In most cases, the product is weighty, so we use heavy duty cardboard, sometimes with a reinforced base. The box can include handles to aid lifting and inserts to hold each sample in place.
We’ve made sample boxes that suppliers can take out to customers, some to be used at exhibitions or in showroom displays. For lighter-weight products, we’ve made slimline boxes that fit through a letterbox, so samples can be sent out to architects, builders and self-builders.
All boxes can be printed with the company branding and product information to help the potential customer gain a greater understanding of the material and suitable applications. It all helps them to make an informed choice.
Sturdy Brick Boxes
There are many different types and colours of brick. Where the bricks are positioned in the kiln and the firing temperature is one factor that varies the tone. However, you may have noticed that a certain brick dominates the architecture in certain areas of the country. That is because all bricks used to be handmade from local clay. So, you’ll find brighter red bricks in Sussex, darker grey tones in Yorkshire, creamy yellow in the Cotswolds and blue bricks formed from marl clay in Staffordshire.
In some regions, planning permission will depend on selecting a brick colour that is in keeping with the heritage of buildings. Fortunately, there are still brickmakers with the traditional skills to supply property renovations and new builds. These include H G Matthews, our local brickworks in Buckinghamshire. We’ve created sturdy brick boxes for them to share samples of their work with customers.
Timber Cladding Sample Boxes
In a Buckinghamshire workshop, the ancient art of yakisugi is practiced. This is the process of charring timber to enhance its resilience and reduce maintenance. The Shou Sugi Ban® range developed by Exterior Solutions Ltd is a premium charred timber cladding which has been specified for many award-winning buildings.
The traditional technique produces a dark, crackled timber. However, the team at Exterior Solutions Ltd use a variety of brush techniques and finishes to offer charred timber cladding in a wide variety of colours and textures. Potential customers can visit their showroom to see the full collection or they can request three samples, which are boxed and sent out.
Display Boxes for Roof Tile Samples
Roofing materials transform the look of a property. In addition, they play a vital role in protecting a building from variable weather conditions including downpours, hail, gale-force winds and extreme heat. Decra developed stone-coated metal roof tiles and shingles with outstanding performance and aesthetic appeal. They have the look of traditional clay tiles, yet are far more resilient to cracking or chipping, which compromises the integrity of the roof.
This global company wanted sample boxes to be displayed at exhibitions around the world. The brief was for boxes with a high-quality print finish to reflect the brand. The sample boxes included printed information to highlight the benefits of this construction material.
Boxes for Paving Samples
Patios and driveways connect our homes with outdoor spaces, so they are an important consideration in new builds and renovations. Country Supplies is a Buckinghamshire merchant supplying an extensive range of pavers, including Limestone, Sandstone, clay and Schellevis to builders and garden landscaping companies.
When they came to us, they were doing a great job of reusing delivery boxes for customers requesting samples. Although this did the job and provided a sustainable option, they realised it was a missed marketing opportunity. They replaced a mishmash of packaging with printed boxes that better reflect their brand. And, the boxes are 100% recyclable, so no compromise on their sustainability values.
Marble, Granite & Stone Sample Boxes
Now to impactful interiors, an area in which The Marble Workshop in Buckinghamshire excels. They supply, fabricate and install natural and quartz surfaces to add a touch of luxury to homes and hospitality venues. Their workmanship is found in domestic kitchens, grand hotel lobbies, indulgent bathrooms and spas.
Visitors to the workshop typically wish to take a few square tiles away with them to consider the options, alongside other interior design features. They asked us to create branded boxes to hold a selection of tiles and we provided the perfect fit.
Buckinghamshire Suppliers of Custom Boxes for Product Samples
If you sell building materials and require branded boxes for samples or other retail packaging requirements, get in touch on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk. We’ll understand your products and the dimensions, then we’ll design, manufacture and print best-fit solutions. Our cardboard packaging is sufficiently robust for weighty materials and is 100% recyclable after use.
