1 Dec 2025
Why Installers and Specifiers Keep Returning to Hardie® Plank, with Bricklink’s Douglas
Douglas works at the point where specification, technical support and real-world installation meet. His day involves everything from helping homeowners choose the right finish to guiding architects through fire ratings, warranties and BBA certificates.
In this interview, he talks about the features that set Hardie Plank apart, the trends he is seeing across the UK, and the kind of support Bricklink provides to keep projects of every size running smoothly.
What’s your role at Bricklink and with the supply of Hardie® Plank?
Between Tess and I, we work with the enquiries, smaller take-offs and supplying all the merchants and private customers.
What are architects and specifiers typically looking for when they choose Hardie® Plank for a project?
We find the biggest driving factors being the A class fire rating which makes it suitable for almost all projects and the "fix and forget" proposition coupled with a 15-year warranty.
This has proven to be a unique selling point against traditional timber or upvc cladding which has ongoing maintenance requirements.
From a technical perspective, what makes Hardie® Plank stand out against natural timber or alternative cladding materials?
I think it’s the A2, S1-d0 fire rating and the 15-year warranty on board and paint. Typical fibre cement materials on the market have 10-year warranties, which covers board integrity only i.e. not the paint, so Hardie® Plank has the edge there. Hardie® Plank also has full comprehensive BBA certification for both Plank and VL projects, which means customers can feel confident about using the product in their facades.
How does your team work with customers from specification to supply to ensure successful installation?
The team at Bricklink offer, in my opinion, an unrivalled technical knowledge of the product and ability to assist customers at all stages of a project journey. Personally, I help to organise a lot of take-off services, supply samples and I can organise additional support such as toolbox training.
What feedback do you receive from contractors or installers once Hardie® Plank has been fitted on site?
We frequently get messages complimenting the finished look of the product and thanking us for our support. We take pride in our ability to go 'above and beyond'.
Have you noticed any shift in what specifiers or developers are asking for in terms of facade design or material performance?
From my perspective, Scotland has a trend towards our VL product which is not seen in other regions of the UK. Our product split is almost 50/50 compared to other regions which operate on a much higher Plank to VL ratio.
Are DIYers and trade customers looking for something different compared to specification customers when it comes to Hardie Plank?
The key drivers for DIY and trade tend to be product availability, ease of purchase, service propositions and our price typically being cheaper than that of rival brands.
Are you considering Hardie® Plank for your next project? Get in touch with the team here.
