Building Materials Prices Index 2026: 12 Key UK Figures
UK construction material prices were 6.4% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the latest monthly statistics from the Department for Business and Trade. Steel and pipework led the increases, while concrete, cement and imported timber were slightly cheaper. Brick deliveries fell by more than 10% over the same period.
This page collects 12 key figures from the official data so builders, tradespeople and homeowners can see how material costs are moving. Feel free to use the figures with a link back to this page.
The Headline Indices
| Index | Change in 12 months to August 2026 |
|---|---|
| All Work | +6.4% |
| New Housing | +5.6% |
| Other New Work | +7.4% |
| Repair and Maintenance | +5.9% |
Source: Department for Business and Trade, Building Materials and Components Statistics, figures for August 2026.
The All Work index covers materials used across the whole construction industry. New Housing reflects the mix of materials used in building new homes. Repair and Maintenance is the most relevant for homeowners and tradespeople working on existing properties.
The Biggest Price Rises
| Material | Change in 12 months |
|---|---|
| Fabricated structural steel | +21.2% |
| Rigid pipes and fittings | +15.5% |
| Concrete reinforcing bars | +12.5% |
Source: DBT, August 2026.
Steel prices feed straight into the cost of RSJs, lintels and reinforcement. If your project needs a steel beam, such as removing a load bearing wall, expect material costs to be noticeably higher than a year ago. See our guides to RSJ and remove a load bearing wall costs.
Rising pipe and fitting prices affect plumbing, drainage and heating jobs. See replumbing a house and moving drains.
Materials That Got Cheaper
| Material | Change in 12 months |
|---|---|
| Ready mixed concrete | -0.7% |
| Cement | -0.8% |
| Imported sawn or planed wood | -1.6% |
Source: DBT, August 2026.
Small falls in concrete, cement and timber prices help with foundations, driveways and timber frame work. See laying foundations, concrete driveway and timber frame extension.
Bricks And Blocks
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Brick deliveries, 12 months | -10.1% |
| Concrete block deliveries, 12 months | -6.5% |
| Brick stocks | 543 million, up 11.7% |
Source: DBT, August 2026.
Falling deliveries and rising stocks suggest slower house building and repair activity. For buyers, higher stocks can mean better availability and less pressure on brick prices. Use our brick calculator to work out quantities.
What This Means For Project Costs
Materials are typically a large part of the cost of building work, alongside labour. A 6.4% rise in materials doesn't mean a 6.4% rise in the total job price, but it does push quotes up, especially on projects heavy in steel and plumbing.
Labour rates have also moved. Checkatrade's October 2026 data puts bricklayers at £250 to £350 a day, plumbers at £320 to £480 a day and labourers at £120 to £280 a day. See our day rates index for every trade.
Why Prices Are Moving
Steel prices are influenced by global demand, energy costs and trade policy. Pipe and fitting prices follow the cost of plastics, copper and manufacturing energy. Concrete and cement have been more stable, while timber prices have eased as global supply improved. These trends can change quickly, which is why the figures are updated monthly.
Tips For Homeowners
- Get quotes with a clear validity period. Many builders hold prices for 30 days.
- Ask about material price clauses in longer contracts.
- Order key materials early if prices are rising.
- Compare like for like quotes. Different specifications hide big cost differences.
Tips For Tradespeople
- Review your pricing regularly, especially for steel heavy jobs.
- Build price review clauses into long projects.
- Keep an eye on merchant price lists, which usually lag the official figures.
About The Data
The Department for Business and Trade publishes monthly Building Materials and Components Statistics. The price indices measure changes in the cost of materials bought by the construction industry. They don't include labour or VAT. Figures can be revised in later releases.
How To Use These Figures In A Quote
If you're a homeowner comparing quotes from last year with new ones, these figures help explain why prices have moved. A quote for a steel beam installation, for example, is likely to have risen more than a quote for a concrete patio base. For tradespeople, the index gives an independent figure to point to when explaining a price rise to a customer. Merchant prices don't always move in step with the index, so check your own supplier invoices as well.
How We Keep This Page Updated
We check the official release each month and update the tables when new figures are published. Older figures may be revised by the department, so the latest release always takes priority over earlier numbers.
FAQs
Are building material prices going up?
Yes. The All Work index was up 6.4% in the 12 months to August 2026.
Which materials have gone up most?
Fabricated structural steel rose 21.2%, rigid pipes and fittings 15.5% and reinforcing bars 12.5%.
Have any materials got cheaper?
Ready mixed concrete, cement and imported timber all fell slightly.
How often is the data published?
Monthly, by the Department for Business and Trade.
Data source: Department for Business and Trade, Building Materials and Components Statistics, August 2026 figures, checked October 2026.