Whether you’re renovating your home, clearing out a loft, or starting a major construction project, hiring a builder’s skip is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to remove waste and rubbish.
But with skip hire companies offering a range of sizes, how do you know what size builder’s skip you need?
What Size Is a Builder’s Skip?
A standard builder’s skip in the UK is typically 6 or 8 cubic yards.
The 6-yard skip is the most common and can accommodate waste from small to medium construction and renovation projects.
Key Points
- The most common builder’s skip size in the UK is 6 or 8 cubic yards
- The 6-yard skip is the most frequently hired and can hold 5 cubic meters of waste
- The 8-yard skip has a capacity of around 6 cubic meters and suits medium jobs
Our Opinion
When hiring a builder’s skip, the 6- or 8-yard sizes are your best options.
We recommend the 6-yard skip for small to medium projects as it’s the most versatile size.
The 8-yard suits medium jobs with more waste. Knowing the standard skip sizes in the UK will ensure you get the right capacity for your project’s waste removal.
What Are the Standard Builder’s Skip Sizes?
Builder’s skips, which are typically used for large domestic projects and general construction works, come in a standard size of 6 yards. The size is also popular among builders
creating small to medium amounts of waste. The term “builder’s skip” refers to both the 6 6-yard and 8-yard skip sizes.
Skip hire companies offer a range of sizes, including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 20, and 40-yard skips. The most common skip sizes are the 4-yard mini skip, the 6-yard skip, and the 8-yard skip. The 6-yard skip is the most frequently hired in the UK and can hold approximately 60 cubic feet of waste.
Choosing the Right Skip Size for Your Project
When deciding what size builder’s skip you need, consider the scope and scale of your project. Here are some tips:
- For a small project like a bathroom remodel or clearing out a shed, a mini or midi skip (2-4 yards) should suffice.
- For medium projects like kitchen refits, garage clearouts, or garden waste, a 6 or 8-yard standard builder’s skip is ideal.
- Larger house renovations usually require multiple skips. Start with an 8 or 10-yard skip.
- New builds and major construction works need the largest skips – consider 18, 20 or 40-yard skips.
Take measurements and calculate the estimated volume of waste to determine the right size. Allow extra capacity for unexpected waste. You can always exchange a skip for a larger size during your rental period if needed.
The optimal skip size also depends on access. Make sure your skip can be delivered and situated comfortably on your property.
Choosing the right builder’s skip size for the scale of your project will ensure you can efficiently remove waste without paying for unused capacity.
Skip Size Based on Project Scale
When choosing a skip size, it’s important to consider whether you are disposing of domestic waste or construction/demolition waste.
For household clearouts and garden rubbish, mini and midi skips of 2-4 yards are usually suitable. Their small size allows easy access through garden gates and placement in driveways.
Construction projects require much larger skips. An 8- or 10-yard skip is standard for home renovations. For major works like demolitions, new builds, or commercial projects, consider 12+ yard skips. Their supersized capacity is essential for housing vast volumes of rubble, soil, concrete and other construction debris.
If your project will generate both domestic and construction waste, it may be worthwhile hiring one small 2-4 yard skip for the household rubbish, and a larger 10+ yard skip dedicated to construction debris. This avoids cross-contamination and makes waste disposal more efficient.
Tips To Checking the Right Skip Size
Always check you’re chosen skip-hire company’s policies. Many stipulate their large skips are for construction waste only. Opting for the right size skip for the type of waste will make your project’s waste disposal straightforward.
Getting the most value from your skip rental requires planning and efficiency.
- First, accurately estimate how much waste you’ll generate. An overfilled or overflowing skip means paying extra fees. An undersized skip means paying for unused capacity.
- Next, organize your waste. Sort and segregate materials like wood, metal, cardboard, plastic, etc. Loading your skip strategically will maximize space.
- Crush or dismantle bulky items where possible – broken furniture, appliances, etc. This creates more room in your skip.
- Don’t contaminate loads. Keep hazardous substances, liquids, oils, batteries, and electronics out of general-purpose skips. Dispose of them properly to avoid extra charges.
- Lastly, load evenly and tightly without overfilling. A tightly packed skip makes the most of the volume. Leave space at the top for final debris.
Follow these tips and you’ll get optimal use from your rented skip while minimizing costs and disposal fees.
Top Tips for Using a Builder’s Skip Safely
Renting a builder’s skip for your project? Keep safety in mind with these tips:
- Position your skip in a secure, level area, away from power lines and overhanging branches. Ensure it doesn’t obstruct walkways, roads, or emergency access.
- Skip contents can shift during transport. Don’t overfill – leave 10-15cm of clearance at the top. Overloaded skips are dangerous.
- Wear protective gear like gloves, boots, glasses, and masks when loading debris. Be cautious of sharp edges, nails, and heavy materials.
- Never climb into a skip. Use tools like brooms to distribute the contents evenly.
- Prevent pollution by keeping hazardous waste, liquids, and loose materials wrapped and sealed.
- Secure lightweight items like paper and plastic which could blow away.
- Check local regulations on prohibited skip contents like tires, batteries, and appliances containing coolants.
- Keep your skip covered when not in use. An uncovered skip invites illegal dumping.
Following basic safety practices will help you avoid fines, injuries, and extra fees during your rental. Handle and load your builder’s skip wisely!
FAQ
What size is a standard builder skip?
The most common size for a builder’s skip in the UK is 6 or 8 cubic yards. These are considered standard sizes and can accommodate waste from small to medium construction projects.
What size are builders skip in the UK?
The standard builder’s skip size in the UK is 6 or 8 cubic yards. The 6-yard skip is the most frequently hired size for domestic projects and general construction waste.
How big is an 8-yard skip?
An 8-yard skip has an approximate capacity of 6 cubic meters or 212 cubic feet. It measures around 3.4m x 1.8m x 0.9m. This makes it a good size for medium renovation projects and construction sites.
What can you fit in a 6-yard skip?
A 6-yard skip can hold around 170 cubic feet or 5 cubic meters of waste. This allows it to accommodate waste from small to medium jobs like garden clearouts, house renovations, and small construction projects.
Conclusion
The most common builder’s skip size in the UK is 6 or 8 cubic yards. The 6-yard skip is the most frequently hired for domestic projects and can hold around 5 cubic meters of waste. The 8-yard skip has a capacity of around 6 cubic meters and is suitable for medium construction jobs. Knowing the standard UK builder’s skip sizes can help you determine the right size skip for your project’s waste removal needs.
