A Builder’s Guide to Structural and Maintenance Materials

This guide offers a clear, stage-by-stage overview of the structural materials and maintenance materials you’ll need to keep your build progressing smoothly. It’s written for builders, contractors, site managers, and coordinators who want dependable, local supply options—and fewer delays on-site.

1. Site Preparation Materials

Site preparation is the first and one of the most important steps in any construction project. Before the first concrete truck arrives, your ground needs to be level, secure, and ready for heavy machinery and structural loads.

Essential Products for Site Prep

• Soil stabilisers and geofabrics - These provide added strength to unstable ground, helping prevent erosion or shifting—especially on sloped or sandy terrain.
• Compaction equipment - Rammers, plate compactors, and base prep gear ensure a firm foundation for slabs, footpaths, and roadways.
• Concrete additive and curing agent - Enhance the workability and setting times of concrete to increase durability under high-traffic or exposed situations.
• Barrier mesh, shade cloth, and fencing - Access is controlled and liability is minimised by temporary fencing, while shade cloth and barrier mesh control wind and dust.
• Signs on site and safety signage - Assist in regulating traffic flow and conveying dangers clearly for visitors and especially to workers.

Proper site preparation not only protects workers and machinery—it also sets the tone for a successful, efficient build. If you're setting up a site, check out DTS WA’s range of site preparation products or building supplies to help you get the groundwork right.

2. Formwork, Slabs & Framing Materials

Once the base is in place and final, it is time to install the formwork, and slabs that shape your project’s foundation. These components will ensure your structure has the strength and precision to last.

Essential Materials for Structural Setup

• Formwork systems - Timber or steel options are designed for quick assembly and clean removal, with options to suit residential or bigger construction projects.
• Steel mesh and Rebar - Provide core reinforcement, improving crack resistance and structural strength for slabs and vertical elements.
• Bar chairs, spacers, and tie wire - Ensure proper clearance and alignment of reinforcement during concrete placement.
• Form oils and release agents - Prevent sticking between formwork and concrete for faster and cleaner removal.

We carry a wide selection of formwork and slabs systems engineered to meet the demands and needs of every stage of construction for both small residential and large commercial projects.

3. Powders & Binders

Dry construction materials such as cement, lime, and grouts are everyday requirements on site. These materials are used for a wide range of applications, from blockwork installation to emergency repairs, making them important to both ongoing construction works and new developments.

Core Materials

• General-purpose cement, hydrated lime, and fly ash - These are the core of mortar, render, and structural-grade concrete mixes.
• Quick-set concrete - Pre-bagged solutions ideal for post-setting, small pours, or fast patching jobs.
• Grouts and repair mortars - Used to fill voids, repair cracks, and anchor bolts in concrete and masonry.
• Bonding agents - Ensure strong adhesion when applying new materials to existing surfaces.

All of these products are available through DTS WA’s dry mix and cement section, ready for fast pickup or on‑site delivery.

4. Surface Preparation & Repair

Concrete, steel, and timber all require protection to preserve their strength and appearance. Using the right maintenance materials extends the life of your build, reduces repair costs, and ensures safety and compliance with code.

What You’ll Need

• Surface sealants and cleaners - Prevent moisture and debris from damaging exposed concrete, brick, or metal.
• Polishers, grinders, and blasters - Ideal for smoothing, finishing, or surface preparation before the application of sealers or finishes.
• Repair kits for cracking - Ready-mixed fillers for hairline cracks in render, slabs, and walls; quick to apply and long-lasting.
• Rust treatments and protective coatings - Offer corrosion resistance for long-term use on structural steel, handrails, and outdoor fixtures.

At DTS WA, we help builders manage both construction and maintenance with products suited to Western Australia’s weather and regulatory standards. Explore our surface preparation and repair range to keep your build safe, clean, and fully compliant.

5. Tools, Machinery & Structural Supports

No matter the scale of your build, you cannot get far without the right gear. Whether it's cutting and mixing to bracing and lifting, tools and machines are an important part of the process at each step of building.

Don’t Start Without

• Concrete mixers and vibrators – Improve pour quality by eliminating air pockets and ensuring a smooth, dense finish.
• Scaffold systems and acrow props - Support loads in a vertical direction and enable safe access for employees at any height
• Safety equipment (PPE) - Hard hats, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, and respirators to protect your workers and keep your site in compliant.
• Power tools - Including angle grinders, circular saws, drills, and demolition gear for framing, rebar, and formwork, and slabs.

DTS WA carries all the essential site tools and protective gear that professional contractors rely on every day. Explore the wide range of tools, machinery, and PPE perfect for both heavy-duty site work and day-to-day use.

Why Builders Choose DTS WA

Sourcing from several suppliers tends to cause delivery delays, mismatched stock, and admin hassles. DTS WA assists contractors and builders in eliminating the hassle with one source for all building supplies.

Why Choose Us?

• Everything you need, from site preparation to final coatings
• Extensive in‑stock range of trusted construction materials
• Products that meet local standards and environmental requirements
• Fast, flexible delivery throughout Perth and regional WA
• Helpful staff who understand what works on‑site—and what doesn’t

Get What You Need, When You Need It

Whether you're laying the groundwork or installing final fixings, DTS WA has the structural materials and maintenance materials you need to keep your build on track.