Buckets & Tubs

About Buckets & Tubs

Buckets and tubs are essential worksite companions for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts across the UK. Far from being simple containers, modern professional buckets and flexible tubs are engineered to withstand the demanding conditions of construction sites, workshops, and industrial environments. Whether you're mixing plaster, carrying tools, washing equipment, or organising materials, having the right bucket or tub can significantly improve efficiency and reduce the physical strain of daily tasks.

Our comprehensive range includes traditional galvanised steel buckets that offer exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion, robust plastic builders buckets designed for heavy-duty mixing applications, and innovative flexible tubs that can be easily stored when not in use. Specialist products such as bucket bags with multiple pockets transform standard buckets into portable tool organisers, whilst plasterers mixing buckets feature graduated measurements and smooth interiors for consistent mixing results. From compact 10-litre buckets for precision work to heavy-duty 25-litre tubs for large-scale projects, we stock trusted brands including Faithfull, Red Gorilla, Draper, and Sealey.

Modern buckets and tubs incorporate thoughtful design features that professionals have come to rely upon. Heavy-duty wire handles with comfortable grips reduce hand fatigue during transport, reinforced rims prevent splitting and cracking, and flexible rubber materials in premium tubs provide both strength and convenient collapsibility. Whether you're working on site, in a workshop, or tackling home improvement projects, investing in quality buckets and tubs ensures longevity and reliable performance across countless applications.

Jargon Buster

• Flexible Tub: A bucket made from flexible rubber or polyethylene material that can be compressed or folded for compact storage. Popular with landscapers and builders for carrying rubble, sand, and mixed materials.
• Galvanised Steel: Steel that has been coated with a protective layer of zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. Galvanised buckets are ideal for outdoor use and handling water or corrosive materials.
• Builders Bucket: A heavy-duty plastic bucket, typically 15-20 litres capacity, designed specifically for construction site use including mixing plaster, cement, and adhesives. Usually features reinforced construction and measurement markings.
• Bucket Bag/Bucket Organiser: A tool storage accessory that fits around the outside of a standard bucket, featuring multiple pockets for organising hand tools, fixings, and small equipment whilst keeping the bucket interior free for materials.
• Capacity Rating: The maximum volume a bucket can hold, measured in litres. Common sizes range from 10 litres for small tasks to 25+ litres for heavy-duty applications.
• Mixing Bucket: A purpose-designed bucket with smooth interior surfaces and often featuring graduated measurement markings, specifically for mixing compounds such as plaster, render, tile adhesive, and cement-based materials.

Who Uses Buckets & Tubs?

Buckets and tubs are versatile tools used across numerous trades and applications:

• Plasterers and Renderers: For mixing and transporting plaster, render, and finishing compounds
• Painters and Decorators: Cleaning brushes and rollers, carrying tools, and washing down surfaces
• Bricklayers and Stonemasons: Mixing mortar, carrying sand and aggregates, and cleaning tools
• Tilers: Mixing tile adhesive and grout, soaking tiles, and cleaning equipment
• Electricians and Plumbers: Organising small tools and components using bucket bags
• Landscapers and Gardeners: Moving soil, compost, plants, and garden waste with flexible tubs
• Vehicle Mechanics and Engineers: Parts washing, fluid collection, and general workshop organisation
• Cleaning Contractors: Carrying cleaning supplies and preparing cleaning solutions
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects, decorating, and general maintenance tasks
• Agricultural Workers: Feeding animals, carrying water, and general farm maintenance

How to Choose the Right Buckets & Tubs

Material Selection: Consider the primary use when selecting bucket material. Galvanised steel buckets offer superior durability and are ideal for rough site work, water carrying, and outdoor applications where rust resistance is essential. Heavy-duty plastic builders buckets are perfect for mixing compounds and are lightweight yet robust. Flexible rubber tubs excel where storage space is limited and are particularly popular with landscapers for their ability to handle heavy, sharp materials without splitting.

Capacity Requirements: Match bucket size to your typical workload. Compact 10-12 litre buckets suit precision mixing and tool carrying, whilst 15-20 litre builders buckets represent the sweet spot for most trade applications, balancing capacity with manageable weight when full. Heavy-duty 25+ litre tubs are ideal for bulk material movement but remember that water and mixed materials add considerable weight—a full 20-litre bucket can weigh over 20kg.

Handle Design: Quality handles make a significant difference during prolonged use. Look for robust wire handles with comfortable grip sections, preferably with plastic or rubber coating. Some premium buckets feature heavy-gauge handles that won't bend or snap under load, whilst flexible tubs often incorporate reinforced handle areas to prevent tearing.

Special Features: Consider specialist requirements for your trade. Plasterers benefit from buckets with measurement markings and smooth interiors that won't trap material. Bucket bags and organisers transform standard buckets into portable tool stations, ideal for electricians and plumbers working across multiple locations. Collapsible buckets suit mobile workers with limited van space, whilst transparent buckets help with inventory management in workshops.

Brand Reputation: Established brands like Faithfull, Red Gorilla, and Draper have earned their reputation through consistent quality and durability. Professional-grade buckets from these manufacturers typically feature reinforced construction, quality materials, and thoughtful design details that become apparent during daily use.

Popular Accessories

• Bucket Bags and Organisers: Tool storage solutions that fit around bucket exteriors with multiple pockets
• Mixing Paddles and Stirrers: Power tool attachments for efficient mixing of compounds and adhesives
• Bucket Grids: Paint roller cleaning grids that fit inside buckets
• Lids and Covers: Keep materials fresh and prevent spillage during transport
• Bucket Dollies: Wheeled platforms for moving heavy, full buckets without lifting
• Measuring Jugs: For accurate compound mixing ratios
• Cleaning Brushes: Specialised brushes for maintaining buckets and removing dried materials
• Tool Belts and Pouches: Complementary storage for hand tools and fixings

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a builders bucket and a regular bucket?

Builders buckets are manufactured from heavier-gauge plastic with reinforced rims and bases to withstand the rigours of construction site use. They're designed specifically for mixing abrasive compounds like plaster and cement, featuring smooth interiors that won't trap material and often include measurement markings. Regular domestic buckets are typically thinner and less durable, making them unsuitable for professional trade applications where they'd quickly crack or split.

Are flexible tubs better than rigid buckets?

Each has distinct advantages depending on your application. Flexible tubs made from rubber compounds are excellent for carrying rubble, soil, and sharp materials that might crack rigid buckets. They're also collapsible for convenient storage in vans and sheds. However, rigid plastic or metal buckets are superior for mixing compounds, carrying liquids without spillage, and applications requiring a stable container that won't flex when full. Many tradespeople keep both types for different tasks.

How do I clean dried plaster or cement from buckets?

Clean buckets immediately after use for easiest maintenance—dried compounds become significantly harder to remove. For fresh material, rinse thoroughly with water and use a stiff brush. For dried plaster or cement, fill the bucket with water and allow it to soak for several hours to soften the material, then scrape with a plastic scraper to avoid damaging the bucket surface. Never use metal tools on plastic buckets as this creates scratches where material can accumulate. Some tradespeople keep dedicated mixing buckets and replace them periodically when buildup becomes excessive.

What capacity bucket should I choose for mixing plaster?

Most plasterers prefer 15-20 litre capacity buckets as the optimal size for mixing single batches of plaster. This capacity provides sufficient volume for covering reasonable areas whilst ensuring the mixed plaster can be used within its working time before it begins to set. Smaller 10-12 litre buckets suit patch repairs and detailed work, whilst larger 25+ litre buckets are only advisable when multiple people are working from the same mix on large-scale projects. Remember that mixed plaster adds considerable weight—a full 20-litre bucket of mixed material can weigh 25kg or more.

Can galvanised buckets be used for mixing compounds?

Yes, galvanised steel buckets are suitable for mixing many compounds and offer excellent durability. However, be aware that some cement-based materials and certain chemicals can react with zinc galvanising, potentially causing discolouration or affecting setting times. For mixing plaster, render, and standard building compounds, galvanised buckets perform well and are particularly valued for their longevity on demanding construction sites. Plastic buckets remain the preferred choice for most mixing applications due to their smooth interiors, lighter weight, and complete chemical inertness.