What Size is a Builders Skip
04, Dec, 2025
The most asked question by people whenever they are starting a renovation, garden project, or a construction job is: What size is a builder's skip? We all know that choosing the right size can save you time, money, and stress, but in the UK, skip sizes vary a lot, and each size is different based on the project. To help you out, this guide explains all details and sizes of the builder skip, how they are measured, and which one to choose.
Who Needs a Builders Skip?
A homeowner doing a kitchen, bathroom, loft, or garden renovation
A builder or contractor working on small to large construction projects
A landlord clearing out a rental property
A business carrying out a refurbishment or office clean-up
If your project produces rubbish, rubble, soil, wood, bricks, or old fittings, a builders skip is one of the easiest waste removal solutions.
What Size Is a Builders Skip?
In the UK, there are two most commonly hired sizes because they hold a good amount of heavy construction waste.
6-yard builders' skip: Best for small to medium renovation projects
8-yard builders' skip: Best for larger renovations and building work
UK Skip Size Chart
6-Yard Builders Skip Uses and Capacity
A 6-yard skip can hold around 50–60 bin bags worth of waste. It is ideal for:
Bathroom removals
Small kitchen renovations
Garden landscaping
Removing soil, bricks, concrete, and rubble
8-Yard Builders Skip Uses and Capacity
An 8-yard skip can hold around 70–80 bin bags worth of rubbish. It is commonly used for:
Major home renovations
Loft conversions
House extensions
Full kitchen or bathroom refits
Large amounts of soil, bricks, and concrete
How to Choose the Right Skip Size
Choosing the correct skip size depends on a few key factors:
Type of Waste
Heavy materials like soil, concrete, and bricks are only allowed in 4-, 6-, or 8-yard skips.
Amount of Waste
Renovation projects often create more waste than expected. A slightly bigger skip can prevent overflow fees.
Property Access
Narrow driveways, tight roads, or limited space may limit the skip size you can place.
Project Length
If your project lasts several days or weeks, a larger skip may be more cost-effective than hiring multiple small ones.
What You Can and Cannot Put in a Builders Skip
Allowed in Builders Skips
Soil and rubble
Bricks and concrete
Timber and wood
Metals
Tiles
Plasterboard (in some locations, separated only)
Not Allowed
Paint, chemicals, or solvents
Asbestos
Electrical appliances
Batteries
Gas cylinders
Tyres
Medical waste
How Much Does a Builders Skip Cost?
Prices vary depending on location, size, and hire duration. Typical UK prices:
6-yard skip: £200–£280
8-yard skip: £240–£320
Do You Need a Permit?
You only need a skip permit if the skip is placed on a public road, not on your private driveway. Permit costs vary by local council but usually range between £30–£80. Denham Crescent can handle the permit application for you.
How Do We Help?
At Denham Crescent, we offer complete building and renovation services across South West London, which means skip sizing, waste handling, and site cleanliness are fully managed for you. We evaluate the scale of your project, understand the type of materials being removed, and recommend the correct skip size to avoid overspending or unnecessary delays.
Our team arranges skip delivery, permits, safe placement, and all waste collection through trusted local suppliers. Whether you are planning a loft conversion, extension, or full home refurbishment, we ensure your waste is removed legally, safely, and on time, keeping your project running smoothly from start to finish.
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