Buckets & Tubs

About Buckets & Tubs

Buckets and tubs are essential worksite equipment for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts throughout the UK. From traditional galvanised steel buckets built for demanding construction environments to innovative flexible tubs that collapse for convenient storage, these versatile containers serve countless applications. Whether mixing plaster, carrying tools, transporting materials, or organising equipment, the right bucket or tub significantly improves efficiency and reduces physical strain during daily tasks.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range including heavy-duty builders buckets designed for mixing compounds, robust flexible tubs perfect for landscaping work, and specialist bucket bags that transform standard buckets into portable tool organisers. Our selection features trusted brands such as Faithfull, Red Gorilla, Draper, and Sealey, with capacities ranging from compact 10-litre buckets for precision work to heavy-duty 25-litre tubs for large-scale projects. Modern designs incorporate reinforced rims, comfortable grip handles, measurement markings, and smooth interiors to meet the demanding requirements of professional tradespeople.

Applications

Buckets and tubs are indispensable across numerous trades and applications:

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

Choosing The Right Buckets & Tubs

Material Selection: Galvanised steel buckets offer exceptional durability and rust resistance for outdoor work and water carrying. Heavy-duty plastic builders buckets are ideal for mixing compounds—lightweight yet robust. Flexible rubber tubs excel where storage space is limited and handle sharp materials without splitting.

Capacity Requirements: Match bucket size to your workload. Compact 10-12 litre buckets suit precision mixing and tool carrying, whilst 15-20 litre builders buckets balance capacity with manageable weight for most trade applications. Remember that a full 20-litre bucket can weigh over 20kg.

Handle Design: Quality handles reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use. Look for robust wire handles with comfortable rubber or plastic grip sections that won't bend under load.

Special Features: Consider specialist requirements—plasterers benefit from measurement markings and smooth interiors, electricians and plumbers appreciate bucket bags for organising tools, whilst mobile workers value collapsible designs for limited van space.

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 construction site demands. They're specifically designed for mixing abrasive compounds like plaster and cement, featuring smooth interiors and often measurement markings. Regular domestic buckets are typically thinner and less durable, making them unsuitable for professional trade applications.

Are flexible tubs better than rigid buckets?

Each has distinct advantages. Flexible rubber tubs excel at carrying rubble, soil, and sharp materials whilst offering collapsible storage. Rigid plastic or metal buckets are superior for mixing compounds, carrying liquids without spillage, and applications requiring a stable container. Many professionals at MyToolShed.co.uk keep both types for different tasks.

What capacity bucket should I choose for mixing plaster?

Most plasterers prefer 15-20 litre capacity buckets as optimal for mixing single batches. This provides sufficient volume whilst ensuring mixed plaster can be used within its working time. Smaller 10-12 litre buckets suit patch repairs, whilst larger 25+ litre buckets are only advisable for large-scale projects with multiple workers.