Why Construction Firms Should Use Plastic Packers Instead of Timber or Cardboard Shims

Why Many Construction Teams Still Use Improvised Shims

On building sites, it’s still common to see installers using:

• Bits of timber
• Offcuts of MDF
• Cardboard shims
• Scrap materials found on site

These improvised shims are used to level frames, align studs, support joinery, or fill small gaps.
Although cheap and convenient, they create serious long-term problems.

Plastic packers, on the other hand, are designed specifically for construction tasks and offer major advantages in terms of strength, consistency, and durability.

For builders, shopfitters, and carpenters who want reliable results — and fewer callback issues — plastic packers are the superior choice.

Timber and Cardboard Shims Fail Over Time

Improvised materials break down for several reasons:

Timber shims:

• Absorb moisture
• Swell or rot
• Compress under weight
• Split under pressure
• Cause uneven support

Cardboard shims:

• Collapse when damp
• Lose shape immediately
• Offer almost no structural stability
• Deform long before the job is finished

Construction firms using these materials risk long-term instability, misalignment, and customer complaints.

Plastic Packers Provide Consistent, Long-Term Support

Plastic packers are engineered specifically for construction use.
They do not behave unpredictably like timber or cardboard.

Advantages include:

• Waterproof
• Non-compressible under load
• Rot-proof and mould-proof
• Uniform thickness
• Completely rigid
• Long-lasting structural stability
• Colour-coded for easy thickness identification

Professional builders use plastic packers for reliability and consistency.

Strength Under Load: Ideal for Heavy Frames and Structural Work

Plastic packers can withstand significant pressure without distortion.
They are perfect for:

• Door frames
• Window frames
• Load-bearing stud walls
• Timber structures
• Kitchen installation
• Shopfitting
• Partition walls
• Ceiling and floor levelling

Timber or cardboard shims simply cannot provide this level of load-bearing strength.

Plastic Packers Maintain Precise Thickness

One of the biggest advantages of plastic packers is millimetre accuracy.

Every packer is manufactured to exact tolerances, such as:

• 1 mm
• 2 mm
• 3 mm
• 4 mm
• 5 mm
• 6 mm
• 10 mm

This precision guarantees consistent spacing — something that scraps of wood or cardboard can never achieve.

For builders working across multiple installs per week, accuracy reduces errors and improves end-finish quality.

Faster and More Accurate Installation

Colour-coded plastic packers allow workers to pick the correct size instantly:

• No measuring
• No guessing
• No recutting shims
• No wasted time looking for usable scraps

Construction firms that switch to plastic packers report faster job completion times and more consistent results across teams.

Better for Compliance and Quality Control

Building inspectors and site managers prefer consistent, professional installation methods.
Using plastic packers makes inspections easier and keeps work compliant with modern trade standards.

Improvised timber/cardboard shims often get flagged due to:

• Moisture concerns
• Structural weakness
• Inconsistent support
• Potential building warranty issues

Plastic packers eliminate these problems entirely.

Reduced Callbacks and After-Care Costs

Improper packing is a major cause of:

• Dropped doors
• Misaligned frames
• Wall bowing
• Loose kitchen units
• Squeaking floors
• Failed fixings

Plastic packers maintain their thickness permanently, preventing movement months after installation.

This directly reduces callback visits — saving firms time, labour, and money.

Bulk Plastic Packers Are Cheaper in the Long Run

While timber offcuts and cardboard seem free, they cost construction firms through:

• Rework
• Breakage
• Inaccuracy
• Material inconsistency
• Labour delays

Plastic packers purchased in bulk cost only a few pence each, and offer:

• Faster installation
• No failures or replacements
• Better accuracy
• Long-term stability

For companies doing large numbers of installs, bulk plastic packers are significantly more cost-effective.

Final Thoughts

Plastic packers outperform timber and cardboard shims in every meaningful way.
They offer superior strength, precision, durability, and consistency — all essential for professional construction work.

For builders, shopfitters, and carpenters working across multiple jobs, the ideal stock includes:

• Bulk packs of plastic flat packers (3–6 mm)
• Mixed sets for adjustments
• Bridge packers for fixings
• Wedge packers for precision alignment