Products v goods v materials
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The terms ‘products’, ‘goods’ and ‘materials’ are sometimes used as if they are interchangeable, however, there are differences between them determined by what they are made of, how they are finished and whether they are offered for sale. Unfortunately these differences are sometimes rather vague and are not consistently applied.
Very broadly the difference between materials and products is that:
- Materials are raw, unprocessed substances such as sand, salt, and so on.
- Products are processed, finished items that are offered for sale. That is, they are manufactured combinations of materials and perhaps other products, processed to create items such as doors, windows, light fittings, and so on.
However, this deceptively clear difference becomes more complex when applied to composite materials (such as adhesives), to finished materials (such as processed timber), to unfinished products, and so on. For example, steel, whilst it has been processed, might be considered to be a material, whilst a steel beam, which is the same material but in a different form might be considered to be a product.
A slightly broader definition of materials as 'physical substances that things can be made from' excludes items such as doors and windows, but includes items such as processed timber, adhesives, concrete, and so on.
However, the distinction is confused further by unhelpful definitions such as that in Approved Document 7: materials and workmanship, which defines materials as; ‘manufactured products such as components, fittings, items of equipment and systems; naturally occurring materials such as stone, timber and thatch; and backfilling for excavations in connection with building work.’ This would appear to include all the tangible items used in construction works.
The term ‘goods’ refers more generically to possessions, or occasionally to merchandise that is transported - in some definitions by land only rather than by air or water.
Other similar terms include ‘commodities’, and ‘supplies’.
All of these can be distinguished from the supply of ‘services’ which HMRC suggest is ‘something other than supplying goods’, and typically refers to activities such as consultation, maintenance, installation, or sometimes the provision of accommodation.
Products, services and materials may sometimes be provided alongside each other as part or a single supply contract.
NB: The Construction Products Regulation defines a ‘construction product’ as; ‘…any product or kit which is produced and placed on the market for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works or parts thereof and the performance of which has an effect on the performance of the construction works with respect to the basic requirements for construction works.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.