Stock in the construction industry
In its broadest sense, stock refers to products, goods or materials kept on a premises for sale, distribution or some other use.
However, stock can also refer to all of the shares into which the ownership of a company might be divided.
It can also refer to the total number of something, such as the housing stock.
Safety in the storage and handling of steel and other metal stock, second edition, published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in August 2016, defines stock as: ‘Steel or other metal in its raw material form used for manufacture of metal products. In this guidance, it refers to the common forms of steel stock: long product, coil and sheet. It does not include wire or other specialised metal products.’
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Glossary of procurement terms, defines stock as: ‘Goods, products or materials held for future use or supply, often called inventory.’
It defines a stocktake as: 'The process of physically counting products in a warehouse to match them to the computerized inventory.'
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.
Why construction can't afford to ignore the skills gap.

















