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# Materials

> Build a searchable material catalogue with consistent names, units, rates, specifications, aliases, and company relationships.

Materials are reusable workspace records for items you regularly price in estimates.

## Material fields

A material can include:

* name;
* optional code;
* unit;
* category;
* specification;
* aliases;
* default rate;
* currency;
* linked companies.

## Use specific names

Choose a name that distinguishes the material from similar records.

Good examples:

* Galvanised Steel Plate 10 mm
* Reinforcing Mesh SL82
* SHS 100 × 100 × 6 mm
* Stainless Steel 316 Sheet 2 mm

Avoid a catalogue full of names such as “Steel”, “Plate”, or “Mesh” with no identifying detail.

## Choose the unit first

The unit defines how the default rate should be interpreted.

Examples:

* kg for material sold by mass;
* m for linear products;
* m² for sheet or coating area;
* ea for discrete items;
* sheet for standard sheet products.

Do not enter a per-tonne rate against a per-kilogram unit without converting it.

## Category and specification

Use **Category** for broad grouping, such as Steel, Concrete, Timber, Consumable, or Fastener.

Use **Specification** for distinguishing technical detail, such as grade, finish, thickness, treatment, or standard.

Example:

```text
Name: Galvanised Steel Plate 10 mm
Category: Steel
Specification: 10 mm, hot-dip galvanised
Unit: kg
```

## Codes and aliases

Use a code when the business already has a catalogue or purchasing reference.

Aliases improve search for alternative names, abbreviations, or supplier terminology. For example:

* gal plate
* 10 mm plate
* HDG plate

Do not use aliases to store unrelated products.

## Default rates

A default rate is a reusable starting value. It is not proof of a current supplier quote.

Before using it commercially, confirm:

* currency;
* unit;
* effective pricing date or source outside the record where relevant;
* whether freight, waste, tax, cutting, or finishing is included;
* whether the job needs a different supplier or quantity break.

## Linked companies

Link companies that supply or are otherwise associated with the material. More than one company can be linked.

The relationship improves discovery; it does not create supplier-specific price tiers or contracts.

## Example: plate with two suppliers

Create one clear material record, then link both approved suppliers. Use the estimate's job-specific rate when the current quotes differ.

## Related guides

* [Companies](/setup-data/companies)
* [Build takeoffs and costs](/workflow/build-takeoffs-and-costs)
* [Setup import](/setup-data/setup-import)