Which is cheaper, B&Q or Wickes?

Prices are similar overall. Wickes tends to be slightly cheaper on timber and joinery. B&Q often has better promotions on kitchens and bathrooms. Both offer trade accounts with 10% to 20% discounts. Compare specific items rather than assuming one is always cheaper.

Is Screwfix or Toolstation better?

Screwfix has a wider range and more premium brands. Toolstation is often 5% to 15% cheaper on equivalent items. For professional tradespeople, Screwfix's speed and range wins. For budget conscious buyers, Toolstation offers excellent value.

Can I buy from builders merchants as a DIYer?

Yes, Travis Perkins, Jewson, and others sell to anyone. However, you will pay more without a trade account, and the experience is geared toward professionals. For bulk materials, it is still often cheaper than retail even at 'retail' prices.

How do I get a trade account?

Most trade accounts are free and open to anyone doing building work. Apply online or in store. You typically need ID and proof of address. Some ask for business details but most accept 'home renovator' or similar.

UK Building Suppliers Compared 2025

Where to Buy Materials for Your Renovation

10 min read

~2,200 words

Updated December 2025

8+ Major

Supplier Options

10% to 40%

Trade Account Savings

Free

Most Trade Accounts

Choosing the right building supplier can save you thousands on a renovation. Different suppliers excel in different areas: B&Q and Wickes for finished products, Screwfix and Toolstation for tools and fixings, builders merchants for bulk materials.

This guide compares the major UK building suppliers, explains when to use each, and shows you how to access trade pricing even as a homeowner.

Quick Comparison

UK building supplier comparison at a glance
Supplier	Price Level	Best For	Trade Account Saving
B&Q	Mid Range	DIY, Kitchens, Bathrooms	10% to 15%
Wickes	Mid Range	Kitchens, Bathrooms, Timber	10% to 20%
Screwfix	Competitive	Tools, Fixings, Electrical	5% to 10%
Toolstation	Budget to Mid	Tools, Fixings, Budget	5% to 10%
Travis Perkins	Trade	Bulk Materials, Timber	20% to 40%
Jewson	Trade	Heavy Building, Roofing	20% to 40%
Howdens	Mid to Premium	Kitchens	Trade only

Supplier Profiles

Detailed breakdown of each major supplier's strengths and weaknesses.

Smart Buying Tips

Open Trade Accounts Early

Apply before your project starts. Most are free and give immediate discounts. TradePoint (B&Q), TradePro (Wickes), and Screwfix Card are easiest to get.

Compare Prices Across Suppliers

Prices vary significantly by product category. Toolstation may beat Screwfix on fixings but lose on power tools. Check 2 to 3 suppliers for big purchases.

Check Delivery Costs

Free delivery thresholds vary from £25 (Toolstation) to £75 (Wickes). For heavy items, Travis Perkins crane delivery may be essential and surprisingly reasonable.

Buy Bulk Materials from Merchants

For timber, plasterboard, cement, and aggregates, builders merchants beat retail every time. The gap can be 30% to 40% on large orders.

Consider Quality vs Price

Budget tools for one off use are fine. For items used repeatedly or installed permanently, mid range quality pays off long term.

Time Your Purchases

Black Friday, January sales, and end of season clearances offer genuine savings. B&Q and Wickes have predictable sale patterns.

Getting Trade Accounts as a Homeowner

You do not need to be a professional to open most trade accounts. When asked for business type, select "home renovator" or "property developer."

Recommended accounts to open: TradePoint (B&Q), TradePro (Wickes), and Screwfix Trade Card. All are free and give immediate discounts.

Key Takeaways

Open trade accounts before buying. Free 10% to 40% savings.

Bulk materials from merchants. Finished products from retail.

Compare 2 to 3 suppliers. Prices vary significantly by category.

Factor delivery costs. Heavy items need specialist transport.

Time big purchases for sales. Black Friday and January best.

Screwfix for speed and range. Toolstation for value.

Calculate Your Material Costs

Get a personalised estimate of materials needed for your renovation project.

Use Cost Calculator

Related Guides

Kitchen Renovation Costs UK

Budgeting for kitchen materials.

Flooring Options UK

Compare flooring materials and costs.

How to Budget for Renovation

Materials in your overall budget.

How to Vet a Contractor

Contractors often supply materials.

Short on time?

Get the highlights in our 3 minute interactive story version.

Browse Stories