Cheapest place to buy decorating/diy supplies?

JustinR1979

hock79 wrote: »

Just looked at screwfix:) They have 10L trade emulsion for £15, by Leyland, is that as good as Dulux though?

I like it, but I'm only a diy-er.
I have a trade card, but often find screwfix are much cheaper.
Saves 3 miles of walking too.

nick12

Furts wrote: »

B&Q and Screwfix have the same owner. B&Q is an enormous shed with enormous overheads of staff, heating and lighting. Screwfix is a squitty little hole in the wall counter. Hence the prices can be lower. The drawback is, unlike B&Q, you cannot touchy, feely the products before buying, nor can you compare them with others. Again a reason why the prices can be lower.

In general, the trade know what they want so enormous shelves, and fancy presentation are not required. Hence, they visit Screwfix.

True, if you really need to inspect your tube of filler or your pack of wood screws before parting with your cash then it's probably best you stick with B&Q.

vansboy

If you can plan your purchases, in advance, you'll be able to take advantage of the offers from B&Q Wickes etc, and Homebase - 15% discount weekends can make a good saving.

Have a Screwfix catalogue handy, for quick compare. I rate them for general odds n ends, but wouldnt buy paint there - usually an offer somewhere else, with better range.

VB

adonis

I have got some good deals from decorating direct
but you may need to buy a few things to cover the postage.

I like Leyland trade paints from screwfix but like most things I buy I will check product prices and reviews online first as dearer branded goods are not always the best.

Cornucopia

Screwfix is definitely cheaper on most things than it's bigger, more orange sister, B&Q.

Also, don't be bashful... if you want to see something before you buy, I've always found that Screwfix staff are very helpful.

If you have a lot of DIY work ahead, I would go and buy some bulk packs of screws and nails there - they are so much cheaper than elsewhere.

Also I would suggest taking a look in Poundland & 99p Stores. They sell a good range of basic tools (some flimsy, some excellent VFM) and also some consumable items. I've used Poundland "151" filler before, and it is pretty much the same as own-brand from elsewhere.

smifffy1989

For me I shop around.

I find JTF cheap for the rollers and some paint/varnish

Costco sell harris brush packs really cheap

Magnolia and White paint look out for Homebase and B&Q offers.

Furts

For screws, sealant, adhesives and many other items including tools, the general rule would be Toolstation undercuts Screwfix. Screwfix know this, so they price match if a customer goes into them and challenges their prices. Certainly this occurs in one location where these rivals are only a mile or so apart.

A word of warning - some items at Toolstation have been inferior quality to Screwfix - e.g tools and screws, but I sense Toolstation are addressing some of this.

I also find that Johnstones Decorating Centre is negotiable and will undercut B&Q, Screwfix and Toolstation for paint. They are less competitive on the sundries - but they have to earn a living on something. If you are likely to be making repeat visits here ask about opening a cash account. I have been offered 15-20% imediate discount if I open one.(But not if I have already negotiated down the price, or price matched!) A recent example; five litres of varnish, satin, clear, by Ronseal is £79.98 at Screwfix, and £33.59 at Johnstones in their Woodworks range - a huge difference in price. Also, always try for the Leyland brand as this is the trade, lower priced, version of Johnstones.