Prices vary significantly between suppliers — sometimes by 20% or more for the same product. BuildCostUK compares seven major UK trade suppliers so you always buy at the lowest price.
The same bag of cement or length of timber can cost very different amounts depending on where you buy it.
Larger merchants like Travis Perkins can negotiate better bulk rates with manufacturers, while smaller regional suppliers may be cheaper on specific product lines they specialise in.
Some suppliers charge for delivery, others include it. A cheaper unit price can be cancelled out by a £40 delivery fee on a small order. Always factor in total cost.
Suppliers regularly run promotions on specific lines. Prices can change weekly — what was cheapest last month may not be cheapest today.
Trade account holders often get lower prices than online list prices. Some suppliers like Selco require a trade card, while others like Wickes are open to all.
Each supplier tends to be strongest in different categories.
| Supplier | Best for | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wickes | Sheet materials, plasterboard, bagged goods | Retail & Trade |
| Travis Perkins | Structural timber, bricks, large orders | Trade |
| MKM Building Supplies | Wide range, regional pricing, local delivery | Trade |
| Selco | Trade cardholders, bulk buys, insulation | Trade Card |
| Huws Gray | Wales & Northern England, competitive on aggregates | Trade |
| Myers | Yorkshire & East Midlands, competitive local pricing | Trade |
| Howarth Timber | Timber specialists, joinery, sheet materials | Trade |
A simple process that can save hundreds of pounds on a typical job.
Don't just go to your usual merchant. A quick check across all seven suppliers on BuildCostUK takes under a minute and can reveal significant price differences.
Always check whether delivery is included or charged separately. BuildCostUK shows total delivered prices where available so you're comparing like for like.
Add all your materials to a BuildCostUK project, pick the cheapest supplier for each item, and export a shopping list. Useful for quoting and ordering.
Prices change regularly. If you priced a job a week ago, it's worth a quick recheck before you place the order — promotions come and go quickly.