Complete Guide to Trade Suppliers & Building Materials
National Chains, Regional Merchants & Specialist Suppliers
UK builders merchants supply essential construction materials, tools, and equipment to trade professionals and DIY customers across Britain. The builders merchant sector generated £17.8 billion in revenue during 2025, with over 5,000 branches nationwide serving contractors, developers, and homeowners. Our builders merchants directory covers major national chains, regional independents, and specialist suppliers operating throughout 2026.
The sector continues adapting to changing market conditions with digital ordering platforms, trade account benefits, extended delivery services, and sustainable product ranges. Understanding merchant offerings, pricing structures, and trade programs helps secure competitive rates and reliable supply chains. This guide includes contact details, product ranges, and practical information for sourcing building materials across the UK through BMF registered merchants.
National chains dominate the UK builders merchant sector with extensive branch networks, comprehensive product ranges, and competitive trade pricing. These merchants operate hundreds of locations with standardized service levels and integrated online ordering systems.
Type: National Chain | Branches: 600+ UK locations
Travis Perkins is the UK's largest builders merchant with over 600 branches nationwide. Comprehensive product range includes timber, building materials, plumbing, electrical, tools, and heavy-side supplies. Strong trade account program with competitive pricing, credit facilities, and dedicated account managers. Online ordering platform with click-and-collect service. Part of Travis Perkins Group alongside Toolstation, Benchmarx, and Wickes.
Type: National Chain | Branches: 500+ UK locations
Jewson (part of Saint-Gobain Group) operates over 500 branches specializing in heavy building materials, timber, civils, and landscaping products. Strong focus on commercial and large-scale residential projects with dedicated contracts team. Competitive trade pricing with account facilities and volume discounts. Online portal with project management tools. Extensive hire fleet for access equipment and powered tools.
Type: National Chain | Branches: 400+ UK locations
Buildbase (Grafton Group) operates 400+ branches with trade-only focus serving builders, contractors, and construction professionals. Comprehensive building materials including bricks, blocks, cement, timber, roofing, and drainage. Strong regional presence with local branch managers. Competitive pricing structure with account facilities and extended credit terms. Daily deliveries to construction sites across operating areas.
Type: National Chain | Branches: 230+ UK locations
Wickes serves both trade and DIY customers through 230+ stores nationwide. Product range includes timber, building materials, bathrooms, kitchens, tiles, and landscaping. TradePro membership offers trade discounts, dedicated trade desk, and priority service. Extended opening hours including weekends. Online ordering with home delivery or store collection. Installation services available for kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring.
Type: National Chain | Branches: 70+ UK locations
Selco operates trade-only cash and carry builders warehouses with competitive pricing on building materials, plumbing, electrical, and tools. Free trade membership with instant discounts. Large warehouse-style stores with drive-through facilities. Early opening times (6:30am weekdays) for trade convenience. No minimum order requirements. Delivery service available for bulk orders. Strong regional presence particularly in Midlands and North.
Type: Regional Chain | Branches: 25+ South England
Covers operates 25+ branches across South of England with strong reputation for quality products and customer service. Comprehensive range of building materials with particular expertise in timber products and sheet materials. Dedicated account managers for trade customers. Technical support and estimating services. Free delivery on orders over threshold. Family-owned business with personal service approach.
Builders merchants stock comprehensive product ranges across multiple categories. Understanding specialist suppliers for specific materials ensures optimal pricing and expert advice for particular trades and applications.
Products: Bricks, blocks, cement, aggregates, sand
Typical Suppliers: Travis Perkins, Jewson, Buildbase, MKM
Ordering: Usually bulk quantities, delivered by lorry
Trade Pricing: Significant discounts on pallet/load quantities
Delivery: Crane offload or grab lorry typically required
Products: Structural timber, CLS, plywood, MDF, OSB
Typical Suppliers: Covers, Travis Perkins, Jewson, Arnold Laver
Ordering: Cut-to-size services available at most merchants
Trade Pricing: Volume discounts on full packs/sheets
Delivery: Flatbed or curtain-side vehicles for longer lengths
Products: Pipes, fittings, boilers, radiators, bathrooms
Typical Suppliers: Plumb Center, City Plumbing, Screwfix Trade
Ordering: Click & collect popular for urgent requirements
Trade Pricing: Account pricing typically 20-35% below retail
Delivery: Daily van deliveries to sites and homes
Products: Cable, switches, sockets, consumer units, lighting
Typical Suppliers: CEF, Edmundson, Rexel, Screwfix
Ordering: Counter service for immediate collection
Trade Pricing: Account discounts with credit facilities
Delivery: Multiple daily deliveries in urban areas
Products: Tiles, slates, felt, battens, flashings, insulation
Typical Suppliers: SIG Roofing, Jewson, Travis Perkins
Ordering: Technical support for specification and quantities
Trade Pricing: Project pricing for large roofing contracts
Delivery: Crane offload standard for tile/slate deliveries
Products: Power tools, hand tools, fixings, safety equipment
Typical Suppliers: Toolstation, Screwfix, Travis Perkins
Ordering: Online ordering with collection within hours
Trade Pricing: Loyalty programs and trade cards
Delivery: Next-day delivery or click & collect
Products: Plasterboard, insulation, metal sections, compounds
Typical Suppliers: British Gypsum, Jewson, Travis Perkins
Ordering: Full packs/pallets for best pricing
Trade Pricing: Volume-based discount structures
Delivery: Moffett lorries for site placement
Products: Paving slabs, block paving, decking, fencing
Typical Suppliers: Marshalls, Jewson, Travis Perkins
Ordering: Display areas for product selection
Trade Pricing: Project discounts on larger orders
Delivery: Hiab crane delivery for heavy paving materials
Opening trade accounts with builders merchants provides significant benefits including competitive pricing, credit facilities, and priority service. Most merchants require proof of trade status and business registration for account approval.
| Account Benefit | Description | Typical Savings | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Pricing | Discounted pricing on all products vs retail rates | 15-40% below list prices | Trade card/account number |
| Credit Facilities | 30-day payment terms after account approval | Improved cash flow | Credit check, references |
| Volume Discounts | Additional discounts on larger order values | Extra 5-15% on bulk | Minimum order thresholds |
| Free Delivery | No delivery charges above minimum order value | £30-£100 per delivery | Order minimum (£100-£250) |
| Account Manager | Dedicated contact for quotes and support | Time saving, expertise | Medium to large accounts |
| Project Pricing | Competitive quotes for complete projects | 10-25% project discount | Detailed quotation request |
| Online Ordering | 24/7 ordering through account portal | Convenience, order history | Account setup with email |
| Priority Service | Faster order processing and collection | Reduced waiting time | Active trade account |
✅ Opening a Trade Account - Requirements 2026:
Efficient delivery services are crucial for construction projects. Understanding merchant delivery options, charges, and scheduling ensures materials arrive when needed without project delays.
Service: Scheduled delivery to site or address
Lead Time: 2-5 working days typically
Cost: £30-£80 depending on distance and load
Vehicles: 18-tonne rigid or 7.5-tonne box truck
Unloading: Kerbside delivery - customer offload
Best For: Planned orders, flexible timescales
Service: Express delivery for urgent materials
Lead Time: Order by 2pm for next working day
Cost: £50-£120 premium for express service
Vehicles: Dedicated van or small lorry
Unloading: Driver assistance usually included
Best For: Emergency requirements, site delays
Service: Lorry-mounted crane for heavy lifting
Lead Time: 3-7 days booking required
Cost: £100-£200 including crane operator
Vehicles: Flatbed lorry with Hiab crane
Unloading: Crane placement to specific location
Best For: Bricks, blocks, paving, heavy materials
Service: Truck-mounted forklift for site placement
Lead Time: 3-5 days advance booking
Cost: £80-£150 depending on complexity
Vehicles: Flatbed with Moffett forklift attachment
Unloading: Precise placement on-site with forklift
Best For: Plasterboard, insulation, palletized goods
Service: Customer collects from branch
Lead Time: Immediate for stock items
Cost: Free - no delivery charges
Vehicles: Customer's own transport
Unloading: Loading assistance at branch
Best For: Small orders, urgent requirements, cost-saving
Service: Ultra-fast delivery for emergencies
Lead Time: Within 4-6 hours of order
Cost: £80-£200 premium charge
Vehicles: Priority van or courier service
Unloading: Basic assistance included
Best For: Site breakdowns, critical items
⚠️ Delivery Considerations & Site Requirements:
Independent regional merchants offer personalized service, local knowledge, and competitive pricing. Many family-owned businesses provide excellent customer relationships and flexible terms for regular trade customers.
📍 Finding Local Builders Merchants:
Builders merchants increasingly offer digital platforms for ordering, account management, and project planning. Technology improvements streamline purchasing and improve efficiency for trade customers.
Features: 24/7 ordering, product search, pricing, stock levels
Benefits: Out-of-hours ordering, order history, saved lists
Access: Web browser or dedicated mobile apps
Merchants: Travis Perkins, Jewson, Buildbase all offer portals
Features: Quick ordering, product scanning, delivery tracking
Benefits: Order from site, photo uploads, instant quotes
Access: iOS and Android smartphone apps
Merchants: Major chains all have mobile applications
Features: Online order, branch collection within hours
Benefits: No delivery charges, faster than delivery
Access: Order online or via app, collect same day
Merchants: Screwfix, Toolstation, Wickes specialize
Features: Real-time branch stock availability
Benefits: Avoid wasted trips, find stock locations
Access: Online portals and mobile apps
Merchants: Improving across all major merchants