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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Jewson, Selco and local independent merchants may beat Travis Perkins on some building materials, but no supplier is cheapest for every product, postcode or order. To find the better deal, compare itemised quotes for the same specifications and quantities, then include VAT, delivery or collection costs, stock, lead time and any order or account conditions. Choose by the cost and practicality of the whole project basket—not a single headline price.
What counts as a cheaper alternative?
A lower unit price is only a saving if you are comparing equivalent goods and can get them on terms that work for your job. A quote for a different board thickness, timber grade, pack size or delivery arrangement can look cheaper without covering the same requirement. A supplier may also have the best price on one item and a higher price on the rest of your order.
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Start with merchants serving your delivery postcode. Jewson and Selco are national alternatives worth checking, alongside independent builders’ merchants and specialist suppliers when you need products such as insulation, roofing materials or drainage. The right comparison is local and order-specific.
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There is no supported percentage saving you can assume by switching from Travis Perkins. The result depends on the product, quantities, branch coverage, current stock and order terms. Treat “cheaper” as a result to establish with current comparable quotes, rather than a general claim about one merchant.
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Which suppliers should you compare?
Travis Perkins as your baseline
Travis Perkins describes a network of more than 500 branches, a broad range of building materials and timber, and ordering through its website, app or branches, with delivery or collection options. It also says account prices are personalised. Its published offer states that account holders spending £100 including VAT qualify for free branch delivery, subject to terms; tool and equipment hire and some other categories may incur charges. Check the terms for your order rather than treating this threshold as a general delivery guarantee. Travis Perkins delivery and service information
Use an existing Travis Perkins quote or account price as one point of comparison, not as an automatic benchmark for all materials. Record whether the quote is an account price, whether VAT is included, and what the delivery terms cover. A published threshold is useful context, but it does not tell you whether your particular order, product category or delivery arrangement qualifies.
Jewson
Jewson lists products including bricks and blocks, aggregates, cement, plasterboard, metalwork, lintels, insulation and timber. Its site offers a branch finder and states click-and-collect at more than 400 branches; it also advertises free delivery subject to conditions. Confirm local stock, eligibility and delivery terms for the specific order. Jewson products and services
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Jewson is therefore a useful alternative to check across several common categories, but a national product listing does not guarantee that a nearby branch has the required quantity. Ask for the branch or delivery location to confirm the exact item, quantity and date rather than relying on the category listing alone.
Selco
Selco lists timber and sheet materials, bricks, blocks, cement, plasterboard, insulation and other building supplies. It describes a trade-card process and offers click-and-collect and click-and-deliver. At the time its offer was reviewed, Selco advertised free delivery on orders over £150 excluding VAT. Offers and access conditions can change, so verify the current local terms and whether you are eligible. Selco delivery and trade-card information
Note the VAT basis when comparing Selco’s displayed threshold with another merchant’s. The reviewed Selco offer was expressed excluding VAT, while Travis Perkins’ published account delivery threshold was expressed including VAT. Those figures are not directly interchangeable. Check the live offer and work out whether your order meets the relevant threshold on the basis the merchant uses.
Independent and specialist merchants
Ask merchants that serve your area, especially if the order is large or includes a specialist material. A local supplier may offer a useful combination of stock, delivery timing and service even if it is not the lowest on every line. For materials with several grades or specifications, use a specialist quote only after confirming it meets the same project requirement.
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Local coverage matters: a supplier outside a practical delivery area may not be a useful alternative even if a listed unit price looks attractive. Include local independents in the same quote process, and ask them to price the same schedule rather than comparing informal estimates with a detailed merchant quote.
Build a like-for-like quote request
Prepare one materials schedule and send the same information to Travis Perkins and at least two alternatives that serve the delivery postcode. The more precise the schedule, the less likely it is that apparent savings come from comparing different products or quantities.
- List each item. Record the product type, dimensions, thickness, grade or performance specification, quantity and required unit. For example, distinguish plasterboard by thickness and sheet dimensions, and timber by grade and section.
- State acceptable substitutes. Identify any alternatives you would accept, and have the merchant confirm that each proposed substitute meets the requirement. Do not silently treat different grades, sizes or product types as equivalent.
- Specify units and pack sizes. Ask for the quote in the unit you need—such as per sheet, per metre or per bag—and record how many units a pack contains. This lets you normalize prices rather than comparing a pack price with a single-item price.
- Give the delivery details. Provide the full delivery postcode and explain any access or offload constraints that could affect the service or charge. If you plan to collect, identify the branch and factor in the trip.
- Request an itemised quote. Ask the merchant to show product prices, quantities, VAT, delivery or collection charges, minimum-order conditions and any other applicable fees. Request confirmation of stock and the expected delivery or collection date.
A useful request can be short and consistent: “Please quote the attached schedule for delivery to [postcode], showing each item and quantity, VAT, delivery/offload charges, stock status and earliest delivery date. Please identify any substitute products, pack-size changes, minimum-order conditions or account eligibility requirements.” For collection, replace the delivery details with the intended branch and ask what is available there and when it can be collected.
Keep the same acceptable-substitute rules for each merchant. If one quote proposes a different product, ask the supplier to identify what differs and whether it meets the stated specification. You can then decide whether to accept it, or request a revised price for the exact item. This avoids making a price comparison that quietly changes the job requirement.
Normalize the quotes before comparing totals
Put each supplier’s offer on the same basis. Check that the product specifications match, convert pack prices into the relevant unit price if necessary, and make sure every supplier has quoted for the full required quantity. Then compare the total payable, not just the pre-tax price or the cheapest line.
For example, if one merchant quotes a pack and another quotes individual units, use the stated pack quantity to calculate the cost for the number of units you actually need. Do not assume that the same named product is sold in the same pack size everywhere. Also check whether a merchant has rounded the order up to a full pack; include any surplus in the total, rather than comparing only the units used in the project.
| Comparison point | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Product and quantity | Dimensions, grade, thickness, specification, pack size and total quantity | A lower price for a smaller pack or different product does not establish a like-for-like saving. |
| VAT | Whether quoted prices include or exclude VAT, and the final VAT-inclusive amount payable | Quotes presented on different VAT bases cannot be compared by their displayed totals alone. |
| Delivery and offload | Delivery charge, any offload or crane requirement, and conditions attached to free delivery | A threshold or promotion may not apply to every order, product category or customer. |
| Collection | Branch location, collection availability and travel cost or time | Collection can avoid a delivery charge but still add cost and delay. |
| Order conditions | Minimum order, account eligibility, credit or payment terms, and promotional conditions | The advertised price or service may depend on a condition that does not suit your purchase. |
| Availability and timing | Confirmed stock, lead time and the delivery or collection date | A low-priced item that arrives too late may create disruption or require an additional purchase. |
| Returns and breakage | Return terms and how damaged or broken materials are handled | These terms affect the risk and potential cost of ordering the wrong quantity or receiving damaged goods. |
Record each quote’s expiry or confirmation date and recheck shortly before placing the order. Prices and availability can change, so an old quote or a comparison page may not reflect what the merchant will supply now.
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Compare the whole basket, including split orders
Add up the VAT-inclusive cost of all required materials plus delivery, offload charges and other fees. If one merchant is cheapest for timber and another for boards, calculate whether splitting the order still saves money after paying for extra deliveries or making extra collection trips. Also consider whether separate deliveries will arrive in time and whether coordinating them adds work to the job.
For a planned bulk purchase, compare the complete schedule across suppliers. For an urgent shortfall, weigh the cost of a prompt local supply against the consequences of waiting for a cheaper quote. Keep emergency purchases separate from the planned basket so one expensive, time-critical line does not distort the comparison for the whole project.
A simple comparison sheet can make the decision clearer. Use one column for each merchant and rows for the same products and quantities, then add separate rows for VAT, delivery, offload and any collection costs. Note stock and dates alongside the totals. This makes it easier to see whether a lower line price is outweighed by fees elsewhere, or whether the cheapest complete basket is also practical for the job.
When you compare a split order, calculate both versions: the whole basket from one supplier and the proposed combination of suppliers. Include every delivery charge and the cost or time of extra collection trips. If the saving depends on an advertised free-delivery offer, verify that each separate order qualifies; a threshold that applies to one larger order may not apply to two smaller ones.
Use price-comparison pages as a shortlist, not a final quote
PriceNailer says it tracks 14 UK suppliers, more than 240 materials and more than 1,100 price points, updated regularly. Its listed categories include timber, insulation, plasterboard, bricks and blocks, cement and render, roofing, metalwork, lintels, plastics and drainage. Those coverage figures are claims from the provider, not an independent audit of local availability or complete delivered prices. Use a comparison page to find possible merchants or spot-check lines, then confirm the exact product, quantity, stock and delivered total directly with the supplier. PriceNailer’s comparison coverage
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These services can save some manual searching, but their coverage should not be mistaken for a quote for your project. A tracked price may not represent the precise SKU, quantity, local branch stock, delivery postcode or account price available to you. Treat the comparison page as a way to identify candidates and questions for the merchant, not as proof that the final basket will cost the displayed amount.
A House of Planning page displayed a single morning snapshot labelled “observed 06:34 UTC,” with prices marked ex-VAT. In that snapshot, plasterboard 12.5 mm, 2400 × 1200 mm was shown at £6.42–£7.30, with Jewson lowest; OSB3 18 mm, 2440 × 1220 mm was £24.80–£28.20, with Selco lowest; Celotex CW4000 100 mm was £31.20–£39.10, with Wickes lowest; and C16 4 × 2 CLS timber per metre was £3.35–£5.10, with Travis Perkins lowest. The page labels its prices ex-VAT and claims a daily refresh. These are illustrations from one provider’s snapshot, not current quotes or typical savings: verify the precise SKU and delivery cost with the merchant. House of Planning’s displayed comparison snapshot
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The provider reported spreads of 13.7% for both the plasterboard and OSB3 examples, 25.3% for the Celotex CW4000 example and 52.2% for the C16 CLS timber example. Those percentages describe differences shown in that particular snapshot; they are not a promise that a buyer will save that amount, or that the prices remain available. The line with the lowest displayed price also varied: Jewson led the plasterboard example, Selco the OSB3, Wickes the insulation and Travis Perkins the timber. This is why a basket comparison is more useful than assuming one merchant wins every category.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose based on the job, not only the unit price
Once you have comparable totals, weigh the practical differences that matter to the project. A lower basket total may be the right choice for a flexible, planned order; confirmed availability and a dependable delivery date may matter more when the schedule is tight. Consider branch convenience if collection is realistic, and check account or returns terms if they affect how you buy.
- Choose the lowest delivered basket total when specifications, quantities, delivery timing and conditions are genuinely equivalent.
- Prefer a higher quote if the cheaper option cannot confirm the required stock or date and a delay would disrupt the work.
- For a mixed order, compare both a single-supplier basket and any split-order option after including extra fees and coordination.
- For uncertain quantities, check returns and breakage terms before deciding whether a small headline saving is worth the risk.
Different buyers may reasonably weight these factors differently. A homeowner with a flexible schedule may prioritise a lower all-in total, while a self-builder or tradesperson with work scheduled around a delivery may place more weight on confirmed stock and timing. The evidence does not identify a universally best supplier, so set your priorities before choosing and apply them to the same facts for each quote.
Common comparison mistakes
- Comparing unlike specifications: A different thickness, dimension, grade or performance rating may not meet the same need. Confirm equivalence before comparing prices.
- Mixing VAT-inclusive and ex-VAT figures: Convert every offer to the total payable before ranking suppliers.
- Ignoring delivery thresholds: Free delivery may require a minimum spend, an eligible account or other conditions. Confirm that the terms apply to your order and postcode.
- Comparing only the cheapest line: A merchant that wins one product may be more expensive for the rest of the basket. Add the full order and any split-order costs.
- Assuming online availability means local stock: Ask the relevant branch or merchant to confirm quantities and timing for the delivery or collection location.
- Treating a snapshot as a guaranteed saving: Comparison-page prices can become stale or omit local delivery costs. Get a current merchant quote before committing.
One further trap is to accept a free-delivery claim without checking what “free” is conditional on. The reviewed supplier offers used different thresholds and VAT bases, and both were subject to conditions. Ask the merchant to confirm whether the delivery applies to your customer status, order composition and postcode, and make sure the written quote includes any charge that remains.
A practical quote checklist
- Use one materials schedule for every supplier, with exact specifications, units and quantities.
- Ask Travis Perkins and at least two alternatives serving the postcode; include an independent or specialist merchant where useful.
- Confirm the proposed products are equivalent and normalize pack sizes.
- Compare VAT-inclusive totals with delivery, offload, minimum-order and collection costs included.
- Confirm stock, lead time, returns and breakage terms, plus any account or promotional conditions.
- Recheck the price and availability close to ordering, and compare any split order on its final total.
Before accepting a quote, check that it covers the whole quantity you need and that the delivery date is usable. Ask for any discount, account price, delivery condition or substitute to be shown clearly in the quote. A written itemisation gives you a more reliable basis for comparing offers and reduces the chance of a last-minute cost changing the apparent winner.
What the available comparisons can—and cannot—show
Supplier pages establish each company’s own stated range and service terms; they do not establish which merchant is cheapest across the market. The provider snapshots above show that the lowest displayed price can vary by product, but they do not establish a universal saving from switching. A public DIYUK post asking, “Who is your go to supplier for tonne bag deliveries?” illustrates the kind of local, product-specific question buyers ask; it is an anecdotal post, not a representative survey. DIYUK discussion about tonne-bag suppliers
Use personal recommendations or forum discussions as leads to investigate, not as a substitute for pricing your own order. A suggestion about tonne-bag deliveries, for example, does not establish which supplier will be cheapest for a different material, a different postcode or a different delivery requirement. Compare the offer available to you, and verify the relevant terms directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jewson or Selco cheaper than Travis Perkins?
Neither can be called cheaper in every location or across every material. The reviewed price snapshot showed different merchants with the lowest displayed price for different products, including Travis Perkins for one timber example. Compare current, like-for-like quotes for your full basket and delivery postcode.
How many quotes should I get?
The practical recommendation is to request itemised quotes from Travis Perkins and at least two alternatives serving your delivery postcode. Add a local independent or specialist merchant when it is relevant to the materials or service you need.
What should I include when comparing building-material prices?
Match product specification, dimensions, grade, quantity and pack size, then compare VAT-inclusive totals. Include delivery or offload charges, minimum-order requirements, collection costs, stock, lead time, returns and breakage terms, and any account or promotional conditions.
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Not necessarily. Travis Perkins’ published offer says account holders spending £100 including VAT qualify for free branch delivery subject to terms. Selco’s reviewed offer was free delivery over £150 excluding VAT, also subject to conditions. Confirm the current offer, eligibility, postcode and order details with the supplier.
Can I rely on an online price-comparison page as my final price?
Use it as a shortlist or spot-check, then confirm the exact product, quantity, local availability, delivery and final total with the merchant. PriceNailer describes its coverage as 14 suppliers, 240+ materials and 1,100+ price points, but those are provider claims and do not establish a complete delivered quote for your order.
Is there a typical percentage saving from switching away from Travis Perkins?
The reviewed research does not establish a typical saving. One House of Planning snapshot showed different spreads on four product examples, but those were provider-reported prices at one time, not typical savings or a guarantee. Recheck current comparable quotes.
The Bottom Line
There is no single cheapest alternative to Travis Perkins for every project. Ask Travis Perkins, Jewson, Selco and relevant local merchants for the same itemised schedule, then compare equivalent products, VAT-inclusive basket totals, delivery, stock and timing. A comparison site can help you find candidates, but only a current merchant quote confirms what your order will cost.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
