Knowing where to get what saves hours. Here's the local guide to DIY supplies in Exeter - where I actually shop.
The Big Names
B&Q (Sowton)
What they're good for:
- Paint (huge range, mixing service)
- Kitchen and bathroom showroom items
- Garden stuff
- Seeing things in person before buying
What they're less good for:
- Trade prices (it's a consumer store)
- Professional advice
- Stock of specific trade items
Opening: 7am-9pm Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun
Parking: Huge car park, easy access
My take: Good for paint, bathroom bits, and when you need to see something in person. Not where I buy fixings or tools.
Screwfix (Marsh Barton & Sowton)
What they're good for:
- Trade-quality fixings and hardware
- Tools (good range at fair prices)
- Quick click-and-collect (usually ready in minutes)
- Sensible prices
What they're less good for:
- Browsing (counter service, not shop floor)
- Paint (limited range)
- Unusual items
Opening: 6:30am-8pm weekdays, 7am-6pm Sat, 9am-4pm Sun
Pro tip: Order online, collect in-store. Faster than browsing the catalogue.
My take: My first stop for most things. Fast, reliable, well-priced.
Toolstation (Marsh Barton)
What they're good for:
- Similar to Screwfix but sometimes different stock
- Occasionally cheaper on specific items
- Good tool range
What they're less good for:
- Stock can be patchy
- Smaller stores than Screwfix
Opening: Similar to Screwfix
My take: Worth checking if Screwfix doesn't have what you need, or for price comparison.
Trade Counters (Open to Public)
Jewson (Various)
Locations: Marsh Barton, plus others
What they're good for:
- Timber (good range, cut to size)
- Building materials
- Trade accounts for regular buyers
What they're less good for:
- Small quantities (geared towards bigger orders)
- Non-trade visitors can feel intimidated
Opening: Trade hours (early start)
My take: Great for timber and bigger building projects.
Selco (Exeter)
What they're good for:
- Building materials
- Bulk buying
- Trade prices even without account
What they're less good for:
- Requires trade card (but anyone can get one)
- Not for tiny purchases
My take: Good for bigger projects, not for popping in for a pack of screws.
City Plumbing (Marsh Barton)
What they're good for:
- Plumbing supplies (obviously)
- Bathrooms
- Trade prices
My take: For plumbing specific stuff, better than B&Q.
Edmundson Electrical (Marsh Barton)
What they're good for:
- Electrical supplies
- Cable, consumer units, etc.
- Trade quality
My take: When you need proper electrical stuff, not consumer-grade.
Local Hardware Shops
Upmarket Hardware (No longer exists - worth mentioning alternatives)
Exeter's lost most of its traditional hardware shops, sadly.
What survives:
- Some village hardware stores (Topsham, etc.)
- Small DIY sections in farm supply shops
The gap: There's nowhere in central Exeter to pop in for a single bolt and get advice from someone who knows. B&Q staff are great but it's not the same as a proper hardware counter.
Specialist Suppliers
Paint
Brewers (Marsh Barton)
- Decorator's merchant
- Better paint than B&Q stocks
- Professional advice
- Trade prices
Dulux Decorator Centre
- The full Dulux range
- Colour matching
- Good for large quantities
Timber
ETC Building Supplies
- Good timber range
- Sheet materials
- Can cut to size
MGM Timber (various)
- Wide range
- Trade focused
Fixings
Bolt & Nut Ltd (Exeter Industrial Estate)
- Serious fixings supplier
- Unusual sizes and specifications
- Trade focused but public welcome
Tools
Exeter Power Tools (if you need repairs)
- Tool servicing and repair
- Parts
Online With Local Collection
Click & Collect Winners
Screwfix: Usually ready in 1 minute Toolstation: Similar B&Q: Usually ready within an hour
Delivery Options
Screwfix/Toolstation: Next day delivery on most things Amazon: Hit and miss on DIY stuff quality eBay: Good for specific/unusual items
Price Comparison
For common items, here's where's typically cheapest:
| Item | Best Price Usually |
|---|---|
| Screws & fixings | Screwfix/Toolstation |
| Power tools | Online (Amazon, FFX) |
| Paint | Brewers or online |
| Timber | Jewson/local yards |
| Plumbing fittings | City Plumbing |
| Electrical | Screwfix or Edmundson |
Worth knowing: Screwfix prices are the same online and in-store. B&Q often has offers not shown in-store.
My Shopping Strategy
For a typical week:
- Plan in advance - List what I need
- Screwfix online - Order for collection next morning
- Specialist stuff - Jewson for timber, Brewers for paint
- Emergency runs - Screwfix same day
What I avoid:
- B&Q on Saturday afternoons (chaos)
- Buying tools from B&Q (Screwfix is better value)
- Amazon for fixings (quality varies wildly)
Sunday Opening
When you need something on a Sunday:
- B&Q: 10am-4pm
- Screwfix: 9am-4pm (some locations)
- Toolstation: Similar
Everything else is closed. Plan ahead.
Trade Accounts
If you do regular DIY, consider:
- Screwfix account - Discounts, easier returns
- Selco card - Access to trade prices
- Jewson account - Good for bigger projects
Usually free to set up, sometimes requires proof of trade (but many don't).
Need something doing rather than buying supplies? That's what I'm here for. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.