Screwfix and Toolstation are the two largest trade-counter retailers in the UK, with hundreds of branches each and click-and-collect from stock as their core proposition. Both serve essentially the same customer — tradespeople and serious DIYers who want the right product today, at a reasonable price, without the margin premium of a traditional builders’ merchant.
For many trades, the question is not which one to use but when to use each. This guide compares the two on the dimensions that matter: range, pricing, accounts, click-and-collect experience, and which types of purchases each handles best.
How Both Models Work
Screwfix and Toolstation share the same fundamental model: a large warehouse-style branch where you collect pre-picked orders or browse a modest showroom of tools. Both allow you to order online or via app for collection, often in under five minutes. Both are open early (typically 7:00 am) and late, with weekend hours that most traditional merchants do not match.
Neither operates on a traditional trade account model where credit is based on a long merchant relationship. Both offer formal credit accounts with 30-day payment terms, but the application process is relatively standardised and not relationship-dependent. Both also accept card payment at the counter without any account.
Screwfix is part of the Kingfisher Group (which also owns B&Q). Toolstation is majority-owned by Travis Perkins. These ownership structures occasionally influence product range and own-brand lines, but day-to-day the two businesses are independently operated.
Branch Network and Location
| Screwfix | Toolstation | |
|---|---|---|
| UK branches (approx.) | 900+ | 600+ |
| Coverage | Very wide; suburban and rural | Good; slightly more urban-weighted |
| Opening hours | Typically 7am–8pm weekdays | Typically 7am–8pm weekdays |
| Sunday opening | Yes, most branches | Yes, most branches |
| Click-and-collect wait | Often under 5 minutes | Often under 5 minutes |
Screwfix has more branches and is often the more convenient location for tradespeople in smaller towns. Both have branch-finder tools on their websites and apps.
Product Range
Screwfix generally has a deeper range in several categories — particularly fixings, sealants, power tools, and plumbing. Toolstation competes well in electrics, lighting, and decorating supplies, and has built a strong reputation in certain product categories at slightly lower price points.
Neither stocks structural materials (timber, plasterboard in full sheets, heavy aggregates). For those you need a builders’ merchant or specialist supplier. Both carry:
- Hand and power tools (own-brand and branded)
- Fixings, fasteners, and anchors
- Cable, conduit, and accessories
- Plumbing fittings and pipe (push-fit, compression, press)
- Bathroom accessories and sanitaryware (limited range)
- PPE and workwear
- Sealants, adhesives, and fillers
- Painting and decorating supplies
- Ironmongery and door furniture
Toolstation has expanded its own-brand electrical range substantially in recent years. Screwfix’s own-brand “Stormforce” workwear and “Everbuild” partnership products are well regarded.
Pricing
On like-for-like branded products (a specific Bosch drill, a particular brand of cable ties, Stanley FatMax tape measure), Screwfix and Toolstation are typically within 5% of each other and often identical. Both run regular promotions and clearance lines that the other does not match.
Own-brand products are where more meaningful price differences emerge. Toolstation’s own-brand electrical accessories (backboxes, cable clips, conduit fittings) are generally competitive. Screwfix’s own-brand tool range spans a wide quality and price spectrum.
For occasional purchases, the price difference between the two is rarely significant enough to be the deciding factor. Regular buyers find it worthwhile to check both apps for the specific item before buying — price-checking takes seconds.
Neither store will negotiate on individual counter purchases in the way a traditional builders’ merchant branch manager might. However, both have business/trade account managers who can discuss pricing for high-volume customers.
Trade Accounts and Credit
Both offer credit accounts for businesses:
Screwfix trade account — 30-day credit terms; application online or in branch; credit limit set by underwriter. Itemised monthly statement. Also offers a Screwfix credit card (separate product).
Toolstation trade account — 30-day credit terms; similar application process. Monthly statement with itemised purchases.
Both account types provide the same pricing as a standard cash customer in most cases — there is no additional trade discount for having an account. The value of the account is the consolidated monthly invoice and credit terms, not discounted pricing beyond what is already on display.
Compare this to a traditional builders’ merchant account, where the account relationship can unlock negotiated pricing, volume discounts, and a personal account manager.
Click and Collect vs Delivery
Both offer home delivery as well as click-and-collect. Delivery is often next-day for orders placed before early afternoon cutoffs. Click-and-collect is typically faster and free; delivery charges vary by order size and are usually waived above a modest threshold (around £25–£50 depending on current promotions).
For tradespeople, click-and-collect is the primary mode — stopping at a branch on the way to site beats waiting for a delivery window.
Which to Use for What
| Job type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Fixings and fasteners | Either; check price per unit on bulk packs |
| Power tools (branded) | Check both apps; prices often identical |
| Electrical (cable, accessories) | Toolstation often has strong own-brand value |
| Plumbing fittings | Screwfix generally deeper range |
| Sealants, adhesives, fillers | Screwfix wider Everbuild/own-brand range |
| Workwear and PPE | Both competitive; check promotions |
| Structural materials | Neither — use a builders’ merchant |
The Practical Verdict
The most useful approach for most tradespeople is to hold accounts at both and use the app to check stock and price before every visit. Branch locations often determine which wins on a given day. Neither is definitively cheaper or better across the board; the gap between them on any individual purchase is usually small enough that convenience is the deciding factor.
For high-volume purchasing on a single category (a large wiring job, a big plumbing fit-out), it is worth contacting the trade account team at both to see whether volume pricing is available — but do not expect the negotiating headroom you would get from a traditional electrical or plumbing merchant.
For structural materials, heavy civils, or items outside both ranges, you still need a builders’ merchant, a plumbers’ merchant, or a specialist supplier — Screwfix and Toolstation are not substitutes for those.
