Hardware Stores Near Me – Find Local Hardware & DIY Shops

Few things beat the satisfaction of fixing something yourself—until you realise you’re missing the right screw or drill bit. Whether you’re a weekend DIYer or a trade professional, finding the right hardware store nearby can make all the difference. This guide covers the big chains, the independent ironmongers, and how to compare them, so you know exactly where to go for your next project.

Largest UK hardware chain: B&Q, with 300+ stores ·
Screwfix stores in the UK: 700+ branches ·
Historical term for hardware store in UK: Ironmonger ·
Kingfisher plc ownership: Owns both B&Q and Screwfix

Four headline figures that define the UK hardware landscape:

What other stores are like B&Q?

B&Q may be the biggest name in British DIY, but it’s far from the only option. A handful of national chains and trade-focused outlets compete across price, convenience, and range. The most direct alternative is Screwfix, also owned by Kingfisher plc, but with a different pitch: it’s built for tradespeople who want to grab supplies fast rather than browse aisles.

Which is cheaper, B&Q or Screwfix?

• B&Q tends to list standard retail prices on most items, with regular promotions for DIYers (B&Q official website).
• Screwfix markets itself on trade pricing and bulk discounts, which often undercut B&Q on the same branded products (Screwfix official website).
• However, which store is cheapest overall depends on specific products and promotions—there’s no blanket winner.

Are B&Q and Screwfix the same company?

Yes, and no. Both are owned by Kingfisher plc, a British multinational home improvement retailer. But they operate as separate brands with distinct store formats, target customers, and pricing strategies.

“We own B&Q and Screwfix, the UK’s leading home improvement and trade retailers.”

— Kingfisher plc, parent company of B&Q and Screwfix

The implication: your choice between B&Q and Screwfix depends entirely on whether you value variety or speed.

What is the largest hardware store?

Globally, the title goes to The Home Depot in the United States, but in the UK the largest DIY retailer by store count is B&Q with more than 300 locations (B&Q official website).

Which company is best for hardware?

“Best” depends on what you’re buying and where you live. If you need a single box of screws at 10 p.m., a local independent ironmonger or a 24-hour supermarket may be more practical than driving to a big-box store. For large projects, chains like B&Q or Wickes offer the widest selection under one roof.

The Wikipedia entry on hardware store notes that hardware stores typically sell tools, building materials, paint, and garden supplies—a definition that fits both small ironmongers and superstores.

The catch: the largest store isn’t always the best store for your specific project.

What do British people call hardware stores?

The most widely used term is “hardware store” itself, but you’ll also hear “DIY store” (do-it-yourself), “builder’s merchant” for trade-heavy outlets, and the traditional “ironmonger” or “ironmongery” (Wikipedia entry on hardware store).

What was the old name for the hardware store?

Historically, hardware shops in the UK were called ironmongers. The term dates back centuries and is still used by some independent shops and in the name of the industry body, the British Ironmongers’ Association. According to 1900s.org.uk, a history site covering British ironmongers, ironmongers were the go-to places for nails, locks, tools, and household hardware long before the rise of DIY superstores.

“In the United Kingdom, hardware stores are sometimes called ironmongers.”

— Wikipedia entry on hardware store

The pattern: language evolves with retail formats, but the term “ironmonger” still survives in independent shops and trade associations.

What can I buy in a hardware store?

Hardware stores—whether big-box chains, trade suppliers, or independent shops—stock a surprisingly broad range. Typical categories include:

• Hand tools and power tools
• Building materials (timber, cement, plasterboard)
• Plumbing and electrical supplies (pipes, fittings, cables, switches)
• Paints, varnishes, and decorating accessories
• Garden supplies (tools, pots, fertiliser)
• Home improvement accessories (shelving, door handles, locks)

Many stores also offer services like key cutting, paint mixing, and tool hire (Yellow Pages, Richmond, VA hardware store listings).

Where can I find hardware stores open now near me?

When you need a tool or material immediately, a simple web search with “hardware store near me open now” is the fastest route. Both Google Maps and local directories like Yelp and Yellow Pages filter by real-time hours and user reviews.

What are best hardware stores near me?

The “best” store depends on what you need and when. For Sunday emergencies, check which chains in your area have extended hours. For specialist items, search local ironmongers. For trade pricing, locate the nearest Screwfix or Toolstation.

Yelp’s search results for Cleveland, Ohio, for instance, surfaced Sutton Industrial Hardware, The Home Depot, and Menards among top results (Yelp Cleveland, OH DIY store search results). Yellow Pages’ Indianapolis listings include Central Ace Hardware and Cardwell Do-It Best Home Center (Yellow Pages Indianapolis hardware store listings).

What this means: real-time search tools are your best ally when you need supplies immediately, but understanding store formats helps you predict which type of shop will have what you need.

“We own B&Q and Screwfix, the UK’s leading home improvement and trade retailers.”

— Kingfisher plc, parent company of B&Q and Screwfix

For the everyday shopper looking for a hardware store nearby, the takeaway is straightforward: understand what you’re buying, when you need it, and who serves that niche best. For a casual repair, a local ironmonger may offer the fastest service. For a full renovation, the breadth of a DIY superstore or the trade pricing of Screwfix could save thousands. For the UK homeowner, the choice is clear: use B&Q for variety, Screwfix for speed, and your local ironmonger for that odd screw nobody else stocks.

For a more detailed breakdown of what to look for when choosing a shop, check out this local hardware store guide that covers everything from tool selection to store hours.

Frequently asked questions