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Your 2026 Guide to the Top 7 Building Merchants in Southampton, Bournemouth & Christchurch
- Dan Hall
- 2 hours ago
- 14 min read
Embarking on a construction or renovation project in Southampton, Christchurch, or the surrounding Hampshire area requires a reliable supply chain. Choosing the right building merchants is crucial for keeping your project on schedule and within budget. Whether you're a seasoned contractor managing a large extension in Bournemouth or a homeowner tackling a DIY landscaping project in Highcliffe, the quality and availability of your materials can make all the difference. This guide provides a comprehensive roundup of the top building merchants Southampton offers, detailing their specialisms, services, and what makes each one unique.
We'll explore everything from independent suppliers with deep local knowledge to national chains with extensive stock and tool hire, giving you the insights needed to make an informed choice. Southampton's builders' merchants cater to a diverse array of trade professionals, including both large-scale projects and individual tasks undertaken by general contractors and remodelers. Each entry in this list includes key details like contact information, product ranges, and delivery options to help you compare effectively. At Hallmoore Developments, we understand that sourcing the best materials is the foundation of quality craftsmanship. Our in-house service teams rely on trusted suppliers across the region, from Poole to Ringwood, to deliver exceptional results. Let's dive into where you can find the best supplies for your next build.
1. Elliotts (Southampton): Top Building Merchants in Highcliffe
As a long-established independent merchant founded right here in Southampton, Elliotts offers a solid range of materials that cater to almost any project scale. Their expertise spans heavyside building supplies, timber, roofing, civils, and decorating, making them a one-stop-shop for many local trades and homeowners. Their legacy in the area means they have deep-rooted knowledge of local building styles and requirements.
Key Features and Services
What sets Elliotts apart from national chains is its specialised in-house support. The dedicated Sales Hub provides project-specific advice, which is invaluable for complex renovations or extensions where material scheduling is critical. This level of service is a significant benefit for projects managed by Hallmoore Developments, ensuring material sourcing aligns perfectly with project timelines. Our in-house service teams can help you make the most of this support.
One of their most praised features is the impressive brick library and matching service. This is particularly useful for extension projects on older properties in areas like Southampton and Christchurch, where achieving a seamless aesthetic is essential. The large, accessible yard and a 'Click & Collect' service with live local stock updates make it a reliable choice for both planned orders and last-minute collections.
Practical Information for Customers
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Product Range | Bricks, blocks, timber, roofing, civils, aggregates, plasterboard, insulation, paints. |
Pricing Structure | Best pricing is accessed via a trade account. Retail pricing is not always displayed online, so it's best to call or visit for a quote on specific items. |
Collection/Delivery | A large, easily accessible yard in Southampton for collections. Their website offers a 'Click & Collect' option with live stock availability and local delivery services. |
Expertise | Strong in brick matching and heavyside materials. The Sales Hub offers project support. |
Pros & Cons | Pros: Deep local stock, specialist advice, ideal for full refurbishments. Cons: Closed on Sundays, best prices require a trade account. |
For projects that involve integrating new pipework or heating systems, coordinating material deliveries from a trusted supplier like Elliotts is key. It ensures that when our in-house service's Gas Safe registered engineers arrive to carry out the plumbing work, everything is on-site and ready, keeping your project flowing without delays.
2. Selco Builders Warehouse (Southampton): Your Christchurch Building Merchants
Selco is a name familiar to tradespeople across the UK, and its Southampton branch operates as a trade-only superstore built for speed and volume. It stocks thousands of product lines covering everything from timber and plasterboard to landscaping and electricals. The warehouse model is geared towards multi-trade professionals who need to get a wide variety of materials in a single, efficient visit, making it a key destination for urgent site runs.
Key Features and Services
The biggest advantage Selco offers is its accessibility and extended hours. Opening at 06:30 on weekdays and operating 7 days a week, it’s an invaluable resource for early starts or unexpected weekend work. This reliability is essential for keeping projects on schedule, particularly when unexpected issues arise. For Hallmoore Developments, having this option means our in-house service's teams can resolve material shortages without losing a day's work.
In-branch services like sheet and timber cutting, paint mixing, and brick matching add another layer of convenience, saving time and labour on site. Their free 'Click & Collect' service, often ready in just one hour, is another standout feature. This allows project managers to order materials remotely and have a team member collect them quickly, minimising downtime and ensuring the job continues smoothly.
Practical Information for Customers
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Product Range | Timber, plasterboard, insulation, roofing, landscaping, plumbing, electrical, decorating. |
Pricing Structure | Strictly trade-only. A free Trade Card is required to see prices and make purchases. Pricing is competitive and geared towards bulk buying. |
Collection/Delivery | Free 'Click & Collect' service available. The Southampton branch also offers a free bulky delivery service covering the local area. |
Expertise | Strong all-rounder for general building supplies. In-branch services like paint mixing and timber cutting are very useful for a quick turnaround. |
Pros & Cons | Pros: Open 7 days a week with early starts, huge stock availability, fast 'Click & Collect'. Cons: Exclusively for trade customers, pricing is not visible without an account. |
The wide product range at Selco makes it an excellent supplier for multi-faceted projects, such as when our teams are undertaking extensive renovations. For example, when fitting new bathrooms and kitchens in properties across Poole or Ringwood, our in-house service's can source plumbing fittings, plasterboard, and decorating supplies all in one place.
3. Travis Perkins (Southampton): Building Merchants in Bournemouth
As one of the UK's largest building merchants, Travis Perkins provides an extensive and reliable supply chain for projects of all sizes in Southampton. Their Albert Road North branch offers a comprehensive range of building materials, from timber and landscaping supplies to drainage and joinery. The sheer scale of their operation means consistent stock levels and access to a massive national network, making them a go-to for both trade professionals and ambitious DIYers.
Key Features and Services
What makes Travis Perkins a strong contender is its suite of in-house services designed to support larger projects. Their estimating and take-off support is a significant advantage for clients planning extensions or full refurbishments, helping to accurately forecast material costs from the outset. This service complements the work we do at Hallmoore Developments, ensuring budgets are clear and precise. Our in-house service teams can guide you through this process.
Furthermore, the branch contains dedicated specialist centres for timber, drylining, and insulation, along with a robust tool and plant hire service. This is particularly useful for one-off jobs or when specialist equipment is needed without the outlay of purchasing it. Their national buying power often translates to competitive and consistent pricing, especially for trade account holders.
Practical Information for Customers
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Product Range | Full range of heavyside and lightside materials, timber, landscaping, drainage, insulation, joinery, and tool hire. |
Pricing Structure | Trade accounts offer the best pricing and terms. Retail pricing is available but is generally higher than trade rates. |
Collection/Delivery | Large yard for easy collections and a reliable local and national delivery service. A 'Click & Collect' service is also available online. |
Expertise | In-branch specialists for key areas and a dedicated estimating service. Strong in general building supplies and tool hire. |
Pros & Cons | Pros: Broad national stock availability, in-branch specialists, useful tool hire service. Cons: Closed on Sundays, later weekday opening time (07:30) compared to some independents. |
For interior renovation phases, such as plastering, having a supplier that can provide everything from boards and beads to finishing plaster is essential. To understand what's involved in achieving a perfect finish, you can use our in-house service's to get a detailed plastering quotation and see how quality materials from a merchant like Travis Perkins fit into the overall project cost.
4. Jewson (Southampton - Woolston): Building Merchants in Poole
As a major national merchant, Jewson provides a broad selection of building materials, but their Woolston branch in Southampton has a distinct specialisation in timber. This makes it an invaluable resource for projects heavy on carpentry, joinery, and structural woodwork. While offering a full range of standard heavyside and lightside supplies, its strength lies in the depth of its timber stock and the expert advice available on-site.
Key Features and Services
The standout feature of the Woolston branch is its dedicated timber offering. With specialist staff available to guide you through different grades, treatments, and profiles, it’s an excellent choice for everything from first-fix carcassing to final-fix joinery. This is particularly useful for Hallmoore Developments' bespoke interior fit-outs in areas like Poole and Ringwood, where sourcing the right timber is crucial for achieving a high-quality finish. Our in-house service can help select the perfect timber for your needs.
Backed by a national supply chain, Jewson can often source specific products that might not be available locally. Their standard builders' merchant product mix covers all essentials, and the counter support is generally well-regarded. The convenience of trading Monday to Saturday also suits the schedules of busy tradespeople and weekend DIY projects.
Practical Information for Customers
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Product Range | Extensive timber range (structural, treated, sheet materials), bricks, blocks, plasterboard, insulation, landscaping, tools. |
Pricing Structure | Trade accounts offer the most competitive pricing. Retail pricing is available but often higher, so opening an account is recommended for regular purchases. |
Collection/Delivery | On-site collection available at the Woolston yard. National delivery network provides reliable service across the region. |
Expertise | Strong specialisation in timber with experienced staff. Good general knowledge across other building product lines. |
Pros & Cons | Pros: Strong timber knowledge, access to national supplier network, good for joinery needs. Cons: Tool hire availability can vary by branch, closed on Sundays. |
For projects involving significant timber work, such as roof construction, having a reliable supplier is essential. Coordinating deliveries from Jewson ensures that all necessary structural timbers are on-site before our roofing team arrives. Use our in-house service's to get an accurate and timely roofing estimate and keep the project on schedule.
5. Covers Timber & Builders Merchants (Southampton - Empress Road)
As a family-owned independent merchant with a strong focus on timber, Covers provides an excellent service for projects where wood and landscaping materials are central. Their Empress Road depot is one of the larger ones in Hampshire, making it a key supplier for joinery, decking, fencing, and large-scale garden renovations. Their reputation is built on solid customer service and an impressive stock range tailored to both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Key Features and Services
Covers stands out with its specialist timber services, including an on-site timber cutting service that saves valuable time and ensures precision for bespoke joinery or framing. This is a significant advantage for complex construction phases where accuracy is paramount. Their ability to move stock between their network of depots is another major benefit, often improving availability for specific items not held at the Southampton branch.
The large landscaping display is another key feature, showcasing paving, decking, and artificial grass options. This allows clients to see and feel materials before committing, which is incredibly helpful when planning an outdoor space. For those considering specific garden features, exploring various Paver Patio Design Ideas can guide material selection from merchants for their outdoor spaces. The 'Click & Collect' system with live local stock information also adds a layer of reliability for quick material pickups.
Practical Information for Customers
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Product Range | Extensive timber and panel products, heavyside materials, paving, fencing, decking, loose aggregates, and general building supplies. |
Pricing Structure | Trade accounts offer the most competitive pricing. Retail customers can purchase directly, but it's always worth enquiring about quotes for larger orders. |
Collection/Delivery | Large depot for easy collection. 'Click & Collect' with live stock updates is available. Local and site delivery services are offered, with charges varying based on order size and location. |
Expertise | Strong specialisation in timber, joinery products, and landscaping materials. Helpful in-branch staff with good product knowledge. |
Pros & Cons | Pros: Excellent for timber and landscaping packages, family-run customer service, stock sharing across depots. Cons: Depot is closed on Saturdays, delivery charges apply. |
Sourcing quality timber and landscaping materials from a reliable supplier like Covers is fundamental to the success of any renovation. At Hallmoore Developments, we ensure that every material delivery is scheduled precisely to align with our work, a crucial step when you use our in-house service's to get a full renovation estimate from our team.
6. Sydenhams Builders Merchants (Southampton / Totton): Leading Ringwood Building Merchants
Sydenhams is a well-regarded regional independent merchant with a strong presence across the South. Their Totton branch, just west of Southampton, serves as a crucial hub for projects in areas like the New Forest, Ringwood, and Christchurch. While offering a full range of core building materials, this particular branch is celebrated for its flagship focus on landscaping, making it a go-to for garden, patio, and external works.
Key Features and Services
The standout feature of the Totton branch is its extensive landscaping display and specialist in-branch advice. This is a significant advantage for homeowners and contractors planning external renovations, from new decking and paving to fencing and garden structures. Having physical displays allows for a much better feel for materials than just looking at a catalogue, which is vital for achieving the right aesthetic for an outdoor space.
Beyond landscaping, Sydenhams operates as a full-service builders' merchant, stocking everything from bricks and timber to plumbing supplies and even kitchens. Their trade accounts offer competitive pricing and personalised service for regular customers, solidifying their reputation as a reliable partner for many local construction and development firms. Their delivery service often includes offers, such as free delivery over a certain spend, which is worth checking for larger orders.
Practical Information for Customers
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Product Range | Extensive landscaping range (paving, decking, fencing), bricks, timber, roofing, plumbing, kitchens, and general building supplies. |
Pricing Structure | Trade accounts provide the best value. Retail customers should enquire in-branch for specific quotes. |
Collection/Delivery | Good access for collection at the Totton branch. Local delivery service available, with potential offers for qualifying orders. |
Expertise | A leading specialist in landscaping materials and advice. Strong general knowledge across all core building supplies. |
Pros & Cons | Pros: Excellent for landscaping projects, convenient for the West Southampton/New Forest area, broad independent stock. Cons: Closed on Sundays, specialist stock levels can vary between branches. |
For projects managed by Hallmoore Developments that include significant external work, such as a patio for a new extension, Sydenhams is an excellent materials partner. Our in-house service's coordinate the delivery of paving slabs, aggregates, and timber to ensure our groundwork and landscaping teams can proceed efficiently, creating a seamless transition from the interior build to the finished garden.
7. South Coast Building Supplies (SCBS): Local Southampton Building Merchants
As a prominent independent building merchant founded in 2008, South Coast Building Supplies (SCBS) offers a distinctly local and agile service from its two Southampton depots. With branches strategically located at Dibles Wharf and Winchester Road, SCBS provides excellent coverage across both the east and west of the city, stocking over 3,000 core product lines for trade and public customers. Their focus is on heavyside materials, landscaping, and insulation, backed by nimble local decision-making.
Key Features and Services
The major advantage of SCBS lies in its independent status, which translates to pricing flexibility and responsive service. Unlike larger national chains, the team can often negotiate competitive rates directly at the branch, making them a strong contender for projects in Southampton, Ringwood, and surrounding areas. This local autonomy ensures a faster, more personal approach to sourcing materials.
A key offering is their brick matching service, which is essential for extension and renovation projects where blending new construction with existing brickwork is paramount. Combined with their local delivery fleet and a 'Click & Collect' option, they provide a reliable supply chain for both planned material drops and urgent, same-day needs. Their twin-depot setup means stock is often readily available on either side of the city.
Practical Information for Customers
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Product Range | Heavyside materials (bricks, blocks, cement), landscaping supplies, insulation, timber, aggregates, and general building materials. |
Pricing Structure | Competitive pricing for both trade and public. Negotiated rates are best secured by calling or visiting a branch directly. |
Collection/Delivery | Two convenient Southampton locations for collection (Dibles Wharf & Winchester Road). A dedicated local delivery fleet serves the surrounding region. |
Expertise | Strong knowledge in heavyside supplies, brick matching, and local project requirements. Good for quick turnarounds on special orders. |
Pros & Cons | Pros: Flexible independent pricing, responsive local service, two depots for better city coverage. Cons: Best quotes often require a phone call, website is more of a catalogue than a full e-commerce platform. |
For projects undertaken by Hallmoore Developments, having a supplier like SCBS with dual locations is a logistical advantage. It means our in-house service's teams can source materials efficiently, whether they are working on a property refurbishment in Poole or a new extension in Christchurch, ensuring our plastering and decorating experts have what they need on-site without delay.
Website: https://scbs.ltd
7 Southampton Building Merchants Comparison
Merchant | Access & Complexity (🔄) | Resources & Services (💡) | Speed & Availability (⚡) | Expected Outcomes (⭐ 📊) | Ideal Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elliotts (Southampton) | Trade account recommended for best pricing; closed Sun | Brick library & matching; large timber yard; in-house Sales Hub; click & collect | Live local stock, same-day yard collections and local delivery | ⭐⭐⭐ High local expertise and broad range for full refurbishments | Full-house renovations, extensions, project support |
Selco Builders Warehouse (Southampton) | Trade-only (Trade Card required); open 7 days | Thousands of lines; in-branch cutting, paint mixing, brick matching; free click & collect | ⚡ Early opening (from 06:30), 7‑day access ideal for urgent runs | ⭐⭐⭐ Reliable stock and competitive trade pricing for multi-trade jobs | Urgent site runs, multi-discipline jobs, weekend/early starts |
Travis Perkins (Albert Rd North) | Standard trade/customer accounts; closed Sun; later weekday opening (from 07:30) | Estimating/take-off services; specialist centres (timber, drylining, plant); tool hire | Delivery and tool-hire options; consistent national availability | ⭐⭐⭐ Consistent stock and estimating support for planning and costing | Extensions, refurbishment estimating, tool hire for site work |
Jewson (Woolston) | Standard counter access; Mon–Sat trading; branch services may vary | Timber-specialist branch with extended timber ranges and expert advice | Mon–Sat availability; service mix varies by branch | ⭐⭐⭐ Strong timber expertise and national logistics backing | Timber-heavy interior refits, joinery and fabricated timber needs |
Covers Timber & Builders Merchants (Empress Rd) | Family-owned independent; depot closed Sat (plan weekdays) | Timber cutting, broad panel stocks, large landscaping displays; click & collect | Live local stock and site delivery; delivery charges vary by order | ⭐⭐⭐ Very good for timber, decking and landscaping packages | Decking, fencing, paving and joinery projects |
Sydenhams (Southampton / Totton) | Regional trade accounts available; Mon–Sat opening; closed Sun | Full merchant ranges plus extensive landscaping displays; trade support | Mon–Sat; stock can vary by branch | ⭐⭐ Reliable regional stock with landscaping focus for local areas | Garden, patio and external works in West Southampton / New Forest |
South Coast Building Supplies (SCBS) | Two local depots; serves trade & public; Mon–Sat | Brick matching, 3,000+ items, click & collect, local delivery fleet | Nimble local response; negotiated rates often by phone | ⭐⭐⭐ Responsive local service and flexible pricing for Southampton projects | Local projects needing specials, quick turnarounds or negotiated rates |
Partnering with the Pros: Let Hallmoore Developments Handle the Hassle
Navigating the diverse and well-stocked aisles of Southampton's top building merchants is the foundational step for any successful construction or renovation project. From the extensive product lines at Elliotts and Selco to the specialist timber selections at Covers and Sydenhams, this guide has provided a clear roadmap to sourcing the best materials for your specific needs. Each supplier offers unique strengths, whether it's trade account benefits, rapid delivery, or expert advice on a particular product category.
The crucial takeaway is that preparation is everything. Before you even approach a counter, having a detailed material list, understanding your budget, and knowing the right questions to ask can save you significant time and money. Comparing quotes, checking stock levels, and arranging logistics are all vital parts of the process.
From Sourcing to Seamless Execution
Choosing the right supplier is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. The real challenge often lies in the coordination of these elements. Managing multiple deliveries, ensuring material quality upon arrival, and having the correct supplies on-site at the precise moment they are needed requires expert project management. A delay in a timber delivery can halt framing work, which in turn pushes back plastering, plumbing, and decorating, creating a costly domino effect.
This is precisely where the value of an all-in-one building partner becomes clear. Rather than juggling supplier relationships and delivery schedules yourself, you can use our in-house service's to manage the entire procurement process.
At Hallmoore Developments, we have built strong, long-standing relationships with the best building merchants Southampton, Bournemouth, and Poole have to offer. Our in-house teams of plasterers, electricians, plumbers, and decorators know exactly which materials offer the best performance and value for your project. We handle the sourcing, quality control, and scheduling, ensuring a flawless workflow from start to finish. By entrusting your project to us, you are not just hiring a builder; you are gaining a partner who manages every detail, allowing you to focus on your vision without the logistical stress.
Ready to turn your plans into a beautifully finished reality without the hassle of managing suppliers? The team at Hallmoore Developments works directly with the best building merchants in Southampton and across the South Coast, handling all procurement and logistics for your project. Use our in-house service's today for a no-obligation consultation and let our expert team bring your vision to life.
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