These DIY shops are still delivering in lockdown

Planning some home improvements while you’re stuck in the house? Here's how you can get hold of supplies

As much of the UK settles back into lockdown again, many homeowners will be looking to beat cabin fever by tackling long-delayed home renovation projects.

According to official guidelines, hardware stores in England can remain open for the duration – though some are operating with restrictions – however, homeware shops must close until at least 2 December, so if you don’t already have everything you need, it might prove tough to source supplies.

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Fortunately, some retailers are still providing contact-free delivery or collection services so you can get your hands on the materials you need.

Different regions across the UK may have their own restrictions in place so do check your local government website to see what's open in your area.

B&Q

As an essential retailer, B&Q's stores remain open with strict social distancing rules in place and a maximum of four people per household permitted to shop together. Browse their latest restrictions here.

The DIY giant is also offering click and collect and home delivery on a range of items, from furniture, hardware, paint and wallpaper to plumbing, electrical, building supplies and tools.

Next-day delivery is available as standard and costs £5 – for orders over £50 it's free. Named-day delivery is available for orders with larger items.

Delivery crews will wear PPE and a signature will not be required to take receipt of items. You can find more information here.

Screwfix

Screwfix stores are open for the duration of lockdown, however, a number of branches have temporarily reduced their opening hours – you can find a list of the affected locations here.

Their contactless click and collect service is still running, with collection available within 24-48 hours.

You can also order a selection of DIY supplies including tools, plumbing, electric supplies, paint and wallpaper from their website.

Home delivery typically takes between 24-48 hours or a delivery day can be chosen up to seven days in advance, however, they warn that there may be delays due to the current situation.

Delivery costs £5 for orders under £50, while for orders above £50 it’s free. Click here for more information.

Wickes

Wickes' highstreet shops remain open with restrictions in place and a maximum of 30 customers allowed instore at any one time. 

Their free click and collect service is operating and orders are typically available to pick up within four working hours. For larger home projects, Wickes' free virtual design consultant is still available for appointments and quotes too.

You can purchase construction materials and decorating supplies for painting projects online, with next-day delivery offered as standard. 

Delivery costs £7.95 but is free for orders over £75. More information is available here.

Homebase

Homebase stores will remain open throughout the lockdown period and they've put a number of safety measures in place including sanitising stations, perspex screens and distanced shopping.

From plumbing, hardware and electrical goods to paint, wallpaper and furniture, Homebase's website is fully stocked with everything you need to tick any lingering DIY projects off your list for good.

They offer standard, next-day and named delivery, but costs vary depending on the items ordered. You can also pick up items instore within 24 hours of your order confirmation with their free click and collect service. You can find out more about delivery options here.

IKEA

IKEA stores across England are closed for the duration of the second lockdown, however, their home delivery service is still up and running. 

For those yearning for a flat-pack fix, you can find items including furniture, soft furnishings, lighting and storage on the Scandi brand's website.

Home delivery is available starting from £4 for a small parcel or up to £19 for a large parcel and orders should arrive within one to three days.

For large pieces of furniture, delivery will set you back £40 and lead times range from four to 30 days, while express delivery on substantial items is available between one to three days at a cost of £50.

You can also order via their contactless click and collect service, with items available to pick up from store at a cost of £10, or a DPD pick-up point for £2. If you're picking up a bulky order, they warn that staff will be unable to assist.

For up-to-date information on IKEA's restrictions and shopping options, click here.

Wilko

Wilko's highstreet shops remain open to the public with enhanced cleaning, protective screens and store marshals to ensure safe shopping.

You'll be able to purchase an array of non-food essentials instore, from cleaning to hardware and DIY products, however, for non-essential products including decorating supplies and furniture, customers will have to shop via their website.

If you choose to order online, standard home delivery costs £5, while orders over £100 are free, though heavy or large items may incur a £12 delivery fee. Orders made before 3pm will be delivered within six working days.

Next-day delivery and Wilko's order and collect service are currently unavailable – find out more about their delivery policy here.

Halfords

With car repair and bicycle shops on the list of essential businesses, Halfords stores are open across England, though customer numbers will be limited. 

They're operating their 'drive in, fit and repair' service for essential motoring and cycling repairs and their garages and mobile experts are still operational.

Halfords is continuing to offer a home delivery service, which costs £3.99 for orders under £40 and is free for those over £40. Bulky items cost £39.99.

Orders can also be picked up from store with their click and collect service, and items that are already in stock at your selected location can be collected within an hour of placing your order.

Their website warns that extra safety measures may result in longer lead times on orders. See here for more information. 

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Featured image: Zivica Kerkez / Shutterstock