Travis Perkins, a leading name in building materials and home improvement, was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Northampton, United Kingdom.
Summary
Travis Perkins is one of the UK’s largest builders’ merchants, with a history that traces back over two centuries through a series of mergers between historic timber, joinery, and building supply firms. The modern Travis Perkins plc was formed in 1988 through the merger of Travis & Arnold and Sandell Perkins, and has since grown into a nationwide network serving both trade professionals and everyday homeowners.
Today, Travis Perkins operates as a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250, with a portfolio that includes well-known subsidiary brands supporting different corners of the building and home improvement market.
Company Background
- Travis Perkins plc was formed in 1988 through the merger of Travis & Arnold and Sandell Perkins, itself the product of earlier mergers dating back to 1797.
- Headquartered in Northampton, United Kingdom.
- Publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: TPK) and part of the FTSE 250 Index.
- The group’s brand portfolio includes Toolstation, Keyline, BSS, Benchmarx, and CCF, covering different segments of building materials, plumbing, and joinery.
- Operates a large network of branches across the UK, supported by online ordering and delivery.
Product Range
Travis Perkins supplies a broad range of building, DIY, and garden materials:
- Timber & joinery: Structural timber, sheet materials, doors, and mouldings
- Plumbing & heating: Pipes, fittings, boilers, and heating supplies
- Building materials: Bricks, blocks, cement, plaster, and aggregates
- Tools & hardware: Hand tools, power tools, fixings, and site equipment
- Garden & landscaping: Fencing, decking, sheds, and outdoor building supplies
- Tool hire: Equipment rental available at many branch locations
What Makes Travis Perkins Stand Out
- Trade expertise: With a long history serving builders and trade professionals, staff are often praised for practical, knowledgeable advice.
- Trade Accounts: Regular customers can set up a Trade Account for trade pricing, exclusive offers, and free branch delivery.
- Branch network: A large number of physical branches across the UK makes it easy to collect materials locally or get expert advice in person.
- Tool hire alongside materials: Being able to hire equipment at the same branch where materials are purchased adds convenience for one-off projects.
- Flexible fulfillment: Customers can choose between branch delivery, direct delivery, or Click & Collect depending on what’s most convenient.
Pricing & Value
- Pricing generally reflects trade-focused building materials, with regular customers able to access better rates through a Trade Account.
- Free branch delivery is available for Trade Account holders, while other delivery options may carry a charge depending on the size and type of order.
- Occasional promotions and “Big Trade Deals” offer additional savings for both trade and DIY customers.
Delivery & Fulfillment
- Branch delivery: Many orders are fulfilled directly from the local branch, with delivery timing coordinated by branch staff.
- Click & Collect: Customers can order online and collect from their nearest branch.
- Trade Account delivery: Free delivery is typically included for Trade Account holders.
- Bulk and specialist items: Larger items like aggregates, timber, or bulk bags are often delivered directly to site, sometimes requiring coordination around site access.
Returns Policy
- Standard items can generally be returned within a set window from the date of purchase or delivery, though this can vary depending on the product category.
- Faulty or damaged items can typically be reported for a refund or exchange within 30 days of delivery, with free collection arranged by Travis Perkins.
- Certain items are excluded from returns, including perishable building materials (such as cement and plaster), custom-made products, and opened or used items.
- Proof of purchase is generally required, though account history or delivery confirmation emails can sometimes be used if a receipt isn’t available.
Customer Service
- Support is available via phone, email, and in-branch staff, with dedicated Trade Account support for regular customers.
- Customer reviews frequently highlight specific staff members going out of their way to help with deliveries, tricky site access, or product advice — a recurring theme across many positive reviews.
- As with any large branch network, experiences can vary by location: some reviews mention excellent, personalized service, while others describe delivery delays or inconsistent communication about order timing.
Who Is Travis Perkins Best For?
- Trade professionals who want reliable access to building materials and trade pricing through a Trade Account
- Homeowners tackling DIY, renovation, or garden projects who need expert advice alongside their purchase
- Anyone needing tool hire in addition to materials for a one-off project
- Customers who value the option to collect locally or have materials delivered directly to a job site
Bottom Line
Travis Perkins has built its reputation over more than two centuries as a trusted source for building materials, combining trade expertise with a large nationwide branch network. While delivery timing and communication can vary between branches, the brand’s Trade Accounts, tool hire options, and consistently praised in-branch staff make it a strong choice for both trade professionals and DIY homeowners tackling home, garden, and building projects.
