Local Suppliers

There's no doubt that the giant DIY chains have their place, but we often overlook the local independent suppliers. There are still a few DIY shops in the Medway Towns and they have their advantages.

They tend to be staffed by people who know their trade & can offer good advice, they will often sell small quantities of things (rather than a whole pack), many offer cut lengths of timber & pipe and many will order in items they don't have in stock.

Allbits Plumbing Supplies is a bathroom supplier with a really good range of baths, showers, sinks, toilets, basins, taps etc - often at prices lower than the big DIY chains - and always of excellent quality. Also the best place to buy plumbing fittings. 108, Cuxton Rd, Strood, ME2 2JA. Tel: 712816

Abacus Electrical are an electrical supplier on the Medway City Estate. Very helpful people who can find anything for you. Unit 3, Rochester Court, Anthonys Way, Rochester, ME2 4NW Tel: 714468

Home & Garden are a very good builders merchant & timber supplier who carry large stocks & supply cut lengths of timber. 122, Delce Rd, Rochester, ME1 2DT. Tel: 845740

Taggart Hardware & Plumbing is another handy place with huge stocks & friendly people. 26 Church Street, Hoo, ME3 9AH. Tel 01634 256555.

Simply DIY in Lordswood is yet another excellent place for DIY supplies. 2 Admirals Walk, Lordswood Lane, Lordswood ME5 8NL Tel: 862048

Johnsons of Rainham is a veritable Aladdin's Cave for those in search of unusual hardware items & quality tools. 202-204, Station Rd, Rainham ME8 7PR Tel: 231609

Johnstones in Rochester High Street is another Aladdin's Cave for seekers of the hard to find. 81, High St, Rochester, ME1 1LX Tel: 844067