Underwoods is an 'old fashioned' hardware store which is brimming full of everything from simple…read moretacks to outdoor heaters with covers. The sheer range of items is slightly mind boggling at first but the friendly and chatty staff are more than happy to help you find the item, give advice and give you great ideas. The outside of the shop is a carnival of household items which include, bins, brushes, flower pot men, hedgehog shoe cleaners, plants, heaters, forks, green houses, tools the list goes on The inside is stacked high with products and you are sure to leave with more that you came in for Underwoods has been there for many, many years and I hope it stays there for many years still as it a welcome change to Homebase and B&Q. If a DIY shop for you has always been the huge warehouses then you will find this a breath of fresh air.

A traditional and independant hardware and homeware shop. YOu can get knowledgable advice on all…read moremanner of DIY queries and can buy just a single nail or screw (ratehr than a whole packet). There is a garden centre as well as various home items including dustbins and napkins.

Freds sell just about anything, not cheap, but if you consider the cost of travelling to…read moreColchester, they are just a little bit dearer.

Big shout-out to Phil for helping us replace missing parts from a product bought in store. Been…read moreusing this store for a long time and the staff are always polite and helpful.

The Ransomes Europark B&Q is a large, purpose built warehouse. Getting there is easy and it'd be…read morevery hard to miss as you see the huge sign on the approach. The parking's very good and it's unusual not to be able to set down right outside (barring huge discount bank holidays). The first thing you'll notice is the screeching mock eagle on the roof - it's supposed to frighten off seagulls (they mock it). Then you'll need a pound coin or token to get a trolley. Inside is big, airy, bright and complete with café. They also have some of the most attentive staff I've met in a DIY store. The only criticism is that they can be a bit short-handed in the week. There's a fairly good selection of plants (both in and outdoor) and everything a home DIY enthusiast or a professional could need. If you are a pro, there's a specific area for you to go to so you're in and out in a flash. All in all, it's a good one with minimal hassle and no difficulty leaving the carpark once done - which can be an issue in a lot of badly placed megastores.

Large hardware store tucked away in the back streets of Halstead…read more Sells all sorts of things to do with DIY. Good range of paints & wallpapers as well as general household goods. Car park which can be difficult to get in and out of ! Also sells garden equipment, wood and fencing. Well worth a visit rather than going to a big out of town DIY store