By far the best hardware store in the area. Puts all the chain stores like Homebase and B&Q to…read moreshame with their amazing standard of service. It doesn't matter what sort of DIY your trying to do there is always someone there who has the necessary knowledge to help you. It's only a small store but they make the most of the space and it's packed full of stuff, which although not as cheap as the superstores is worth it for the back up you get. The most handy thing they have is off to the side of the store. If you want wood cut to size they have a wall mounted cutter and will happily cut boards and planks to your exact requirements. I've not been here in some time but they certainly know their stuff and it's worth using them over anyone else in the area.

Located in the heart of Lightwater village. This is a diy/general store…read moreThere aren't many diy shops close to the Lightwater area and this shop does have quite a range of diy items. Building, plumbing, carpentry and electrical items are all stocked Screws and bolts etc can be purchased singularly as opposed to by the pack, which you will not find in any other diy shop or builders merchants. It also caters for animal food, but this does come at a slightly higher price, but this is compensated by a friendly, knowledgeable service. Free off road parking to the front of the store

If you're in need of a widget, broom or pressure cooker then Robet Dyas is the place to come…read more Although it's not a fancy outlet it seems to stock a variety of things that you can't get elsewhere and, now, with Woolies gone I can only see myself using it more. Staff are generally very helpful and friendly as long as you don't get them when they're really busy and I've found advice to be good and accurate. Pricing is generally good (and it's quite helpful that Argos is just across the road so you can price compare). It's always worth checking out their special offers, particularly on small electricals.

This is a lovely roomy store! Plenty of space to wander round and the man who served me was really…read morenice. I have found some branches have so much you can't actually walk round with out brushing stuff off the shelves, but no problems here and the sales man put together my product for me.

I've never been a fan of Homebase and this particular store gives me no reason to change my…read moreopinion. It's not a particularly large store but it is one which I find poorly laid out and cramped. In terms of price rarely is Homebase competative with the rest of the market - for hardware I'd favour Wickes (about 1/2 a mile down the road) and for Homeware the newly re-opened Focus on the opposite side of town. The plant section is possibly the only reason to visit although it's expensive and you need to be careful about the quality. There's lots of free parking although if you're buying something large there are not that many accessible spaces (and the problem is compounded by the store being next to Sainsbury's). Avoid the toilets on the way in at all costs, they're dirty and smelly. They're so bad that I even make my 2 year old wait till he gets home preferring the risk that he won't make it to the risk from the toilets!

Located next door to Sainsbury's on the old Brookwood Hospital site (Knaphill)…read moreFairly large single storey shop with all the usual diy bits - Kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, paint, plumbing, electrical, timber, doors etc. Also has small furniture and household items section (much larger range at the Guildford one), a lighting section, and gardening as well as a large outside space with sheds, plants, compost and the like. Handy store for picking up those diy essentials! Free parking at the front of the store. Toilets on the way in. Cash points by Sainsburys (next door)

Competitively priced and extremely efficient is the easy way to describe HSS Hire in Old Woking…read more They hold a vast selection of tools and equipment for hire over a variety of periods of time and all at prices which put some others to shame. Their friendly and experienced in the trade so always able to offer helpful advice on what you'll need. I've spent some time renovating my house over the last couple of years, so I've used these guys on a number of occasions and have been well looked after every time. They help load up your car and unload it when you return, so no need to worry about dealing with the heavy stuff. If you need something to help with a spot of DIY then try HSS, hopefully you'll be as impressed as me.