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Picking the right drywall materials is a lot like choosing the right toolkit for a road trip — the wrong item can leave you stranded halfway through the job. Whether you’re hanging plasterboard, running electrical trunking, or fitting recessed Downlights, small parts like plugs, clips, and adhesive matter. They affect hold, finish, safety, and how long the installation lasts. I’ll walk you through the main products, the UK stores that stock them, and practical tips to help you make smarter buying choices.
If you’re shopping around, a few names keep popping up for good reason. Expert Electrical specialises in electrical accessories and is a great source for cable clips, trunking parts, and downlight accessories. Big-box DIY chains such as Screwfix, Wickes, and B&Q cover a broad range of plasterboard and fixings at competitive prices. Trade-focused suppliers like Travis Perkins, Jewson, and Selco Builders Warehouse are ideal for bulk buys and contractor-grade products. Toolstation and City Plumbing are useful for quick electrical and plumbing items that often crossover with drywall work. Each store has strengths — some are best for price, some for specialist stock, and some for trade-grade reliability.
Expert Electrical stands out when you need electrical-specific drywall items: black cable clips for 0.08–0.12 inch round cable, Unicrimp adhesive cartridges, and recessed slim rail accessories for Downlights. If your project revolves around routing cables inside plasterboard walls or installing recessed lighting, Expert Electrical is a smart first stop because they focus on these niche components and stock branded items that many general DIY stores don’t keep in-depth.
For homeowners and DIYers, Screwfix, Wickes, and B&Q are go-to stores. They combine convenience with a wide product range: plasterboard sheets, plugs, adhesive tubs, and starter kits for hanging drywall. They also support quick buy-and-return trips and often offer online click-and-collect. If you only need a pack of plasterboard plugs or a handful of trunking clips to finish a weekend job, these chains usually have the best balance of price and accessibility.
If you’re a contractor or working on larger projects, buying from trade suppliers like Selco, Travis Perkins, or Jewson can save time and money. They carry bulk packs — think boxes of 96 plasterboard plugs or 100-packs of dovetail cable hangers — and stock items to commercial specifications. Their staff often have trade know-how, and their product ranges include heavy-duty trunking, specialist adhesives, and fittings suited for repeated installations.
Let’s break down the common items you’ll encounter on a drywall job so you stop guessing and start buying with confidence. From plasterboard plugs to ducting clips and downlight end caps, each has a role. I’ll touch on what they do, why they matter, and how to choose them based on your needs.
Plasterboard plugs are the unsung heroes of any wall-mounted installation. Packs such as Unicrimp Plasterboard Plugs (often sold in counts like 96) are designed to spread the load behind the board so fixtures don’t pull out. For lightweight shelving or picture frames you don’t need a monster fixing — but for radiators or cabinets, opt for heavy-duty wall anchors or toggle bolts. Always match the plug to the weight you expect to hang and the thickness of the board.
Cable clips keep your wiring neat, safe, and code-compliant. Black cable clips that fit 0.08–0.12 inch round cable are practical for most lighting circuits and small cable runs inside plasterboard partitions. Brands like Unicrimp and Walraven make tidy, durable clips that are easy to install. Use a clip every 6 to 8 inches where wires run along a channel, and choose clips rated for the cable diameter to prevent insulation damage.
Trunking keeps cables out of sight and protects them from damage. Unitrunk-style parts — for example, gusset bend top lids that measure roughly 3 inches by 3 inches — are common in confined runs and corners. Ensure you buy matching lids and bends so the trunking snaps together cleanly. For shallow profiles you’ll want low-profile ducting clips and fasteners designed to hold the system without bulging.
Flat channel ducting clips, often around 8 inches by 2.4 inches in dimensions for some low-profile systems, are engineered to hold ventilation or cable channels close to the wall or ceiling. Manrose and similar brands produce clips that align neatly with slim duct profiles used around kitchens and bathrooms or inside false ceilings. Choose clips that match your ducting width and material to avoid rattles or gaps.
Strong adhesives such as a 10 fl oz (approximately) Grip & Grab cartridge are indispensable for bonding trims and profiles where mechanical fixings aren’t enough or visible screws would spoil the finish. For pulling cable through conduits, a draw tape lubricant makes a huge difference — it’s like greasing the tracks on a model train, letting cable glide through tight bends without snagging. Buy trusted brands for these small items because they prevent big headaches during installation.
Dovetail cable hangers and similar hardware come in packs of 100 for larger jobs and are excellent for securing cable runs in ceilings or voids. Brands such as Walraven deliver hangers designed for easy installation and reliable long-term support. If you’re suspending heavier cable bundles, choose hangers with adequate load ratings and corrosion-resistant finishes for longevity.
When fitting recessed Downlights, you’ll need the right profile accessories: slim rail profiles, end caps, and recessed trims that protect the edge and tidy the appearance. An end cap without a hole for a recessed slim rail profile is a simple but necessary finishing piece that keeps the rail enclosed and the light fitting secure. These fittings are small but essential to a clean, professional-looking installation.
Comparing drywall supplies is more than looking at the ticket price. Factor in quality, warranty, and whether a store offers trade packs or single units. For example, a pack of 96 plasterboard plugs may seem more expensive up front than a smaller pack at another shop, but per unit the cost is often much lower. Also consider ordering convenience: next-day click-and-collect or trade accounts with monthly billing might be worth a small premium when you’re on a deadline.
Before you rush to checkout, do a quick checklist: measure twice, convert to inches if instructions use metric, and plan how many fixings per board you’ll need. If you’re unsure about a product like a trunking lid or a specific bend, bring a photo or the old part into the store — team members at specialist shops usually appreciate a clear reference. Buying a spare pack of clips or a small tube of adhesive for emergencies is a classic time-saver.
Compatibility is often the silent killer of smooth installs. Trunking systems usually require matching lids, clips, and bends from the same family to snap together correctly. When fitting Downlights, make sure the rail, cap, and light fitting are all designed to work together — mismatched pieces can cause trimming issues or unsafe installations. Use the right length of screws and don't over-torque plugs in plasterboard; too tight and you’ll crush the fixing rather than anchor it.
More suppliers are offering eco-conscious options like low-VOC adhesives and recyclable trunking. If sustainability matters to you, check product descriptions and ask stores about recycled content or take-back schemes. Durable materials that last reduce waste in the long run, so sometimes a slightly pricier, longer-lasting part is the greener buy.
For single jobs, the convenience of Screwfix or B&Q often beats price alone. For larger projects, trade suppliers and specialist electrical stores can offer volume discounts or loyalty schemes that dramatically reduce cost per unit. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, clearance lines, and online promotions — even branded items like Unicrimp or Walraven can go on offer. If you buy regularly, opening a trade account with suppliers you use most can unlock better pricing and priority service.
Common mistakes include buying the wrong diameter cable clips, underestimating the number of plugs needed, and using general-purpose adhesive where a specialist Grab adhesive is required. Avoid these pitfalls by double-checking measurements in inches, buying a little more than you need, and choosing products rated for the specific application. When in doubt, ask for a specialist product sheet or look for online reviews from other installers.
Before you begin, make sure you’ve got the basics: the correct plasterboard grade and size for the room, the right number and type of plugs, cable clips sized for your wiring, trunking with matching lids and bends, a suitable adhesive cartridge, and a spare pack of hangers. Keep a small toolbox with a draw tape lubricant, a utility knife, and a screw set for last-minute fixes. Preparation saves time and makes the actual work feel more like crafting than firefighting.
Conclusion: Choosing drywall supplies doesn’t have to be a game of chance. With the right knowledge, the right stores, and a small checklist, you can get pro-quality results whether you’re a weekend DIYer or a busy contractor. Match the product to the task, buy a touch extra, and favor specialists for electrical accessories and trade suppliers for bulk needs — the end result will be a safer, cleaner, and longer-lasting installation.
| Drywall | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| End Cap Without Hole For Recessed Slim Rail Profile Ec-rsl7-h3 | £ 2,16 | |
| Walraven Britclips Cr819 Cable Run Clips Pack Of 25 | £ 9,80 | |
| Walraven Britclips Cr825 Cable Run Clips Pack Of 25 | £ 10,63 |
