Best Planers in the UK: Where to Buy and How to Choose the Right One for Your Home Projects

Why a planer is a game-changer for home woodwork

If you enjoy woodworking or are tackling home improvement jobs, a planer can turn a frustrating, uneven board into a smooth, professional-looking piece in minutes. Think of a planer as a high-speed iron for wood — it flattens, smooths, and sizes timber so your joints fit snug and your furniture looks sharp. Whether you’re fixing warped floorboards, preparing a tabletop, or resizing reclaimed timber, the right planer saves hours and gives you control over the finish.

Know the types: Which planer suits your projects?

Not all planers are created equal. Before you buy, figure out what kind of jobs you’ll do most often — small touch-ups, heavy-duty ripping, or precision thicknessing. Choosing the right category prevents buyer’s remorse and keeps your workshop running smoothly.

Handheld planers

Handheld planers are lightweight and versatile. They’re perfect for trimming doors, chamfering edges, and levelling small areas. These typically remove from a hairline up to about 1/8 inch per pass and are great when portability matters. For most DIYers, a 6 to 7 amp corded model or a 12 to 18 volt cordless unit covers most tasks.

Thickness planers (planer/thicknesser)

Thickness planers, sometimes called planer/thicknessers, are the workshop heroes for milling rough timber to a precise thickness. They handle boards several inches wide and can remove much larger amounts per pass than handhelds — think 1/16 to 1/8 inch depending on your machine. If you plan to mill timber routinely, a benchtop or freestanding thicknesser is worth the investment.

Surface planers and jointer-planer combos

Surface planers (or jointers) are ideal for producing flat faces and straight edges before using a thicknesser. Some combo machines provide both functions in one footprint, which is handy if space is tight. These tools are more common among serious hobbyists and small professional shops.

Top UK stores to buy planers (and what makes each one stand out)

The UK market offers several reliable retailers where you can find planers, accessories, and replacement blades. Below I list stores with what they do best, prices you can expect, and shopping tips so you get a machine that fits your project and wallet.

Screwfix — trade-friendly and great for cordless ranges

Screwfix is popular with tradespeople for a reason: a wide selection of cordless and corded planers from established brands like DeWalt, Makita, and Bosch, plus a solid range of spare blades and accessories. Screwfix often stocks professional-grade models and run frequent price promotions, so it’s a good spot to watch for discounts if you want a higher-end planer without paying full price.

B&Q — convenient and DIY-focused

B&Q balances affordability and accessibility, catering to casual DIYers and homeowners. Their handheld planers and entry-level thicknessers are easy to find and often bundled with safety gear or starter accessory packs. If you want to try a planer for occasional tasks without investing heavily, B&Q is a sensible first stop.

Wickes — value and local availability

Wickes tends to focus on practical, value-oriented tools. They stock a range of corded handheld planers and some benchtop machines geared toward the homeowner. Wickes’ stock is often geared toward practical renovation tasks like door trimming and fitted furniture adjustments.

Toolstation — fast service for trade tools

Toolstation is another trade-focused retailer with a no-nonsense selection of planers, especially from mid-range brands that balance durability and price. The benefit here is easy access to replacement blades and quick local pickup options if you need a tool the same day.

Homebase — accessible for occasional users

Homebase is convenient for homeowners seeking simple, reliable handheld planers or entry-level thicknessers. They often bundle tools with clear product descriptions and user guides, which helps if you’re new to planers and want straightforward advice.

Robert Dyas — small tools and accessories

For smaller jobs and accessories like planer blades, dust collection adapters, and safety kit, Robert Dyas is a handy option. They focus on easy-to-use products aimed at the casual DIY customer and often stock compact, lightweight models for occasional jobs around the house.

Amazon UK and eBay — broad selection and user reviews

If you like reading reviews and comparing a large number of options, Amazon UK and eBay are natural choices. You’ll find everything from budget handhelds to professional thicknessers and a wide range of third-party blades. The trick here is to check seller ratings and read several reviews to avoid low-quality sellers.

Brands worth considering: Reliability, parts, and resale

Brand matters when it comes to planers. Trusted names like DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, Ryobi, and Hitachi (now Hikoki) have better support networks for spare parts and replacement blades. Investing in a reputable brand usually means easier blade replacement, longer warranty options, and higher resale value if you decide to upgrade later.

DeWalt and Makita — trade-grade reliability

DeWalt and Makita are often favoured by professionals for consistency, robust motor construction, and long-term reliability. If you plan to use a planer frequently or in demanding conditions, these brands are worth the premium.

Bosch and Ryobi — balance between price and performance

Bosch and Ryobi provide solid mid-range options that suit most hobbyists and DIYers. Bosch often focuses on ergonomics and smooth cut quality, while Ryobi offers surprisingly good cordless options at value prices.

How to choose: key specs and what they mean

Specs can feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few core numbers helps you pick the right planer. Here are metrics that matter and how to read them when comparing models.

Cutting depth per pass

Cutting depth per pass indicates how much wood the planer can remove in one go, typically measured in fractions of an inch. For handhelds, look for maximum depths around 1/8 inch; for thicknessers, you may expect 1/16 to 1/8 inch depending on model and feed rate. Deeper cuts save time but demand more power and produce more tear-out on tricky grain.

Cutter width and capacity

Cutter width determines how wide a board you can plane in one pass. Handhelds typically handle up to 3 to 4 inches across the sole, while thickness planers often process boards 8 to 12 inches wide or more. Choose a width that suits the widest boards you usually work with.

Power and motor type

Motor power affects how smoothly the planer removes material, especially on hardwood. Corded planers are measured in amps — a 6 to 7 amp model is fine for many jobs, while heavy-duty planers may have 10 amps or more. For thicknessers, power is usually listed in horsepower; a higher number helps when feeding thicker passes.

Speed (cuts per minute)

Planer speed, often expressed as knives’ revolutions or cuts per minute, influences surface finish. Higher speeds yield smoother finishes but may increase chip-out on tricky grain unless the blades are very sharp and the feed rate is correct.

Practical buying tips to save money and avoid regrets

Shopping for a planer is part technical, part strategic. Here are tips that save you money and grief while getting the right tool for your needs.

Match the tool to the workload

Don’t overspend on a massive thicknesser if you only trim doors now and then. Conversely, don’t compromise on power if you’ll be milling reclaimed hardwood — inadequate power means frustrating passes and poor finish quality.

Check blade availability and cost

Blades wear out. Before buying, check that replacement blades are easy to source and reasonably priced. Carbide-tipped blades last longer but cost more; high-speed steel blades are cheaper but may need frequent replacement depending on use.

Think about dust extraction

Planing produces a lot of chips and fine dust. Look for machines with decent dust ports compatible with your workshop extractor or a shop vac. Effective dust control improves visibility, extends blade life, and is better for your lungs.

Maintenance: Keep your planer cutting like new

Taking care of your planer prolongs its life and keeps cuts clean. A few minutes of maintenance after each session prevents bigger problems down the line.

Clean the sole and cutter head

Remove chips and dust from the sole and cutter head after each job. Wipe the steel surfaces and use compressed air or a brush to clear the cutter head area so chips don’t clog the mechanism.

Sharpen or replace blades on schedule

Replace or sharpen blades as soon as you notice tear-out or the motor bogging down. Slightly blunt knives increase friction and heat, reducing performance and risking damage to both the wood and the tool.

Store correctly

Keep your planer in a dry place away from moisture and extreme temperature swings. If you have a benchtop planer, cover it to prevent dust accumulation and corrosion on exposed metal parts.

Safety essentials when using planers

Planers are powerful and can be dangerous without the right precautions. Simple safety habits prevent accidents and make your work more enjoyable.

Wear eye and ear protection

Always wear eye protection and hearing protection. Planing throws chips unpredictably, and even short runs can be loud. A dust mask or respirator is also important, especially when planing old or treated wood.

Use push sticks and guards

For tabletop thicknessers and jointers, always use push sticks or infeed/outfeed support to keep hands away from cutter heads. Ensure all guards are in place before turning the machine on.

Accessories that make a big difference

A few well-chosen accessories extend the versatility of your planer and improve results. Consider these if you want better finishes and more control.

Featherboards and edge guides

Featherboards and guides help keep boards pressed tight to the fence, reducing tear-out and producing straighter passes. They’re cheap, simple, and incredibly effective for repeatable work.

Replacement blade sets and sharpening jigs

Stock a spare set of blades so you can swap quickly when knives dull. A sharpening jig or service ensures blades are reground to the right angle for consistent performance if you prefer to re-sharpen rather than replace.

Budget to premium: How much should you spend?

Planer prices vary widely depending on capability. For occasional use, expect to pay a modest amount for a basic handheld. Serious hobbyists and pros will invest more in durable, higher-capacity machines.

Entry-level handhelds

Budget handheld planers often start at a price point that suits homeowners who need something for occasional door trimming and surface touch-ups. They typically have smaller motors and limited cutting depth but are very portable.

Mid-range and professional machines

Mid-range planers and thicknessers cost more but give better finish quality, higher durability, and more consistent results. For regular projects or small business use, spending a bit more often pays back in faster workflow and fewer replacements.

Conclusion

Choosing the right planer boils down to matching the tool to the work. For quick DIY tasks, a reliable handheld from a retailer like B&Q or Wickes will do the job. Tradespeople or serious hobbyists will benefit from the stronger, wider-capacity models available at Screwfix, Toolstation, or specialist suppliers. Consider cutter width, depth per pass, and blade availability before buying, and don’t forget dust extraction and safety gear. With the right planer and a handful of accessories, even tricky boards become manageable, and your projects will look that much more professional.