How to Use PriceNailer
Your complete guide to comparing building material prices, creating projects, and finding the best deals from UK suppliers.
Getting Started
Follow these steps to start saving on your building materials
Create a Free Account
Sign up to save your projects, track price changes, and get personalised recommendations. It only takes a minute.
Use your email to sign up
Your projects are saved automatically
Get notified when prices drop
Search for Materials
Use the search bar at the top of the page or browse by category to find the materials you need.
Search by product name or category
Use filters to narrow results
Browse popular categories on the homepage
Compare Prices
Each material page shows prices from multiple UK suppliers. See who has the best deal at a glance.
Prices include VAT by default
Check when prices were last updated
Click through to buy from the supplier
Create a Project
Add materials to a project to see total costs and compare which supplier offers the best overall deal.
Add materials with the + button
Set quantities for each item
View total cost across all items
Using Calculators
Not sure how much material you need? Our calculators work out quantities for you.
View All Calculators
Stud walls, bricks, plasterboard, insulation, roofing, decking, fencing, and more
How to Use a Calculator
- Select a calculator from the Tools menu or the list above
- Enter your measurements (e.g., wall dimensions, room size)
- The calculator shows you exactly what materials and quantities you need
- Click "Add to Project" to add all calculated materials at once
- View your project to see total costs and compare suppliers
Single vs Multi-Supplier Mode
Choose how you want to compare prices across your project
Single Supplier Mode (Default)
Shows the total cost if you buy everything from one supplier.
Best for:
Simpler ordering process
Single delivery to manage
Potential bulk discounts
Multi-Supplier Mode
Finds the cheapest price for each item across all suppliers.
Best for:
Maximum savings
Large projects with varied items
When you don't mind multiple orders
Top Tips for Saving Money
Get the most out of PriceNailer with these insider tips
Check delivery costs
The cheapest product isn't always the best deal once delivery is added. Some suppliers offer free delivery over certain amounts.
Look for pack deals
Buying in packs or bulk quantities often works out cheaper per unit. We show pack prices and per-item prices where available.
Compare at the right time
Prices can change frequently. Check prices close to when you plan to buy, and use our price history to spot trends.
Add 10% for waste
Our calculators include waste allowances, but it's always worth having spare materials to avoid delays.
Request quotes for big projects
For large orders, requesting quotes from local suppliers can get you better prices than online rates.
Create separate projects
If you're buying at different times, create separate projects to track costs for each phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, PriceNailer is completely free for customers. You can compare prices, create projects, and use all our calculators without paying anything.
You can browse materials and compare prices without an account. However, creating a free account lets you save projects, track price history, and get personalised recommendations.
We update prices regularly from supplier websites. Each price shows when it was last updated. Prices are indicative and may vary - always check the supplier website for the final price.
PriceNailer is a price comparison tool. When you find the best price, we'll link you directly to the supplier's website where you can complete your purchase.
By default, projects show the total cost if you buy everything from one supplier. Enabling multi-supplier mode finds the cheapest price for each item across all suppliers, which can save more money but means ordering from multiple places.
Once you have a project with materials, you can request quotes from local suppliers in your area. They'll receive your requirements and can send you competitive quotes directly.