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© 2026 Datateam Business Media Ltd. DIY Week incorporates Decor Retailing, DIY Retail Leaders, DIY Superstore, Do-It- Yourself Retailing, Domestic Electrical Appliances, Excellence In Garden Retailing, Excellence In Woodcare Retailing, Excellence In Timber Retailing, Excellence In Tile Retailing, Garden Retail Leaders, Garden Retailing, Hardware Merchandiser, Hardware Trade Journal, Homecentre, Home Storage Retailing, The Ironmonger, Ironmongery & Hardware, Lighting, Martineau & Smith’s Monthly Circular, Mercantile Guardian, Superstore Management, Tools Retailing, and Wholesale Leaders. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in DIY Week. However, Datateam Business Media Ltd will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. DIY Week is registered at Stationers’ Hall. ISSN 0954-8823. DIY Week is printed on environmentally friendly paper; both text paper and cover stock are elementary chlorine free and sourced from paper suppliers with a well planned environmental policy. This issue of DIY Week includes some editorial photographs provided and paid for by suppliers. Printed by Buxton Press.


Founded in 1874 No 5,951 - August 2026


It’s certainly been a long hot summer, so I guess we shouldn’t complain. But in typical


British fashion, I couldn’t help moaning about the extreme weather, and I admit to being a bit happier now it’s broken and returning to the more normal mixed and unpredictable conditions we’re used to. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to wake up to some sunshine, but after a couple of months of extreme heat and dry weather, it does become a bit monotonous. Whilst sitting in the garden when it looks like a desert and there’s not even a whiff of a breeze, can be a little overbearing. It’s also been far too hot to consider tacking any of the redecorating, general maintenance, or gardening jobs on my ever-growing list. Projects I’d planned to do when the weather improved have had to be shelved until the


weather gets worse, which does seem like an excuse to procrastinate further. But I promise you (and my wife) that I did have every intention of at least starting them in the summer. But now they have become jobs for the autumn, when we hopefully aren’t paying the price for the dry summer with nothing but heavy downpours and floods. I can’t be the only one in this position, which has no doubt had a negative impact on the DIY and gardening sector.


We’re always hopeful of some good weather at the start of the season, but extremes don’t really work for anyone. So, as we approach the autumn and some cooler temperatures, and perhaps a little refreshing rain, let’s hope it kicks customers into action, and the industry receives a bit of a boost. We’re doing our bit to help by holding the second edition of DIY Week Live, now a one-day trade show taking place at the National Conference Centre near Birmingham on 20th October. We already have a great line-up of exhibitors booked to attend, plus there’s free parking, free lunch and a host of other visitor benefits included. You can find out more about the event on page 19 of this issue and sign up to attend online at diyweeklive.co.uk.


Neil Mead, Editorial Director In This Issue...


P4 / NEWS


The latest headlines and breaking news from across the home improvement and garden sectors


P11 / HEATING & INSULATION


Cork wall coverings are making a comeback, bringing warmth, texture and natural character to every room.


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Published by: P15 / PAINTS & FINISHES


Interiors experts share five ways to turn a bathroom into a moody sanctuary this autumn.


P22 / SHOW PREVIEW: GLEE 2026


Established suppliers are heading back to the Glee show floor when the show returns in September.


THAT DELIVERS DURABILITY


With its unibody lightweight plastic design, this shovel stays strong from first turn to last load.


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