Ochtend Flits

Gamma is one of the two dominant DIY and home improvement chains in the Netherlands (the other being its sister brand Karwei). Both are owned by the same parent company, Intergamma, but positioned differently: Gamma leans toward practical building materials and tools, Karwei toward home decoration and finishing.

There are over 70 Gamma stores in the Netherlands, typically on the edge of towns with parking — you go there by car with a roof rack, not on a bike.

What's in it

Everything you need for a home renovation project, from structural to cosmetic:

• Timber and sheet materials — planks, MDF, plywood, cut to size in-store at the zaagservice (cutting service)
• Paint — a full range including tinting machines for custom colours; staff will mix to any RAL or NCS code
• Tools — drills, saws, sanders, levels; both for purchase and rental (gereedschapsverhuur)
• Flooring — laminate, vinyl, tiles
• Fixings — screws, plugs, bolts, anchors by the box or loose
• Plumbing basics — pipes, fittings, seals
• Electrical basics — cable, sockets, switches, junction boxes (for the simple work you are legally allowed to do yourself — see Klussen)
• Garden — especially in spring and summer

The tool rental service

One of the more useful things Gamma offers: you can rent power tools by the day rather than buying them. A tile saw, a floor sander, a concrete mixer — things you need once for a project and have no reason to own. Worth checking before buying.

Practical notes

• Bring your measurements. Staff are generally helpful but the store is large and self-service.
• The zaagservice (cutting service for timber and sheet materials) is free or very cheap and saves enormous time — they cut to your dimensions.
• App and loyalty card (Gamma Voordeel) offer periodic discounts.
• Paint tinting takes a few minutes; bring the colour code or a sample if you want to match something.
• Check the website for stock before making the trip — not all stores carry all products.