Charlesandivy.co.uk Review

Based on looking at the website charlesandivy.co.uk, it appears to be a legitimate e-commerce platform specialising in luxury fencing, gates, and outdoor living products. The site offers a clear product range, contact information, and physical showroom locations, which are all positive indicators. However, a deeper dive reveals areas where it could enhance its transparency and ethical framework, particularly concerning the full breadth of customer assurances that a discerning buyer might seek.

Here’s an overall review summary:

Website Legitimacy: Appears legitimate.
Product Range: Specialises in composite and aluminium fencing, gates, slat wall panels, decorative screens, planters, and bin storage.
Contact Information: Provides a sales phone number (0161 843 4950), live chat, and physical showroom addresses.
Transparency: Good but could be improved with more readily accessible and detailed legal policies like a robust returns policy and clear terms of service directly linked from the homepage.
Customer Reviews: Links to Trustpilot and an internal reviews page.
Ethical Standing: The products themselves are permissible and beneficial, focusing on home improvement and durability. The business model seems to be based on honest trade of tangible goods.
Missing Information: While a shipping policy is linked, clear return, refund, and comprehensive terms of service policies are not immediately visible as distinct links from the footer or prominent header areas on the homepage. This is crucial for building complete trust with consumers.

The website presents a polished and professional image, showcasing a range of “luxury” outdoor products designed for durability and minimal maintenance. They highlight their “Bespoke Made in the UK” aspect, which is a strong selling point for local consumers and often implies higher quality control. The presence of physical showrooms in Altrincham, Manchester, and Hemel Hempstead, along with a dedicated sales line and live chat for “charlesandivy co uk chat,” adds a layer of credibility. They also provide brochures and installation guides, which are helpful resources. However, for a truly comprehensive and trustworthy online presence, particularly from an ethical consumer perspective, full transparency regarding legal policies like returns, refunds, and detailed terms and conditions should be explicitly and easily accessible. These are often foundational elements for online businesses to instill confidence and ensure fair dealings.

Here are some alternatives for home improvement and outdoor living products that maintain ethical considerations:

Garden Sheds:
- Product Name: Forest Garden Apex Overlap Pressure Treated Shed
- Key Features: Pressure-treated timber, robust construction, 15-year anti-rot guarantee.
- Average Price: £300-£700
- Pros: Durable, natural material, long warranty, suitable for various storage needs.
- Cons: Requires assembly, may need periodic wood treatment over time despite pressure treatment.
Outdoor Furniture (Wooden):
- Product Name: Alexander Rose Acacia Timber Garden Bench
- Key Features: Made from sustainably sourced acacia wood, classic design, durable for outdoor use.
- Average Price: £150-£400
- Pros: Natural, aesthetically pleasing, strong, and long-lasting if maintained.
- Cons: Requires occasional oiling or treatment to preserve appearance, heavier than some alternatives.
Water Butts for Rainwater Harvesting:
- Product Name: Garantia 200 Litre Water Butt Kit
- Key Features: 200-litre capacity, includes stand and diverter, UV stabilised plastic.
- Average Price: £50-£100
- Pros: Eco-friendly, saves water, reduces utility bills, easy to install.
- Cons: Can be bulky, requires gutter connection, aesthetics might not suit all gardens.
Compost Bins:
- Product Name: Green Johanna Hot Composter
- Key Features: Hot composting system, rodent-proof, year-round use, insulated.
- Average Price: £120-£200
- Pros: Efficient composting, reduces waste, produces nutrient-rich soil.
- Cons: Requires attention to layering, can be large for small spaces.
Hand Tools for Gardening:
- Product Name: Spear & Jackson Traditional Stainless Steel Digging Fork and Spade Set
- Key Features: Stainless steel heads, hardwood handles, weather-proofed.
- Average Price: £40-£80 per tool
- Pros: Durable, rust-resistant, essential for garden maintenance, long-lasting.
- Cons: Can be heavy, requires proper cleaning after use.
Raised Garden Beds (Timber or Metal):
- Product Name: VegTrug Classic Raised Garden Planter
- Key Features: V-shaped design for deep and shallow-rooted plants, sustainably sourced timber, easy assembly.
- Average Price: £100-£250
- Pros: Ergonomic gardening, pest deterrent, good for small spaces, excellent drainage.
- Cons: Requires soil, timber may need occasional treatment, can be heavy once filled.
Outdoor Lighting (Solar-Powered):
- Product Name: Lumina Solar Powered Garden Spotlights
- Key Features: Solar charging, automatic dusk-to-dawn sensor, waterproof, adjustable angle.
- Average Price: £30-£70 (for a pack)
- Pros: Energy-efficient, no wiring needed, easy installation, environmentally friendly.
- Cons: Performance depends on sunlight, brightness may vary, battery life can degrade over years.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Charlesandivy.co.uk Review & First Look

When you first land on charlesandivy.co.uk, the immediate impression is one of professionalism and a clear focus on high-end outdoor products. The site is designed to be visually appealing, featuring large, crisp images of composite and aluminium fencing, gates, and decorative screens. The current “SUMMER SALE | Save up to 15% OFF Sitewide” with a countdown timer immediately grabs attention, indicating an active business. The navigation is straightforward, with main categories like “FENCES,” “PEDESTRIAN GATES,” and “DRIVEWAY GATES” prominently displayed.

A significant highlight is their emphasis on “LUXURY FENCE FOR LIFE” with the promise of “No Painting. No Maintenance. No Replacing.” This speaks directly to a pain point for many homeowners and positions their products as a long-term investment. They also clearly state their products are “BESPOKE, MADE IN THE UK,” which is a strong quality assurance and supports local manufacturing. This transparency about origin is a major plus point.

Initial Impressions of Charlesandivy.co.uk

The website provides quick access to contact information, showing “We’re Open Today – 9am – 7pm” and a sales phone number: 0161 843 4950. This immediate availability for contact is reassuring. The presence of a “Log in” and “Cart” option in the header are standard e-commerce features, suggesting a functional online store.

Exploring the Product Range

The product categories are well-defined, ranging from various types of fencing and gates to more specialised items like “SLAT WALL PANELS,” “DECORATIVE SCREENS,” “PLANTERS,” and “BIN STORAGE.” This wide array of offerings indicates they cater to a comprehensive range of outdoor design needs. Each category links to dedicated pages, allowing for a deeper exploration of their specific products.

Trust Indicators and Customer Assurance

Charles and Ivy leverages Trustpilot reviews, with a direct link provided to “SEE ALL REVIEWS,” indicating confidence in their customer feedback. This external validation is a critical trust signal for online businesses. They also have an internal “CUSTOMER REVIEWS” section. The inclusion of physical showroom addresses in Manchester and Hemel Hempstead offers a tangible presence, allowing customers to view products in person before committing, a significant advantage for high-value items.

Charlesandivy.co.uk Pros & Cons

Delving into the specifics of charlesandivy.co.uk, it’s evident that the site has many strengths, particularly in presentation and product focus. However, like any online platform, there are areas where it could enhance its user experience and build even stronger consumer confidence.

Pros of Charlesandivy.co.uk

Clear Product Specialisation: The website focuses specifically on composite and aluminium fencing, gates, and related outdoor products. This specialisation suggests expertise and quality in their niche.
Emphasis on Durability and Low Maintenance: The slogan “No Painting. No Maintenance. No Replacing.” is a powerful unique selling proposition, appealing to customers looking for long-term, hassle-free solutions.
“Made in the UK” Assurance: Highlighting that products are “BESPOKE MADE IN THE UK” appeals to customers seeking local craftsmanship, potentially higher quality, and reduced environmental impact from long-distance shipping.
Transparent Pricing and Sales: Products clearly show “Sale price” alongside “Regular price,” and a prominent “SUMMER SALE” with a countdown timer encourages timely purchases.
Multiple Contact Channels: A visible sales phone number, live chat functionality (“charlesandivy co uk chat”), and physical showroom addresses provide various ways for customers to get support and information.
Positive External Reviews: The direct link to Trustpilot reviews indicates a willingness to showcase genuine customer feedback, building trust. Trustpilot has a high rating for the company, further reinforcing confidence.
Informative Blog and Guides: The “EXPLORE OUR BLOG” section featuring articles like “How to find the right Driveway Gate for your home” and “How to Install” guides demonstrates a commitment to educating customers and providing useful resources.
Sample Ordering: The option to “Order a Sample” allows customers to evaluate material quality and colours before making a significant purchase, reducing buyer’s remorse.

Cons of Charlesandivy.co.uk

Lack of Prominent Legal Policies: While a shipping policy is linked, clear, comprehensive links to a full Returns Policy, Refund Policy, and detailed Terms and Conditions are not immediately visible from the main homepage navigation or footer. This lack of transparency for essential legal agreements can be a significant red flag for discerning online shoppers. Many trusted e-commerce sites prominently display these links in their footer.
Limited “About Us” Information: While “OUR MISSION” provides a brief overview, a more detailed “About Us” section could enhance transparency and connection with the brand. Information about the company’s history, values, or team members often builds stronger rapport.
Reliance on External Review Platform: While Trustpilot is good, solely relying on it without a direct, integrated customer testimonials section on the product pages might miss opportunities to showcase product-specific feedback immediately.
No Obvious Security Certifications: While the site likely uses SSL (as indicated by HTTPS in the URL), the absence of visible security badges or information about payment processing security might slightly reduce immediate trust for some users, though this is less critical than policy transparency.
Specifics of Warranty Not Immediately Clear: While they promise “FENCE FOR LIFE,” the specifics of this warranty – its terms, conditions, and coverage – are not immediately detailed on the homepage. This crucial information should be easily accessible.

Charlesandivy.co.uk Alternatives

When considering alternatives to charlesandivy.co.uk for outdoor home improvement products, it’s essential to look for reputable suppliers that offer quality, durability, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. The UK market has several established players in fencing, gates, and general outdoor living solutions.

Here are some top alternatives, focusing on different aspects of outdoor living and home improvement: Laresidenceinteriors.co.uk Review

B&Q:
- Focus: A major UK home improvement retailer offering a vast range of products, including fencing, gates, sheds, decking, and garden furniture.
- Key Features: Wide selection of materials (wood, composite, metal), various price points, often available for click & collect or home delivery.
- Pros: Well-established, extensive product range, physical stores nationwide for in-person viewing.
- Cons: Product quality can vary, sometimes less specialised than dedicated niche suppliers.
- Relevant Search: B&Q Fencing
Wickes:
- Focus: Another prominent UK home improvement retailer with a strong emphasis on building materials, including timber, fencing panels, and garden structures.
- Key Features: Good range of traditional timber fencing, contemporary panels, and garden gates; often competitive pricing.
- Pros: Reliable, strong focus on DIY and trade customers, comprehensive product information available online.
- Cons: Less emphasis on bespoke or luxury composite options compared to a specialist.
- Relevant Search: Wickes Fencing
Garden Trading:
- Focus: Offers a more curated selection of outdoor living products, including garden furniture, lighting, and decorative items, often with a focus on contemporary and classic design. While not specialists in fencing, they offer high-quality garden additions.
- Key Features: Stylish designs, durable materials (often metal or treated wood), emphasis on aesthetics.
- Pros: High-quality, design-led products, good for creating cohesive outdoor spaces.
- Cons: Higher price point, not a primary source for structural fencing.
- Relevant Search: Garden Trading Outdoor
Jacksons Fencing:
- Focus: A highly reputable UK manufacturer and installer of timber and steel fencing, gates, and garden structures, known for their premium quality and long guarantees.
- Key Features: 25-year guarantee on timber products, extensive range of security fencing and bespoke gates, high-grade materials.
- Pros: Exceptional durability, long-standing reputation, professional installation services available.
- Cons: Higher price point due to premium quality, primarily timber and steel rather than composite.
- Relevant Search: Jacksons Fencing
Composite Prime:
- Focus: Specialises specifically in composite decking, cladding, and fencing, often supplying to various retailers and installers.
- Key Features: Made from recycled plastic and wood fibres, low maintenance, durable, wide range of colours and finishes.
- Pros: Environmentally friendly materials, excellent for low-maintenance solutions, contemporary aesthetic.
- Cons: Primarily a material supplier, direct purchasing might be through partners, limited to composite.
- Relevant Search: Composite Prime Fencing
Dunelm:
- Focus: Primarily a homewares retailer, but offers a growing selection of outdoor living products, including garden furniture, decorative screens, and planters. Less about structural fencing, more about garden aesthetics.
- Key Features: Affordable decorative items, stylish outdoor soft furnishings and accessories.
- Pros: Good for decorative garden accents, accessible price points, wide availability.
- Cons: Not a specialist in heavy-duty fencing or gates, more seasonal stock.
- Relevant Search: Dunelm Garden
Amazon UK (for broader categories):
- Focus: An online marketplace offering a vast array of garden and outdoor products from various sellers.
- Key Features: Wide selection, competitive pricing, customer reviews, fast delivery options.
- Pros: Convenience, huge choice, easy comparison of products.
- Cons: Quality can vary significantly between sellers, less direct customer support for specific product types.
- Relevant Search: Garden Fencing, Garden Gates

How to Cancel Charlesandivy.co.uk Subscription

Based on the information available on the charlesandivy.co.uk homepage, there’s no indication that they offer a subscription service for their products or content. Their business model appears to be purely transactional: customers purchase physical items like fences, gates, and outdoor structures. Therefore, the concept of cancelling a “charlesandivy.co.uk subscription” doesn’t directly apply.

If a customer has placed an order and wishes to cancel it, this would fall under their order cancellation policy, which is typically outlined within a company’s terms and conditions or a dedicated returns/cancellations page. Since charlesandivy.co.uk sells bespoke and custom-made items (“BESPOKE MADE IN THE UK”), their cancellation policy for orders, especially after production has begun, might be more stringent than for off-the-shelf products.

Understanding Order Cancellation with Charles and Ivy

For most e-commerce businesses, cancelling an order usually depends on the stage of processing:

Before Dispatch: If the order hasn’t been processed or dispatched, cancellation is often straightforward. A quick call to their sales line (0161 843 4950) or a message via their “charlesandivy co uk chat” function would likely be the most effective way to inquire about cancellation.
After Production/Dispatch (Especially for Bespoke Items): For bespoke items, cancellation after production has started or after dispatch can be more complex. Companies may levy cancellation fees or be unable to cancel at all if the item is custom-made and cannot be resold. This is why it’s crucial for customers to review a company’s full terms and conditions before purchasing, particularly for high-value or customised goods.

Next Steps for Order-Related Queries

If you need to discuss an existing order or believe you have a recurring charge from Charles and Ivy (which would be unusual given their product type), the best course of action is to:

Contact their Customer Service: Use the provided phone number (0161 843 4950) or initiate a live chat.
Refer to Order Confirmation: Check your order confirmation email for any specific terms related to cancellations or modifications.
Look for Policy Documents: While not immediately prominent on the homepage, there might be links to their full terms and conditions, a returns policy, or a FAQs section buried deeper within the site that outlines their cancellation process.

Charlesandivy.co.uk Pricing

Charlesandivy.co.uk clearly displays the pricing for their products directly on the homepage and individual product pages. This is a good practice that provides immediate transparency to potential customers. They feature both the “Regular price” and a “Sale price” for items currently on promotion, making it easy to see potential savings.

For example, on their homepage, you can see pricing examples like:

Aspen Composite Fence Panel with our aluminium posts:
- Regular price From £145.00
- Sale price From £120.35
Classic Fence Panel Dark Grey – with our aluminium posts:
- Regular price From £140.00
- Sale price From £109.20

These “From” prices suggest that the final cost will depend on specific selections, such as size, colour, or other customisation options available on the product page. This tiered pricing model is common for bespoke or modular products. Hisense.co.uk Review

Factors Influencing Charlesandivy.co.uk Pricing

Several factors will likely influence the final price when purchasing from Charles and Ivy:

Product Type: Different items (fencing panels, pedestrian gates, driveway gates, decorative screens, planters) will have varying base prices due to material and manufacturing complexity.
Material: While they primarily use composite and aluminium, variations in grade or specific finishes might impact cost.
Size and Dimensions: Larger fence panels or gates will naturally cost more than smaller ones. Given they offer bespoke options, custom dimensions would be priced accordingly.
Colour/Finish Options: Some specific colours or premium finishes might come at a slightly higher price point.
Posts and Accessories: The pricing seen on the homepage usually covers the main panel or gate. Additional components like specific types of posts (e.g., aluminium vs. composite posts), fittings, or accessories will add to the overall cost.
Installation Services (if offered): While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, if Charles and Ivy offer or recommend installation services, this would be an additional cost.
Delivery Charges: The website mentions “You are eligible for free shipping! Spend £0.00 more to reach free shipping!” in the cart. This indicates that delivery charges might apply below a certain order value, which could impact the final total.

General Pricing Approach

Based on the products offered (luxury composite and aluminium items that promise “No Painting. No Maintenance. No Replacing.” and are “Bespoke Made in the UK”), charlesandivy.co.uk positions itself in the premium segment of the market. The prices reflect the quality of materials, the customisation options, and the longevity benefits advertised. Customers seeking the cheapest options might find their prices higher than standard timber fencing, but the value proposition is in the reduced long-term maintenance and increased durability.

Charlesandivy.co.uk vs. Competitors

When evaluating charlesandivy.co.uk against its competitors, it’s important to differentiate between direct specialists in composite and aluminium fencing and broader home improvement retailers. Each type of competitor offers distinct advantages and caters to different customer needs.

Charlesandivy.co.uk’s Strengths

Specialisation: Charles and Ivy’s core strength lies in its dedicated focus on high-end composite and aluminium fencing and gates. This specialisation suggests a deeper level of expertise, quality control, and innovation within this niche.
“Made in the UK” & Bespoke: The emphasis on bespoke, UK-made products is a significant differentiator. This appeals to customers prioritising local manufacturing, custom sizes, and potentially higher quality standards compared to mass-produced imported goods.
Low Maintenance Promise: The “No Painting. No Maintenance. No Replacing.” proposition is a strong selling point, directly addressing the common pain points associated with traditional timber fencing.
Luxury Positioning: Charles and Ivy positions itself as a provider of “luxury” solutions, attracting customers willing to invest more for aesthetics, durability, and convenience.
Showroom Presence: Physical showrooms allow customers to experience the products firsthand, which is crucial for high-value purchases and can build confidence that online-only retailers cannot replicate.

Comparison with Broader Retailers (e.g., B&Q, Wickes)

Price: B&Q and Wickes often offer a wider range of fencing solutions, including more affordable timber options. Charles and Ivy’s products, being premium composite/aluminium and bespoke, will generally have a higher initial price point.
Product Variety: While Charles and Ivy excels in its niche, B&Q and Wickes offer a much broader inventory across all home improvement categories (e.g., paint, tools, lighting, plumbing).
Convenience/Accessibility: B&Q and Wickes have numerous physical stores across the UK, making them highly accessible for quick purchases or browsing. Charles and Ivy has fewer, more specialised showrooms.
Expertise: Charles and Ivy is likely to offer more in-depth product knowledge specific to composite and aluminium, whereas larger retailers have more general staff.

Comparison with Specialist Fencing Companies (e.g., Jacksons Fencing, Composite Prime)

Material Focus: Jacksons Fencing traditionally excels in premium timber fencing with long guarantees. Charles and Ivy’s primary focus is composite and aluminium, appealing to a different material preference. Composite Prime is more of a material supplier, whereas Charles and Ivy offers finished products.
Guarantees/Warranties: Jacksons Fencing is famous for its 25-year timber guarantee. Charles and Ivy promises “FENCE FOR LIFE,” but the specifics of this warranty need to be clearly detailed to stand up against established guarantees.
Installation Services: Some specialist fencing companies offer their own installation services, providing a complete solution. It’s unclear from the charlesandivy.co.uk homepage whether they offer or recommend specific installers, or if it’s primarily a supply-only model.

Overall Competitive Stance

Charlesandivy.co.uk successfully carves out a niche in the premium, low-maintenance outdoor solutions market. Their strength lies in specialisation, bespoke UK manufacturing, and the promise of a durable, aesthetic product. While their initial prices may be higher than traditional timber options, they compete on long-term value, reduced maintenance, and modern design. To truly excel, ensuring complete transparency on all customer policies and warranties, like a robust returns policy, would solidify their position against established competitors who often have these clearly defined.

FAQ

What is Charlesandivy.co.uk?

Charlesandivy.co.uk is an online retailer based in the UK specialising in luxury, low-maintenance composite and aluminium fencing, gates, slat wall panels, decorative screens, planters, and bin storage solutions for outdoor spaces.

Does Charlesandivy.co.uk offer bespoke products?

Yes, charlesandivy.co.uk prides itself on offering “BESPOKE, MADE IN THE UK” products, indicating that many of their items are custom-made to fit specific requirements.

Where are Charles and Ivy products manufactured?

Charles and Ivy products are largely bespoke-made right here in the UK, as stated on their homepage.

What materials are Charles and Ivy fences made from?

Their fences are primarily made from composite and aluminium, chosen for their durability and low-maintenance properties. Andsons.co.uk Review

Does Charlesandivy.co.uk have physical showrooms?

Yes, Charles and Ivy has showrooms located in Altrincham, Manchester, and Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7DX, where customers can view their products.

How can I contact Charles and Ivy?

You can contact Charles and Ivy via their sales phone number at 0161 843 4950 or through their live chat feature on the website, often referred to as “charlesandivy co uk chat.” They also have a “Contact Us” page.

Are there sales or discounts available on Charlesandivy.co.uk?

Yes, the website prominently features sales, such as a “SUMMER SALE” offering up to 15% off sitewide, complete with a countdown timer.

Can I order samples from Charlesandivy.co.uk?

Yes, the website provides an option to “Order a Sample,” allowing customers to assess the materials and colours before making a full purchase.

What kind of warranty or guarantee does Charles and Ivy offer?

Charles and Ivy promotes a “LUXURY FENCE FOR LIFE” with promises of “No Painting. No Maintenance. No Replacing.” However, specific, detailed warranty terms should be sought directly from their customer service or legal policies.

Does Charlesandivy.co.uk offer free shipping?

The website indicates that customers may be eligible for free shipping if they “Spend £0.00 more to reach free shipping!” in the cart, implying that delivery charges apply below a certain order value.

How do I leave a review for Charlesandivy.co.uk?

The website links directly to their Trustpilot page for external reviews and also has an internal “CUSTOMER REVIEWS” section. You can typically leave reviews through the Trustpilot platform.

What are the main benefits of Charles and Ivy fences?

The main benefits highlighted are their luxury aesthetic, durability, and minimal maintenance requirements, saving homeowners time and effort on upkeep.

Does Charlesandivy.co.uk sell other outdoor products besides fences and gates?

Yes, in addition to fences and gates, they offer slat wall panels, decorative screens, planters, bin storage, and bin screens.

Is Charlesandivy.co.uk a trustworthy website?

Based on its clear contact information, physical showroom locations, use of Trustpilot for reviews, and professional presentation, charlesandivy.co.uk appears to be a legitimate and trustworthy business. However, always review their full terms and conditions before making a purchase. Southenddogtraining.co.uk Review

Can I find installation guides on Charlesandivy.co.uk?

Yes, the website features a “How to Install” section, providing guidance for customers who wish to install the products themselves.

What payment methods does Charlesandivy.co.uk accept?

While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, most e-commerce sites accept major credit/debit cards. It’s best to check the checkout page for a full list of accepted payment methods.

How do Charles and Ivy products compare to traditional timber fencing?

Charles and Ivy products, being composite and aluminium, offer significantly lower maintenance compared to traditional timber, which often requires painting, staining, or regular treatment. They also aim for a longer lifespan.

Does Charlesandivy.co.uk have a blog?

Yes, they have a blog section titled “news, trends, inspiration” where they publish articles on topics like choosing the right driveway gate and new product accessories.

What should I do if I want to cancel an order from Charlesandivy.co.uk?

Since Charles and Ivy does not offer a subscription service, cancelling an order would require contacting their customer service via phone (0161 843 4950) or live chat as soon as possible. Be aware that bespoke items may have specific cancellation terms.

What are the operational hours for Charles and Ivy sales?

Their sales line operates from 9 am to 7 pm, as stated on their homepage.