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teaboyjim
Which kitchen manufacturer are considered good value for money and decent quality?
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None , the customer pays .
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Deleted member 174758
I've fitted units from the big sheds in the past and they all left me feeling underwhelmed. IKEA, a hate name to some, produce OK units with clever use of the space (they are deeper and taller than standard units), BUT they do lack a void at the rear for pipework etc and the doors are very non standard, so you either buy IKEA's doors or make your own. Same goes for some of the appliances where you might need to make your own infill panels. My best experiences have probably been with Howden's pre-assembled units, which are specified on quite a few commercial cut-outs (e.g offices, etc) although I have installed them in homes a few times. Hardly budget products, though.
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teaboyjim
Are Howden's all pre-assembled units?
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Deleted member 174758
Most cabinets these days are a standard size, e.g standard base cabinets are 570mm deep x 720mm tall x 150/300/400/500/60/800/1000/1200mm wide, etc. That makes for standard width doors at 715mm tall x 295/95/495/595mm wide. In general , with the exception of IKEA cabinets they have a service void of circa 50mm depth (this varies). This often sllows you to buy doors from one manufacturer and cabinets from another. It also means that appliances are made to standard sizes as is firework such as pull outclarders and baskets.. But there are still exceptions, so you need to check if buying from multiple suppliers.
Because IKEA cabinets lack a void at the rear it means that you may have to modify or replace the plumbing behind them, where it exists, to run closer to the floor. Not an issue in a new fit, but potentially an issue if you are replacing an existing kitchen but want to retain a possible rat's nest of plumbing behind it. The added depth and height (IKEA use shorter legs to allow a taller cabinet interior) means that IKEA base cabinets are too tall for standard built-ins like fridges, so you will either need to buy an IKEA appliance, or make an infill panel, not easy if you have decided on pre-made vinyl wrapped doors, etc
As to Howdens, yes, they are account sales only and they come pre-assembled. Not a bad thing when you look at some of the cheaper flat pack stuff on the market, although even Howden's screw up sometimes and deliver an out of square cabinet. They are better at dealing with short deliveries and damaged items than, say, B&Q
Because IKEA cabinets lack a void at the rear it means that you may have to modify or replace the plumbing behind them, where it exists, to run closer to the floor. Not an issue in a new fit, but potentially an issue if you are replacing an existing kitchen but want to retain a possible rat's nest of plumbing behind it. The added depth and height (IKEA use shorter legs to allow a taller cabinet interior) means that IKEA base cabinets are too tall for standard built-ins like fridges, so you will either need to buy an IKEA appliance, or make an infill panel, not easy if you have decided on pre-made vinyl wrapped doors, etc
As to Howdens, yes, they are account sales only and they come pre-assembled. Not a bad thing when you look at some of the cheaper flat pack stuff on the market, although even Howden's screw up sometimes and deliver an out of square cabinet. They are better at dealing with short deliveries and damaged items than, say, B&Q
I've heard good things about Wickes kitchens from local fitters. Howdens is the classic choice because of their good support and their oblique pricing model which lets them add lots of margin onto the job.
Personally I've always used a local independent and feel I've got good value and quality that way.
Personally I've always used a local independent and feel I've got good value and quality that way.
Diykitchens are good quality, and reasonably priced.
You can get samples delivered, and they come premade ready to fit
You can get samples delivered, and they come premade ready to fit
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I used diy kitchens with no problems, units are ready assembled unless you ask them not to glue certain ones so you can modify prior to fitting.
My daughter has this week finished her Howdens kitchen, looks nice and shortages or faults were rectified with no big dramas.
My daughter has this week finished her Howdens kitchen, looks nice and shortages or faults were rectified with no big dramas.
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dontbelieveawordofit
depends what your expectations are.
Howdens pre-assembled carcasses are my go to choice.
wouldn’t go near ikea or b&q.
benchmarx are decent too.
Howdens pre-assembled carcasses are my go to choice.
wouldn’t go near ikea or b&q.
benchmarx are decent too.
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teaboyjim
I've been warned about B&Q kitchens
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teaboyjim
Diykitchens have a good reputation
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They are online only, but do have a show room in Yorkshire you can visit.
The other advantage is that its not trade only, and there online design software is pretty nifty
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I used DIY 2 years ago - bespoke colour painted kitchen - no problems at all. Also ordered granite tops from them which was subbed out but excellent quality and value. There are a few bad reviews around, but that's always the case.
we had a wickes kitchen installed 2 years ago, great quality , they have a few different grades, the fitters were brilliant and really went for attention to detail, BUT i suspect not all the fitters are the same as i had heard very poor stories and also on trustpilot.
Howdens would not sell without going through a fitter and we had loads of trouble getting hold of anyone to fit, even from the cards handed out by howdens themselves.
B&Q the week we started looking had just made all the planners redundant , so that was some very honest conversations. magnet , after visiting drew up a pretty poor plan, and when we were in the office looking at the range , started to get into if you sign today we would knock 20% off type rubbish - so didn't go with them, i'm not into this type of sales technique, turns me right off
Howdens would not sell without going through a fitter and we had loads of trouble getting hold of anyone to fit, even from the cards handed out by howdens themselves.
B&Q the week we started looking had just made all the planners redundant , so that was some very honest conversations. magnet , after visiting drew up a pretty poor plan, and when we were in the office looking at the range , started to get into if you sign today we would knock 20% off type rubbish - so didn't go with them, i'm not into this type of sales technique, turns me right off
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teaboyjim
Didn't Howdens originate from the company that used to supply a shop called MFI?
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