How do DIY Kitchens compare to Howdens Kitchens?

teaboyjim · 8 Mar 2021

Howdens is popular amongst carpenters

dannymassive · 17 Mar 2021

Mr Chibs said:
I've just bought a DIYK kitchen, overall the quality of the cabinets is good, the doors (solid wood, painted) are very well made better than the Howdens ones I looked at, I will post pics if anyone wants any.

A few items had been damaged in transit, and have reported so we'll see how this is responded to next week.

I had no satisfaction with Howdens regarding costs, and it was nearly double the DIYK bill.

I'm in the same boat, only a few damaged items that I reported online straight away via their "support ticket" system. The items were replaced without any fuss and were delivered promptly. Overall I have been impressed with DIY Kitchens so far.

Mr Chibs · 17 Mar 2021

Yes, I have to agree. They have been very helpful.

My replacement units/doors were supplied a week later.

I’ve nearly finished fitting it and have to say I’m very impressed with the build, the door finish is excellent, even the paint.

The end panels/fillers are Ash veneered wood and painted again flawless finish.

also you don’t have those naff Hinge door caps as the they are drilled specific to your order.

Out of interest, What did you go for?

dannymassive · 27 Mar 2021

Mr Chibs said:
Yes, I have to agree. They have been very helpful.

My replacement units/doors were supplied a week later.

I’ve nearly finished fitting it and have to say I’m very impressed with the build, the door finish is excellent, even the paint.

The end panels/fillers are Ash veneered wood and painted again flawless finish.

also you don’t have those naff Hinge door caps as the they are drilled specific to your order.

Out of interest, What did you go for?

I went for the Luca Gloss White (handleless J Pull) with Black Glitter quartz which was ordered via diykitchens but is subbed out to Natural Stone Surfaces.

M88sta · 19 Apr 2021

johnny2007 said:
Mdf is medium density fibreboard.
Chipboards are made of wood chips packed up together with resin so to stay together.
Some chipboards are better than others, denser and heavier.
When you cut it you feel the difference compared to cheaper, lighter chipboards.
Howdens use a 18mm chipboard, melanine faced for their carcasses and they're ready built.
You won't believe how much time that saves.
Also, howdens carcasses have a solid 12mm or 15mm back chipboard, while the diy from b&q or wickes have a 3.5mm mdf panel which pops off as soon as a pan is pushed against it.
When I had to fit such kitchens I would ask the customer to
1. Send me an email confirming that they understood the fragility of these back boards and accepted full responsibility for it
Or
2. Pay me to re-inforce them so they won't pop off.
View attachment 214920

I think you have DIY Kitchens mixed up with B&Q.

johnny2007 · 19 Apr 2021

M88sta said:
I think you have DIY Kitchens mixed up with B&Q.

"while the diy from b&q or wickes"
No, just answering a previous question.

opps · 21 Apr 2021

johnny2007 said:
I wouldn't class mdf as a strong material, especially in places where it can get wet.
A good quality chipboard would be better.

That surprises me. I was under the impression that (non moisture resistant) chipboard was more absorbent than (non moisture resistant) MDF.

Over the years, none of the bespoke kitchen units that I have had to spray/hand paint for cabinet makers have been made out of chipboard. They have all been moisture resistant MDF.

Keithmac · 22 Apr 2021

johnny2007 said:
Mdf is medium density fibreboard.
Chipboards are made of wood chips packed up together with resin so to stay together.
Some chipboards are better than others, denser and heavier.
When you cut it you feel the difference compared to cheaper, lighter chipboards.
Howdens use a 18mm chipboard, melanine faced for their carcasses and they're ready built.
You won't believe how much time that saves.
Also, howdens carcasses have a solid 12mm or 15mm back chipboard, while the diy from b&q or wickes have a 3.5mm mdf panel which pops off as soon as a pan is pushed against it.
When I had to fit such kitchens I would ask the customer to
1. Send me an email confirming that they understood the fragility of these back boards and accepted full responsibility for it
Or
2. Pay me to re-inforce them so they won't pop off.
View attachment 214920

I fitted our Wickes kitchen probably 12 years ago and its still in good order. All the carcass backs were thick (same thickness as sides).

No problems with the cupboard doors or drawers either.

Shame if their quality has gone down the pan as I was genuinely impressed how solid the units were.

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How do DIY Kitchens compare to Howdens Kitchens?

teaboyjim

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