New kitchen time

[Salar]

I'm ripping out the old kitchen in our new place.

I've fitted B&Q kitchens in the past, not bad really, but backup hopeless. Homebase years ago were pretty good too. Wickes I've seen some dodgy carcasses from them.

As we have a trade account our last two kitchens have been from Howdens, put they are starting to get pricey these days and the range seems limited.

DIY Kitchens and Magnet seem to get the "best reviews". Anyone have any experience of these or other off the shelf kitchens.

Thanks

 

[Sharky]

We used Wren Kitchens. The units have been fine, but we choose to use their fitting service, which was terrible. Going to buy a few more units from them, but will arrange fitting ourselves.

The worktops were done by J.Rotherham and they did provide an excellent fitting service.

 

[Cycleops]

What I did when refitting a new kitchen a few years back was use the planning services of I think it was B&Q. Most carcasses from the big sheds are similar if not the same. Then assembled the units.

The problem DIYers have is with joining the worktops, you won't have the correct tools or expertise. I employed a team of kitchen fitters who did and they did an excellent job. They also fitted all the units and tops. The rest I could do myself. They changed me £250 a day, two days work, so £500. This was a while ago so I guess rates have gone up.

 

[vickster]

Mine came from Wickes, maybe 5 years ago, no complaints (they provided the fitter who was also excellent). They're bound to have an Easter sale on if you can wait (although presumably you can get trade prices there too?)

 

[fossyant]

Ex friends of ours had massive issues with Howdens and the 'fitter' they employed, but it's likely their fault - huge price mix ups.

They are ex. friends - the missus was a nightmare, so can believe the 'fitter' rather than the ex-friend.

 

[Archie_tect]

I'm ripping out the old kitchen in our new place.

I've fitted B&Q kitchens in the past, not bad really, but backup hopeless. Homebase years ago were pretty good too. Wickes I've seen some dodgy carcasses from them.

As we have a trade account our last two kitchens have been from Howdens, put they are starting to get pricey these days and the range seems limited.

DIY Kitchens and Magnet seem to get the "best reviews". Anyone have any experience of these or other off the shelf kitchens.

Thanks

Magnet Kitchens are the ones the builders and developers use round here- that speaks volumes!

 

[pawl]

Had a Wix kitchen fitted three year’s ago. First rate fitters.

 

[Salar]

Thanks All,

I've fitted a couple of kitchens in the past, but this time I'll use our carpenter contact.

Not so young these days and I'd rather be....... 🎣

 

[Salar]

Magnet Kitchens are the ones the builders and developers use round here- that speaks volumes!

Same down here, bigger firms use Magnet, probably get big discounts, smaller developers use Howdens.

Howdens don't seem to be so good these days, even with so called "trade discounts".

 

[Rusty Nails]

Unless you are spending huge money on the units there is not a great deal of difference in quality between most manufacturers/suppliers.

The most important thing is the skill of the fitter so don't try and cut corners on that. Also buy the best hardware you can afford to finish it off.

 

[Salar]

Unless you are spending huge money on the units there is not a great deal of difference in quality between most manufacturers/suppliers.

The most important thing is the skill of the fitter so don't try and cut corners on that. Also buy the best hardware you can afford to finish it off.

True, our carpenter contact / friend is one of the best you'll find.

 

[Mugshot]

Whatever you do don't use one of the small independent suppliers, make sure you use Wickes, Wren, Howdens, Magnets, Homebase or B&Q and drive the small shops out of business!

 

[Cycleops]

Magnet Kitchens are the ones the builders and developers use round here- that speaks volumes!

That might be more do with the fact they get a bigger trade discount than the other sheds give.

 

[vickster]

Whatever you do don't use one of the small independent suppliers, make sure you use Wickes, Wren, Howdens, Magnets, Homebase or B&Q and drive the small shops out of business!

The only small shops around here are extremely high end. Personally, I didn't have 20k to spend on my galley kitchen

 

[Salar]

Whatever you do don't use one of the small independent suppliers, make sure you use Wickes, Wren, Howdens, Magnets, Homebase or B&Q and drive the small shops out of business!

Our local kitchen supplier only do a full package, they won't do supply only.