Ikea v Howdens

JorgAlBear

I have decided exactly what I want in my kitchen now. I have found a kithcen I really like from Ikea, and also one from Howdens. The howdens kitchen is twice the price of the Ikea, even with the full trade discount. My question is... Is it worth it? I am getting good quality Zodiaq worktops and quality cooker / sink etc. Can I get away with the cheaper units or is the Howdens option so superior that I should bite the bullet and pay it? HELP!!!

jennifernil

Have you looked carefully at both makes and compared the quality? And have you noticed that the Ikea units go right back to the wall? So plumbing ect needs to be either coming out of the wall in the right place, or run near the floor in the plinth space and brought up through the base of the unit.

The Ikea units are sturdy and good value, we have used them a lot, and I like them, but you do need to be aware of the possible problems.

MarxOne

I am surprised a Howdens kitchen is twice the price of an Ikea one? Do you know if you really are getting the top trade discount. I used to buy several kitchens per year from Howdens and at that time the advertised 'top discount' was 70% - which anyone could get. They flower up the paperwork by showing these massive discounts which make people think they are getting a great deal......utter poppycock! When everyone was getting 70% off I was getting between 80 - 85% off.

For basic kitchens I prefer using either benchmarxjoinery, as their units are sturdier, or if I can wait 6 weeks for delivery Errebi from Italy.

ic

Be aware that both Howden's and Ikea's worktops are not the standard depth if you're buying the worktop from somewhere else. Their worktops are 616 mm and 620 mm deep, where as most suppliers provide 600 mm.

jason_s_2

For me it has to be Howdens. I've fitted a few for them and the units a very strong and well made, and couple of mm thicker than BnQs and MFI's.

vansboy

The confusing pricing methods & the way you have to be - or pretend to be - a trade customer, put us off Howdens a looooong time ago. Although they do have a reasonably good reputation with those who use them.

We're now on our 3rd Ikea installation & each time have been more than pleased with the results!

Don't forget you'll get 5% (sometimes more) back in vouchers, if you buy on Ikea store card as your first transaction, so that might help a bit. You just apply in the branch & it's issued straight away.

Here's the results of our current & last kitchens from Ikea.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii4/vansboyuk/IMG_2103.jpg
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii4/vansboyuk/IMG_1703.jpg
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii4/vansboyuk/IMG_1705.jpg

jennifernil

ic wrote: »

Be aware that both Howden's and Ikea's worktops are not the standard depth if you're buying the worktop from somewhere else. Their worktops are 616 mm and 620 mm deep, where as most suppliers provide 600 mm.

Good point!

I forgot about that.

JorgAlBear

Thanks for all of your replies guys. The info about the worktop width and the full depth units is really helpful. I think we are going to give Ikea a go. I will post some pics when it is done.

gemlcoleman

Just thought Id say we got out kitchen from IKEA this time last year and they also fitted it for us. I love our kitchen, it is exectly as we wanted it and the fitting was stress free. Dont forget it has a ten year guarantee and also if you set up a payment plan with them you can spread the cost over 12 months interest free

gemma