Kitchen - thinking of getting slightly cheaper cupboards with granite worktops

cally1_2

Basically we have a budget for our new kitchen extension. Got a quote for Second Nature cupboards with top range granite worktop. It is 50% more than the very very top of our budget!

I am thinking that maybe if I were to get cheaper cupboards (but not necessarily budget) with a lovely granite worktop then I would still get the more expensive look I am after. Any pros and cons to this? Or is it worth spending the money on the cupboards and getting cheaper laminate worktop??

I think i know I already have to downgrade to a cheaper choice of granite by the way!

Plus I am thinking of Neff appliances too... My OH is having kittens over my kitchen budget! - Please help with experiences and advice!

milkybars

I think you will be able to get a polished look by selecting cheaper cupboards and mixing with a posh worktop. It's probably the route we'll be going down for our kitchen next year. Think about an outfit... often if you mix designer with high street it's the wow factor of the designer that has centre stage. A worktop is a large surface area and catches the eye much more than cupboard doors.

cally1_2

Thanks, good to see someone agrees with me...

I was thinking Wickes or Magnet Trade cupboards, Neff appliances with granite worktop for an expensive look for a few less pennies. Does nayone know if the cheaper cupbaords hold up the weight of granite OK?

andyhop

Howdens, magnet trade, ikea, B&Q will all take the weight of granite

Most cabinets whether flat pack or rigid will be fine, just check the feet ratings

cally1_2

Thanks andyhop but could you please tell me what you mean by feet ratings? What should I be looking for?

Doozergirl

What's your budget cally? Size of kitchen?

If I know your budget then I'd be happy to offer a bit of advice based on personal experience!

cally1_2

Our budget is up to £10,000 but would prefer to be closer to 6-8.

It is quite big about 4.1m x 4.8m although along longest edge there will be a breakfast bar so won't need to go to the edge... (there are french doors there as it is a breakfast diner)

cally1_2

should add that we are planning an L shape with a breakfast bar to make it sort of U shaped

ailuro2

We bought Smeg appliances online for the same price as the kitchen co. was offering us 'basic' units, so mix and match with everything.

Get standard door sizes so you can easily upgrade in a few years on just the cupboard fronts if they're easy sizes.

cally1_2

which kitchen co did you use for your cupboards?

Steve_Groves

Where were you getting quotes for Second Nature from? I have just put a BroakOak kitchen in with 2 x 4.5m runs + granite for £5100 (no appliances included but 3 curved doors, larder unit....)

Look at www.withknobson.co.uk and www.diy-kitchens.co.uk. They are the cheapest for Second Nature and provide a good service.

BTW What price were you quoted for the granite?

cally1 wrote: »

Basically we have a budget for our new kitchen extension. Got a quote for Second Nature cupboards with top range granite worktop. It is 50% more than the very very top of our budget!

I am thinking that maybe if I were to get cheaper cupboards (but not necessarily budget) with a lovely granite worktop then I would still get the more expensive look I am after. Any pros and cons to this? Or is it worth spending the money on the cupboards and getting cheaper laminate worktop??

I think i know I already have to downgrade to a cheaper choice of granite by the way!

Plus I am thinking of Neff appliances too... My OH is having kittens over my kitchen budget! - Please help with experiences and advice!