Kitchen quagmire - who to go with?

devotee

newnhak wrote: »

There was a long thread last month about gloss worktops that caused me to rethink my order. Basically they are quite high maintenance.The thread gave ideas on how to keep them clean
-so up to you really - nothing wrong with them if you like cleaning!!

Thanks for that! Defo not into cleaning so will go into Homebase and cancel the worktop.... oh what to go for now

IM

Doozergirl wrote: »

The Howdens kitchen brochure is beautiful. Best one out there, better than Magnet retail even and they've spent moeny on that.

Well there's a spooky thing... I've just been all over the Howdens website trying to find a 'Click here to request a brochure' link and couldn't find one - popped over to MSE to see what people thought of them.

It may be that the website isn't displaying properly here at work (at lunch, of course :rolleyes:) or are they only available in store?

pandora205

I've just had a Howden's kitchen fitted and I'm very pleased with it. It is white gloss (Calgary) with Riverwash Monserrat worktop and stainless steel sink. The units are very sturdy and stylish looking. I also had slate flooring and a metallic blind which are perfect with it.I don't know how to put a pic on here but could pm a pic if I have an email address.With regard to finding a fitter, I asked Howdens designer to recommend a couple and then asked for quotes, which turned out to be very reasonable. I knew their work would be good quality as the supplier recommended them.

pandora205

IM wrote: »

Well there's a spooky thing... I've just been all over the Howdens website trying to find a 'Click here to request a brochure' link and couldn't find one - popped over to MSE to see what people thought of them.

It may be that the website isn't displaying properly here at work (at lunch, of course :rolleyes:) or are they only available in store?

I think these may only be available via trade as they don't sell directly to the public, though you could call into a store and ask for one.

twinklyrach

We fitted our own kitchen using IKEA carcasses. Dead easy to put together and hang, although because of the layout of the kitchen (three doors, for a start, plus two full size larders), our runs of units are very small.

I can recommend solid butcher block worktops - heavy as all get out but really easy to clean and look after, and any stains sand off.

Doozergirl

pandora205 wrote: »

I think these may only be available via trade as they don't sell directly to the public, though you could call into a store and ask for one.

Anyone can collect one from their branches. I got mine in our local one hence don't know whether you can get one via the website.

justick9

Hi, Thanks to everyone for their replies. Very helpful.
I went to Chatham Wickes and Gillinghan Howdens.
The quote from Wickes came in just over £4k in th end, supply only. B&Q came in at nearly £7k.
We also looked at supplyonlykitchens online, and their units, which appear to be superior to both wickes and B&Q came in at £4,800. Plus supplyonly units come complete with just door hanging left to do.
We've gone back to Howdens and asked them to tweak the design because they seem to have the most consistent reputation but have no idea as yet how they'll compare price wise. Any ideas?
Anyone had any experience of supplyonlykitchens?

cally1_2

I've been looking at supplyonlykitchens and also diy-kitchens. I am planning a visit to the supplyonlykitchens factory soon, as they are fairly near me. Sadly DIY is miles away as they seem cheaper. I thought supplyonlykitchnes included the doors already fitted?

justick9

Sorry, maybe i read it wrong! Has anyone used supplyonly kitchens before? I haven't looked at DIY-kitchens yet.

cally1_2

I visited supply only kitchens today and was impressed with the quality of the units they make. The service I received during my visit was very good too. I haven't ordered yet, waiting for them to price up my design, and also for the room it is going in to be built!