New kitchen

duncan32

Hello all,

I've had a look through the site and seen a couple of interesting threads, but still would like to directly post my questions.

We are looking at getting a new kitchen (as well as re-tiling the walls, and vinyl flooring in the kitchen).

Had a look at Wickes a couple of days ago and saw one that we really like. Thing is, it is currently at 50% off, but this runs out on Thursday this week and we are not booked into see the lady who does the plans etc for another week (and I wouldn't want to rush such a thing, anyway).

So, does anyone have any experience with requesting sale prices "out of sale period"? Also, from looking at other threads, Wickes seems ok. I downloaded the IKEA software and tried to design my own, but tbh, I would be very uncomfortable buying a kitchen from my own workings on my PC!?! Also, I like the fact that WICKES is 2 minutes drive away whilst IKEA is an hour at least.

Another question I have, is I assume its best to buy the kitchen from WICKES and then get someone in myself to install it? (i.e. avoid the extra that they would add on?)

Think that's it for now! I'd really appreciate any advice and experiences on this one.

Thanks.

Duncan

rachbc

well i'm sure the ikea fans like me will tell you how great value and long lasting and generally fab their kitchens are then mwillets will come along and tell you how cheap and shoddy they and that wickes are the best of the sheds, then ck will come along and tell you to go you local independant kitchen designer ;-)

Regardless of which route you go you are right to take your time, think about how you use your kitchen, what is important to you, get advice from designers as they might have some ideas you haven't thought of, check how your neighbours are use the same space (cheeky but I got some good ideas this way) but don't be afraid to go with what works for you and your lifestyle.

misskool

you can get wickes to hold their sale prices/discounts for a bit.

unless you want to install it yourself, best to get your own fitter.

Don't buy the Apollo slab worktop in a dark colour is my only advice after we did just that

Meepster

Hi duncan32 - well, the good news is, the sale wont be ending on Thursday. It will be extended for another 4-6 weeks. Wickes ALWAYS extend their sales, and the best time to buy is the last 2 weeks of a sale extension, as they will run better promotional offers than during the rest of the sale and you are more likely to be able to haggle another 5-10% off the end price.

Also, you will be a lot better off getting the kitchen units, sink, tap and worktops from them and sourcing your appliances elsewhere, this will save you a fair bit as their appliance prices are heavily inflated. And, as you have mentioned, it will work out more cost effective to get your own fitter than to use Wickes' installation service.

Quality wise - Wickes are far superior to Ikea (and the rest of the sheds) although I don't ever remember saying Ikea were shoddy rachbc, I merely said they weren't as good as some of the other sheds. But Ikea's quality and pricing isn't there to take on Wickes, it's there to take on what it sees as its main competitor, which is B&Q.

When I was with Wickes, we would quite happily price match with Howdens, Homebase, Focus etc. but NEVER B&Q or Ikea, as they aren't an equivalent product...

Meepster

misskool wrote: »

don't buy the apollo slab worktop in a dark colour is my only advice after we did just that

*hugs*

duncan32

Thanks for the quick advice everyone, it's really helpful.

Regarding the units, we have a washing machine and tumble dryer that are both just over a year old, so I'd like to keep these. But, we'd like them "behind a door" if that's how you put it (integrated?). I seem to think that this isn't possible, as the integrated appliances are smaller so they can fit it? Hope I'm wrong on that one, anyone know?

Thanks again,

Duncan

ormus

ive done a few kitchens with wickes units now. for myself/friends and family.
never had any real problems. good value for the money.

Meepster

duncan32 wrote: »

Thanks for the quick advice everyone, it's really helpful.

Regarding the units, we have a washing machine and tumble dryer that are both just over a year old, so I'd like to keep these. But, we'd like them "behind a door" if that's how you put it (integrated?). I seem to think that this isn't possible, as the integrated appliances are smaller so they can fit it? Hope I'm wrong on that one, anyone know?

Thanks again,

Duncan

The only way you can get freestanding appliances behind doors is to pull the rest of the units forward by 50-60mm. You then need to put a worktop support panel (Wickes unit code 60) at either side of the washing machine and fit the hinges to one of these and on the other side attached a small bit of plinth (about 20mm) so that the 600mm door has something to sit against when shut...

Not ideal, but can be done...

booty40uk

The only way you can get freestanding appliances behind doors is to pull the rest of the units forward by 50-60mm.

You'll also need to install a minimum of 650mm wide worktop if doing it this way.

And the plinth can be real fun!

hth

andy

duncan32

Hmm, sounds a bit tough to end up with a smaller kitchen as well!

So, choice is between forking out for new integrated units, or just keeping them free standing between the new cupboards? Might go with the free standing (and cheaper!) option, if I can persuade the wife!

Thanks,

Duncan

Meepster

Go for free standing. I don't see the point in going for integrated at all, you just pay more for something that is less useful...