Which kitchen company to go?

cian

i'm thinking of having my kitchen done and with all the nightmare stories i read on MSE about some kitchen companies, i'm quite wary as to which I am going to go for.
has anyone had any experience with Carringtons Kitchens or The Kitchen Studio? They're both based in Bolton, Manchester.

Nile

Hello cian

Welcome to the MSE site.:wave:

stevewilliams_2

Hi,

We recently had a new kitchen and I searched the world for the best (affordable) quality.

We ended up with one from Jewsons. It is excellent quality and they were very helpful.

Hope this helps.

woodbutcher_2

Yes,i would say the same thing.Most people head straight for the big boys when pricing kitchens,often overlooking builders merchants,who all have good kitchen departments nowadays.Jewsons and Travis Perkins are good.You can also try Joinery suppliers such as Magnet or Howdens but you will need to open an account for the latter.

McAzrael

I can vouch for the builders' merchants and joinery suppliers above (although buying from Howdens can be difficult). Have you asked around to see if anybody knows a good carpenter? They will quote for fitting your kitchen and will advise you of where is good in your neighbourhood.

philippahunt

Hi Cian,

I know it sounds a bit naff, but seriously, have you looked at IKEA kitchens?

I'm an Interior Designer and property developer and use them regularly for economy priced kitchens. If you opt for a wood effect kitchen from most suppliers they are merely faced with a laminate 'wood' effect finish on the doors and can look quite cheap. The IKEA wooden doors are actually wood and come with 'soft close' doors as standard. The handles and internal fittings are also very cheap to buy. If you're more into contemporary interiors, they also do a very nice range with high gloss doors, which look fab with polished metal or glass splashbacks.
If your budget allows, consider fitting granite work surfaces to your economy range kitchen - it'll look fantastic and no one will guess where you bought it!
One word of warning though - the plumbing fittings for their sinks are a nightmare to fit - especially into the 50mm sink units. Most plumbers will run a mile at the mention of an 'IKEA' sink as the parts are not compatible with standard UK fittings. I'd suggest buying your sink and tap elsewhere, it will still be compatible, providing you buy the correct size. If you prefer to source your hob and oven elsewhere, don't worry, as long as it is standard size for the unit it's going in, it will fit.
Good luck and happy hunting!

cian

thanks a lot, everyone. am taking all your comments and suggestions on board. at the moment, still collecting brochures:D . i.e., ideas. thanks again.