Trend Kitchens

peeb

Has anyone had any experience of Trend kitchens?

trendjoinery.co.uk

A kitchen company we're thinking of using has recommended their kitchens to us as a cheaper alternative to Mereway and apprarently a step up from Howdens.

As far as I can tell they are part of Mereway? As they seem to share the same address.

Any thought/experience/opinions?

Thanks.

majjie

You're right Peeb, they're wholly owned by Mereway. Trend kitchens was launched to cater for customers who don't want to pay Mereway prices ... and to compete with the likes of Howdens and B&Q.

It's a really interesting venture because they're going to be providing all the details online ... to the extent that you will be able to order online too (eventually) ... but the order will then be sent to your local showroom. Or - local showrooms can have their own website - with all the Trend Kitchens information on it ... and then tailor it and include other things they sell.

I reckon I'll be recommending some Trend kitchens in the future.

peeb

I'd be interested to hear if anyone has seen a Trend kitchen and can comment on the quality of their carcasses and doors especially the solid oak ones.

majjie

Yes - me too - but it's probably only retailers who've seen them so far - they're very new. Why don't you ask the company that's recommending them for a sample?

biggus_richus

I've had a quote from a local independent kitchen fitter which included Mereway units.

When I asked where we could start to reduce the price, they gave me a Trend kitchens brochure saying they were a cheaper range. The main difference, they said, was that the carcasses were open topped with a support bar, rather than having a lid.

I don't know if that's the only difference, no idea on carcass thickness, but hope the info helps.

roobers_2

I've also just had a quote for a Trend kitchen, as a cheaper alternative to Mereway (although again there were a couple of Mereway units in it).

They now have the pricing up on their website (it's only been put up just this week), so have been able to price it up myself, although of course as a retail customer I'm not seeing any discounts, and it is similar to that given to me by my local independent kitchen people.

I was told that the other main differences between Trend and Mereway, beside the top being just a support bar, was that the base units only have a single shelf (Mereway have two), and the guarantee is five years rather than ten. Carcasses are still 18 (or 19?) mm, and rigid glue/dowel construction.

flowmeter

So are we all saying that Trend is a step up from the Wickes/Benchmarx Gower make ?

majjie

flowmeter wrote: »

So are we all saying that Trend is a step up from the Wickes/Benchmarx Gower make ?

Absolutely - have you seen the range of sizes they do? And you can modify the depth of the units too. Huge improvement from a design point of view.

I'm going to have a look at them tomorrow at a trade show. I'll report back if I find out anything interesting.

majjie

OK - I spoke to the Sales Manager - and the differences are:

1. Trend has 11 rather than 22 carcase colours
2. carcasses have a top rail rather than a solid top (but then so do most carcasses at this price level!)
3. the wirework has a lower spec: Mereway kitchens use Kessebohmer; Trend is the equivalent of unbranded
4. you can only specify the depths of the carcasses (Mereway will do specials with different widths, heights and finishes)
5. 5 year warranty instead of 10
6. damaged/wrong units will be replaced on return of the original (Mereway has a no quibble replacement policy)
7. Trend charges for delivery
8. they won't be spending much on marketing - just on SEO for the website
9. some of the accessories - like canopies/cornice are lower quality - machine made veneer, for instance, instead of solid wood handmade
10. there's a smaller choice of door styles

Nothing too drastic there - I don't think - and nothing that puts them at a disadvantage to similar priced kitchens.

Incidentally - have you seen Mereway's new advert - they're a company with a sense of humour!
The Ultimate Test

peeb

We've ordered our Trend kitchen and should be fitted in a few weeks.

We'll see how it goes.

majjie

Great peeb - let us know what you think. I'm guessing you'll be pleased.