First time buying a kitchen - quality and process of Ikea or go with B&Q/Wickes etc.

NannyV

Hi, we are looking to replace our kitchen. The kitchen units themselves arent that bad, but there is an awful load of old piping which needs boxing in, old peeling wallpaper that needs removing and re-plaster and tiling, new flooring, a wall knocking down and new cooker, washing machine and tumble dryer, so thought while we are taking all the units off it may be worth replacing with what we want.

I have seen a lovely high gloss white kitchen design in homebase but I like the curved units which they said cost £1000 each!!! B&Q have said they do the same but for £300 each.

However after googling I got diverted to an old post on here where someone used IKEA kitchens for their refurbs and I loved them. The only thing is when I looked at the site its hard to know what I would need to order, costing etc. and if it is much cheaper and if the cheapness is actually worth it in the terms of not having someone to tell us what we need to order etc. like you do at b&q.

Has anyone used IKEA and know the quality compared to b&q etc? I love their storage solutions too.

We know someone who would install it, and give a little discount as a friend and same for electrics and flooring etc. Its just working out where to buy the kitchen from as we have no idea on who offers the best quality but also price. We also have a Howdens locally so was thinking of getting a quote from them too

clutterbug_2

Okra have their own online planning tool don't they? This should give youan idea of what you need. Otherwise, go in store with your measurements and they are very helpful.

They aren't cheap though! If you look around the store showrooms they give you a price for what's on show and they are tiny but go from £3-12k! b&Q are cheaper but have a lot less nifty gadgets.

Good luck

Steve_the_fitter

if you have lots of pipes in the kitchen Ikea may not be a good idea as there is no void in their units. Homebase are very overpriced as you have found out.

NannyV

Thanks everyone, Im in two minds about replacing the whole kitchen, I know it would be easier and probably look much much nicer, but the kitchen we do have may just need a couple of new doors to hide the washing machine and tumble dryer, and a good clean.
You'll see what I mean about the pipes, flooring, window sills and walls needing doing. We also have very dated and yellow doors and frames/skirting that needs ripping off. I wonder if I can add in some storage gadgets for stacking plates and things to make the inside cupboards more useful too.

http://s531.photobucket.com/albums/dd360/vix84_2008/Kitchen/

NannyV

anyone know what our kitchen style is?

Tr1pp

you wont be getting cupboard doors to cover your washing machine or dishwasher unless ur planning to replace them with integrated washing units.

evokit

KitchendesignerR - thats the same kitchen i was talking about my mum had in the other thread.

NannyV

Thanks for that, will look it up, we need a new washing machine and tumble dryer so will buy new built in ones

NannyV

Its been discontinued unfortunately and the guy didn't seem to think I could get a replacement and ebay brings up nothing

NannyV

Kitchen_DesignR wrote: »

There's a replacement version that has no grain on the doors.
If you was going to spruce up your kitchen how's about swapping doors to another white range (this will match the carcass and end panels/trims)

The Stornaway and Saponetta ranges are better quality doors at a fraction more in cost...

Yeah my Oh said that too but then I think well we may as well do the whole lot as ideally Id like white high gloss and it wouldnt go with the carcass bits we have already? Like the outer trim and sides on show.
Will see the cost of alll new doors though just without the grain effect

fordy3004

We have looked at many kitchens and worktops and at the moment are edging towards Wrens Owen Sold oak with Bosch appliances and Maia worktops.

However I have been told today that it may be better to go for an oak veneer rather than solid oak as real oak is a natural product so it gets easily damaged. likewise i have been told that Getacore is a cheaper supplied of composite worktops than Maia.

So questions:

Is a veneered oak really better than slod oak? Are wren any good?
Are maia worktops ok? Are Getacore better or cheaper? Who is the scottish supplier of Getacore and where can I view them?
Are Bosch appliances any good?

Any help would be much appreciated. thaks in advance