reccomendations for DIY kitchen

gbswales

We want to install a kitchen ourselves tackling one wall at a time (I have fitted a magnet kitchen before so not completely inexperienced) the problem really is budget as I have retired now so looking to spend no more than £4000 - £5000 including sink/taps below counter oven with built in hob - in all about 8-10 floor units (depending on sizes) and 3 tall double wall units. No other appliances as I already have washing m/c d/w.
I can find something well within budget at IKEA but know that others have reported issues (though I have experience of delays with my lounge units and dont mind that) Looking to have a nice stand out Red or Aubergine glossy fronts. Anyone have recommendations of the best place to buy from and any pitfals. I dont mind buying from different places (eg better quality worktops and sinks than Ikea do) but the cabinets of course would need to come from one source for colour match.

any thoughts welcomed

BlueC

we were in a similar position. wanted something a bit better quality than ikea (although replacing an ikea kitchen that we were very happy with, we just wanted something a touch better)

In the end we used http://www.diy-kitchens.com for the units. Visit their factory if you're in the north, well worth it. Very good quality - they make and supply for the posh independent kitchen shops but you can buy direct from they way cheaper.

shop around for appliances, but ao.com and johnlewis tend to be best. go neff/siemens/bosch if you can afford it.

if you're having wooden worktops, http://www.worktop-express.co.uk/

for granite, shop around but it will be expensive compared to wood (probably out of budget range). or find a local worktop shop. modern laminate worktop is really very good quality, cheap, and is very hard-wearing.

beaker141

I'd second diy-kitchens, Ive just used them and they were cheaper than Howdens, by 3k, and of the same quality.

aggypanthus

I agree with Blue C, been to factory, had a tour and bought my units.
shopped around for sink etc.
Ikea for dishwasher. Made by whirlpool 5 yr warranty.

You may not get your red glosy colours as I think they may be a bit out of fashion. ?

smifffy1989

We got a Lithos D150 sink its a composite and it is fantastic. Was about £120 but looks like it was much more.

gbswales

thanks for the suggestions - this company certainly seems worth investigating.
Not looking for granite worktops - just the conventional laminate and they do make a red and purple gloss finish but don't feature it in their front page examples. I really dislike pale insipid colours and want something striking a bold colour like Red, blue etc. With the exception of cooker I prefer the idea of free standing, under counter, appliances as having doors over them seems pointless and restricting.
anyway some good food for thought.
It is just a pity that DIY-Kitchens don't have an on-line planner featuring their units and 3d rendering - however i do like the idea of cabinets being delivered pre-assembled (though that might give me space problems if I want to install the kitchen over a period rather than all at once.) Ahh well back to the old fashioned planning method with drawings and cut-outs - might be fun for a change!