We’ll recommend local showrooms whose kitchens cost similar to places like Howdens, Wickes & Wren, but are higher quality & will last longer. This even applies when the chain store units are in the sale.
These showrooms also charge much less than the chains for fitting. Their average fitting price is just £1,300 which is similar to what builders charge.
“The quality is excellent & the price considerably less than Magnet”
Corinee Roberts, London N13
They are also better value than the chains for worktops & appliances. In fact, their prices are usually similar to online.
Here are some examples of the kitchens these showrooms offer:
How can a small showroom be better value than the chains?
It’s all down to overheads. Small showrooms have tiny overheads compared to the chains. Unlike the chains, they don’t have huge superstores to run or multi million pound TV adverts to pay for. Therefore, they can afford to sell you a higher quality kitchen for a similar price to the chains.
Surely the chains will be cheaper if their units are in the sale?
No – because their sales are fake. Before offering 50% off the chains double their selling prices. This is one of the oldest sales tricks in the book & is also used by the sofa chains.
Don’t let the chains pressurise you into making a quick decision by telling you their sale ends in a few days. Remember, their sales are fake. Plus, buying a kitchen takes time & isn’t something you can do in a few days.
Isn’t the cheapest way to buy a kitchen via a builder?
No – because the price builders pay for kitchens from places like Howdens is usually similar to what the chains charge consumers. Therefore, once a builder adds their profit onto the price of your kitchen, you’re probably paying over the odds.
Why are these units higher quality than chain store units?
Gloss door material:
The gloss doors are mostly the high quality painted & lacquered or acrylic types. These have a smooth, reflective finish. In contrast, places like Howdens, Wickes & Wren mainly sell the low quality foil, PVC, PET or vinyl wrapped types. These have a bobbly, unreflective finish. The other problem with these is they peel.
Cabinet backs:
Showroom base units have solid 18mm backs for strength & durability. In contrast, the base units places like Howdens & the chains sell have much thinner 3mm or 6mm backs which soon bow under the weight of the worktops.
Cabinet edging:
Showroom cabinets have impact resistant PVC or ABS edging to protect the delicate front edges from chips & damage. In contrast, places like Howdens, Wickes & Wren come with melamine edging which offers little or no protection.
Density of the chipboard used to make the cabinets:
The denser the chipboard, the more durable the cabinet is. Showroom cabinets tend to be made from high density chipboard. In contrast, places like Howdens, Wickes & Wren tend to be made from cheaper, low density chipboard. The problem with low density chipboard is it tends to bow over time.
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