Discussion
m3jappa said:
Let's say your kitchen is 3736mm wide for example, let's say the units make up a total of 3600mm. What do you do with the additional 136mm? Is it simply a case of buying a panel and cutting it down? How do you do that with high gloss? Does it work?
If these are units that have to add up to that width because they hold integrated appliances then you do need to find a solution. However, if the width is not constrained by appliances then some makes can build their units to your exact requirements.i bought and fitted a DIY kitchen based on the recommendations of others and used to work in the industry so feel reasonably qualified to comment
Pros.
Rigid cabinets (pre built/drilled etc)
Good pricing structure
Massive selection
Cons.
You have to be spot on with your measurements and confident of how to lay your kitchen out - they do not take any responsibility if you get it wrong
They don't offer an online design tool
Ours is a Remo Dove Grey Gloss and i've noticed it is very easy to chip the covering if youre a tad cack handed.
On the whole a step above B&Q/Howdens etc and at a good price.
As for the issue of being 100mm short in length on a run, you will need to allow yourself some margin for error as if wall to wall you are relying on the room being square - i've not found many that aren't 30-40mm off across the room. Get your fitter (or yourself) to then scribe your end panels to the walls and voila no issues
Pros.
Rigid cabinets (pre built/drilled etc)
Good pricing structure
Massive selection
Cons.
You have to be spot on with your measurements and confident of how to lay your kitchen out - they do not take any responsibility if you get it wrong
They don't offer an online design tool
Ours is a Remo Dove Grey Gloss and i've noticed it is very easy to chip the covering if youre a tad cack handed.
On the whole a step above B&Q/Howdens etc and at a good price.
As for the issue of being 100mm short in length on a run, you will need to allow yourself some margin for error as if wall to wall you are relying on the room being square - i've not found many that aren't 30-40mm off across the room. Get your fitter (or yourself) to then scribe your end panels to the walls and voila no issues
Another thumbs up for DIY Kitchens from me. Used them for both my kitchen and also in my garage. Can't fault the quality, service or prices. You do need to plan very carefully what units you want to go where and which way they need to open as it's totally up to you to order the right ones. Units come fully assembled and are pretty easy to fit and adjust. My kitchen is now 6 years old and the units still look as good as new.
m3jappa said:
I think I'll be getting our new kitchen from DIY kitchens, good reviews and look good. I like the Luca gloss handle less.
One question though, I'm fairly confident in fitting all the units and I'm sure I can get someone to do a design (although I think I've 99% designed it myself).
Let's say your kitchen is 3736mm wide for example, let's say the units make up a total of 3600mm. What do you do with the additional 136mm? Is it simply a case of buying a panel and cutting it down? How do you do that with high gloss? Does it work?
On DIY kitchen's recommendation I ordered extra plinth, scribed it to the wall, cut with a fine toothed blade on the jigsaw and used it as a fill-in. Did the same over the fridge (we didn't want built in appliances) which matches up and looks neat and can be changed if in the future we go for a different height fridge.One question though, I'm fairly confident in fitting all the units and I'm sure I can get someone to do a design (although I think I've 99% designed it myself).
Let's say your kitchen is 3736mm wide for example, let's say the units make up a total of 3600mm. What do you do with the additional 136mm? Is it simply a case of buying a panel and cutting it down? How do you do that with high gloss? Does it work?
Kitchen is Luca in Sage - been in 2 years now and has been excellent. I did mine in a week (included stripping back, removing flooring and tiling, plumbing and electrics), the easiest part was fitting the cabinets which was probably 2 days work at most (6m x 5m kitchen), my joiner friend who came to help out on one of the days now recommends DIY to his customers instead of the Howdens he used to go for.
What does the term scribed it to the wall mean?
Maybe I'll get my kitchen fitter uncle to help me out here. I want it to be perfect and while I'm able to turn my hand I don't want to f
k it up. I think I'll be doing an l shape kitchen and island so in any case it does appear there's a bit less to fk up by having only 1 end which is up against a wall iykwim.
Also what are DIY kitchens like in terms of wortops? Worth shopping around? Or are they ok, I just made an estimate for white Quartz and it wasn't far off what I assumed it might be.
Maybe I'll get my kitchen fitter uncle to help me out here. I want it to be perfect and while I'm able to turn my hand I don't want to f
k it up. I think I'll be doing an l shape kitchen and island so in any case it does appear there's a bit less to fk up by having only 1 end which is up against a wall iykwim. Also what are DIY kitchens like in terms of wortops? Worth shopping around? Or are they ok, I just made an estimate for white Quartz and it wasn't far off what I assumed it might be.
DIY's service on the phone was great, but their delivery people were appalling. They forgot things, were rude to my wife and generally unpleasant. For this alone I will not use them again.
My kitchen is a mix of DIY (tall larder and small pull-out units) and www.solidwoodkitchencabinets.co.uk.
The DIY stuff is fine, but the fronts of the larder units are not fixed to the doors all the way up, leading to a little bit of flexing when you pull them out. Apart from that the quality is fine - no better and no worse than any other chipboard based kitchen. We ordered solid oak doors in a custom colour, and the finish is great.
The Solid Wood stuff (same company as Worktop Express) is in a different league - and if you are really thinking about DeVol type quality, you would be better using these. The only issue is that they do not do any in-frame kitchens at the moment (and that in-frame shaker look is what makes DeVol so appealing).
SWKC were not without their problems either - they delivered some stuff damaged, and the drawer fronts were crooked on their pre-assembled cabinets. The builders were able to rectify the latter, and the damage was to cabinet sides, so hidden. The big difference was their service - they are a fantastic comany on both phone and e-mail, and their drivers were excellent.
Here's are a couple of pics. We are still not finished installing/decorating (or even moving in - hence the mess everywhere!), but should give you an idea of the look. The exposed sides of the solid wood cabinets are a nice feature, as the staved oak looks good. Not the look you are after, though. We are making a few changes - the ugly lampshades above the island are now solid copper ones, the stone upstands have been changed to wood to match the surface etc. But the cabinets do look good.
Builder states that assembly was easy. He actually liked the solid woods cabinets more as they are easier to cut/shape than chipboard when the need arises.
Kitchen complete by baconrashers, on Flickr
Kitchen by baconrashers, on Flickr
Untitled by baconrashers, on Flickr
DeVol's stuff is lovely, but given we got all of these cabinets and doors for around £8k, the price of this was about a third...
My kitchen is a mix of DIY (tall larder and small pull-out units) and www.solidwoodkitchencabinets.co.uk.
The DIY stuff is fine, but the fronts of the larder units are not fixed to the doors all the way up, leading to a little bit of flexing when you pull them out. Apart from that the quality is fine - no better and no worse than any other chipboard based kitchen. We ordered solid oak doors in a custom colour, and the finish is great.
The Solid Wood stuff (same company as Worktop Express) is in a different league - and if you are really thinking about DeVol type quality, you would be better using these. The only issue is that they do not do any in-frame kitchens at the moment (and that in-frame shaker look is what makes DeVol so appealing).
SWKC were not without their problems either - they delivered some stuff damaged, and the drawer fronts were crooked on their pre-assembled cabinets. The builders were able to rectify the latter, and the damage was to cabinet sides, so hidden. The big difference was their service - they are a fantastic comany on both phone and e-mail, and their drivers were excellent.
Here's are a couple of pics. We are still not finished installing/decorating (or even moving in - hence the mess everywhere!), but should give you an idea of the look. The exposed sides of the solid wood cabinets are a nice feature, as the staved oak looks good. Not the look you are after, though. We are making a few changes - the ugly lampshades above the island are now solid copper ones, the stone upstands have been changed to wood to match the surface etc. But the cabinets do look good.
Builder states that assembly was easy. He actually liked the solid woods cabinets more as they are easier to cut/shape than chipboard when the need arises.
Kitchen complete by baconrashers, on FlickrKitchen by baconrashers, on FlickrUntitled by baconrashers, on FlickrDeVol's stuff is lovely, but given we got all of these cabinets and doors for around £8k, the price of this was about a third...
Edited by Harry Flashman on Tuesday 17th January 12:21
m3jappa said:
What does the term scribed it to the wall mean?
Maybe I'll get my kitchen fitter uncle to help me out here. I want it to be perfect and while I'm able to turn my hand I don't want to fk it up. I think I'll be doing an l shape kitchen and island so in any case it does appear there's a bit less to fk up by having only 1 end which is up against a wall iykwim.
Also what are DIY kitchens like in terms of wortops? Worth shopping around? Or are they ok, I just made an estimate for white Quartz and it wasn't far off what I assumed it might be.
As Singlecoil says, you trace the shape of the wall (no wall is 100% flat, ours especially so) onto one vertical side of the plinth. As you can see from the picture I was somewhat successful but it's one of those things a time-served chippy can do standing on his head, an enthusiastic amateur less so.Maybe I'll get my kitchen fitter uncle to help me out here. I want it to be perfect and while I'm able to turn my hand I don't want to f
k it up. I think I'll be doing an l shape kitchen and island so in any case it does appear there's a bit less to fk up by having only 1 end which is up against a wall iykwim. Also what are DIY kitchens like in terms of wortops? Worth shopping around? Or are they ok, I just made an estimate for white Quartz and it wasn't far off what I assumed it might be.
If you want perfect, get someone in.
In fact having someone to help install is a good idea, I did one day on my own and it's difficult moving the carcasses around - it's better to have someone there to help out, even if it's just to fetch and carry.
We got a laminate worktop as a stop gap from DIY. When buying with the kitchen the discount was enough to make it worthwhile and at least we were only dealing with one supplier. We're about to order a replacement worktop when my wife decides what she wants (can't decide between wood and stone, taken her 2 years so far) so I can't comment on longevity but so far ours looks like the day it was installed - actually the whole kitchen does.
Of course - I need to take some update pics.
To be fair the kitchen is more modern than I wanted. I prefer a country style, but Lady F does not, so we went with classic style doors and a double Belfast sink, but with modern handles and a distressed mirror splashback to make it seem a bit trendier. She was happy, and I like it too...
...but when the inevitable refurb comes in a few years, it's being re-painted dark forest green and having weathered brass handles fitted, and that (highly functional, to be fair) tap is going to become a replica Victorian item!
In the meantime here's a slightly better picture of the island and sink. Please ignore printer sitting on the worktop: we're still a bit in chaos!
Untitled by baconrashers, on Flickr
On topic for the OP - I would definitely spend a bit extra and go for the Solid Wood items. I think that the chipboard DIY stuff is fine as far as it goes, but for 30% more you can get something that is really good. The difference is apparent when you open the cabinets/drawers and are greeted with the sight and smell of oak, rather than melamine faced chipboard.
And as with any of these providers, a part of the reason they are cheap is that they do not do any planning for you. I had to design our kitchen myself. And whilst there is a bit of fun to doing this, you are never going to be as accomplished as someone who does this for a living. Had I used a designer I would have known to use some open shelving/glass fronted cabinets to avoid it all looking quote so overbearing. Our kitchen is a 7.5m run - a designer would use some tricks to prevent this from looking so cabinet heavy. Mind you, it is functional, and there is a tonne of storage.
The bespoke guys can also do you nice things like a walk-in wardrobe, or bifold appliance cupboards (our toaster, kettle etc are hidden in the standard cabinet above the wine cooler). They can also do you the bespoke pull-out chopping boards. Our pull-out boards currently rest in gaps in the middle column of cabinets, and I have to get some bespoke carpentry done by the builder to hide these and make them a bit more functional.
You can see the tall DIY larder units on either size of the fridge & freezer. They look pretty good installed! The stand close up scrutiny too, especially if you opt for the bespoke painted solid oak doors.
Untitled by baconrashers, on Flickr
To be fair the kitchen is more modern than I wanted. I prefer a country style, but Lady F does not, so we went with classic style doors and a double Belfast sink, but with modern handles and a distressed mirror splashback to make it seem a bit trendier. She was happy, and I like it too...
...but when the inevitable refurb comes in a few years, it's being re-painted dark forest green and having weathered brass handles fitted, and that (highly functional, to be fair) tap is going to become a replica Victorian item!
In the meantime here's a slightly better picture of the island and sink. Please ignore printer sitting on the worktop: we're still a bit in chaos!
Untitled by baconrashers, on FlickrOn topic for the OP - I would definitely spend a bit extra and go for the Solid Wood items. I think that the chipboard DIY stuff is fine as far as it goes, but for 30% more you can get something that is really good. The difference is apparent when you open the cabinets/drawers and are greeted with the sight and smell of oak, rather than melamine faced chipboard.
And as with any of these providers, a part of the reason they are cheap is that they do not do any planning for you. I had to design our kitchen myself. And whilst there is a bit of fun to doing this, you are never going to be as accomplished as someone who does this for a living. Had I used a designer I would have known to use some open shelving/glass fronted cabinets to avoid it all looking quote so overbearing. Our kitchen is a 7.5m run - a designer would use some tricks to prevent this from looking so cabinet heavy. Mind you, it is functional, and there is a tonne of storage.
The bespoke guys can also do you nice things like a walk-in wardrobe, or bifold appliance cupboards (our toaster, kettle etc are hidden in the standard cabinet above the wine cooler). They can also do you the bespoke pull-out chopping boards. Our pull-out boards currently rest in gaps in the middle column of cabinets, and I have to get some bespoke carpentry done by the builder to hide these and make them a bit more functional.
You can see the tall DIY larder units on either size of the fridge & freezer. They look pretty good installed! The stand close up scrutiny too, especially if you opt for the bespoke painted solid oak doors.
Untitled by baconrashers, on FlickrEdited by Harry Flashman on Tuesday 17th January 12:38
what a lovely looking kitchen Harry. I've just finished putting my own in- everything, plumbing, re-wiring, plastering, the whole shooting match.
Whilst it looks fine, I wish it was on that scale !!! Still I keep promising Mrs AS that we'll extend one day and she can have an island then.
Whilst it looks fine, I wish it was on that scale !!! Still I keep promising Mrs AS that we'll extend one day and she can have an island then.
Another happy customer having taken delivery of a mixture of cabinets and doors last week. All items were extremely well packaged with no apparent damage.
Only got round to checking the delivery at the weekend and found that we were missing 5 doors and some hinges. Raised a support ticket which was answered within 48 hours, the error was accepted with replacements being sent in 5-7 days.
Can't say fairer than that.
Only got round to checking the delivery at the weekend and found that we were missing 5 doors and some hinges. Raised a support ticket which was answered within 48 hours, the error was accepted with replacements being sent in 5-7 days.
Can't say fairer than that.
Never used DIY Kitchens, but the Remo Alabaster mentioned on here a couple of times is made/supplied by Second Nature. If DIY can supply that, they should be able to supply the rest of the range as well. http://www.sncollection.co.uk/kitchens
SN are based near me in what seems like the worlds largest kitchen showroom (think a very large ikea) and all the studio shots for the website/brochures are taken in the 'showroom'. FWIW, I have a SN trade account with 30% discount (I'm not a kitchen fitter), but my prices work out pretty much the same as http://www.onlinekitchensuk.co.uk/ which you should be able to check against DIY Kithcens. I suspect they are all much of a muchness price wise.
Seeing as DIY stock Second Nature, I suspect that they also stock or could get hold of SN's 'upmarket' brand '1909' as well. Again on display on said showroom and it is stunning stuff (in the context of real world affordable). Once you spend 2 hours walking around the 1909 in frame stuff, when you walk back through the 'normal' kitchens it's like walking through Wickes. Probably only about 20-30% more expensive on the doors, so if you're spending say £6k on doors/units, it may go up to say £7,000-£7,500 and IMHO is well worth the extra
http://www.1909kitchens.co.uk/
I was looking for an ultra chic/modern kitchen with wrap around corian worktop etc, but having walked around this kitchen linked below it is absolutely stunning (and the complete antithesis of what I was looking for). The layout also works really well in real life - but bizarrely looks awful on plan. Click on the real kitchens tab and you'll see people spend £30/40k retail on these kitchens. That kitchen in the link is about £6.5k supply excl. worktop and appliances (like the £15k Wolf cooker for example!)
http://www.1909kitchens.co.uk/kitchens/half-pencil...
SN are based near me in what seems like the worlds largest kitchen showroom (think a very large ikea) and all the studio shots for the website/brochures are taken in the 'showroom'. FWIW, I have a SN trade account with 30% discount (I'm not a kitchen fitter), but my prices work out pretty much the same as http://www.onlinekitchensuk.co.uk/ which you should be able to check against DIY Kithcens. I suspect they are all much of a muchness price wise.
Seeing as DIY stock Second Nature, I suspect that they also stock or could get hold of SN's 'upmarket' brand '1909' as well. Again on display on said showroom and it is stunning stuff (in the context of real world affordable). Once you spend 2 hours walking around the 1909 in frame stuff, when you walk back through the 'normal' kitchens it's like walking through Wickes. Probably only about 20-30% more expensive on the doors, so if you're spending say £6k on doors/units, it may go up to say £7,000-£7,500 and IMHO is well worth the extra
http://www.1909kitchens.co.uk/
I was looking for an ultra chic/modern kitchen with wrap around corian worktop etc, but having walked around this kitchen linked below it is absolutely stunning (and the complete antithesis of what I was looking for). The layout also works really well in real life - but bizarrely looks awful on plan. Click on the real kitchens tab and you'll see people spend £30/40k retail on these kitchens. That kitchen in the link is about £6.5k supply excl. worktop and appliances (like the £15k Wolf cooker for example!)
http://www.1909kitchens.co.uk/kitchens/half-pencil...
Edited by ben5575 on Tuesday 17th January 14:33
I used DIY 2.5 years ago.
Very good - step above the usual B&Q/Magnet/etc
It's a very hands on process though - as others have said, you need to get your measurements right. They do help you, but it's a deep-breath moment when you push the button online to order several £k's worth of kitchen.
I visited the showroom up North - great place, really showed you a lot of their ranges and the quality.
We fitted it ourselves - my old man is in construction and was impressed with the quality. Blum hinges/fittings, pre-assembled where specified. All good.
Slight gripe. I ordered the wrong worktop and had to return it. I asked DIY if I could return it with the delivery driver who was bringing the replacement for me. I was told that their drivers don't do collections, so I'd have to return it to their warehouse myself.
Cue a day off and a long round-trip to take it back, but not the end of the world.
I saved myself at least 4 figures compared to an independent kitchen supplier, or even B&Q I think.
Very good - step above the usual B&Q/Magnet/etc
It's a very hands on process though - as others have said, you need to get your measurements right. They do help you, but it's a deep-breath moment when you push the button online to order several £k's worth of kitchen.
I visited the showroom up North - great place, really showed you a lot of their ranges and the quality.
We fitted it ourselves - my old man is in construction and was impressed with the quality. Blum hinges/fittings, pre-assembled where specified. All good.
Slight gripe. I ordered the wrong worktop and had to return it. I asked DIY if I could return it with the delivery driver who was bringing the replacement for me. I was told that their drivers don't do collections, so I'd have to return it to their warehouse myself.
Cue a day off and a long round-trip to take it back, but not the end of the world.
I saved myself at least 4 figures compared to an independent kitchen supplier, or even B&Q I think.
Sorry, just to add that it seems that PWS (who make the SN/1909 stuff) have opened a smaller showroom in Slough which might be a bit more local to you! Not sure if it's just trade (normal model is kitchen retailers give the customers a tour of the PWS showroom), but you might be able to blag your way in. Give you a chance to see the kitchens in the flesh before you buy.
https://www.pws.co.uk/latest-news/pws%E2%80%99-fla...
https://www.pws.co.uk/latest-news/pws%E2%80%99-fla...
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