DIY-Kitchens - Worktops

swilt170571 · Post by **swilt170571** » Sun Jan 31, 2021 12:00 am

Hi All

IVe read and read and reviewed virtually all Kitchens now from B&Q, Wickes, Howdens and DIY-*.

My take on it (being a kitchen novice) is that
DIY* offer the better quality cabinets and doors. We are particulary interested in Lucca Gloss This has a Lacquered MDF, 22mm Thick, Gloss Finish compared to what Howdens tell me is their equivalent Clerkenwell Gloss yet they are 19mm PET Wrapped. Would a novice like me really see much difference in quality?

My main question though as I dont see this reveiwed as much is quality of Worktops. How do people find DIY-* LAminate Worktops. I was looking at the White Quartz, OR do you experts recommend sourcing that from a worktop specialist? I guess same as 1.5 Stainless Steel bowl that I also need to buy, again go specialised or find good from DIY?

Thanks for any advice

Regards

Chippo1 · Post by **Chippo1** » Sun Jan 31, 2021 9:19 am

Hi we have a DIY handle less kitchen think that Luca , semi gloss finish , it’s really good , smooth flat and pretty robust so far after over two years of putting up with me.

Worktops, don’t know about thier laminate , we went for Dektron incredibly expensive stuff and so far bomb proof , I often forget to use a chopping block , no a single mark. DIY offered it at literally half the price of any where else we tried.

bungalow phil · Post by **bungalow phil** » Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:47 am

What I like about DIY-kitchens is that everything comes ready fitted - the doors, handles, carousel units etc. That all saves time and the quality is very good. I suppose the down side is that if need an extra panel or whatever there will be delays and additonal delivery costs.

arco_iris · Post by **arco_iris** » Wed Feb 17, 2021 9:02 pm

In answer to OP, Worktop Express are very good for conventional laminates with their own transport careful 2 man delivery service. Mainly though for straight forward kitchens.

Chippo1 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 31, 2021 9:19 am DIY offered it at literally half the price of any where else we tried.

I've spent most of the last two days sourcing quartz (Silestone) worktops with shaped edges & curved ends for my own installation (DIYK deliver units tomorrow), DIYK I tried last, after seeing Chippo's post, in desperation. Previously I'd expected them to be pricey so ignored their marketing message. Customer service chap was very helpful & came up with the best price without asking, for like-for-like, templated & installed, brand name, colour & specification by a small margin (£150 - £200) over SEH Interiors who were also very communicative, & they price-match anyway if you want to try them*.

Both outfits bettered the local supplier five miles away (other two are 300 miles away) by virtually a grand, £2,800 versus £3,800. Local guy was not prepared to sharpen his pencil so lost out, they were all provided with the same accurate drawing. I'm in South West Wales.

In addition, DIYK & SEH are 7-10 days to laser template, installation 10-14 days after - the local guy has totally shutdown pending end of lockdown with no idea when that might be, couldn't give a date, and as far as I can tell, templates with sheets of hardboard.

I'll let you know how it goes, but I'm pretty happy with DIYK so far.

* The worktop planner on the website was a bit awkward to get my head round (ended up emailing the plan & they put it in the basket for me) but produces a quote instantly that could be used for price-matching.