www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

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

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.

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.

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.