www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

I wonder if anyone can please tell me who supplies the cheapest flat pack?
We have all the normal suppliers in our area, Howdens, Magnet etc etc.... & of course the timber/builders merchants.
Is there any on-line suppliers you would recommend?

It's for a small basic kitchen in a let property, but the access is very limited, we have always done assembled units from Howdens in the past, but with this one we just wouldn't get them in the flat - it's so tight.

Also, what is the current going rate per unit for fitting flat pack?
Thanks for your help.

http://www.diy-kitchens.com/ wouldnt know what people charge for installing flatpack stuff....

At this present moment in time, if you get down to your local Focus DIY, their flat packs are dead cheap, and you can buy straight off the shelf. They're basic but good value, and have the best assembly instructions I've ever come across. The only flaw they have is where you attach the brackets (L-shaped ones) at back corners of unit, unless you pilot hole the fixing points into the carcass v. precisely, you will split the board and lose the corner of the unit - they're a little bit delicate there!

When you say going rate for fitting flat-pack, I'm not sure whether you mean the charge for assembling units or just general kitchen fitting? If its any help, units are about 15 mins each to build max. and in terms of what you charge, its going to be the fitting rate in your area. Somewhere between 140 and 200 a day I would say.

Best

Julian Cassell wrote:At this present moment in time, if you get down to your local Focus DIY, their flat packs are dead cheap, and you can buy straight off the shelf. They're basic but good value, and have the best assembly instructions I've ever come across. The only flaw they have is where you attach the brackets (L-shaped ones) at back corners of unit, unless you pilot hole the fixing points into the carcass v. precisely, you will split the board and lose the corner of the unit - they're a little bit delicate there!

When you say going rate for fitting flat-pack, I'm not sure whether you mean the charge for assembling units or just general kitchen fitting? If its any help, units are about 15 mins each to build max. and in terms of what you charge, its going to be the fitting rate in your area. Somewhere between 140 and 200 a day I would say.

Best

Thanks gentlemen for taking the time to reply.
I would worry a little about buying from Focus Julian as they've just gone t.ts up!! I know B&Q have taken over some stores, but not them all. However, if their flat packs are very cheap I may take a punt.
Thanks again.

Dickie,
We used Focus flat-pack five years ago for our kitchen refurb when we bought our Park Home. I know they are closing down but if you can get some from the shops before they all shut, they are fine.
We had no problems building and fitting them and it was only me and my wife plus the plumber for the sink fitting.
It looks good too. Ignore the floor covering, that went as soon as we had finished installing the units.
dave

Julian Cassell wrote:I would worry a little about buying from Focus Julian as they've just gone t.ts up!

Hi Dickie, that's sort of what I was referring to when I said 'At this present moment in time', and because you can get them off the shelf, no need to wait etc. - As Dave M. says - simple to build etc.

Cheers