In frame kitchens thread no.457.... HKD and Classic Kitchens Direct

[NeedingCoffee]

Well, I've trawled through as many threads as I can find about kitchens, and gained so many useful insights along the way, but of course now that it's my own decision I'm stuck.

I'm pretty likely to go with Handmade Kitchens Direct of Christchurch, sufficiently likely to have paid over the £250 deposit to secure their current sale prices. However I've noticed that there seems to be a new kid on that particular block - Classic Kitchens Direct are literally just down the road. The kitchens, cabinet choices etc. etc. all look quite remarkably similar, all the way down to having similar codes for the style of door front, similar hinges choices etc.

At first glance pricing looks pretty similar too.
Has any one else considered them, or even better gone with them? Any insights or words of wisdom? Is there a relationship between the two, or have they just jumped on the HKD -type bandwagon? The HKD current lead time of nearly 8 months(!) is an issue for us, and although I suppose it's comforting that so many people want their kitchens, if we could get the same thing, for the same price, quicker then that would be even better.

[ShortLass]

I have also paid a deposit to Handmade Kitchens Direct as I visited their showroom and knew it was exactly what I was looking for. I got the recommendation here on mumsnet.

Now, of course, I've read your thread and seen this other company! As you say, they look very similar, but they do have a few options which HMK don't do (eg, angled corner cabinet). It depends if these options tempt you. They had a summer sale, but it has ended.

I suspect, although I don't know, that this business was set up by a former employee of the first company. There certainly seems to be enough work for both.

If you can, I would visit the showrooms of both and see what you think of the quality and what you would prefer. HMK has a showroom in Esher, Surrey (which I visited) and CKD has one in Nottingham, I think it was, if you can't get to Dorset to do both. It may be a bit of a journey, but this is a big and expensive purchase.

In the meantime, why not call CKD and come clean. Say you've paid a deposit to HMK becuase you saw them first but now you're wondering about changing your mind and could they give you some information.

I'm not planning on doing my kitchen until next year anyway (still saving!), so the wait wasn't a problem for me. I am happy with my choice of HMK. Although now, of course, I'm looking at this other website. I blame you

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

There's quite a few in frame manufactures out and about !! Worth doing a Google search and also asking locally too !

Here's one that deserves a mention
http://www.homebydesignltd.com/

And these peeps are good too
John Ladbury in Welham Green.
Sorry - don't have a link for them !
Hope that helps !

[NeedingCoffee]

ShortLass, I think that CKD are in the showrooms that Elite Kitchens used to be in (or maybe still are). Like you, I do wonder whether someone jumped ship from HKD to CKD and brought the know-how with them. As you say, if HKD have a 7-8 month waiting list then there's certainly enough work for both.

I'm planning to visit both showrooms soon so in a way I'm really hoping that there is a clear difference in quality / design / something else which makes the decision for me one way or the other. What I'd really love in the meantime though, is to see if there's anyone out there who's actually had a CKD kitchen. I suppose I can ask them for references.

OnePlan, thank you so much for the suggestions - you can never have too many. I don't think that the HomebyDesign website does them many favours sadly - I can't see any examples of the solid wood in-frame kitchen I have in mind and it doesn't say where they are or where there showroom is so that I can judge whether it's worth a visit. John Ladbury looks amazing but probably well out of my price range sadly - there's no pricing indication on the website which always seems to mean "if you need to ask...."

[Sprig1]

Why do you have to pay £250 to obtain their sale prices? It seems v odd to me. I wouldn't deal with any company who used that kind of business practice.

[ShortLass]

Sprig: It's a sale. So you order your kitchen now because you are buying in the sale. You just don't need to pay for the whole of the kitchen yet, as you pay that near delivery date. You can change your design at any point until manufacture and the guarantee is that prices won't change. Delivery is just a long way off because they are busy.

It's the same as anywhere. Pay your deposit when you order, then pay the balance ahead of delivery. This company allows you to change your mind or alter the design inbetween without penalty.

[Secretsout]

Hi there, my HMK was fitted it May. It's gorgeous and were very happy with it. The order process was very thorough and they were very helpful. We travelled a long way to the showroom to view as it was such a big purchase. A couple of our doors have expanded in the current hear and are sticking but I expect this will change as they've been onsite since April. In terms of delivery, I phoned at the end of Jan to pay deposit and order (salesman chased me) and was told the lead time had gone from 8 weeks to 7 months and my delivery would be August. I hurriedly ordered and begged to be considered for their first cancellation spot and ours was delivered in April so about 8 weeks. I don't know if their lead time is a ploy to get you to pay your deposit?

[bilbodog]

I used unfitted kitchens and can recommend them - but as the title implies you will need someone to fit parts of it, but they do some nice freestanding kitchen islands/blocks.

[Bythebeach]

This thread has just come up as I am looking for reviews as about to decide on a kitchen.

I have just been to visit both HMK and CKD in Christchurch and was also struck by how similar they were. I had only heard of HMK before and CKD is new to me but as I was in Christchurch, googled kitchen shops there and CKD came up.

I was surprised to find that I felt HMK's opening and closing was a little clunky/lacked finesse. They did look really good though. I thought CKD's looked practically identical - and they are the same tulipwood frames with centre panel mdf and wooden drawers - but felt much better on opening/closing.

HMK told me their lead times are into March next year whilst CKD is much quicker so between the timing and the 'feel' of the kitchen I'm inclining to CKD.

[Bythebeach]

Taximum - can I ask when your kitchen was fitted? And also what the price difference was between the two. HMK have a 50% sale on now but still thinking CKD.

[ShortLass]

Lovely, Taxi. I've also decided to go with CKD. Bit of a relief that I can get them to paint it and don't have to worry about that bit when it turns up, apart from many other things that swayed the balance over to them.

[Miniwookie]

Do you have any pics of the finished kitchen user ?

[banana8316]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread. How are your CKD /HKD kitchens holding up? a bit of a minefield looking at our kitchen renovation, but the clunky opening and closing for HKD is good useful info. also considering DIY kitchens although i doubt i'll fall in love with any of their kitchens, quality seems superior based on online reviews. any experience /advice would be appreciated!!!

[Shazza1661]

Hoping someone can help. Has anyone ordered from CKD? If so, what is the quality of the kitchens like? I'm looking at them as an alternative to Neptune. Wondering how they compare.