Cheaper version of John Lewis kitchens?

[SidandAndyssextoy]

I'm trying to get loved up about a kitchen and, having looked at Ikea, Howdens, Benchmarx and Magnet, have fallen in love with John Lewis' Classic Collection. The one place my builder can't negotiate! (I'm assuming.) Is there any chance someone else sells them cheaper?

Is this www.diy-kitchens.com/inframe-kitchens/ the same kind of thing?

The same sort of thing, yes, I think. I like the fact that the John Lewis one doesn't have an obvious grain and from what I can see at least one of that range doesn't.

Have you looked at National Kitchens www.nationalkitchens.co.uk they make some of JL's kitchens (not sure about classic collection) and are much cheaper and our joiner opened an account with them and got 10% off the price.

John Lewis' classic collection is basically a Mereway kitchen and can be purchased from a number of online website and independents. They will be cheaper almost everywhere so it shouldnt be difficult to better JL prices.

The product itself is not hugely better than say a DIY kitchens offering but costs a lot more so my advise would be to look elsewhere.

Not wanting to overstate the obvious, but have you tried a small independent kitchen company? I have clients on my books that are kitchen fitters and I have found out the hard way in that game you pay for a name and it doesn't necessarily mean better quality. I had my kitchen revamped a couple of years ago, the guys hired to paint it supply some large kitchen manufacturers (can't name names, but the companies sell big money kitchens, £50,000 plus). If you seen their workshop you wouldn't look twice at them, it is just a rough looking shed but they are producing the goods where is matters. My kitchen looks not unlike the John Lewis one and cost a lot less... The fancy fittings John Lewis have could be sourced by an independent. They may not be the same brand of fitting, but they would work the same way.

ps. Just thought I would point out, I don't want to spoil your dream but painted kitchens are a nightmare to keep if you have a young family, they look fantastic and have a real wow factor but they mark so easily. Mine is in two years and I need it repainted already. Be careful in case you make an expensive mistake.

I like that I can get mine repainted every few years - as I get bored easily ! thought I'd go for blue this time ( was white before !) it only takes a couple of days for a pro painter to do it - so mine costs about £300 to repaint - not much over a couple of years - and well worth it IMO