Where to get a nice kitchen on a seriously tight budget

[SkydivingFerret]

I'm buying a house which will need a new kitchen. I can't get in there to measure up and I'm right at the start of the process but I'm on a really tight budget. It's my first home and I'm planning to live there so I want a nice probably shaker style kitchen that looks nice and is going to last. I went round the wickes sale and quite like the look of kendal but not sure if there other good quality cheap kitchens I'm missing out on? Looking £1k or less for the units in a fairly small kitchen

If I was doing up my kitchen now I'd get free standing units rather than a fitted kitchen (apart from a sink unit)

I remember seeing some on eBay but I've never ordered any so wouldn't want to recommend a seller

Thanks sooper I have seen that you can get kitchens on eBay but didn't know if that was a good option. I've also looked at wickes ready to fit but they don't look like good quality

I would consider Ikea. Probably cheaper than the standard Wickes kitchens and the quality is actually decent. They are also good value for adding things like drawers, so a cheap kitchen can be functional.

We have a wickes kitchen, we designed it ourselves and got the builder to fit it. Six years on now and it's still good as new.

I bought a second hand ( but brilliant condition) Oliva Habitat free standing kitchen including perfect double butler sink for around £1500 from ebay a couple of years ago. Sadly had to leave it when I moved

Ikea, no "sale" prices, you know what it will cost you upfront.

We had an Ikea kitchen fitted 3 years ago, still looks amazing. Friends of mine also have Ikea and have had them years.

www.diy-kitchens.com/kitchens/

We used these guys 8 years ago and the kitchen still looks good.

Check the cupboards are a standard size, that way you can change the doors to update the kitchen if you want.

So you could start with just base units and counter top and then add door fronts later - OK it won't look great to start but is a way of spreading the budget.

I suggest Ikea. They offer a lot of kitchen items at very affordable prices.

I agree with PPs on Wickes (wait for the sale) Ikea or DIY Kitchens.

Good blog post from DIY on ways to save on the design of your kitchen

I tarted up my existing kitchen for about £2k. A few new units, new wirework cupboard insides, new doors and handles, new floor, new induction hob and chimney hood (including fitting by an electrician). Did everything else DIY. Kept most of the carcasses, tiles, worktops, sink/tap and other appliances which were reasonably new. Worth considering whether that's an option if you're on a really tight budget.

I like what you've done there tremolo but I don't think the existing kitchen can be saved sadly. Thanks for your thoughts all

Try pre-loved website for a second hand kitchen. You might find something you like at better quality than you can afford new.

My friend keeps telling me that he got an Ikea kitchen and did kitchen + two bathrooms for £5k.

Wickes sale is on now

Ikea are fab if looking for standard size units, not so great if you need more bespoke sizes unless your handy with saw!
And remember it's flat packed, I got my kitchen delivered in 43 boxes 😂

For new you cannot beat Ikea. You will definitely achieve your budget. For strictly £1k put 'complete used kitchens' into EBay. You will find something that'll do for now whilst you save for your dream kitchen. Remember to check if the seller requires you to just collect or remove and collect. Big difference in hassle factor.

If its only a small kitchen ask the local suppliers eg howdens, wicked, bbq about their ex-display models. You'll probably need to buy worktop but might be able to shuffle the units to fit.

Wickes and b&q !

IKEA isn't bad but the size of their carcasses are different to everyone else. In lots of 400mm instead of 300mm. There hinges aren't great though so it might be best buying them separately. B&Q looked ok to and very nearly bought from there. As others said you can get second hand but be careful on condition as they might not survive being taken apart.

Have a look at www.pineland.co.uk they work out very reasonably and their kitchens are a beautiful quality, we had one in our last house. You literally choose the units you want (will fit) from the brochure, they draw up a plan for you and when they come they are solid pieces of furniture you can just push into place. It's worth a look.

Another vote for diy-kitchens.com

Loads of choice, very low price (esp if you wait for one of their 10% off sales), excellent customer service, great quality.

I bought mine online, in fact i buy everything online, always works out cheaper!

DIY kitchens
IKEA
Wickes
Howdens if you are trade (or you trust someone who is, who can buy for you )

With all of these I'd strongly advise you do you own measuring ( DIY don't offer a design service ) and check and double check the layout will fit if they plan for you before you place an order .

Just seen that Argos now selling the kitchen units. Don't know about the quality but it is definitely cheap.

I agree about ikea, PIL have just had one fitted and it's beautiful!