Looking for a Howdens Alternative in Oldham?

If you’re in Oldham and considering a new kitchen, you might think the Howdens depot on Bower Street is your only local option. But what if I told you there’s a local, family-run business right on your doorstep that offers a completely different, more personal experience? A place where you can see the quality for yourself and speak directly to the person who will design and supply your kitchen, without needing a trade account.

I’m Steve, the owner of SJB Trade Kitchens. We’re based in Oldham at the Central Trading Estate on Coulton Close. With over 20 years in the industry, I set up SJB to do things differently. I believe homeowners in areas like Shaw, Royton, and Chadderton deserve better quality, fairer prices, and a more honest service than the big trade depots can offer. You can walk into our showroom anytime and I’ll personally show you how we can build a kitchen that’s perfect for your home and your budget.


Why Oldham Homeowners Are Skipping the Depot for SJB

The biggest difference is that you deal directly with me, the owner. At Howdens, you’re dealing with a large national chain that only sells to the trade. At SJB, I personally oversee every project. I’m here to offer advice, answer your questions, and ensure you get the best possible kitchen. There are no salespeople, no middlemen, and no passing the buck – just honest, expert service from a local specialist.

We offer one fair, transparent price to everyone. Howdens is known for its complex discount structures, which can be confusing and often depend on your builder’s relationship with the depot. I don’t believe in that. I offer my best price first time, whether you’re a homeowner in Failsworth or a builder in Lees. This approach means you can save between 30-50% compared to a typical Howdens quote, simply because we don’t have the huge overheads of a national depot network.

You get a kitchen that’s genuinely built to last. While the big depots focus on shifting volume, my focus is on quality. We build our cabinets to order using premium materials that I know will stand the test of time in a busy family home. It’s a difference you can see and feel, and it means your investment will last for years to come, adding real value to your property.

You’re not just a number to us; you’re a neighbour. Being an Oldham-based business means my reputation is everything. I rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers across the borough, from Springhead to Uppermill. My goal isn’t just to sell you a kitchen; it’s to provide a product and service so good that you’ll be telling your friends and family about us.


PWS Porter Gloss Handleless
PWS Remo Gloss Regiment, SJB DIY Kitchen Supplier

Lucente Gloss Handleless Kitchens
Phoenix Acrylic Gloss Handleless Kitchen

A Standard of Quality You Won't Find at a Trade Depot

The first thing you’ll notice about our kitchens is that they come fully assembled. We build our cabinets as 18mm rigid-built units, not flimsy flat-packs that need to be assembled on site. This method is far stronger and ensures every cabinet is perfectly square and built to last. It’s a level of construction that simply isn’t standard in the depot model.

A key detail that sets our kitchens apart is the back panel. Howdens and other depot suppliers typically use a thin, flimsy piece of 3mm or 6mm hardboard, which is notorious for bowing, sagging, or even breaking over time, especially under the weight of heavy crockery. I insist on using 18mm solid back panels – the same robust material we use for the rest of the cabinet. This makes the entire unit incredibly strong and durable, ensuring it will stay rigid for the life of your kitchen.

It’s also the components you don’t see that make a huge difference. We fit premium Blum soft-close hinges and drawer runners as standard on every single kitchen. This is the best hardware in the industry, renowned for its smooth action and reliability. It’s a small detail that gives your kitchen a feel of superior quality every single day, and it’s a feature you often have to pay extra for at the big chains.


Made-to-Measure Kitchens for Oldham's Unique Homes

Oldham’s housing stock is wonderfully diverse, and a one-size-fits-all kitchen rarely works. The beautiful stone terraces in Uppermill and Lees, for example, often have chimney breasts, alcoves, and quirky corners that standard-sized cabinets just can’t accommodate. Because we make our kitchens to order, we can build custom-sized units to fit these spaces perfectly, ensuring a seamless, integrated look that maximises every inch of your room.

For the popular family semis in Shaw and Royton, space is often at a premium. A bespoke design can transform these kitchens, creating clever storage solutions and layouts that make family life easier. Whether it’s a custom-depth cabinet to avoid a doorway or a specific height to work around a low ceiling, we can build it. This flexibility is something you simply don’t get from an off-the-shelf depot kitchen.

With over 300 different cabinet finishes and a wide range of door styles, you can create a look that is truly your own. During our free design service, we’ll explore all these options with you, helping you create a kitchen that not only fits your space perfectly but also reflects your personal style. We can create a kitchen that’s as unique as your home itself.


A Personal Service from a Local Oldham Business

When you choose SJB, you’re not dealing with a faceless national corporation; you’re dealing directly with me, Steve. I’m an local kitchen specialist, and our showroom is based right here in the heart of the borough. SJB takes immense pride in serving the local community, from Chadderton and Failsworth to the villages of Saddleworth.

Because we are a local business, you can come and see us whenever you like. Our showroom is at Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, Oldham, OL1 4EB. We’re right here in Oldham, so you don’t have to travel for miles. You can pop in, have a brew, and see the quality of our rigid-built cabinets for yourself. You can feel the weight of the doors, test the smooth-running drawers, and we can talk through your project face-to-face.

This direct, personal approach is what sets us apart. I’ll be your single point of contact from the initial design right through to delivery. I’m always on the end of the phone if you have a question, and I’m personally invested in making sure you are 100% happy with your new kitchen. It’s a level of service that the big depots just can’t match.


FAQ – SJB Trade Kitchens vs Howdens in Oldham

Can homeowners buy from Howdens directly in Oldham?

No, the Howdens depot on Bower Street operates on a strict trade-only basis. You would need to find a builder with an account to purchase from them, and they will almost always add their own markup to the final price. At SJB, we welcome homeowners directly into our Oldham showroom, offering transparent pricing to everyone.

How do your prices compare to Howdens?

Because we don’t have the massive overheads of a national depot network, our prices are typically 30-50% lower than a like-for-like Howdens kitchen. We offer a straightforward, honest price without the confusing ‘silly season’ discounts. You get a higher quality, rigid-built kitchen for a significantly better price.

Can I visit a showroom near Oldham?

Absolutely. Our showroom is located right here in Oldham at Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, OL1 4EB. You can visit us any time without an appointment to see our products first-hand and discuss your project directly with me, Steve. We’re on your doorstep.

Do you deliver to Oldham?

Yes, we deliver across the entire Oldham borough and beyond. From Shaw and Royton to Failsworth and Saddleworth, we provide a prompt delivery service, typically within 10 working days of you finalising your order. Your new kitchen will arrive ready-built and direct to your door.


Explore Our Kitchen Styles

Not sure which style is right for you? Browse all six of our kitchen ranges below — click any image to see the full range and individual product options.

Handleless Matt Kitchens - Trade Kitchens Manchester

Handleless – Matt

modern matt slab kitchens - Trade Kitchen Supplier Manchester

Slab – Matt

Shaker Kitchens - Trade Kitchen Supplier Manchester

Shaker – Foil


Handleless Gloss Kitchens - Trade Kitchens Altrincham

Handleless – Gloss

Modern Gloss Kitchens Manchester - SJB Trade Kitchens

Slab – Gloss

Painted Shaker Kitchens Altrincham - Trade Kitchen Supplier

Shaker – Painted

What Our Customers Say

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Made to Order & Delivered in 10 Working Days

Rigid Built Cabinets with Blum Soft Close as Standard

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info@sjball.uk

0161 509 4221