One of the first questions people ask when they find out we build kitchens to order is: “How long will it take?” It's a fair question, especially if you've already got a fitter booked or you're working to a deadline.

I'm Steve from SJB Trade Kitchens. We deliver made-to-order, rigid-built kitchens from as little as 10 working days. That's from the point your order is confirmed and paid for, to the day it arrives at your door. For a fully custom, made-to-measure kitchen, that's a lead time most people are genuinely surprised by.

Made to order means your kitchen isn't sitting in a warehouse waiting to be picked off a shelf. Every cabinet is built specifically for your order, to your exact specifications. This is fundamentally different from buying a flat-pack kitchen from a big retailer where you're choosing from a fixed range of standard sizes.

With SJB, you can specify custom heights, depths, and widths. Need a base unit that's 437mm wide instead of the standard 450mm? No problem. Want your wall units taller to make the most of a high ceiling? We can do that. Every unit is built from 18mm Egger or Kronospan board with 18mm backs, rigid-built with Blum soft-close as standard.

Step 1 — Measurements and planning: You send us your room measurements and we put together a layout and quote. This can take anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks, depending on how quickly you come back with decisions.

Step 2 — Order confirmation: Once you're happy with the layout and quote, you confirm the order and pay. This is when the clock starts on your lead time.

Step 3 — Manufacturing: Your cabinets are built to your specifications. Every unit is rigid-built — not flat-pack. Doors are prepared in your chosen style and colour.

Step 4 — Quality check and dispatch: Everything is checked before it leaves our workshop. Units are wrapped and protected for transit.

Step 5 — Delivery: Your kitchen is delivered to your door. We deliver nationwide.

Many high street kitchen retailers quote lead times of 4-8 weeks, and some bespoke manufacturers can take 8-12 weeks. We're able to offer faster turnaround because we control the manufacturing process and don't rely on long supply chains.

That said, 10 working days is our standard lead time. During very busy periods, it might stretch slightly, and we'll always be upfront about that when you place your order. We'd rather give you an honest timescale than promise something we can't deliver.

If you've got a fitter booked, work backwards from their start date. Allow time for measuring, planning, ordering, and delivery. A realistic timeline for most kitchen projects looks like this:

Week 1-2: Measure your room, decide on a style, get quotes.

Week 2-3: Finalise the layout and place your order.

Week 3-5: Kitchen is manufactured and delivered (from as little as 10 working days).

Week 5 onwards: Installation begins.

Give us a call on 0161 509 4221 or email info@sjball.uk to get started. We supply nationwide from our base in Oldham.

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We offer a range of styles to suit any home — from solid wood Painted Shaker doors to sleek Handleless designs. All built on rigid 18mm carcasses with Blum soft-close as standard.