Wickes is a familiar name on the high street, and their kitchen range is one of the things they're best known for. They offer a design service, a range of styles, and installation through their network of fitters. But when you look at the details, there are some significant differences between what Wickes offers and what you get from a specialist supplier like SJB.
I'm Steve from SJB Trade Kitchens. Here's an honest comparison based on over 20 years in the kitchen industry.
This is where the biggest difference lies. Wickes offers kitchens at various price points, and the carcass quality varies accordingly. Their budget ranges use thinner board and many units come with hardboard backs — thin panels that can bow and warp, particularly in areas exposed to moisture.
At SJB, every carcass is built from 18mm Egger or Kronospan board with 18mm backs. There's no tiered quality system — every kitchen we supply uses the same high-specification materials, whether it's our most affordable range or our premium option.
Wickes offers a broad range of door styles, which is appealing on the surface. However, many of their doors — particularly in the mid-range — are vinyl-wrapped or foil-wrapped MDF, which can peel, discolour, and look tired after a few years.
Our door range is focused but high quality. Gloss doors are MDF with acrylic coating or lacquered. Painted Shaker doors are solid wood. Shaker Foil is a cost-effective alternative that still delivers a quality finish. We'd rather offer six excellent styles than thirty mediocre ones.
Wickes runs frequent sales and promotions — “up to 50% off” is a common headline. Like most retailers, these discounts are calculated from inflated starting prices. The sale price is the real price; the “was” price is marketing.
SJB offers transparent, consistent pricing all year round. No sales, no gimmicks. Our kitchens are typically 30-50% cheaper than comparable Wickes offerings, and you get a higher specification. Every quote is fully itemised so you can see exactly what you're paying for.
Wickes kitchens are largely stock items, so availability depends on what's in the warehouse. If something is out of stock, you wait. And because they work in standard sizes, you're limited to their fixed dimensions.
SJB builds everything to order with delivery from as little as 10 working days. We can make units to custom heights, depths, and widths, so your kitchen fits your room perfectly. No filler panels, no compromises.
Call us on 0161 509 4221 or visit our showroom in Oldham to compare the quality for yourself.
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.
