Looking for a Howdens Alternative in Wigan?

If you’re a savvy Wigan homeowner, you know the difference between a low price and genuine value for money. You’ve probably considered the local Howdens on Caroline Street, but realised that the ‘trade-only’ price isn’t the price you end up paying. Once your builder adds their markup, that ‘deal’ suddenly looks a lot less attractive. That’s where I offer a smarter, more direct alternative. If you’ve been searching for the best alternative to Howdens kitchens, you’re in the right place.

I’m Steve, owner of SJB Trade Kitchens. I’ve spent over 20 years in the kitchen industry, and I set up my business to offer a better way. I manufacture high-quality, rigid-built kitchens and sell them directly to homeowners like you in Wigan, cutting out the middlemen and the inflated costs. You get a premium kitchen without the premium price tag, and a personal service that the big depots can’t match.

You get a direct, honest price with no hidden markups. As a Wigan homeowner, you appreciate value. The problem with Howdens’ ‘trade-only’ model is the opaque pricing. The price your builder is quoted is not the price you pay. I sell direct to you at a clear, firm price, saving you 30-50% on a like-for-like kitchen by cutting out the middleman’s profit.

You get a superior quality, rigid-built product. A kitchen for your family home in Standish or a traditional terrace in Scholes needs to be robust. My cabinets are delivered fully assembled with 18mm solid back panels, making them far stronger and longer-lasting than the flat-pack units with flimsy hardboard backs supplied by depots like Howdens.

You get a kitchen that’s made to measure for your home. Older properties and even some new-builds in areas like Hindley and Atherton have quirks that standard-sized cabinets can’t accommodate. Because I am the manufacturer, I can build units to any height, width, or depth, ensuring a perfect fit that makes the most of your space without awkward filler panels.

You get a personal service from an expert. When you call or visit SJB, you speak to me, Steve. With over 20 years in the industry, I can give you practical, honest advice. You won’t be dealing with a depot salesperson who has never fitted a kitchen in their life; you’ll be dealing with the person who will design and supply your project from start to finish.

The single biggest difference between my kitchens and a standard Howdens one is the construction. I use 18mm solid back panels in all my base and wall units. Howdens, like most depot suppliers, uses a thin sheet of hardboard. This might not seem like a big deal, but over time that hardboard will bow and flex, especially under the weight of plates and pans, leading to a wobbly and unstable kitchen.

My rigid-built cabinets are different. They are delivered to your home in Wigan fully assembled, with the 18mm back panel providing incredible strength and rigidity. This is especially important in the hard-working family homes you find across Standish and Hindley. A kitchen should be an investment for a decade or more, not something that starts to feel flimsy after a couple of years.

Furthermore, I only use premium materials like Egger and Kronospan board for my carcasses, and every kitchen comes with high-end Blum soft-close hinges and drawers as standard. It’s a level of quality that you simply don’t get from a flat-pack, trade-depot kitchen, ensuring your new kitchen stands up to the rigours of daily family life.

Many of the traditional terraced houses in areas like Scholes weren’t built with standard kitchen layouts in mind. You might have an awkward alcove, a chimney breast, or a sloping ceiling to contend with. This is where a standard, off-the-shelf kitchen from a depot falls short. Because I manufacture my own kitchens, I’m not limited to standard sizes. I can create custom-width, reduced-depth, or extra-tall units to fit your space perfectly, ensuring not a single inch is wasted.

This made-to-order flexibility means you get a truly bespoke fit without the bespoke price tag. During our free design process, we’ll measure your room and design a layout that maximises its potential. With over 300 different cabinet finishes and a wide range of door styles, we can create a kitchen that is perfectly tailored to your Wigan home and your personal taste.

When you deal with SJB, you deal directly with me, Steve. I don’t have salespeople or account managers; I handle every enquiry and every design myself. This means you get honest advice from someone with two decades of industry experience, not a sales pitch from someone trying to hit a monthly target. I’ll work with you to design a kitchen that fits your space, your budget, and your lifestyle.

I’d personally invite you to come and see the quality for yourself. My showroom is at Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, Oldham, OL1 4EB. It’s an easy drive of about 35 minutes from Wigan, and it’s the best way to understand the difference a rigid-built cabinet makes. You can see the finishes, test the Blum hardware, and we can have a proper chat about your project.

I regularly work with customers across the Wigan borough, including the nearby areas of Standish, Hindley, Atherton, and Leigh. I provide a free, no-obligation design and quote, so you have nothing to lose by getting in touch.

Can homeowners buy from Howdens directly in Wigan?

No, the Howdens depot on Caroline Street in Wigan operates on a strict trade-only basis. As a homeowner, you cannot purchase from them directly; you must go through a trade account holder, who will typically add their own markup to the final price.

How do your prices compare to Howdens?

Because I manufacture and sell direct to the public, my prices are typically 30-50% lower than Howdens for a kitchen of a significantly higher specification. By cutting out the depot overheads and the builder’s markup, you get a better quality, rigid-built kitchen for a much smarter price.

Can I visit a showroom near Wigan?

Yes, absolutely. My showroom is in Oldham, which is a straightforward drive of about 35 minutes from Wigan via the M61 and M60. Here you can see the quality of our rigid-built cabinets, feel the different door finishes, and we can discuss your project face-to-face.

Do you deliver to Wigan?

Yes, I deliver to Wigan and the surrounding areas like Standish, Hindley, and Leigh all the time. Your new kitchen will be delivered fully assembled and ready to install, typically within 10 working days of finalising your order.

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.