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A Better Alternative to Howdens in Lancashire - 18mm Rigid Units, Direct to Homeowners, Delivered in 10 Working Days.
Made to Order
Rigid Built
Nationwide Delivery
Blum Soft Close
SJB Trade Kitchens: The Best Howdens Alternative for Lancashire Homeowners
For homeowners across Lancashire, from the bustling streets of Preston and Blackburn to the historic mill towns of Burnley and Accrington, choosing the right kitchen supplier can make all the difference. Many have traditionally turned to Howdens for their kitchen needs, but SJB Trade Kitchens offers a compelling alternative that better suits the needs of local residents. With a focus on transparency, accessibility, and quality, SJB Trade Kitchens is rapidly becoming the preferred choice for Lancashire homeowners.
Why Lancashire Homeowners Choose SJB Over Howdens
Howdens operates primarily as a trade-only business. This means that if you are a homeowner in Lancashire wanting to purchase a kitchen, you usually need to go through a builder or a trade account holder to place an order. This creates unnecessary complications and often results in higher costs and slower service. SJB Trade Kitchens eliminates these barriers by selling directly to homeowners. There is no middleman, no need for a trade account, and no reliance on third-party fitters to begin the ordering process.
Lancashire properties are diverse, ranging from traditional terraced houses in Preston and Blackburn, to charming rural cottages and farmhouses scattered throughout the countryside. Many homeowners live in mill town properties in Burnley and Accrington that come with unique spatial challenges requiring bespoke kitchen solutions. SJB Trade Kitchens understands these local property types and neighbourhoods, offering kitchens that can be tailored to fit perfectly in any home, whether it is a compact terraced house or a spacious rural property.
Challenges With Howdens Trade-Only Model for Homeowners
Howdens has built a reputation as a reliable kitchen supplier, but their trade-only model can pose significant problems for homeowners. First, you must have a builder or trade account holder to order the kitchen, which limits your control over the process. This often results in delays, miscommunications, and extra costs that are difficult to track. Second, pricing can lack transparency, leaving homeowners uncertain about the final cost until late in the process. Lastly, Howdens kitchens often use thinner 16mm backs, which can reduce durability and long-term satisfaction.
SJB Trade Kitchens Advantages for Lancashire Residents
SJB Trade Kitchens offers multiple advantages that address these issues head on. One of the standout features is the use of 18mm backs on all units, providing enhanced strength and durability that is especially important in older Lancashire properties where kitchen walls and floors may not be perfectly even. This attention to quality ensures that kitchens last longer and perform better.
Another key benefit is bespoke sizing. Lancashire homes often have unusual or non-standard kitchen spaces, especially in mill town conversions and rural properties with character features. SJB Trade Kitchens custom sizes units to fit perfectly, maximising space and providing a truly personalised kitchen experience.
Delivery times also matter. SJB Trade Kitchens offers a reliable 10-day delivery service, allowing homeowners to plan renovations with confidence. You do not have to wait weeks or months, which is common with many suppliers including Howdens.
Transparent pricing is a cornerstone of SJB Trade Kitchens. Homeowners in Lancashire can see exactly what they pay for with no hidden fees or unexpected charges. Combined with prices that are 30-50 percent lower than Howdens, SJB Trade Kitchens delivers outstanding value for money all year round.
Finally, SJB Trade Kitchens does not require a trade account. This means anyone in Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Lancaster, Chorley, or Accrington can order a kitchen directly without the hassle of finding a builder or intermediary. This approach empowers homeowners and simplifies the entire kitchen buying experience.
Serving Lancashire From the Showroom in Oldham
Although SJB Trade Kitchens has its showroom in Oldham, Steve from Altrincham and the team are committed to serving Lancashire residents with the same dedication and expertise. You can contact them by phone at 0161 509 4221 for personalised advice and support tailored to your kitchen project. Whether you live in a terraced home in Chorley or a rural property near Lancaster, SJB Trade Kitchens has the right solution for you.
In summary, Lancashire homeowners looking for a Howdens alternative will find SJB Trade Kitchens offers better value, greater convenience, and superior quality. Transparent pricing, bespoke sizing, 18mm backs, no trade account needed, and fast 10-day delivery make SJB Trade Kitchens the ideal choice for kitchens in Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Lancaster, Chorley, Accrington, and beyond.
Howdens operates on a trade-only model. As a homeowner, you cannot walk into a Howdens depot and buy a kitchen. You need a builder or fitter with a Howdens trade account to order on your behalf. This creates a fundamental problem: you have no direct control over what is ordered, no ability to compare prices yourself, and no direct relationship with the supplier. Your fitter marks up the Howdens price before passing it on to you, and you have no way of knowing what the original cost was.
SJB Trade Kitchens is the direct alternative. Steve Ball sells direct to homeowners – no trade account needed, no middleman, no hidden markups. You deal directly with Steve, you see the real price, and you make the decisions. Many Lancashire customers who have previously used Howdens through a fitter are surprised to discover how much more straightforward – and affordable – the direct supply route can be.
Many national suppliers offer 18mm carcasses but use thinner back panels to reduce weight and cost. At SJB, that is not a trade-off we are willing to make. Every cabinet features full 18mm solid backs – your fitter will notice the difference the second they lift the unit.
| Feature | Howdens Joinery | SJB Trade Kitchens |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Buy | Trade account holders only | Direct to homeowners |
| Carcass Thickness | 18mm | 18mm |
| Back Panel | Thinner backs (typical) | 18mm Solid |
| Drawer Boxes | Standard drawer boxes | Blum Antaro as standard; Legrabox or dovetail solid oak available as premium upgrades |
| Bespoke Widths | Limited bespoke sizing | Included as standard |
| Pricing | Trade pricing – varies by account | Transparent, consistent pricing all year round |
| Support | Via your fitter/builder | Direct with Steve – 20 years experience |
| Delivery | Via trade account | From 10 working days |
Got a Howdens Quote? We Will Beat It.
Howdens pricing is trade-only and deliberately opaque – homeowners rarely know the real cost. SJB Trade Kitchens offers transparent, consistent pricing direct to homeowners, typically 30-50% cheaper than Howdens retail equivalent.
Send us your Howdens specification and Steve will come back with a like-for-like price. Most customers save significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, SJB Trade Kitchens sells directly to homeowners in Preston including those living in terraced houses, offering bespoke sizing to fit all kitchen spaces.
Absolutely, SJB Trade Kitchens caters to rural properties near Lancaster with custom kitchens designed to suit unique layouts and sizes.
SJB Trade Kitchens is typically 30 to 50 percent cheaper than Howdens with fully transparent pricing, providing excellent value for Blackburn homeowners.
No, SJB Trade Kitchens does not require a trade account, allowing Burnley homeowners to purchase kitchens directly without needing a builder or fitter.
SJB Trade Kitchens offers a reliable 10-day delivery service to Accrington and surrounding areas, helping homeowners complete renovations quickly.
From Design to Reality: See the Difference
Every SJB kitchen starts with a detailed CAD design so you can see exactly how your finished kitchen will look before a single unit is ordered. Here is what that looks like in practice.
The CAD design produced by Steve before the kitchen was ordered
The finished kitchen installed by the customer — exactly as designed
“Steve is absolutely epic! Really nice guy. 100% genuine and to be trusted. Really easy to work with. Couldn’t do enough and always on hand.
The kitchen was amazing quality and the kitchen looked exactly like the images he produced on his computer. The units came ready built which saved a lot of time! Even if you’re not a joiner it was really easy to assemble and fit.
The kitchen is great quality and a VERY competitive price! 100% recommended! Thank you so much!”
— Scott, verified SJB Trade Kitchens customer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What Our Customers Say
Request Your Free Quote Below
Already have a Howdens specification or quote from your fitter? Send it to us and Steve will come back with a direct price comparison – usually within 24 hours.
Made to Order and Delivered in 10 Working Days
Rigid Built Cabinets with Blum Soft Close as Standard
Nationwide Delivery Available
SJB Trade Kitchens | Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, Oldham, OL1 4EB
Phone: 0161 509 4221 | Email: info@sjball.uk
SJB Trade Kitchens is an independent kitchen specialist. All competitor names are used for comparative purposes only based on publicly available specifications. SJB Trade Kitchens is not affiliated with Howdens, Wren Kitchens, Magnet, or DIY Kitchens.
