Wickes offers 15mm carcasses with own-brand drawers at retail prices, while Howdens provides 18mm rigid units but is trade-only with Blum available only as a paid upgrade. However, for homeowners who want premium rigid kitchens without trade restrictions, SJB Trade Kitchens offers 18mm Egger/Kronospan carcasses, 18mm solid backs, and Blum Antaro drawers as standard — at trade prices with nationwide delivery from just 10 working days.

Wickes and Howdens are two of the most recognised kitchen brands in the UK, and homeowners frequently find themselves comparing the two when planning a new kitchen. Wickes operates as a retail chain where consumers can walk in, browse displays, and buy direct from stores. Howdens, on the other hand, is trade-only — you need a trade account to purchase, which typically means going through a builder or kitchen fitter. Both have their strengths, but both also have significant limitations that many homeowners only discover after they have committed.

As an independent kitchen specialist with over 20 years in the industry, SJB Trade Kitchens is well placed to offer an honest, factual comparison of these two brands — and to explain why a growing number of UK homeowners are choosing SJB as the smarter alternative to both. This is not about marketing spin; it is about comparing specifications, pricing models, and build quality side by side so you can make a fully informed decision. Whether you are weighing up a Wickes kitchens alternative or exploring trade price kitchens, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Wickes kitchens are readily available on the high street and online, which makes them a convenient starting point for many homeowners. However, convenience does not always equal value. The most significant issue with Wickes kitchens is the build specification. Their carcasses are typically just 15mm thick — noticeably thinner than the 18mm used by trade-focused suppliers. The back panels are even more concerning at just 3-6mm hardboard, which offers minimal structural support and is prone to bowing, warping, and moisture damage over time.

Wickes uses their own branded drawer systems rather than industry-standard Blum hardware, which means the smooth, reliable operation that premium drawers provide is not guaranteed from the outset. Their pricing model relies heavily on promotional sales and discount events, creating a confusing landscape where the true cost of a kitchen is difficult to pin down. One week a range is full price; the next it is 20% off; the following month there is a different promotion entirely. This makes genuine like-for-like comparison difficult and can pressure homeowners into purchasing before they are ready.

Custom sizing is another limitation. Wickes offers mostly standard sizes, which means homeowners with non-standard room dimensions — common in older UK properties — are left with filler panels, awkward gaps, or compromised layouts. Lead times of 6-8 weeks add further frustration, particularly when coordinating with fitters and other trades. For a deeper look at alternatives, see our guide to DIY Kitchens vs Wickes.

Howdens is often perceived as the trade professional’s choice, and their rigid construction and typically 18mm carcasses do represent a step up from Wickes in terms of build quality. However, Howdens comes with its own set of significant drawbacks that many homeowners only discover once they are deep into the purchasing process.

The most fundamental issue is access. Howdens is trade-only, meaning you cannot buy direct as a homeowner — you need a trade account, which typically means going through a builder or fitter. This adds a layer of cost and removes your ability to control the purchasing process directly. The prices your fitter pays at Howdens are not transparent to you, and there is no guarantee you are getting the best deal. Many fitters add their own markup on top of Howdens’ trade prices, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of your kitchen.

Howdens’ standard drawer boxes are their own brand, with Blum available only as a paid upgrade. Their back panels are also thinner than the full 18mm solid backs offered by SJB. While Howdens does offer some bespoke sizing through their 650+ UK depots, the options are more limited than a true made-to-order service, and bespoke items often come with longer lead times and additional costs. For homeowners who want full control, transparent pricing, and premium specifications as standard, Howdens falls short. You may also want to compare DIY Kitchens vs Howdens for another perspective.

Premium Specification as Standard — Not as an Upgrade

SJB Trade Kitchens combines the best aspects of both Wickes and Howdens while eliminating their respective weaknesses. Like Wickes, SJB sells direct to homeowners — no trade account required, no middleman adding markup. Like Howdens, SJB delivers rigid, pre-built units with 18mm carcasses. But SJB goes further on every front. Every SJB kitchen features full 18mm solid backs — not the thinner panels used by both Wickes and Howdens. Blum Antaro soft-close drawer boxes come as standard, not as a paid upgrade. This is the specification that kitchen fitters recommend because it lasts.

Fully Bespoke at No Extra Cost

Every kitchen is made to order with fully bespoke sizing at no extra cost, meaning your kitchen fits your room perfectly regardless of property type or age. Whether you live in a Victorian terrace with uneven walls, a 1930s semi with alcoves, or a modern new-build with an open-plan layout, SJB builds units to your exact measurements. Delivery takes from just 10 working days nationwide, compared to 6-8 weeks from Wickes and variable timescales from Howdens.

Transparent Trade Pricing — No Games, No Gimmicks

Pricing is where SJB truly stands apart. With transparent trade pricing that is typically 30-50% cheaper than Howdens on a like-for-like basis, and significantly better value than Wickes retail prices, SJB offers premium quality at a fraction of the cost. There are no promotional sales, no was/now pricing tactics, and no hidden extras — just honest, consistent pricing all year round. Visit our trade price kitchens page to see what that means in practice.

One Point of Contact — Steve Ball, Over 20 Years Experience

When you contact SJB, you deal directly with Steve Ball — the owner, with over 20 years of experience in the kitchen industry. Steve provides genuine expert advice without sales pressure, and he is personally accountable for every order from enquiry to delivery. SJB has 40 Google reviews with a perfect 5-star rating — a track record that speaks for itself. Whether you have a Wickes quote, a Howdens quote, or both, Steve will provide a like-for-like comparison that shows exactly where the savings and quality improvements lie. Call 0161 509 4221 or email info@sjball.uk to get started.

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.

“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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Got a quote from Wickes or Howdens? Upload it below and Steve will come back with a like-for-like comparison — usually within 24 hours. Call 0161 509 4221 or 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 Wickes, Howdens, Wren Kitchens, Magnet, or DIY Kitchens.