Better than DIY Kitchens? Premium 18mm Rigid Units Delivered to Derby in 10 Working Days.
Rigid Built
Nationwide Delivery
Blum Soft Close
Explore Our Kitchen Styles
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.
Handleless – Matt
Slab – Matt
Shaker – Foil
Handleless – Gloss
Slab – Gloss
Shaker – Painted
Why Derby Homeowners Are Choosing SJB Over DIY Kitchens
Derby, a city synonymous with engineering excellence and a rich industrial heritage, demands quality and precision in every aspect of home improvement. From the elegant Georgian townhouses gracing Friar Gate and the historic Victorian terraces of Strutts Park and Darley Abbey, to the modern executive homes in Mickleover, Chellaston, and Allestree, homeowners across Derby appreciate superior craftsmanship. When it comes to kitchens, they seek robust solutions that stand the test of time.
DIY Kitchens are a well-regarded option for many Derby residents, offering a broad range of styles. However, where SJB Kitchens truly distinguishes itself is in the fundamental construction quality, particularly the back panels of our units. While DIY Kitchens typically utilise 6-9mm back panels, SJB Kitchens insists on 18mm solid backs for every single cabinet. This isn’t a minor detail; it’s a critical structural component. We use the same high-grade Egger and Kronospan board for the back panels as we do for the carcass sides, top, and bottom, ensuring unmatched rigidity and durability. In a city built on engineering principles, this level of structural integrity is not just appreciated, it’s expected.
Our Oldham showroom is conveniently located for Derby customers. The A52 and M1 corridor make the journey around an hour, and many homeowners from areas like Littleover, Oakwood, and Duffield make the trip to experience the tangible difference in quality firsthand. They understand that investing a little more in superior construction now means a kitchen that performs flawlessly for decades.
Why 18mm Backs Matter — The Detail Most People Miss
In the world of kitchen design, the thickness of a cabinet’s back panel is often an overlooked, yet crucial, indicator of overall quality and longevity. Most kitchen suppliers, including many popular brands, typically use back panels ranging from 6mm to 9mm. While these might seem adequate, they offer minimal structural support, contributing little to the unit’s long-term stability and resistance to racking.
At SJB Kitchens, we refuse to compromise on this critical component. Every single one of our units features an 18mm solid back panel. This isn’t just a thicker piece of board; it’s the same high-quality Egger or Kronospan material used for the rest of the carcass – the sides, top, and bottom. This consistent 18mm construction throughout creates a fully rigid, incredibly robust box. It means your cabinets will resist twisting and warping, maintaining their perfect alignment and structural integrity for decades, even under heavy use. For homeowners in Derby who value enduring quality, this detail makes all the difference.
SJB vs DIY Kitchens — Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | DIY Kitchens | SJB Trade Kitchens |
|---|---|---|
| Carcass Thickness | 18mm | 18mm |
| Back Panel | 6mm-9mm (typical) | 18mm Solid |
| Hardware | Blum | Blum Antaro as standard; Legrabox or dovetail solid oak available as premium upgrades |
| Bespoke Widths | Limited / extra cost | Included as standard |
| Support | Ticket / email system | Direct with Steve — 20 years experience |
| Delivery | 4-8 weeks | From 10 working days |
Why Choose SJB Over DIY Kitchens in Derby?
Derby’s diverse property landscape, from the grand Georgian residences in Friar Gate to the charming Victorian terraces of Strutts Park and the modern family homes across Mickleover and Chellaston, often presents unique kitchen challenges. Historical properties, in particular, frequently feature characterful but non-standard dimensions, uneven walls, and bespoke alcoves. This is where SJB Kitchens truly shines. Our commitment to bespoke sizing as standard means your units are meticulously crafted to your exact millimetre measurements at no additional cost, ensuring a perfect fit every time, even in the most challenging spaces.
For the compact kitchens typical of Victorian terraces in areas like Normanton, Peartree, or Littleover, every inch is precious. SJB’s made-to-measure approach eliminates the need for unsightly filler panels and wasted space, delivering a streamlined, professional finish that maximises functionality and aesthetic appeal within a smaller footprint.
Homeowners in Derby’s rapidly developing new-build estates, such as those in Allestree or Oakwood, benefit from SJB’s efficient service. Our swift 10-day delivery turnaround helps keep renovation projects on schedule. Crucially, our rigid, pre-assembled units arrive ready for installation, significantly reducing on-site labour and fitting time for your kitchen installer.
Derby residents, with their discerning eye for quality born from a city of engineering prowess, consistently choose SJB Kitchens. Steve Ball, with over 20 years of experience, works directly to provide premium 18mm rigid units. We offer the same rigorous construction standards found in high-end German kitchens, often at a price point 30-50% less than traditional retailers like Howdens. For a kitchen built to last, with precision and care, SJB is the clear choice.
Call Steve on 0161 509 4221 to discuss your Derby kitchen project, or email info@sjball.uk for a free, no-obligation quote.
Explore More Kitchens in Derby
- Kitchens Derby — Our full Derby kitchen range
- DIY Kitchens Alternative — Compare SJB vs DIY Kitchens nationwide
- Bespoke Kitchen Units Derby
- Rigid Kitchen Units Derby
- Supply Only Kitchens Derby
Frequently Asked Questions
Our showroom at Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, Oldham, OL1 4EB is approximately one hour from Derby via the M1 and A52. Many Derby customers visit to see the 18mm solid backs and Blum hardware in person. Alternatively, Steve can guide you through everything over the phone.
Yes. The mill conversions around Darley Abbey and Belper have unique kitchen spaces with exposed brickwork, irregular walls, and non-standard dimensions. SJB’s bespoke sizing handles all of this as standard — your units are made to your exact measurements at no extra cost.
SJB supplies Blum Antaro drawer boxes as standard on every kitchen. For a premium upgrade, you can choose Blum Legrabox (a sleek, modern drawer system) or dovetail solid oak drawer boxes for a traditional finish. All options are available across every kitchen style.
Yes. We deliver to every DE postcode across Derby and Derbyshire — from DE1 in the city centre to DE75 in Heanor. Delivery is available from as little as 10 working days from order confirmation.
For a typical Derby kitchen, SJB is competitively priced against DIY Kitchens and 30-50% cheaper than Howdens. The key structural advantage is our 18mm solid backs versus DIY Kitchens’ 6-9mm, plus bespoke sizing included as standard and 10-day delivery.
Request a Free Quote
Made to Order & 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.
