Better than DIY Kitchens? Premium 18mm Rigid Units Delivered to Sussex 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 Sussex Homeowners Are Choosing SJB Over DIY Kitchens
Sussex, encompassing the vibrant coastal cities of Brighton and Hove, the historic market towns of Lewes and Chichester, and the picturesque villages nestled within the South Downs, boasts a remarkable diversity of homes. From the elegant Regency terraces of Brunswick and Kemp Town to the charming timber-framed cottages of the Weald, the expansive executive properties in Horsham and Haywards Heath, and the modern family homes in Crawley, homeowners across Sussex share a common desire for quality and longevity in their kitchen renovations. They understand that a kitchen is not just a room, but a central hub that enhances their property and their lifestyle. When considering suppliers like DIY Kitchens, many Sussex residents ultimately choose SJB Kitchens for a key, often overlooked, difference in construction quality.
You’re likely here because you’ve already done your research. You know DIY Kitchens offers a respectable range of rigid built units. However, the true mark of a premium, long-lasting kitchen lies in the structural integrity of its cabinets, particularly the back panels. While DIY Kitchens typically utilise 6-9mm backs on their wall and base units, SJB Kitchens elevates this standard significantly. We incorporate 18mm solid backs on every single cabinet – using the very same high-quality Egger and Kronospan board that forms the carcass sides, top, and bottom. This isn’t a minor upgrade; it’s a fundamental difference in construction that ensures unparalleled durability and resistance to racking, crucial for the demanding environments of modern family life.
For homeowners in Sussex, where properties from Brighton seafront apartments to rural estates command significant investment, this structural distinction is paramount. It’s the difference between a kitchen that merely looks good upon installation and one that truly stands the test of time, maintaining its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for decades. Whether you’re renovating a Victorian semi in Worthing, updating a contemporary home in Peacehaven, or restoring a period property near Arundel, the superior construction of an SJB kitchen provides the peace of mind and lasting value that Sussex homeowners deserve.
Why 18mm Backs Matter – The Detail Most People Miss
It’s an unfortunate truth that many kitchen buyers, understandably focused on aesthetics and layout, often overlook the critical importance of cabinet construction details, especially the back panel. Most kitchen suppliers in the UK, including DIY Kitchens, typically fit 6mm to 9mm back panels into their wall and base units. While these thinner backs might offer a cost saving, they contribute very little to the overall structural rigidity and long-term stability of the cabinet. Over time, with the constant opening and closing of doors, the weight of contents, and general wear and tear, cabinets with thin backs can be prone to ‘racking’ – losing their square shape, leading to misaligned doors and drawers, and ultimately compromising the kitchen’s longevity.
At SJB Kitchens, we believe in building kitchens that are made to last. That’s why we insist on 18mm solid backs for every single unit. We use the identical Egger and Kronospan board for the back panels as we do for the carcass sides, top, and bottom. This creates a completely rigid, box-like structure that is incredibly strong and resistant to any form of racking or distortion. Imagine the difference: instead of a flimsy panel, you have a solid, load-bearing component that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the cabinet, providing superior support and stability. This robust construction ensures your kitchen maintains its perfect alignment and functionality for decades, standing up to the rigours of daily life in any Sussex home, from a busy family kitchen in Horsham to a stylish entertaining space in Brighton.
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 Sussex?
Sussex homeowners are discerning, and their properties demand kitchens that are not only beautiful but also robust and perfectly fitted. SJB Kitchens offers distinct advantages that resonate particularly well with the diverse housing stock and high standards found across the county.
In Brighton and Hove, the architectural legacy is profound. The grand Regency townhouses of Kemp Town and Brunswick, the charming Victorian terraces of Hanover and Seven Dials, and the stately Edwardian villas of Hove Park all present unique kitchen challenges. These spaces are rich in character but often feature thick, uneven walls, non-standard alcoves, and quirky dimensions. For these properties, off-the-shelf solutions rarely fit perfectly. SJB’s commitment to including bespoke sizing as standard on every order is a game-changer. Your units are crafted to your precise millimetre measurements at no additional cost, ensuring a seamless, integrated look that respects the unique heritage of your Sussex home.
The executive homes of Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, and the broader Mid Sussex area, including desirable villages like Cuckfield and Lindfield, represent significant investments. Owners of these properties expect kitchen quality to match. SJB’s combination of 18mm solid backs, premium Blum Antaro drawer boxes as standard (with options for Legrabox or exquisite dovetail solid oak upgrades), and the flexibility of bespoke sizing, delivers a finished product that rivals high-end German kitchen brands. Crucially, this superior quality comes at a price point often 30-50% less than what you would expect from a supplier like Howdens, offering exceptional value without compromise.
Chichester’s elegant Georgian townhouses, along with the period properties in surrounding villages such as Bosham and East Wittering, demand careful planning and bespoke solutions. The inherent character of these historic homes, with their thick walls and irregular room shapes, is perfectly accommodated by SJB’s made-to-measure approach. This ensures that every inch of space is utilised efficiently and aesthetically, creating a kitchen that feels truly custom-built for its surroundings.
Along the coast, Worthing and Eastbourne’s Victorian and Edwardian seafront properties have seen significant renovation and modernisation. SJB’s painted shaker range, available in any RAL colour, can bring warmth and timeless character to these classic kitchens, allowing you to perfectly match existing decor or create a bold new statement. Simultaneously, our sleek handleless ranges are ideal for the contemporary apartments and new developments that have transformed sections of the Sussex coastline, offering clean lines and modern functionality.
In the rapidly growing commuter towns of Crawley and Horsham, modern developments have brought thousands of family homes to the area. These contemporary, often open-plan properties, are perfectly suited to SJB’s handleless and slab ranges, offering minimalist aesthetics and practical layouts. Our impressive delivery timeframe, from just 10 working days, is also a significant advantage for busy families in these areas who need their renovation schedules to stay on track.
The idyllic villages of the South Downs and the Weald – places like Lewes, Midhurst, Petworth, and Arundel – are home to some of Sussex’s most characterful properties. From medieval timber-framed cottages to sprawling Georgian farmhouses, these unique spaces often have kitchen areas that require a truly bespoke approach. SJB delivers this as standard, ensuring that even the most challenging layouts can be transformed into stunning, functional kitchens
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We deliver to every postcode across East and West Sussex – including BN (Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne), RH (Crawley, Horsham, Haywards Heath), PO (Chichester), and TN (Hastings borders). Delivery is available from as little as 10 working days.
Absolutely. The Regency townhouses of Kemp Town and Brunswick have basement and ground-floor kitchens with thick walls, uneven floors, and non-standard alcoves. SJB includes bespoke sizing as standard – your units are made to your exact millimetre measurements at no extra cost.
DIY Kitchens use 6-9mm back panels. SJB uses 18mm solid backs on every cabinet – the same Egger and Kronospan board as the carcass sides. This creates a fully rigid box that resists racking and maintains structural integrity for decades.
The period properties of Lewes, Midhurst, and Petworth work beautifully with SJB’s painted shaker range (available in any RAL colour). For more contemporary tastes, our handleless matt range offers clean lines that complement both period and modern interiors.
SJB is 30-50% cheaper than Howdens and competitively priced against DIY Kitchens. For a typical Sussex kitchen, you get 18mm solid backs, bespoke sizing included, Blum Antaro drawer boxes with Legrabox or dovetail oak upgrade options, and delivery from just 10 working days.
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.
