Looking for a Howdens Alternative in Altrincham?

If you’re a homeowner in Altrincham, you appreciate quality and understand the value of a good investment. So, when you see the trade vans lined up outside the Howdens depot on Atlantic Street, it’s worth asking: is a standard, trade-focused kitchen really the right fit for your home? For those who live in some of Greater Manchester’s most desirable properties, the answer is often no. You need a higher standard of product and a more personal service. If you’ve been searching for the best alternative to Howdens kitchens, you’re in the right place.

My name is Steve, and I’m the owner of SJB Trade Kitchens. With over 20 years in the industry, I set up my business to offer a better alternative. By cutting out the middleman and the massive overheads of a depot network, I provide genuinely superior, rigid-built kitchens directly to homeowners like you, for a price that the big sheds simply can’t match.

As an Altrincham homeowner, you’re a savvy investor. You know that true value isn’t just about the initial price, but the long-term quality of your investment. By selling direct and avoiding the huge costs of a depot network, I can provide a superior quality kitchen for 30-50% less than you’d pay for a marked-up Howdens equivalent. That’s a significant saving you can reinvest elsewhere in your property.

You get to deal directly with an expert, not a depot counter. When you have a question, you speak to me – the person who owns the business and makes the kitchens. This direct line of communication is invaluable. It ensures your specific needs are understood and met, a stark contrast to the often impersonal and trade-focused service you receive from large national chains.

My pricing is honest and transparent, all year round. I don’t believe in the confusing ‘silly season’ discounts you see at Howdens. I offer one fair, consistent price to every customer, so you know you’re getting the best possible value without having to navigate opaque sales tactics or wonder if your builder is passing on the full discount.

Your kitchen will be made to measure for your home. The beautiful period homes in Hale and the unique executive properties in Bowdon often have non-standard room dimensions. A standard, off-the-shelf depot kitchen simply won’t cut it. My made-to-order approach means we can create a kitchen that fits your space perfectly, maximising storage and creating a truly bespoke finish.

A key reason Altrincham homeowners choose us is the fundamental difference in our cabinet construction. Unlike the flat-pack units you’ll find at depots, which are assembled on-site from a pile of components, every SJB kitchen cabinet is a rigid-built unit, precision-made in my workshop. This means it arrives at your home square, strong, and ready to install, providing a far more robust and long-lasting foundation for your kitchen.

A crucial detail is the back panel. Howdens and other depot suppliers use a thin, flimsy piece of hardboard, which is notorious for bowing and sagging over time, especially in units under a heavy sink. I use 18mm solid back panels – the same high-density material as the rest of the carcass. This makes the entire unit incredibly strong and durable, ensuring it will last for decades, not just a few years.

This commitment to quality extends to every component. We use premium Egger and Kronospan boards for all our carcasses and fit world-class Blum soft-close hinges and drawer runners as standard, not as a costly upgrade. For a home in Bowdon or Hale, where quality is paramount, these details matter. It’s an investment in your property that pays dividends in longevity and daily satisfaction.

Many of the beautiful period homes in areas like Hale and the grand Edwardian semis in Timperley have quirks and character that off-the-shelf kitchens simply can’t accommodate. Whether it’s a chimney breast, an awkward corner, or a desire for extra-tall units to suit high ceilings, a standard 8-foot kitchen from a depot catalogue just won’t do. This is where our made-to-order service comes in.

Because I manufacture the carcasses myself, I’m not restricted to standard sizes. We can build units to any height, width, or depth you need, ensuring a perfect, seamless fit that makes the most of your space. With over 300 different finishes to choose from and a free design service to bring it all together, we can create a kitchen that is genuinely unique to you and your Altrincham home.

When you deal with SJB, you deal with me, Steve, directly. There are no salespeople, no depot counter staff, and no passing the buck. I personally oversee every project from the initial design consultation to the final delivery, ensuring you get expert advice and a single point of contact throughout the entire process. This is a level of personal service that you simply won’t find at a national trade supplier.

I’d be delighted to welcome you to my showroom at Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, Oldham, OL1 4EB. It’s a straightforward journey, typically around 25 minutes from Altrincham via the M60, and it’s the best way to see and feel the quality of our kitchens for yourself. You can compare our rigid-built carcasses with the depot alternatives and we can have a proper chat about your plans.

We regularly work with homeowners across the area, delivering beautiful kitchens not just to Altrincham, but also to surrounding areas like Hale, Bowdon, Timperley, and Broadheath. I’m always on the end of the phone if you have a question, providing the kind of accountability and direct access that makes all the difference.

Can homeowners buy from Howdens directly in Altrincham?

No, Howdens operates on a trade-only basis, meaning you can’t buy from their Altrincham depot directly. You have to go through a builder who will add their own markup, increasing the final price you pay.

How do your prices compare to Howdens?

My kitchens are typically 30-50% cheaper than a like-for-like Howdens kitchen. By selling direct from my Oldham workshop and not having the huge overheads of a depot network, I pass those significant savings directly on to my Altrincham customers.

Can I visit a showroom near Altrincham?

Absolutely. My showroom is in Oldham, just a straightforward 25-minute drive from Altrincham via the M60. You can see the quality of our rigid-built cabinets for yourself and we can discuss your project in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.

Do you deliver to Altrincham?

Yes, I deliver to Altrincham, Hale, Bowdon, and all surrounding areas. Your new kitchen will be delivered directly to your door, ready for your fitter to install.

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.