Looking for a Howdens Alternative in Ashton-under-Lyne?

Living in a town with as much character as Ashton-under-Lyne, you’ll know that a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. So when you see the local Howdens on Cavendish Street, it’s worth asking if a standard, trade-only kitchen is really the right fit for your home. I believe the unique properties here, from the stone terraces near the market to the Edwardian semis in Hurst, deserve a more personal and higher-quality solution – one that’s built to last and offers genuine value. If you’ve been searching for the best alternative to Howdens kitchens, you’re in the right place.

I’m Steve, the owner of SJB Trade Kitchens, and for over 20 years I’ve been supplying kitchens differently. I sell direct to homeowners, cutting out the trade-counter middleman and the markups they add. This means you get a superior quality, rigid-built kitchen, made right here in Greater Manchester, for a price that often beats the big depots.

You get a better kitchen for a better price. Because I sell direct to you, the homeowner, there’s no need for a builder to add their 20-30% markup, which is what happens at trade-only suppliers like Howdens. You’re getting a superior, rigid-built product with premium components, often for significantly less than a lower-spec flat-pack kitchen from a depot.

Your kitchen is built to last, not to a budget. The character-filled homes in Ashton, from stone terraces to Edwardian semis, deserve a kitchen that stands the test of time. My cabinets are constructed with 18mm solid backs, not the flimsy hardboard used by depots, and come with top-tier Blum hardware as standard. This is a long-term investment in your home, not a quick fix.

You get a kitchen that’s designed for your home and your life. Many Ashton properties have unique layouts that don’t suit standard-sized cabinets. I offer a completely bespoke service, building cabinets to the exact width, height, and depth you need to make the most of your space. This made-to-order flexibility ensures a perfect fit that you can’t get off the shelf.

You deal directly with the business owner. When you contact SJB, you speak to me, Steve. I’ll personally oversee your project from start to finish. This direct relationship means clear communication, expert advice, and a level of accountability you simply won’t find when dealing with a large national chain and a separate fitter.

The foundation of a kitchen that lasts is the cabinet construction. Unlike the flat-pack units you’ll find at depots, which often rely on flimsy hardboard backs, my carcasses are all rigid-built from 18mm Egger or Kronospan board. This includes a solid 18mm back panel, which is crucial for strength and longevity, especially in older Ashton properties where walls may not be perfectly true. A solid back ensures the cabinet stays square and rigid, preventing sagging and providing a secure fixing to the wall.

We don’t compromise on the parts you use every single day. That’s why every one of my kitchens comes with premium Blum soft-close hinges and drawer runners as standard. This isn’t an expensive upgrade; it’s the benchmark for quality. It means your doors and drawers will always close smoothly and silently, a small detail that makes a huge difference to the feel of your kitchen over its lifetime.

It’s about building a kitchen that feels solid and dependable from day one. When you’re investing in a new kitchen for your family home, whether it’s a modern new-build on Ashton Moss or a traditional terrace, you want to feel the quality. My rigid-built approach means your kitchen arrives as solid, pre-assembled units, ready to be installed, ensuring a stronger, more durable, and ultimately longer-lasting result than any flat-pack alternative.

Many of the beautiful stone terraces near Ashton Market or the lovely Edwardian semis in Hurst have quirks and character that off-the-shelf kitchens just can’t accommodate. Whether it’s a chimney breast, an awkward corner, or a non-standard ceiling height, these are the challenges I love to solve. Because my kitchens are genuinely made-to-order, we aren’t restricted by standard 600mm cabinet sizes. We can build units to any width, height, or depth you need, ensuring a perfect, wall-to-wall fit that looks truly bespoke.

With over 300 different carcass finishes and a huge range of door styles and colours, we can design a kitchen that perfectly complements your Ashton home’s character. During our free design service, we’ll explore all the options to create a space that is not only functional but a true reflection of your personal style. We don’t force you into a limited catalogue; we build the kitchen you actually want.

When you deal with SJB, you deal directly with me, Steve. There are no salespeople and no passing the buck. I handle your project from the initial design consultation right through to delivery, ensuring you get honest advice and a single point of contact throughout. This personal approach is something you simply don’t get from a national trade depot.

My showroom is located at Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, Oldham, OL1 4EB, and it’s a quick and easy drive from anywhere in Ashton. You can be here in just 10 minutes to see our products for yourself and have a proper chat about your plans without any pressure or sales patter. I’m always happy to talk through the details and show you exactly why our kitchens offer better value.

I regularly supply kitchens to homeowners across the Ashton area, from Hurst and Smallshaw to Waterloo, Dukinfield, and Audenshaw. My goal is to be the local, trusted alternative for people who want a better kitchen without paying inflated prices.

Can homeowners buy from Howdens directly in Ashton-under-Lyne?

No, the Howdens depot on Cavendish Street in Ashton operates on a trade-only basis. As a homeowner, you cannot purchase from them directly; you must go through a builder who will add their own markup to the final price.

How do your prices compare to Howdens?

My prices are typically 30-50% lower than what you would end up paying for a Howdens kitchen in Ashton. By selling direct to you and avoiding the overheads of a large depot network, I can offer a higher quality, rigid-built product for a much more competitive price.

Can I visit a showroom near Ashton-under-Lyne?

Absolutely. My showroom is at Unit N, Central Trading Estate in Oldham, which is a very straightforward 10-minute drive from Ashton-under-Lyne. You can pop in any time to see the quality of our rigid-built cabinets and discuss your project with me directly.

Do you deliver to Ashton-under-Lyne?

Yes, I deliver fully assembled, rigid-built kitchens to all parts of Ashton-under-Lyne and the surrounding areas, including Hurst, Smallshaw, Waterloo, and Ashton Moss. Your new kitchen will arrive ready for your fitter to install, saving time and money on the job.

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.

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 47 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Ameer Latif 
 
30 August 2026
 
 
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We will get back with a quote within 24 hours they say, 10 days, 3 emails with pictures, sizes and plans and not one reply.. Not even a we cant help you
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Fleetkleen UK 
 
26 July 2026
 
 
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Top service fantastic quality kitchen supplied with fully built units at an amazing price that I’ve not found anywhere else, would highly recommend giving Steve a call, will need his services again very soon.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Naz K 
 
25 June 2026
 
 
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Fantastic experience with Steve from start to finish. He designed an amazing kitchen in a small space and truly went above and beyond what I expected. He took the time to listen carefully to my ideas and requirements, and was never pushy throughout the process. His knowledge, creativity, and attention to detail really stood out at every stage. Everything was planned and executed with care, and he made sure even the smallest details were perfect. The end result is a beautifully designed, highly functional kitchen that I’m absolutely thrilled with. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Emma Bradshaw 
 
13 May 2026
 
 
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After visiting a few "big brand" kitchen places & being absolutely gob smacked at the prices, the pushy salesmen & the amazing "discounts" they claimed were on for "1 week only".... I went searching for a small local business. I found SJB on eBay initially & then popped along to his Instagram account to have a nosey at his products etc. I dropped him a message & got a reply pretty much straight away. I sent our measurements, needs & ideas & Steve got to work & brought our design to life! He worked fast & was extremely helpful. He made changes if we wanted them, he went hunting for a particular handle I wanted (a lot cheaper too as 1 company wanted £12 a handle, Steve found them for just £4) We visited his show room to make sure because we weren't being charged the earth, we weren't getting a cheap / flimsy product. Well we absolutely weren't! We had a slight issue with one of the cabinets being damaged upon arrival, spoke to Steve, who immediately ordered a replacement to be sent. Steve was contactable throughout, nothing was too much trouble, & he's just a genuine nice guy, who runs a fantastic small business. 100% recommend using SJB Trade Kitchens especially over the giant money grabbing companies!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Elizabeth Orbell 
 
21 April 2026
 
 
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Steve designed and provided all the quality parts necessary for my fitter to make up this beautiful kitchen. All arrived promptly and any queries were responded to immediately and efficiently. Steve is highly professional and easy to get along with which makes a huge difference in our busy world! I would definitely recommend Steve and will use him on my next build. Thank you !
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Scott 
 
1 April 2026
 
 
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Steve is absolutely epic! Really nice guy. 100% genuine & 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!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Natasha Conway 
 
25 March 2026
 
 
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I cannot stress how happy I am with my kitchen from SJB. We didn’t had a great experience with our builder during the renovation of our house however the final kitchen made up for it. SJB offered high quality finishes at quick turnarounds and even made a custom made island which is better than I ever expected. I will be returning soon to SJB for my bedroom wardrobes!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Tina Walsall 
 
12 January 2026
 
 
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I came across SJB on Ebay, and contacted Steve. He was very helpful in inviting us to his kitchen showroom to look at the various kitchens. This helped  a lot as he was on site to talk us through ideas and suggestions. We chose, what we thought, a relatively priced kitchen as it was for a rental property, but the finished result has been just amazing! It looks so expensive, even the fitter said it was very good quality for a fraction of what other places charge. Steve kindly designed the kitchen, gave us good ideas and was always available on the phone if we ever needed advice. I have never purchased a kitchen without the company providing a fitter as I have always doubted if the kitchen would fit how it should, but this has completely changed my perception. It has been flawless and friends and family have compared it to their much more expensive ones, saying this looks amazing and better than theirs! If you need a kitchen, with a gentleman that goes over and above, SJB is the place to go. You will not be disappointed, the whole process has been stress free thanks to Steve, I honestly cannot thank him enough for all his efforts and kindness. We hope to come back very soon!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 James Hunter 
 
23 December 2025
 
 
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I've worked in the building trade for over 20 years, the kitchen supplied by Steven was a better quality then a Howdens or magnet kitchen and also a good bit cheaper. Steven's easy to deal with, everything arrived as quoted no problems no damaged items and on the exact day specified. Would highly recommend.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Alison Gregory 
 
13 November 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I first came across Steve on Ebay last year when I moved into my bungalow and kept hold of his details. Fast forward a year, I checked Google reviews and finally contacted him sending measurements/photos and went to meet him when on holiday nearby. Steve was so helpful and came up with the exact kitchen plan I had in my head, two other companies couldn't do this, despite visiting my home and meeting with them. Took me a while to find a joiner and after lots of emails, Whatsapp messages and calls, I could actually place the order. All delivered to North East Scotland, a few doors followed on as were out of stock, a couple of damaged items replaced and when I needed a corner post and dishwasher door replacement due to longer screws being used in error, Steve was only too happy to send them. It's a very good quality kitchen at a great price and I'm not planning on needing another, but if I did, I wouldn't hesitate on contacting SJB again. We got there in the end Steve, with hard work from my plasterer, joiner, plumber, electrician and flooring guys and I love my new kitchen, so thank you, hard to believe it's the same room ❤️