Looking for a Howdens Alternative in Bolton?

When you’re looking for a new kitchen in Bolton, it’s easy to think the Howdens depot on Thynne Street is your only local option. But what you might not realise is that you’re paying a hidden premium for the convenience of a trade-only supplier. For family homes in areas like Bromley Cross and Lostock, where getting maximum value is key, there’s a much smarter way to invest in a high-quality kitchen that adds real value to your property. 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. With over two decades in the industry, I set up my business to offer a better alternative: top-quality, rigid-built kitchens sold directly to homeowners at a fair, transparent price. I believe that people in Bolton deserve a straightforward process without the secret handshakes and inflated markups of the big trade depots.

Get more for your money without sacrificing quality. As a Bolton homeowner, you know how to make your budget work hard. Because I sell direct, I don’t have the massive overheads of a national depot network like Howdens. This means I can provide a higher-specification kitchen, with 18mm solid backs and premium Blum hardware, for a price that’s often 30-50% less than a comparable Howdens quote once the fitter’s markup is added.

A kitchen that’s built to last, not just to sell. In a busy family home, a kitchen needs to be tough. Unlike the standard flat-pack units from trade depots, which often use flimsy hardboard backs, every SJB kitchen is a rigid-built unit with a solid 18mm back panel. This makes our cabinets incredibly strong and durable, ready to handle the daily chaos of family life in homes across Horwich and Lostock.

Honest, transparent pricing with no games. The Howdens pricing model can be confusing, with different builders getting different discounts. I operate a clear, consistent pricing policy for everyone. The price I quote is the price you pay, giving you the clarity you need to properly budget for your project without worrying about hidden costs or inflated trade markups.

Designed to fit your home perfectly. The beautiful stone terraces in Egerton and classic family semis in Bromley Cross often have unique dimensions that standard-sized cabinets just can’t accommodate. Because our kitchens are made to order, we can build units to custom widths and depths, ensuring a perfect fit that makes the most of every inch of your space. You get a bespoke-quality fit without the bespoke price tag.

The biggest difference you’ll find between an SJB kitchen and a typical Howdens one is how they are built. We supply our kitchens as rigid-built carcasses, not as a pile of flat-pack boards. This means they are assembled by skilled technicians in a controlled factory environment, ensuring every joint is perfectly square and secure. This method is far superior to a flat-pack kitchen assembled on-site, leading to a stronger, more durable kitchen that’s faster for your fitter to install.

A key detail is in the back panels. Howdens kitchens use a thin, flimsy piece of hardboard for the back, which is notorious for bowing and even popping out over time, especially in a busy family home. We use a solid 18mm back panel, the same thickness as the rest of the carcass. This makes the entire unit incredibly strong and robust, ensuring it will stand up to the demands of family life in Bolton for years to come.

We also use premium components as standard, like German-engineered Blum hinges and soft-close drawers. It’s this focus on fundamental build quality that ensures your investment lasts. For the hard-working family homes in areas like Egerton and Horwich, a kitchen needs to be more than just a pretty face; it needs to be built to withstand daily use and still look great in a decade’s time.

Many Bolton homes, from the spacious stone-built terraces in Egerton to the modern new-builds in Horwich, have their own unique character and dimensions. A standard, off-the-shelf kitchen often results in awkward gaps, wasted space, or a design that just doesn’t feel right. This is where our made-to-order approach makes all the difference. We’re not restricted to standard cabinet sizes, meaning we can create a kitchen that perfectly fits the quirks of your property.

Whether you need a shallower unit to fit a narrow chimney breast in a Bromley Cross semi, or extra-tall wall units to maximise storage in a new-build with high ceilings, we can build it for you. With over 300 different finishes to choose from and a free design service to bring it all together, you get a truly bespoke kitchen without the bespoke price tag. We create a design that’s tailored to your space, your family’s needs, and your personal style.

When you deal with SJB, you deal directly with me, Steve. There are no salespeople or depot counter staff who are just trying to hit a target. I personally oversee every project, from the initial design chat to the final delivery, ensuring you get honest advice and a kitchen that’s perfect for your needs and budget.

I’d love for you to come and see the quality for yourself. My showroom is at Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, Oldham, OL1 4EB. It’s a straightforward drive of about 30 minutes from most parts of Bolton, and it’s the best way to understand the difference a rigid-built cabinet makes. You can feel the solid construction and see the huge range of finishes available.

We regularly work with homeowners across the Bolton area, from Westhoughton and Farnworth to Egerton and Bromley Cross. I’m here to offer a personal, no-pressure service that the big depots simply can’t match. Just give me a call or pop over to the showroom for a chat.

Can homeowners buy from Howdens directly in Bolton?

No, you can’t. Howdens operates a strict trade-only policy at their Bolton depot on Thynne Street, meaning you have to buy through a builder who will add their own markup. At SJB, we welcome homeowners directly, giving you full control and transparent pricing.

How do your prices compare to Howdens?

You’ll find our prices are typically 30-50% lower than a like-for-like Howdens kitchen. We don’t have the huge overheads of a national depot network, so we can pass those significant savings directly on to our Bolton customers.

Can I visit a showroom near Bolton?

Absolutely. Our showroom is in Oldham, which is an easy drive of about 30 minutes from most parts of Bolton via the M61 and M60. You can see our cabinet quality for yourself and we can have a proper chat about your project.

Do you deliver to Bolton?

Yes, we deliver our rigid-built kitchens across all of Bolton and the surrounding areas, including Horwich, Westhoughton, and Farnworth. Your new kitchen will arrive fully assembled and 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.

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 47 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Ameer Latif 
 
30 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 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.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 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
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Tina Walsall 
 
12 January 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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 ❤️