📋 Data Accuracy Notice — All specifications on this page are based on publicly available information as of 2026. We welcome manufacturers to submit updated specifications directly to info@sjball.uk — we’ll update our data within 48 hours. We’re committed to accuracy, and we’re happy to be checked.
A Better Alternative to Howdens in Coventry - 18mm Rigid Units, Direct to Homeowners, Delivered in 10 Working Days.
Made to Order
Rigid Built
Nationwide Delivery
Blum Soft Close
Why Coventry Homeowners Choose SJB Trade Kitchens Over Howdens
Coventry homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens often face a common challenge when considering Howdens. While Howdens is a well-known name in kitchen supply, its trade-only model means that homeowners cannot order directly without a builder or fitter acting as an intermediary. This creates unnecessary delays, additional costs, and limits control over the project. SJB Trade Kitchens offers a compelling alternative that is tailored to the needs of Coventry residents who want a seamless, cost-effective, and transparent kitchen buying experience.
Understanding Coventrys Property Types and Neighbourhoods
Coventry is a city rich in history and architectural variety. From the charming Victorian terraces in Earlsdon and Stivichall to the spacious semi-detached homes in Whoberley and the modern apartments in City Centre, Coventry has a diverse housing stock. Many homeowners in areas such as Coundon, Cheylesmore, and Radford seek kitchens that complement their homes unique character while offering modern functionality.
Whether you live in a traditional three-bedroom terraced house or a contemporary new build, SJB Trade Kitchens can provide bespoke kitchen solutions that fit perfectly. Unlike Howdens, which offers standard sizes and limited customization due to its trade focus, SJB Trade Kitchens delivers bespoke sizing to ensure every cabinet and component fits your space flawlessly.
The Problems With Howdens Trade-Only Model for Coventry Homeowners
One of the biggest frustrations Coventry homeowners face with Howdens is the compulsory use of a trade account. Since Howdens only sells to trade professionals, homeowners must find and coordinate with a builder or fitter who has a trade account to place an order. This additional step complicates the process, often leading to delays and increased project management stress.
Furthermore, relying on a third party can obscure pricing and reduce transparency, making it difficult for homeowners to understand the full cost of their kitchen renovation upfront. Howdens pricing can also be higher, with markups added by tradespeople. This indirect purchasing route often results in a kitchen that costs significantly more than necessary.
Advantages of Choosing SJB Trade Kitchens in Coventry
1. No Trade Account Needed
SJB Trade Kitchens removes the middleman by allowing homeowners in Coventry to order directly. This means you do not need a builder or fitter with a trade account to get started, simplifying the entire process and giving you full control.
2. Bespoke Sizing
Kitchens in Coventry often have unique layouts and dimensions. SJB offers bespoke sizing options so that every cabinet fits perfectly, unlike the standard sizes offered by Howdens that might require awkward adjustments during installation.
3. 18mm Backs as Standard
SJB Trade Kitchens uses 18mm backs on all units, providing superior durability and a premium feel. This is a significant upgrade over many competitors and ensures your kitchen stands the test of time.
4. 10-Day Delivery
Time is often of the essence when renovating. SJB offers a reliable 10-day delivery service, ensuring your kitchen arrives promptly and you can stick to your renovation schedule without delays.
5. Transparent Pricing All Year Round
SJB Trade Kitchens prides itself on clear and honest pricing. You will know exactly what you are paying for with no hidden fees or sudden price increases. Additionally, SJB kitchens are typically 30-50% cheaper than Howdens, making quality kitchens more accessible to Coventry homeowners.
Local Support and Expertise
Although Steve, the expert behind SJB Trade Kitchens, is based in Altrincham with a showroom in Oldham, his team is well-versed in serving customers across the UK, including Coventry. You can call 0161 509 4221 for personalised advice and support throughout your kitchen journey. This level of customer care is a key reason why Coventry homeowners trust SJB as their preferred kitchen supplier.
Summary
For Coventry homeowners, SJB Trade Kitchens offers a direct, transparent, and cost-effective alternative to Howdens. By eliminating the need for a trade account, providing bespoke sizing, using durable 18mm backs, guaranteeing fast 10-day delivery, and maintaining transparent pricing, SJB empowers you to create your ideal kitchen without the hassle and inflated costs associated with Howdens trade-only model. Whether you live in Earlsdon, Whoberley, or anywhere else in Coventry, SJB Trade Kitchens is ready to help transform your kitchen renovation experience.
Howdens operates on a trade-only model. As a homeowner, you cannot walk into a Howdens depot and buy a kitchen. You need a builder or fitter with a Howdens trade account to order on your behalf. This creates a fundamental problem: you have no direct control over what is ordered, no ability to compare prices yourself, and no direct relationship with the supplier. Your fitter marks up the Howdens price before passing it on to you, and you have no way of knowing what the original cost was.
SJB Trade Kitchens is the direct alternative. Steve Ball sells direct to homeowners – no trade account needed, no middleman, no hidden markups. You deal directly with Steve, you see the real price, and you make the decisions. Many Coventry customers who have previously used Howdens through a fitter are surprised to discover how much more straightforward – and affordable – the direct supply route can be.
Many national suppliers offer 18mm carcasses but use thinner back panels to reduce weight and cost. At SJB, that is not a trade-off we are willing to make. Every cabinet features full 18mm solid backs – your fitter will notice the difference the second they lift the unit.
| Feature | Howdens Joinery | SJB Trade Kitchens |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Buy | Trade account holders only | Direct to homeowners |
| Carcass Thickness | 18mm | 18mm |
| Back Panel | Thinner backs (typical) | 18mm Solid |
| Drawer Boxes | Standard drawer boxes | Blum Antaro as standard; Legrabox or dovetail solid oak available as premium upgrades |
| Bespoke Widths | Limited bespoke sizing | Included as standard |
| Pricing | Trade pricing – varies by account | Transparent, consistent pricing all year round |
| Support | Via your fitter/builder | Direct with Steve – 20 years experience |
| Delivery | Via trade account | From 10 working days |
Got a Howdens Quote? We Will Beat It.
Howdens pricing is trade-only and deliberately opaque – homeowners rarely know the real cost. SJB Trade Kitchens offers transparent, consistent pricing direct to homeowners, typically 30-50% cheaper than Howdens retail equivalent.
Send us your Howdens specification and Steve will come back with a like-for-like price. Most customers save significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can order your kitchen directly from SJB Trade Kitchens without needing a builder or trade account, making the process simple and straightforward for Coventry homeowners.
SJB Trade Kitchens offers a reliable 10-day delivery service, so your kitchen components will arrive promptly in Coventry to keep your renovation on schedule.
Absolutely, SJB Trade Kitchens provides bespoke sizing options ensuring kitchens fit perfectly in traditional homes common in Earlsdon, Stivichall, and other historic Coventry neighbourhoods.
SJB Trade Kitchens is typically 30-50% cheaper than Howdens for Coventry homeowners, with transparent pricing and no hidden costs throughout the year.
Yes, Steve and his team offer expert advice and support over the phone and through their showroom in Oldham, ensuring Coventry customers receive personalised guidance.
From Design to Reality: See the Difference
Every SJB kitchen starts with a detailed CAD design so you can see exactly how your finished kitchen will look before a single unit is ordered. Here is what that looks like in practice.
The CAD design produced by Steve before the kitchen was ordered
The finished kitchen installed by the customer — exactly as designed
“Steve is absolutely epic! Really nice guy. 100% genuine and 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!”
— Scott, verified SJB Trade Kitchens customer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What Our Customers Say
Request Your Free Quote Below
Already have a Howdens specification or quote from your fitter? Send it to us and Steve will come back with a direct price comparison – usually within 24 hours.
Made to Order and 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.
