📋 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 London - 18mm Rigid Units, Direct to Homeowners, Delivered in 10 Working Days.
Made to Order
Rigid Built
Nationwide Delivery
Blum Soft Close
SJB Trade Kitchens: The Premier Howdens Alternative for London Homeowners
London homeowners face unique challenges when it comes to kitchen renovations. From Victorian terraces in Islington and Hackney to period conversions in Richmond and Wimbledon, the city offers a rich mix of architectural styles but also demands tailored solutions. SJB Trade Kitchens is emerging as the preferred alternative to Howdens for many London residents who want quality, flexibility, and transparent pricing without the limitations of trade-only suppliers.
Why London Homeowners Choose SJB Over Howdens
Howdens has been a popular choice for kitchens in the UK for many years, especially among tradespeople. However, Howdens operates on a trade-only model, which can be a significant inconvenience for London homeowners. To order Howdens kitchens, customers need to have an established relationship with a builder or fitter who holds a trade account. This middleman requirement often leads to increased costs, delays, and a lack of control over the project for homeowners.
SJB Trade Kitchens, on the other hand, sells directly to homeowners without the need for a trade account or a middleman. This direct approach empowers London residents to manage their kitchen projects independently and with greater transparency. SJB provides a comprehensive solution that fits perfectly with the diverse property types and high property values found across London neighbourhoods.
Local Property Types and Neighbourhoods Served
London is known for its distinctive property types that often require bespoke kitchen solutions. Victorian terraces in areas like Islington and Hackney typically feature smaller, irregularly shaped rooms that demand careful planning and custom sizing. Period conversions in Richmond and Wimbledon often come with constraints such as limited space and preservation requirements. In affluent neighbourhoods like Clapham, Fulham, and Richmond, homeowners expect premium quality and style that complement their high-value properties.
SJB Trade Kitchens understands these local nuances. Their product range includes bespoke sizing options that accommodate the unique dimensions and features of period homes. Whether you are working with tight spaces in a Victorian terrace or aiming for a sleek, modern style in a period conversion, SJB offers the flexibility to tailor kitchens exactly to your needs.
The Challenges of Howdens Trade-Only Model for Homeowners
One of the biggest frustrations for London homeowners is Howdens trade-only model. Since Howdens kitchens can only be purchased through a registered trade account, homeowners without a trusted builder or fitter face barriers to ordering. This often means paying a premium to tradespeople or having limited influence over product selection and pricing.
Moreover, the reliance on a trade account can cause delays if the tradesperson is unavailable or unwilling to order the products on behalf of the homeowner. This lack of transparency and direct communication with the supplier can lead to misaligned expectations and project overruns. London homeowners, who often have tight schedules and budgets, find this model restrictive and inefficient.
Key Advantages of Choosing SJB Trade Kitchens
- 18mm Backs as Standard: Unlike many competitors, SJB provides 18mm backs on all kitchen units, offering superior strength and durability that is essential for London homes that demand long-lasting quality.
- Bespoke Sizing: London properties often have irregular kitchen layouts. SJB offers bespoke sizing options to ensure a perfect fit in Victorian terraces, period conversions, or modern flats.
- 10-Day Delivery: SJB understands that time is of the essence. Their efficient delivery system ensures kitchens arrive within 10 days, helping London homeowners keep renovation projects on track.
- Transparent Pricing: SJB is 30-50 percent cheaper than Howdens, with clear, upfront pricing all year round. This transparency helps homeowners budget accurately without hidden fees or unexpected costs.
- No Trade Account Needed: Unlike Howdens, SJB sells directly to homeowners, eliminating the need for builders or fitters to place orders. This direct purchase model offers control, convenience, and cost savings.
Serving Key London Areas with Tailored Kitchen Solutions
SJB Trade Kitchens has become a trusted name among homeowners in several London neighbourhoods:
- Islington: Known for elegant Victorian terraces, Islington homeowners appreciate SJBs bespoke sizing and durable 18mm backs that withstand daily use.
- Hackney: With a mix of period homes and conversions, Hackney residents benefit from SJBs flexibility and quick 10-day delivery, reducing renovation downtime.
- Clapham: In this vibrant area, high property values mean homeowners demand stylish and reliable kitchens, which SJB delivers at a fraction of Howdens cost.
- Richmond: Richmonds period conversions require bespoke solutions, a specialty of SJB that tradespeople and homeowners alike trust.
- Wimbledon: Wimbledon properties often blend tradition and modernity; SJBs transparent pricing and no trade account policy make kitchen upgrades accessible.
- Fulham: Fulham homeowners enjoy the benefits of SJBs direct-to-consumer model, avoiding the trade-only restrictions imposed by Howdens.
Contact and Showroom Information
Steve from Altrincham is the key contact for SJB Trade Kitchens, available to assist with any queries or orders. While the showroom is located in Oldham, SJBs efficient delivery network ensures kitchens reach London homeowners swiftly and reliably. For more information or to discuss your project, call 0161 509 4221 today.
In conclusion, SJB Trade Kitchens offers London homeowners a superior alternative to Howdens with a direct, transparent, and flexible service tailored to the unique demands of London properties. Whether you live in a Victorian terrace in Islington or a period conversion in Richmond, SJB provides quality kitchens at unbeatable prices without the hassle of trade accounts or middlemen.
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 London 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
Howdens operates on a trade-only basis, requiring customers to have a builder or fitter with a trade account place orders on their behalf. This means homeowners without such contacts cannot order directly.
SJB offers bespoke sizing for kitchen units, allowing homeowners to fit kitchens perfectly into irregular spaces common in Victorian terraces and period conversions.
Yes, SJB is typically 30 to 50 percent cheaper than Howdens with transparent pricing provided all year round, helping London homeowners save significantly.
Absolutely. SJB guarantees delivery within 10 days, ensuring London homeowners can keep renovation projects on schedule without unnecessary delays.
No. SJB sells directly to homeowners without requiring a trade account or middleman, providing greater control and convenience for London residents.
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.
