📋 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 Surrey - 18mm Rigid Units, Direct to Homeowners, Delivered in 10 Working Days.
Made to Order
Rigid Built
Nationwide Delivery
Blum Soft Close
Why Surrey Homeowners Choose SJB Trade Kitchens Over Howdens
Surrey is known for its beautiful executive homes, charming period properties, and vibrant neighbourhoods such as Guildford, Woking, Esher, Reigate, and Farnham. Homeowners in these areas often invest significantly in kitchen renovations, seeking quality, style, and convenience. While Howdens has long been a popular choice for kitchen supplies, many Surrey residents are discovering the benefits of choosing SJB Trade Kitchens as a superior alternative.
The Surrey Property Landscape
The Surrey property market is diverse and prestigious. From the elegant period properties in Esher and Farnham to the large executive homes in Guildford and Reigate, the kitchens installed here must complement the unique architectural styles and cater to high renovation budgets. Homeowners demand bespoke solutions that fit their specific space and aesthetic requirements.
Many Surrey homes have bespoke layouts and features that require precise kitchen sizing and high-quality materials. Off-the-shelf or standard kitchen units often fall short of these expectations. This is where SJB Trade Kitchens stands out compared to Howdens, offering tailored options that match the exact needs of Surrey homeowners.
Howdens Trade-Only Model: A Challenge for Surrey Homeowners
One of the main challenges Surrey homeowners face with Howdens is its trade-only business model. Howdens kitchen cabinets and products are only available to registered tradespeople, meaning homeowners must engage a builder or kitchen fitter who has a trade account to place orders. This requirement can create several issues:
- Dependency on Tradespeople: Homeowners may find it difficult to find or schedule trusted tradespeople who have access to Howdens products.
- Reduced Control: Without direct access, homeowners often have less transparency in pricing and product choices, relying heavily on their fitter to source and order materials.
- Increased Costs: Middlemen can add markups or additional fees, making the overall kitchen renovation more expensive than anticipated.
- Delays and Communication Gaps: Coordinating orders through tradespeople can lead to delays and miscommunication, especially when homeowners want to make changes or upgrades mid-project.
SJB Trade Kitchens Advantages for Surrey Homeowners
SJB Trade Kitchens offers a homeowner-friendly alternative to Howdens by eliminating the middleman and providing a direct purchasing experience. Here are the key advantages that make SJB the preferred choice in Surrey:
- Direct Sales to Homeowners: SJB allows homeowners to purchase kitchen units directly without needing a trade account or relying on builders or fitters to place orders. This direct approach ensures full control over the project.
- 18mm Backs as Standard: Unlike many competitors, including Howdens, SJB kitchens come with robust 18mm backs on all units, providing superior strength and durability for long-lasting installations.
- Bespoke Sizing: Surrey homes often require custom-sized cabinets to fit unique spaces, especially in period properties and executive homes. SJB offers bespoke sizing options to ensure a perfect fit, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
- 10-Day Delivery: Timeliness is crucial for renovation projects. SJB guarantees delivery within 10 days, helping Surrey homeowners keep their projects on schedule without long waiting periods.
- Transparent Pricing All Year Round: With SJB, homeowners benefit from clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or unexpected costs. This transparency helps manage renovation budgets effectively, especially important in high-value Surrey properties.
- 30-50% Cheaper Than Howdens: SJB Trade Kitchens offers substantial savings compared to Howdens, making premium kitchen solutions more accessible for Surrey homeowners without compromising on quality.
Local Expertise and Support
SJB Trade Kitchens understands the needs of Surrey homeowners and the specific challenges related to local property styles and renovation requirements. Although the showroom is based in Oldham, Steve from Altrincham is available to provide expert advice and support by phone on 0161 509 4221. This dedicated customer service ensures that Surrey residents receive personalised guidance throughout their kitchen project.
Neighbourhood Focus: Guildford, Woking, Esher, Reigate, Farnham
Each Surrey neighbourhood has its own architectural character and homeowner expectations:
- Guildford: Known for its mix of period and modern executive homes, Guildford homeowners appreciate SJB kitchens for their bespoke sizing options that perfectly fit intricate layouts.
- Woking: With a growing number of contemporary builds and renovations, Woking residents benefit from SJBs quick 10-day delivery and transparent pricing, making project timelines easier to manage.
- Esher: Esher is famous for historic properties requiring sensitive renovation. SJBs bespoke solutions help maintain architectural integrity while providing modern kitchen functionality.
- Reigate: Reigate homeowners often have high renovation budgets and expect premium quality. SJBs 18mm backs and durable construction meet these demands at a fraction of Howdens pricing.
- Farnham: In Farnham, with its abundance of period homes, SJB kitchens offer the flexibility and strength needed to create custom kitchens that complement the character of these properties.
Conclusion
For Surrey homeowners looking to renovate or install a new kitchen, SJB Trade Kitchens offers a compelling alternative to Howdens. By selling directly to homeowners, providing bespoke sizing, 18mm backs, quick delivery, and transparent pricing, SJB removes the common frustrations caused by Howdens trade-only model. With significant cost savings and expert support, Surrey residents in Guildford, Woking, Esher, Reigate, and Farnham can achieve their dream kitchens with confidence and ease.
Contact Steve from Altrincham today at 0161 509 4221 for more information or visit the SJB Trade Kitchens showroom in Oldham to explore the range and discuss your project.
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 Surrey 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, unlike Howdens which requires a trade account, SJB allows Surrey homeowners to order kitchens directly without needing a builder or fitter to place the order.
SJB offers bespoke sizing for kitchen units, ensuring that cabinets fit perfectly into the unique and often irregular spaces found in period properties in Esher, Farnham, and other Surrey areas.
SJB guarantees a 10-day delivery time, helping Surrey homeowners keep their renovation projects on schedule.
Yes, SJB kitchens come with 18mm thick backs on all units, providing enhanced strength and durability suitable for premium executive homes.
SJB Trade Kitchens is typically 30-50 percent cheaper than Howdens and offers transparent pricing all year round, making it an excellent choice for Surrey homeowners managing high renovation budgets.
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.
