📋 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 Sussex - 18mm Rigid Units, Direct to Homeowners, Delivered in 10 Working Days.
Made to Order
Rigid Built
Nationwide Delivery
Blum Soft Close
Why Sussex Homeowners Choose SJB Trade Kitchens Over Howdens
When it comes to kitchen renovations in Sussex, homeowners face a unique set of challenges. From the variety of property styles to the need for high-quality, affordable kitchen solutions, making the right choice for kitchen suppliers is crucial. Howdens is a well-known name in the kitchen trade, but their model is predominantly trade-only. This means homeowners must engage a builder or fitter to place orders and manage installations. This can add complexity, cost, and delays to projects. SJB Trade Kitchens offers a compelling alternative for Sussex homeowners seeking a more straightforward, cost-effective, and flexible approach.
Local Property Types and Neighbourhoods in Sussex
Sussex is home to a diverse range of properties, from charming period cottages in the South Downs to modern apartments in Brighton and spacious family homes in Horsham and East Grinstead. Whether you live in the historic streets of Lewes, coastal homes in Worthing, or the rural villages around Haywards Heath, your kitchen needs to complement your lifestyle and property style.
Many Sussex homes feature unique layouts and architectural details that require bespoke kitchen solutions. Standard sizes and rigid offerings can limit design possibilities, especially in older properties where walls and spaces are not uniform. Homeowners in Sussex often find that kitchens need to be tailored to fit these individual spaces perfectly.
Howdens Trade-Only Model Problems for Homeowners
Howdens operates on a trade-only basis, meaning they supply kitchens exclusively through builders, fitters, and trade professionals. While this model works well for tradespeople, it presents several challenges for homeowners:
- Dependency on a Builder or Fitter: Homeowners must find and work with a trade professional who can order and install the kitchen. This adds an extra step and potential delays.
- Higher Costs: Builders and fitters may add markups or fees, increasing the overall project cost.
- Limited Flexibility: Homeowners cannot directly customise orders or make last-minute changes without going through the trade professional.
- Opaque Pricing: Pricing details are not always clear to homeowners, who must rely on their builder for information.
These issues can make kitchen renovations more stressful and expensive than necessary, especially for Sussex homeowners who want to be more involved in the process.
SJB Advantages for Sussex Homeowners
SJB Trade Kitchens offers a refreshing alternative that addresses these common pain points head-on. Here are the key advantages that make SJB the preferred choice for homeowners across Sussex:
- Buy Direct Without a Trade Account: Unlike Howdens, SJB allows homeowners to buy kitchens directly without needing a trade account or middleman. This simplifies the process and gives you full control.
- Bespoke Sizing for Unique Spaces: SJB provides bespoke sizing options, ideal for the varied and older properties in Sussex. This ensures your kitchen fits perfectly, maximising space and design potential.
- 18mm Backs as Standard: SJB kitchens come with robust 18mm backs, offering superior durability and quality compared to thinner alternatives often found elsewhere.
- 10-Day Delivery: Speed matters. SJB guarantees delivery within 10 days, helping homeowners quickly move forward with their renovations without long waits.
- Transparent Pricing All Year Round: SJB maintains clear and consistent pricing that is 30-50% cheaper than Howdens. There are no hidden fees or surprise costs, giving you peace of mind and better value.
Customer Experience and Support
Sussex homeowners also benefit from SJBs excellent customer service. While SJBs showroom is located in Oldham, customers receive personalised support by phone at 0161 509 4221. Clients like Steve from Altrincham have praised the straightforward buying process that removes the need for a builder intermediary, making kitchen upgrades accessible and affordable.
Conclusion
For homeowners in Sussex looking to upgrade their kitchens, SJB Trade Kitchens offers unmatched advantages over Howdens. The ability to purchase directly, bespoke sizing to fit diverse property types, superior build quality, rapid delivery, and transparent, affordable pricing make SJB the smart choice. Say goodbye to the complications of trade-only ordering and experience a smoother, more cost-effective kitchen renovation with SJB Trade Kitchens.
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 Sussex 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. SJB Trade Kitchens allows homeowners in Brighton and across Sussex to order kitchens directly without needing a builder or trade account.
Absolutely. SJB offers bespoke sizing which is ideal for Sussex period homes requiring kitchens that fit unique and irregular spaces.
SJB guarantees delivery within 10 days to Sussex, including Horsham, ensuring fast turnaround for your kitchen project.
Yes. SJB provides clear, transparent pricing all year round with costs 30-50% lower than Howdens, making budgeting easier for homeowners in East Grinstead.
You can. SJB offers personalised support via phone at 0161 509 4221 to help homeowners in Worthing and throughout Sussex with their kitchen projects.
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.
