Looking for a Howdens Alternative in Swinton?

Living in a well-connected suburb like Swinton, you’re used to having plenty of choice. So why should your new kitchen be any different? You might have seen the local Howdens depot in Salford and thought it was your only option for a trade-quality kitchen. But what you might not know is that you, as a homeowner, can’t buy from them directly. You have to go through a builder who adds their own markup, instantly inflating the price for a standard, off-the-shelf product. I believe there’s a much smarter way for Swinton homeowners to invest in their 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 20 years in the industry, I set up my business to do things differently. I sell high-quality, rigid-built kitchens directly to homeowners and the trade from my Oldham showroom. By cutting out the expensive depot network and middlemen, I can offer a superior product for a much better price. It’s a straightforward, honest approach that puts quality and value first, which I find resonates with the practical mindset of people in and around Swinton.


📋 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.

The Smarter Kitchen Choice for Swinton Families

Get a better kitchen for your money, without the middleman. The biggest difference between SJB and Howdens is that I sell directly to you. There’s no need to find a builder with an account or wonder how much they’re adding on top of the trade price. You get transparent, honest pricing from day one, which means your budget goes directly into the quality of your kitchen, not into someone else’s pocket. For families in the 1930s semis in Newtown or the Edwardian terraces near the precinct, this often means you can afford a higher specification than you thought possible.

Experience a truly personal service from start to finish. When you deal with SJB, you deal with me, Steve. I’m not a salesperson; I’m a kitchen expert who oversees every project. I’ll personally guide you through the design process, help you choose the right finishes, and ensure your kitchen is made to your exact specifications. You won’t be passed from department to department; you’ll have one point of contact who is fully invested in getting your project right.

Invest in quality that’s built to last. A new kitchen is a significant investment, and it needs to stand up to the demands of daily life. That’s why I use premium materials and construction methods that are a world away from typical flat-pack depot kitchens. From solid 18mm backs to world-class Blum hardware, every element is chosen for its durability and performance, ensuring your kitchen remains a valuable asset for your Swinton home for years to come.

Enjoy the freedom of a truly bespoke design. Your home is unique, so why settle for a standard-sized kitchen? Whether you’re renovating a period property with awkward alcoves or fitting out a modern home, my made-to-order service ensures a perfect fit. I can create cabinets in any height, width, or depth, giving you a seamless, high-end look that a depot kitchen simply can’t replicate. This flexibility is key to maximising space and creating a kitchen that truly works for you.


PWS Porter Gloss Handleless
PWS Remo Gloss Regiment, SJB DIY Kitchen Supplier

Lucente Gloss Handleless Kitchens
Phoenix Acrylic Gloss Handleless Kitchen

Built to a Higher Standard

The foundation of a great kitchen is the quality of its construction, and that’s where my cabinets are in a different league to the flat-packs from depots like Howdens. Every kitchen I supply is rigid-built in the factory, meaning it arrives as a solid, fully-formed unit. This process is far superior to assembling a flat-pack on site, as it ensures every joint is perfectly square and secure. For the varied housing stock in Swinton, from older terraces to family semis, this guarantees a level of precision and strength that a flat-pack simply can’t match.

A key detail that sets my kitchens apart is the use of 18mm solid backs as standard in all our units. Howdens and other depot suppliers typically use a thin, flimsy sheet of hardboard, which is notorious for bowing and sagging over time, especially under the weight of plates and pans. A solid 18mm back provides incredible strength and rigidity, ensuring your cabinets will never warp or lose their shape. It’s a mark of true quality that you won’t find in a typical trade kitchen.

The quality extends to every component. I use premium Egger and Kronospan board for all my carcasses, materials renowned for their durability and finish. And when it comes to the parts you use every day, I don’t compromise. Every kitchen comes with Blum soft-close hinges and drawer runners as standard. Blum is the world’s leading manufacturer of kitchen hardware, and their mechanisms provide a smooth, silent, and reliable action that elevates the feel of your kitchen every single day.


A Kitchen Made for Your Swinton Home

One of the biggest frustrations with depot kitchens is that you’re forced to work with their standard sizes. This often leads to awkward gaps, wasted space, and a design that doesn’t quite fit your room. This is a common issue in the Edwardian terraces and 1930s semis found across Swinton, where chimney breasts, alcoves, and non-standard ceiling heights are common. My made-to-order approach solves this problem completely.

Because every kitchen is built from scratch, I can create cabinets in any height, width, or depth you need. This means we can design a kitchen that fits your space perfectly, with no need for clumsy filler panels. We can create units that flow seamlessly around architectural features, providing a truly bespoke, floor-to-ceiling look that maximises every inch of storage. It’s the kind of flexibility that makes all the difference between a good kitchen and a great one.

This bespoke service is complemented by a huge range of finishes. With over 300 different carcass colours and a wide selection of door styles and colours, you can create a truly unique look. And to help you navigate the options, I offer a free design service where we can bring your vision to life. We’ll work together to create a practical, beautiful kitchen that’s perfectly tailored to your home and your lifestyle.


Personal Service from a Local Expert

When you’re making a big decision like a new kitchen, you want to deal with someone you can trust. At SJB, you’ll work directly with me, Steve, from your initial enquiry to the final delivery. I’ve spent my entire career in the kitchen industry, and I’m passionate about helping people get the best possible kitchen for their budget. I’ll give you honest advice, transparent pricing, and a level of personal attention you just won’t find at a national chain.

I always encourage customers to see the quality of my kitchens for themselves. My showroom is at Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, Oldham, OL1 4EB. For most people in Swinton, it’s a straightforward drive of about 20 minutes via the M60. Here, you can see the rigid-built cabinets, feel the quality of the materials, and we can discuss your project in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. You don’t need an appointment, just pop in when it’s convenient.

I regularly deliver to Swinton and the surrounding areas, including Pendlebury, Clifton, Moorside, and Wardley. My goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible, providing a local, reliable service that you can count on from start to finish.


FAQ – SJB Trade Kitchens vs Howdens in Swinton

Can homeowners buy from Howdens directly in Swinton?

No, Howdens operates a strict trade-only policy, so you cannot buy from their Salford depot as a homeowner. You must use a builder with an account, who will then add their own profit margin to your bill. At SJB, I sell the same high-quality kitchens directly to homeowners at a genuine trade price.

How do your prices compare to Howdens?

My kitchens are typically 30-50% cheaper than a like-for-like kitchen from Howdens. I achieve this by having lower overheads – no expensive depot network or national advertising campaigns. I pass these savings directly on to my customers in Swinton, offering a superior quality product for a significantly lower price.

Can I visit a showroom near Swinton?

Yes, my showroom is in Oldham, just a 20-minute drive from Swinton. You can find me at Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, OL1 4EB. I always recommend visiting to see the quality of the rigid-built cabinets and Blum hardware for yourself before you make a decision.

Do you deliver to Swinton?

Absolutely. I provide a reliable delivery service to Swinton, Pendlebury, Clifton, and all surrounding areas. Your kitchen will arrive fully assembled and ready for your fitter to install, saving them time and you money on labour costs.


Explore Our Kitchen Styles

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.

Handleless Matt Kitchens - Trade Kitchens Manchester

Handleless – Matt

modern matt slab kitchens - Trade Kitchen Supplier Manchester

Slab – Matt

Shaker Kitchens - Trade Kitchen Supplier Manchester

Shaker – Foil


Handleless Gloss Kitchens - Trade Kitchens Altrincham

Handleless – Gloss

Modern Gloss Kitchens Manchester - SJB Trade Kitchens

Slab – Gloss

Painted Shaker Kitchens Altrincham - Trade Kitchen Supplier

Shaker – Painted

What Our Customers Say

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Fleetkleen UK profile picture
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.
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Naz K profile picture
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 profile picture
Emma Bradshaw
13 May 2026
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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 profile picture
Elizabeth Orbell
21 April 2026
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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 profile picture
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!
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Natasha Conway profile picture
Natasha Conway
25 March 2026
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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!
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Tina Walsall profile picture
Tina Walsall
12 January 2026
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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!
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James Hunter profile picture
James Hunter
23 December 2025
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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.
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Alison Gregory profile picture
Alison Gregory
13 November 2025
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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 ❤️
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Jayne Teale profile picture
Jayne Teale
4 November 2025
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We can’t fault Steve at SJB! The process from sending him a drawing and measurements, to choosing the kitchen cabinets and getting all delivered was fantastic!! No hassle, no problems just smooth running. Thank you Steve 👍

REQUEST A FREE DESIGN & QUOTE

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info@sjball.uk

0161 509 4221