Buying a kitchen is one of the biggest purchases you'll make for your home, but most people don't know what questions to ask. The kitchen industry relies on that. Showrooms use confusing pricing, vague specifications, and pressure tactics to get you to sign on the dotted line before you've had a chance to compare properly.

I'm Steve from SJB Trade Kitchens, and after 20 years in this industry, I want to give you the questions that actually matter. Print this list off and take it with you to every kitchen supplier you visit. The answers will tell you everything you need to know about what you're actually getting for your money.

1. How thick are the carcasses? This is the single most important question. Cheap kitchens use 15mm or even 12mm board. A quality kitchen uses 18mm throughout. At SJB, we use 18mm Egger and Kronospan board for every panel, including the backs. Ask specifically about the back panel — many suppliers use thin hardboard backs that bow and warp, especially under sinks.

2. What are the doors made from? “Gloss” and “matt” describe the finish, not the material. Our gloss doors are MDF with an acrylic coating or lacquered — never vinyl. Our Painted Shaker doors are solid wood. Ask your supplier exactly what the door is made from and what the finish is. If they can't give you a straight answer, that's a red flag.

3. Is soft-close included? Some suppliers charge extra for soft-close hinges and drawer runners. At SJB, Blum soft-close comes as standard on every unit. Ask whether it's included or an upgrade.

4. Is it rigid-built or flat-pack? Flat-pack kitchens need to be assembled on site, which adds time and labour costs. Rigid-built units arrive ready to install. There's a significant difference in strength and longevity too.

5. What's the lead time? Some suppliers quote 6-8 weeks or longer. We deliver from as little as 10 working days because everything is made to order in-house.

6. What exactly is included in the price? Get an itemised breakdown. Some quotes include worktops, handles, and appliances; others don't. Make sure you're comparing like for like.

7. Can you do custom sizes? Standard sizes don't fit every room. If you've got an awkward space, you need a supplier who can make units to custom heights, depths, and widths. We do this as standard.

8. What hardware do you use? Hinges and drawer runners matter more than most people realise. We use Blum as standard, with Hafele and Kessebohmer for internal storage solutions. Ask your supplier what brand of hardware they use.

Massive “sale” discounts: If a kitchen is always on sale, the original price was never real. Genuine suppliers offer consistent, fair pricing all year round.

Pressure to decide today: “This price is only available if you sign today” is a classic sales tactic. Walk away. A good supplier will give you time to think.

Vague specifications: If they can't tell you the exact board thickness, door material, or hardware brand, they're hiding something.

No itemised quote: If you can't see the price of each individual unit, you can't compare properly. At SJB, every quote is fully itemised and transparent.

The difference between a kitchen that lasts 5 years and one that lasts 25 years comes down to the answers to these questions. Thicker carcasses, quality hardware, proper door materials, and rigid construction aren't luxuries — they're the basics of a well-made kitchen.

At SJB Trade Kitchens, we're happy to answer every one of these questions because we've got nothing to hide. Our pricing is 30-50% cheaper than the big names like Howdens, and the specification is higher. Give us a call on 0161 509 4221 or visit our showroom in Oldham.

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We offer a range of styles to suit any home — from solid wood Painted Shaker doors to sleek Handleless designs. All built on rigid 18mm carcasses with Blum soft-close as standard.