For many homeowners across Hampshire, from the historic streets of Winchester to the bustling port city of Southampton, Wickes is a familiar name when it comes to home improvements. Their high street presence makes them a convenient first stop for a new kitchen. However, those in the know are discovering that the standard retail offering has significant limitations. These often include 15mm thick carcasses, flimsy 3-6mm hardboard back panels, a reliance on promotional pricing tactics, and lengthy lead times of 6-8 weeks. For a project as important as a new kitchen, a growing number of Hampshire residents are looking for a superior alternative that offers better quality, value, and service.

The structural integrity of a kitchen is paramount, and this is where the difference becomes stark. SJB Trade Kitchens provides 18mm rigid carcasses from industry-leading brands Egger and Kronospan as standard. More importantly, all our units come with 18mm solid back panels, creating a truly robust and durable cabinet. This contrasts sharply with the 3-6mm hardboard backs typically supplied by Wickes, which are prone to bowing and damage over time. For those investing in their property, whether it’s a modern apartment in Basingstoke or a traditional family home in the New Forest, the superior construction of an SJB kitchen provides lasting peace of mind and a far better long-term investment.

Beyond the core construction, the quality of fixtures and fittings defines the daily user experience. SJB fits premium Blum Antaro drawer boxes with soft-close mechanisms as standard in every kitchen. This is a high-end feature that ensures smooth, reliable operation for years to come. Wickes, by contrast, tends to use its own-brand hardware systems, which may not offer the same level of engineering or durability. It’s this attention to detail that sets SJB apart, providing a level of quality that homeowners in discerning areas like Portsmouth and the surrounding coastal villages truly appreciate in their homes.

Price transparency and value are also key considerations. Wickes operates on a retail model, often using sales events and complex discount structures that can be confusing for customers. SJB offers a straightforward, transparent trade pricing model that is available to both trade professionals and the public all year round. This pricing is typically 30-50% cheaper than major competitors like Howdens, representing exceptional value for money. This means Hampshire homeowners can secure a higher-specification kitchen for their budget, freeing up funds for other parts of their renovation, from flooring to appliances.

In today’s fast-paced world, waiting months for a new kitchen is a major inconvenience. Wickes often quotes lead times of 6-8 weeks, a significant delay for any renovation project. SJB Trade Kitchens shatters this norm by delivering made-to-order, rigid-built kitchens nationwide, including to all parts of Hampshire, in as little as 10 working days. This incredible speed, combined with the personal service offered by owner Steve, who brings over 20 years of industry experience to every project, ensures a smooth and efficient process from start to finish. You deal directly with an expert who can guide you through the entire process.

Finally, for homeowners with unique spaces, from period properties in Andover to new-builds in developments like Welborne Garden Village, standard-sized units are often not enough. Wickes primarily offers a range of standard cabinet sizes, which can lead to compromises in design and wasted space. SJB, however, specialises in fully bespoke sizing. Because every kitchen is made to order, we can supply units in custom heights, depths, and widths at no extra cost. This allows for a truly tailored design that maximises every inch of your room, creating a perfect fit that is simply not possible with off-the-shelf solutions.

When investing in a new kitchen for your Hampshire home, the choice of supplier makes all the difference. While Wickes is a well-known retailer, SJB Trade Kitchens offers a demonstrably superior product and service. The core of your kitchen, the carcass, is where this difference begins. SJB uses 18mm Egger/Kronospan board with full 18mm solid back panels, creating a rigid, long-lasting unit. Wickes typically uses thinner 15mm carcasses with flimsy 3-6mm hardboard backs, a significant compromise in quality and durability that can affect the lifespan of your kitchen.

The quality continues with the hardware. SJB provides high-end Blum Antaro drawer boxes with soft-close mechanisms as standard, ensuring a premium feel and flawless performance. Wickes kitchens are generally supplied with their own-brand drawer systems, which may not match the renowned engineering and reliability of Blum. For homeowners in Hampshire who value quality, this distinction is crucial. It’s the difference between a kitchen that simply functions and one that is a genuine pleasure to use every single day.

Furthermore, SJB offers unparalleled flexibility and value. Our transparent trade pricing is consistently 30-50% lower than competitors like Howdens, offering significant savings over Wickes’ retail prices. We also deliver these superior, rigid-built kitchens to Hampshire and nationwide in as little as 10 working days, compared to the 6-8 week wait you can expect from Wickes. Crucially, every SJB kitchen is made to order, allowing for fully bespoke sizing in height, width, and depth at no extra cost. This ensures a perfect fit for your space, eliminating the design compromises and filler panels often required with standard-sized kitchens from retailers like Wickes.

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.

“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

Frequently Asked Questions

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Already have a Wickes quote? Upload it using the form below and Steve will come back with a like-for-like price comparison — usually within 24 hours. Call 0161 509 4221 or 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 Wickes, Howdens, Wren Kitchens, Magnet, or DIY Kitchens.