For many homeowners across Lancashire, from the bustling streets of Preston to the historic terraces of Lancaster, Wickes is a familiar name on the retail park. Their high-street presence makes them a convenient first stop for a new kitchen. However, when investing in the heart of your home, it pays to look beyond the obvious. Whether you’re renovating a Victorian semi in Blackburn, a modern new-build in Chorley, or a stone-built cottage in the Ribble Valley, the underlying quality of your kitchen cabinets is paramount. The standard retail offering often involves compromises that aren’t immediately apparent, from material thickness to construction methods, which can impact the longevity and durability of your investment.

One of the most significant limitations of many high-street kitchens, including those from Wickes, is the construction of the carcasses. They typically use 15mm chipboard, which is often paired with a flimsy 3-6mm hardboard back panel. While this might suffice for light use, it lacks the inherent strength and rigidity needed to withstand the daily demands of a busy family kitchen. Over time, especially in older Lancashire properties which can be prone to damp, this type of construction can be susceptible to warping, bowing, and damage, compromising the integrity of the entire kitchen structure and leading to issues with door alignment and overall stability.

This is where SJB Trade Kitchens presents a demonstrably superior alternative. We provide 18mm rigid-built carcasses as standard, crafted from high-quality Egger or Kronospan board. Crucially, our units feature solid 18mm back panels, creating a true box construction that is incredibly strong and durable. This robust build quality ensures your kitchen will stand the test of time, providing a solid foundation that won’t let you down. For Lancashire homeowners undertaking a significant renovation, this level of construction provides peace of mind and represents a far better long-term investment, ensuring your kitchen remains as solid as the day it was installed.

Beyond the build quality, there are stark differences in pricing and lead times. Wickes operates on a retail model, often relying on complex sales and promotional events. In contrast, SJB offers transparent trade pricing year-round, which is typically 30-50% more affordable than a like-for-like kitchen from Howdens, representing exceptional value. Furthermore, the wait time for a Wickes kitchen can often be 6-8 weeks. For homeowners in towns like Blackpool or Burnley eager to get their project finished, this can be a major drawback. SJB delivers nationwide, including all of Lancashire, in as little as 10 working days, helping you keep your renovation on schedule.

SJB’s advantages extend to the finer details and customisation. While Wickes primarily offers standard-sized units, which can create design challenges with awkward spaces or non-standard room dimensions, every SJB kitchen is made to order. This allows for fully bespoke sizing in height, width, and depth at no extra cost, ensuring a perfect fit for your unique space, whether it’s a compact galley kitchen or a large, open-plan living area. We also use premium Blum Antaro soft-close drawer boxes as standard, a feature often considered a costly upgrade elsewhere. This commitment to quality components ensures a superior user experience for years to come.

Finally, the service you receive is fundamentally different. With SJB, you deal directly with the owner, Steve, who brings over 20 years of industry experience to every project. This personal touch ensures you receive expert advice and a seamless process from initial quote to final delivery. For discerning homeowners across Lancashire who value genuine quality, transparent pricing, and a faster, more flexible service, SJB Trade Kitchens offers a compelling and intelligent alternative to the limitations of the mainstream retail experience. Get a quote today and see how much more you could get for your budget.

When planning a new kitchen in Lancashire, the difference in quality between SJB and a high-street retailer like Wickes is clear. It begins with the core construction. SJB uses robust 18mm Egger or Kronospan board for all carcasses, complete with solid 18mm back panels. This creates a far stronger and more durable cabinet compared to the typical 15mm carcasses and flimsy 3-6mm hardboard backs found at Wickes. This superior build quality ensures your kitchen can handle the rigours of daily life and provides a stable, long-lasting foundation for your investment.

The commitment to quality continues with the hardware. SJB fits premium Blum Antaro soft-close drawer boxes as standard, renowned for their smooth operation and reliability. In contrast, Wickes tends to use its own-brand systems, which may not offer the same level of performance or longevity. This focus on using market-leading components ensures that every interaction with your SJB kitchen feels solid and dependable, from the day it’s installed and for many years after.

Perhaps the most compelling reasons for Lancashire homeowners to choose SJB are the benefits to their wallet and their project timeline. SJB operates on a transparent trade pricing model, making our kitchens significantly more affordable than the retail prices at Wickes, often saving you thousands on a like-for-like basis. While Wickes quotes lead times of 6-8 weeks, SJB can deliver your fully rigid-built, made-to-order kitchen to anywhere in Lancashire in as little as 10 working days. Faster delivery, superior quality, and a lower price make SJB the clear choice.

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

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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.