Wickes typically uses 15mm carcasses with own-brand drawers, while DIY Kitchens offers 18mm MFC units with Blum Antaro drawers but uses 8mm back panels. For homeowners who want 18mm solid backs, Blum Antaro drawers, and a free guided design service, SJB Trade Kitchens is the smarter buy.
Wickes vs DIY Kitchens — And Why SJB Trade Kitchens Is the Better Choice
Quick Answer
- Wickes: typically 15mm carcasses, own-brand drawers, retail pricing
- DIY Kitchens: 18mm MFC, Blum Antaro, supply-only, 8mm back panels
- SJB Trade Kitchens: 18mm Egger/Kronospan, 18mm solid backs, Blum Antaro standard, free design guidance
- SJB: 30–50% less than high street showrooms, call Steve on 0161 509 4221
✓ Made to Order
Custom sizes as standard
Custom sizes as standard
✓ Rigid Built
18mm Egger/Kronospan
18mm Egger/Kronospan
✓ 18mm Solid Backs
Full-depth strength throughout
Full-depth strength throughout
✓ Nationwide Delivery
From 10 working days
From 10 working days
Comparing Wickes and DIY Kitchens? You’re looking at two of the biggest names in the UK kitchen market. Wickes offers accessibility via their stores, while DIY Kitchens offers competitive pricing through their supply-only model. But both involve compromises on specification. SJB Trade Kitchens offers 18mm solid backs and 18mm Egger/Kronospan carcasses throughout.
| Feature | SJB Trade Kitchens | DIY Kitchens | Wickes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | 18mm Egger/Kronospan, rigid built | 18mm MFC, rigid construction | Rigid and flat-pack options |
| Back Panels | 18mm solid backs throughout | 8mm back panels | Not 18mm solid |
| Drawers | Blum Antaro soft-close | Blum Antaro soft-close | Own brand drawers |
| Carcass Thickness | 18mm Egger/Kronospan | 18mm MFC | Typically 15mm |
| Bespoke Sizing | Yes — custom heights, widths, depths | Yes — bespoke sizes available | Standard range sizes |
| Who Can Buy | Any homeowner | Any homeowner (supply-only) | Any homeowner via stores |
| Design Service | Included — Steve guides you through | £29.99 extra charge | Via store (included) |
| Customer Support | Call Steve: 0161 509 4221 | Ticket-based system | Via store/call centre |
The DIY Kitchens Problem — And Why It Matters
Both Wickes and DIY Kitchens are popular choices, but both involve compromises. Wickes typically uses 15mm carcasses and own-brand drawers. DIY Kitchens offers 18mm carcasses and Blum drawers but their back panels are only 8mm — less than half the thickness of SJB’s 18mm solid backs.
Why SJB Trade Kitchens Is the Better Choice
18mm Solid Backs — More Than Double the Thickness
While DIY Kitchens use 8mm back panels and Wickes uses thinner non-solid panels, SJB uses 18mm solid backs throughout. This is more than double the thickness of high-volume online suppliers. Solid backs provide significantly greater cabinet rigidity and longevity. Combined with 18mm Egger/Kronospan carcasses and Blum Antaro drawers, SJB’s specification is simply stronger.
No More Guesswork or Extra Fees
DIY Kitchens is supply-only — you plan and order the kitchen yourself, or pay £29.99 for a design service. Wickes offers in-store design at retail prices. With SJB, Steve’s over 20 years of experience means you’re guided through the process from start to finish — free of charge. No guesswork, no ordering mistakes, no extra fees.
A Real Person, Not a Ticket System
If something goes wrong with a DIY Kitchens order, you submit a ticket and wait. At SJB, you can call Steve directly on 0161 509 4221. That direct line to the person who designed your kitchen and knows your order is a genuine differentiator when you’re spending thousands on a new kitchen.
One Person. One Number. Total Accountability.
Steve is your single point of contact from the moment you enquire to the moment your kitchen is delivered — and beyond. No call centres. No ticket systems. No being passed between departments. You deal with the same person throughout: the person who designed your kitchen, placed your order, and knows every detail of your specification. Call Steve directly on 0161 509 4221. When you’re spending thousands on a new kitchen, that kind of accountability is rare — and it’s standard at SJB.
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
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
DIY Kitchens offers 18mm MFC carcasses with Blum Antaro drawers at competitive prices, while Wickes typically uses 15mm carcasses with own-brand drawers. However, DIY Kitchens’ back panels are only 8mm, and their supply-only model means you order the kitchen yourself. SJB Trade Kitchens offers 18mm solid backs, free guided design, and trade prices.
Yes, DIY Kitchens use Blum Antaro soft-close drawers as standard, which is the same high-quality specification used by SJB Trade Kitchens. The key differentiator is the back panel thickness: SJB uses 18mm solid backs while DIY Kitchens use 8mm backs.
Yes — DIY Kitchens is a supply-only model. You are responsible for providing your own measurements and plans. They offer a design service for £29.99. SJB Trade Kitchens includes full design guidance at no extra charge.
8mm back panels are a common cost-saving measure in high-volume supply. 18mm solid backs, as provided by SJB, are more than double the thickness, providing significantly greater cabinet rigidity and long-term durability.
You can call Steve directly on 0161 509 4221 or visit the Oldham showroom at Unit N, Central Trading Estate, OL1 4EB.
Get a Quote Today
Ready to see what SJB Trade Kitchens can do for you? Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
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 Wren Kitchens, DIY Kitchens, Magnet, Wickes, or Howdens.
