New kitchen units

We're looking for an affordable but nice new kitchen. So far we've only had a look at B&Q and Homebase and we're decidedly unimpressed. The prices are good, but I guess you get what you pay for. Everything seemed very plastic-y. I think we're going to have a look at Magnet this weekend.

What we really want are simple painted wooden cabinets. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good and reliable supplier?

Thanks!

Ikea?

It might be worth contacting a local carpenter if what you want is pretty simple. In this economy, I suspect talented craftsmen/women are having to knock their prices down so you might be able to snag a real bargain. They might even be able to recycle/refinish old ones which could possibly save money as well.

Have spoken to loads in the 'fitting' trade that hate B&Q and Homebase stuff.  Same opinion: you get what you pay for.

Ikea?

I know I'm in a distinct minority on UKY, but I'm really not an Ikea fan. Sorry. 

Besides, I don't think they're likely to have the sort of traditional style I'm in the market for. Thanks, though.

It might be worth contacting a local carpenter if what you want is pretty simple. In this economy, I suspect talented craftsmen/women are having to knock their prices down so you might be able to snag a real bargain. They might even be able to recycle/refinish old ones which could possibly save money as well.

We have thought of that, but wondered if one-stop shopping might be more economical. We'll be needing worktops, tiles, sink, etc. as well. It may still work out in our favour to use a local carpenter, though. We haven't really got that far in the process.

Thanks, everyone! 

I don't like Ikea either.  Cait is correct in that you do get what you pay for.  I had a conversation with my builder once about carpentry, because that's what he started in - problem is, there's not much traditional carpentry done anymore (why he had to expand into general contracting) - because it's so much more expensive than buying pre-fab units.  People want a deal - they don't want to pay for traditional craftsmanship, and so that's the way the market has gone.  I admire the traditional craftsmanship & told him so, but unfortunately - we can't afford it. 

I do think the recycling/refinishing idea is a good lead idea though.  There are resources out there (you'll have to search around) for reclaiming old building materials, wood, etc.

IIRC, Country Living magazine has adverts in the back for reclamation yards and such. Or at least they used to. They also have a web site with a forum that might be worth looking at. And like your shower thread, ebay might be worth a look for counters, tiles, etc.

Also, I often wondered if I'd like those open shelf type cupboards for the kitchen - something along the lines of this.  That might save some cost if you fancy that sort of style?

I think whenever we get around to redoing our kitchen (probably the last room we do), if maybe we'll do something along those lines - because our stone walls really need to be able to breathe on both sides (to keep moisture/mould from developing).

We used Magnet for our kitchen in our old house. It was not cheap, but my kitchen was gorgeous!! We sold the house for £30,000 more then we would have the year before. So it worked out really well for us.  It really does make a big difference having quality units fitted. Plus it only took a week to do.

I say Ikea, their kitchens aren't as cheap as you think, and the quality is actually very good. I spent £18K on my kitchen two years ago, and yes, its gorgeous, but if I had to do it over again, I would get a fantastic joiner, and buy a beautiful Ikea kitchen. I had 7 quotes & designs and chose a local firm, who did a wonderful job, but in my next house, I am going with Ikea.

eta, they have a staggeringly large amount of different styles at Ikea, whether or not you like Ikea, its probably just worth having a look!

It's true that for their kitchens, Ikea is a bit more diverse in style than you might expect. But I believe some of Chary's problem with them is that they are also quite far away. She's in deepest, darkest Cornwall () and I think her closest Ikea is in Bristol.

I'm not exactly sure what Chary's style preference is, but I imagine it's a bit more rustic than Ikea offers... but correct me if I'm wrong!

reclamation yards?

The company I work for fits a lot of kitchens for the local housing authority. The last ones we did were around the St Austell area.

I'm not sure how far down in 'deepest, darkest Cornwall' you are but if you're interested we could get some prices for you. Let me know if you are.

reclamation yards?

I think that is a really good idea. If you can find the doors you like at a reclamation yard, you can get the builder to just make or find the shelving and frame for it.

The other thing that is nice is using free standing dressers and hutches.

Ikea actually do some solid wood cabinets, but those are in the higher end range.  I'd go with Ikea for costs sake, or for a quick fix (via free standing units) until you can gather funds for a proper carpenter or Box store installation (if that's an issue).   If it's character you like then a reclamation is the best way to go.  Stax is really good and reliable, but probably closer to Devon than ideal for you.  Though much closer than Ikea! They'd likely be able to recommend someone closer to you though.  http://www.staxreclamation.com/index.htm
Might solve the bathroom issues as well!