Kitchen Decisions

[katynewbie]

 ??? I am trying to decide about our potential new kitchen. Has anyone done it recently and got any tips/info?

Apart from the advantage to the joiner of having pre-built units instead of flat pack, is there any real difference? The decision at the moment is between Magnets and Wickes.

Cabinets come with hardboard backs or solid wood, I know instinct says wood is better from a quality point of view, but does it REALLY matter?

Any ideas/comments welcome!

[katynewbie]

[ACE]

Having installed a few over the years for myself, I would go for the hardboard backs as it is a lot easier when it come to plumbing, electric etc. I would expect the solid wood to be better quality and the carcass should be made from a thicker board. You don't see all that lot really, the doors and drawers are the showy bit. I have vowed to stop using Wicks because of the stupid voice over on the adverts. You should ask your joiner really which is the better ones to use, as a proffesional he should know all the pros and cons. He might even know of a good supplier of carcasses.

[THE DOG]

Im just finishing building a hand built bespoke kitchen, it took a long time but i wouldnty change it for the world as its mine and theres only one in the world ;)

[Duke Ellington]

The Dog....
I would. Love to see some pictures of your work.

Duke

[THE DOG]

No problem, as soon as i get a chance i will put some up, i was going to do a blog on it, not sure i will ever get the time.

[Poppy Mole]

I would go for the wooden backs - they won't push out over time like the hardboard does if you are heavy handed putting things away.

[gordonsveg]

Got all the catalogues,worked out sizes with son in law (a chippy),decided to lay new floorig and tiles even worked out the cost of it all. Then OH said lets paint it and see what it looks like.
  Hope it looks good it will save about 1500 pounds.

[petengade]

If painted the unit will discolour in two or three years whereas pine or mahonany faced chip board ones will last for ages with no need to treat, just a damp cloth wipe over now and then, have fitted a few kitchens, solid back ones are good but expensive, you get what you pay for.

[katynewbie]

Thanks for your thoughts folks, got the solid ones, delivered cabinets which saves time for the joiners doing the job. Just waiting for the building work to be done, so no kitchen for a while, eeeek!