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13-08-2018, 12:30 PM
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Wren or Howdens kitchens

Anyone got any experience with either of the above ?
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13-08-2018, 12:45 PM
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Re: Wren or Howdens kitchens

We almost bought a Howdens kitchen, but realised that you only buy the planning and units. You have to find your own fitter and they do not recommend one. The company are "trade" and your fitter will get the kitchen for you. As it is the fitting which is all important we went elsewhere and bought something very similar fitted by their own fitters. It was a bit disappointing because I think Howdens produce some very nice products. Still, the overall kitchen we chose was probably a bit better.

I don't know much about Wren except that they advertise a lot and I was told that they have had problems fulfilling orders properly, but that is just heresay.
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13-08-2018, 12:45 PM
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Re: Wren or Howdens kitchens

I have always avoided Wren kitchens after some horror stories but I don't know if they have improved over recent years. Tbh, I am surprised they have survived.

Howden's is straight down the line, fairly good quality and the cabinets come ready made up. You have to be trade to buy them though or get your fitter to buy them.
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13-08-2018, 12:46 PM
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Re: Wren or Howdens kitchens

I've got Howdens cabinets but they weren't fitted by Howdens.

The carcasses are identical to B&Q ones but they came ready assembled.

The laminate started peeling off the doors after about 6 years.
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13-08-2018, 12:47 PM
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Re: Wren or Howdens kitchens

It's still cheaper to buy from Howdens and find your own fitter than it is to go with the likes of B&Qs fitters.
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13-08-2018, 12:49 PM
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Re: Wren or Howdens kitchens

I have recently fitted a Wickes kitchen and was impressed over all. I bought my worktop separately though through lack of choice at wickes. I can pm you the site if required.
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13-08-2018, 01:27 PM
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Re: Wren or Howdens kitchens

Definitely do your research Muddy. Just Google "Wren kitchens reviews" to get a raft of testimonies. We thought about changing the kitchen a couple years ago and looked at Wren but walked away. All comes down to what you want really. At that time, Wren didn't have any good solid hardwood carcasses, only the usual chipboard crap. It's ok for some, cheap, but not long lasting imo. Depends what quality you are looking for.

If I did buy from Wren I would 100% use my own kitchen fitter.
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13-08-2018, 02:19 PM
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Re: Wren or Howdens kitchens

When I was in business I looked at Howdens kitchens and thought them really cheap and nasty. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for but I could recommend both B&Q and Wickes for decent quality at a reasonable price...
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13-08-2018, 03:11 PM
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Re: Wren or Howdens kitchens

I bought my kitchen from Howdens - good quality, good price - I didn't buy their "discount" version though .....
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13-08-2018, 04:03 PM
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Re: Wren or Howdens kitchens

I didn't think Howdens were bad. The problem for us was that we found it difficult to work out the price of a kitchen so we could compare - they don't tell you the prices and they will vary depending what the fitter you choose charges and what discount they will pass on to the customer.

We looked at B & Q and Wickes, got prices, but was not impressed. In the end we went to a local, medium sized kitchen company who were able to provide a good range of designs and prices.

The best thing I discovered was choosing a Quartz worktop. I had always wanted a granite one, but I think the quartz is better. It cost about £4,000 and was custom made by a specialist supplier, but it has proved a wonderful addition which will see me out. I will never need to replace it (fingers crossed) and it is so easy to clean. Splashbacks and hob back panel up to the extractor were included and all I have to do is wipe it over. Much better than tiles.
 
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