In 2003, I decided to fit out our kitchen (approx. 8 square metres) using B&Q "IT" units and appliances. I intended to do all the work myself, and was reasonably experienced, having fitted out 3 or 4 kitchens previously. I purchased the kitchen direct from B&Q's Nursling Branch (a larger branch with the majority of kitchen items in stock) and transported it home and fitted it myself.
The kitchen is a combination of units (wall and floor), with Birch veneer doors and a granite effect worktop. I also installed an integrated Whirlpool fridge/freezer in a tall cabinet.
Ordering:
As I had some experience of kitchen fitting and planning, I used the
comprehensive catalogue and price list to create a layout, but also decided to take advantage of B&Q's "designer" service. The lady who visited was very pleasant and not at all pushy, creating pictures of the layout on her laptop, allowing me to experiment with different combinations of units. However, although she gave me the pictures, I wasn't allowed a copy of the itemised "shopping list" which would have been the most useful. Instead I was to ring and order the whole lot to be delivered, or call in and speak to an advisor who would help me assemble my order. I decided to write up my own list, and make a return visit to exchange unwanted items or purchase extras if necessary. B&Q's returns policy seemed very fair and reasonable and allowed me to over purchase items such as tiles and return any surplus for a refund.
I live reasonably close and was happy to transport everything myself so cannot comment on B&Q's delivery, and I also wanted to be able to return or exchange items easily in store.
Almost everything was in stock and could be taken straight home. A couple of items that weren't were ordered and collected from the store within a week. The only exception was the fridge-freezer which I ordered online. That was also delivered within a fortnight.
B&Q always seem to have many of their kitchen items on special offer – 20% to 50% reductions on doors and drawer fronts seem common. If your chosen style is not, I would suggest asking whether it is likely to be in future as it may be worth the wait.
Assembly:
All units were easy to assemble and came with clear instructions. However, no kitchen will build itself and considering the challenges inherent in fitting a kitchen, I can't see how assembly could have been easier. A comprehensive toolkit (including a decent saw and drill) is a must - don't expect to achieve all you want to with the "Kitchen fitting toolkit" that B&Q sell (or were at the time). Units were of conventional construction, made from thick white chipboard and included feet, brackets and hinges. "Extra" items such as slide out cupboard shelves and colour coordinated end panels fitted easily. I chose to join worktops using a router and worktop jig, for a cleaner, smoother finish than the joining strips available in store.
Value:
The price of the kitchen compared very favourably with DIY kitchens from other suppliers. Some styles of door seemed a little expensive, though most were ostensibly reduced and the price was reasonable.
Although the units and appliances seem very good value for money, other sundries such as cable, switches, sockets, copper plumbing fittings etc. could be obtained at a better price at a local plumbers' merchant.
Quality:
Three years on, the kitchen looks almost as good as the day it was fitted. The birch veneer doors are solid and show no signs of splitting or warping due to water ingress and the hinges and handles all fit well. The iron on decorative edging used to cover the white cabinet edges has lost its stickiness in a couple of places and the veneered MDF pelmet has rippled due to steam from the kettle (a coat of polyurethane varnish may have helped seal this). This aside, I am very happy with the kitchen - although there are better kitchen units available, this seems as good as any from the likes of Homebase, Ikea, Builders' merchants etc.
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Great review. I think that the B&Q kitchens are far more versatile than IKEA and equally good value.
anonymili 16.09.2006 18:33
Very good first review. I would never let my husband (bless him) attempt anything like this, like a lot of men he "thinks" he is excellent at DIY but often I've had to fix things he's messed up LOL! :)
little_red_hen 16.09.2006 11:39
Hi and welcome, an interesting first review. I do much of the DIY here, although our present rented property has most done by the owner. I love building flat packs, and using my own power tools to drill, sand and saw! Karen
Sep 15th, 2006
very helpful by (100%):
