Kitchen unit carcasses

[cheb]

I need some. Are Howdens ones worth the extra? I've tried B&Q and didn't like them, Ikea seem OK. Specifically, are any more water resistant than others as one will be for keeping the sink off the floor? I've an account with Howdens so they are easily got.

Once in they'll be staying for decades, that'll see me out, if I'm spared etc.

 

[Keith 66]

I doubt there would be any difference between them, all made basically the same way with cam locks & dowels, We got ours from wickes, Mums kitchen were miele, I couldnt tell the difference.

 

[DanZac]

I think that the IKEA ones used to be funny (IKEA specific) sizes and I don't think they had a service void at the back.

Might not be the case anymore, but worth checking.

 

[mtt.tr]

Howdens do two flavours

The standard flat pack much of a muchness
Then the MDF pre built ones.

I've used both and have no preference

 

[steveo3002]

intrested too , we need some but the women are rough with stuff and splash water down em , do the modern ones hold up to water okay>

 

[winchman]

In my limited experience I feel they are all the same? Have you not considered buying a complete used kitchen? One of the lads in work did that and even with hiring a van to move it he still saved a lot?

 

[Kayos]

Last time I looked at IKEA they still didn't have a service void option

I prefer MDF over chipboard, but that's because I hate fitting kitchens and MDF survives being dropped and or thrown better than chipboard....

 

[Agroshield]

If you know there is likelihood of water being in places it should not, then seal all exposed edges before installation.

Water is not going to penetrate the smooth overlay of the MDF or chipboard or any banded edges, only the raw edges.

You would do the same for a sink and hob cut out in a worktop as well as any worktop joints.

 

[Migmac]

We have a Howdens kitchen, 20 years old now. Carcasses are still good, doors area a bit worn looking

 

[Mark 5]

If you know there is likelihood of water being in places it should not, then seal all exposed edges before installation.

Water is not going to penetrate the smooth overlay of the MDF or chipboard or any banded edges, only the raw edges.

You would do the same for a sink and hob cut out in a worktop as well as any worktop joints.

I agree, having fitted many kitchens.

I had an account with the company that made all the kitchen units for Wickes.

As long as the carcasses are 18mm thick minimum regardless of material and all exposed cut/trimmed, areas are sealed including WTs with oil based paint, they should last, regardless of where purchased.

Howdens are ok but overpriced imo, it may pay @cheb to shop around and haggle and this includes WTs.

 

[cheb]

I only need 3 units for this part of the kitchen. The service void doesn't bother me, there'll only be hot and cold water, and the sink drain.
I didn't know Howdens did flat pack, I've only seen the ready built ones in chipboard. I've have an aversion, probably irrational, to MDF.

The last kitchen I did was made with 19mm faced ply. Buying a used one isn't really feasible, there's not many for sale out here.

 

[Mark 5]

I only need 3 units for this part of the kitchen. The service void doesn't bother me, there'll only be hot and cold water, and the sink drain.
I didn't know Howdens did flat pack, I've only seen the ready built ones in chipboard. I've have an aversion, probably irrational, to MDF.

The last kitchen I did was made with 19mm faced ply. Buying a used one isn't really feasible, there's not many for sale out here.

MDF and kitchens are imo not a great mix.

MDF should never have paint applied to it directly without first applying a MDF sealer/primer.

 

[Robotstar5]

We had Howdens pre-built units fitted a couple of years ago, they seem well made and no issues with them yet.

 

[Pete.]

I bought Howdens carcasses and was very impressed. They were very solid and rigid.

 

[Agroshield]

We had Howdens pre-built units fitted a couple of years ago

And from the colour, all the exposed top edges are bound as delivered, so that is good for water resistance.

 

[Robotstar5]

And from the colour, all the exposed top edges are bound as delivered, so that is good for water resistance.

Bound and protected by thin blue "delivery film", it took me hours to peel it all off and I still missed some on the bottom edges of the lower doors

 

[lazybones51]

I know of a couple of people who used "DIY Kitchens" https://www.diy-kitchens.com and speak very highly of them. They certainly seem better than the Symphony kitchen our house has installed.

I put an Ikea kitchen in our previous house and had no issues with it. Was easy to install and the quality was very good, worth a look if you have an Ikea nearby.

 

[bricol]

If you know there is likelihood of water being in places it should not, then seal all exposed edges before installation.

Water is not going to penetrate the smooth overlay of the MDF or chipboard or any banded edges, only the raw edges.

You would do the same for a sink and hob cut out in a worktop as well as any worktop joints.

You'd think so wouldn't you?

"Professional" fitter used by work to install a kitchen area in an employee break room to replace the falling apart one that was in there.
Sink not cliped down all round - noticed by me as soon as I swiveled the mixer tap - the sink flex up and away from the worktop - that caused me to peer underneath - raw edge to the cutout. I have pointed it out to the maintenance manager, suggesting it will all need doing again in a year when the worktop swells.

Not helped by having an under counter water heater set to superheated steam temp (legionaires . . .) at full mains pressure - meaning turn it on, jump back from the splashback and then flex the sink trying to turn it down

 

[bricol]

I discovered a local-ish maker of such things - much easier to get exactly what was needed, and 14 yrs later, seem to be pretty robust.

 

[Smallfry]

Howdens are fine, get the 18mm thick ones though.

I think they are all much of a muchness regarding water resistance. I always paint the exposed edges with a couple of coats of oil based paint to help.