Kitchen Cabinets UK – Prices, Sizes & Best Retailers
Choosing new kitchen cabinets in the UK means weighing up trade suppliers, high-street retailers, and specialist online sellers. The main differences come down to price, assembly format, and whether the range matches standard UK cabinet sizes. This guide breaks down the options so you can make an informed decision.
Whether you are fitting a new kitchen or upgrading existing units, the market offers everything from budget-friendly flat-pack cabinets to premium pre-assembled systems. Understanding the differences between retailers like B&Q, IKEA, Howdens, and specialist online stores is the first step toward a successful purchase.
Which Kitchen Cabinet Retailers Are Best in the UK?
B&Q, IKEA, Howdens, Direct Kitchen Doors, Screwfix
Base units: 300–1000mm width, wall units: 300–800mm width
Rigid is pre-assembled, more durable; flat pack is cheaper, self-assembly.
Budget: £30–£60 per unit, mid: £60–£150, premium: £200+
Key Insights
- Howdens dominates the trade market, but IKEA offers more design flexibility for DIY.
- Standard base unit depth is 570mm excluding door, but height varies based on worktop integration.
- Rigid cabinets are gaining popularity for their durability, although flat pack remains the budget favourite.
- Replacement doors are a common search, suggesting a large refurbishment market in the UK.
- Delivery times range from 3 to 14 days depending on stock and customisation.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard base unit depth | 560–570mm (excluding doors) |
| Standard door thickness | 16–18mm |
| Most common width | 600mm for base units |
| Top UK retailers | B&Q, IKEA, Howdens, Wickes, Screwfix |
| Delivery times | 3–14 days depending on stock and custom build |
| Flat-pack vs rigid | Flat-pack is cheaper; rigid is stronger and quicker to install |
| Howdens units | Delivered pre-assembled (rigid) |
| IKEA kitchen event | Periodic discounts available |
| Wren Kitchens entry price | From £468 for a flat-pack Slab kitchen (FMB 2026) |
| Magnet Ascoli kitchen | From £2,487 for 8 units (FMB) |
What Sizes Do Kitchen Cabinets Come In?
UK kitchen cabinets are built around modular sizing. Standard base units are typically 720mm high (excluding legs or plinths) and 600mm deep, while wall units are around 300mm deep. Widths range from 300mm to 1000mm in fixed increments. Better Kitchens states that units come in widths from 150mm to 1000mm.
Standard Kitchen Wall Cabinet Sizes
Wall hung cupboards usually have a depth of 300mm. Their widths match base units: common sizes include 300mm, 600mm, 800mm, and 1000mm. Height can vary, but many wall units are 720mm tall as well, though shorter options exist for above fridges or hoods.
How to Measure for Kitchen Cabinets
Start by measuring the room’s height, width, and depth. Note the positions of windows, doors, and appliances. Decide which unit types you need: base units, wall units, larder units, or corner units. Always check that your chosen cabinet sizes are compatible with standard worktops and appliances.
Most UK base cabinets are 600mm deep including the door. Wall units are typically 300mm deep. Verify these dimensions before ordering, especially if you have tight spaces or unusual appliances.
Flat Pack vs Rigid Kitchen Cabinets: What Is the Difference?
The choice between flat-pack and rigid (pre-assembled) cabinets affects both cost and installation time. Flat-pack units are cheaper to buy and easier to transport, but require assembly. Rigid cabinets are stronger, quicker to install, and generally more expensive. For more context on how different retailers approach this, see our overview of kitchen cabinet retailers.
Do Kitchen Cabinets Come Assembled or Flat Pack?
It depends on the retailer. Howdens delivers all units pre-assembled. Kitchen Warehouse offers flat-pack as standard, with rigid units as an upgrade. Kitchen Kit gives you both options: flat-pack delivery in as fast as 3 working days, rigid in around 10 working days. IKEA is almost exclusively flat-pack, while B&Q and Wickes offer a mix.
Which Format Should You Choose?
If you have limited time and want a sturdier result, rigid is the better choice. If your budget is tight and you are comfortable with DIY assembly, flat-pack will save money. Note that rigid cabinets are heavier and may be harder to manoeuvre through narrow doorways.
If you are fitting the kitchen yourself, flat-pack allows you to assemble units one at a time. For professional installers, rigid cabinets reduce labour time and often result in a more precise fit.
How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost in the UK?
Prices vary widely. Wickes offers cabinet carcasses from £67. FMB’s 2026 review found a Wren flat-pack Slab kitchen for as low as £468 for five units. At the other end, a Magnet Ascoli kitchen with eight units starts at £2,487. PA Home estimates a small kitchen costs £1,000–£3,000 and a medium kitchen £4,000–£6,000. Premium bespoke brands can exceed £25,000.
Are There Kitchen Cabinets on Sale?
Seasonal promotions are common. IKEA runs Kitchen Events with discounts on cabinets and appliances. B&Q and Wickes also have periodic sales. Checking for offers before buying can reduce costs by 10–20%.
Some retailers quote prices for cabinets only (carcasses). Doors, handles, hinges, plinths, and fitting may be extra. Always confirm the total cost of a complete unit before ordering.
Can I Buy Replacement Kitchen Cabinet Doors?
Yes, replacement doors are widely available. Specialist suppliers like Direct Kitchen Doors offer a range of sizes, styles, and finishes. This is a popular route for refurbishing a kitchen without replacing the entire cabinet structure. Many standard door sizes match existing UK cabinets, but measure carefully as hinge patterns can vary.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinets for Your Home
Start with your budget and installation timeline. If you want the lowest upfront cost, consider IKEA or Wren flat-pack ranges. For trade pricing and fitter support, Howdens or Benchmarx are common choices. If you need a high-street option with wide availability, B&Q and Wickes are practical. For premium design, look at Magnet, John Lewis, or bespoke brands. You can also explore our guide on what to look for when buying kitchen cabinets for more detailed advice.
Colour and style are also important. The most popular cabinet styles in the UK include Shaker, Slab, and handleless. Order sample doors to see the finish in your kitchen lighting. Delivery times vary: online specialists often ship within 3–10 working days, while bespoke orders can take several weeks.
How Long Does It Take to Buy and Install Kitchen Cabinets?
- Day 1–2: Measure and plan your layout.
- Day 3–4: Choose retailer and order. Stock items ship within 3–7 days.
- Day 5–10: Receive delivery and inspect for damage.
- Day 11–14: Assemble flat-pack or install rigid units.
- Day 15+: Fit doors, handles, and make final adjustments.
Kitchen Cabinets: What to Look Out For
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Standard UK base unit width increments are 150mm (e.g. 300, 450, 600, 800). | Exact pricing fluctuates based on seasonal sales (e.g. B&Q Kitchen Sale, IKEA Kitchen Event). |
| Most kitchen cabinets are made from particleboard with a melamine finish. | Long-term durability data comparing brands is limited. |
| Rigid cabinets are stronger but heavier and harder to install in tight spaces. | Customer satisfaction varies by region due to installation quality. |
How We Compared UK Kitchen Cabinet Retailers
This analysis is based on publicly available retail data, customer reviews, and direct product comparisons for the five largest UK kitchen cabinet retailers: B&Q, IKEA, Howdens, Direct Kitchen Doors, and Kitchen Warehouse. We focused on price, size availability, assembly type, and delivery times. Additional input came from trade publications such as FMB and Which?.
Authoritative Sources on Kitchen Cabinets
- B&Q official product range (diy.com)
- IKEA UK Kitchen department (ikea.com)
- Howdens trade kitchens (howdens.com)
- Direct Kitchen Doors product specifications (directkitchendoors.co.uk)
- Kitchen Warehouse product listings (kitchenwarehouseltd.com)
- Trade standards: British Standard 6222 for kitchen furniture
What to Do After Choosing Your Kitchen Cabinets
Check for ongoing sales at B&Q or IKEA Kitchen Event. Order sample doors for colour and finish matching. Book a kitchen fitter or plan DIY installation. Finally, order additional accessories such as handles, hinges, and soft-close mechanisms to complete your project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Cabinets
Are kitchen cabinets from B&Q good quality?
B&Q offers a range from budget to premium; generally considered reliable for DIY and mid-range projects.
Can I mix IKEA cabinets with other brand doors?
Yes, with adapters; IKEA uses a 5-hole hinge pattern but third party doors are available.
Do Howdens cabinets come assembled?
Yes, Howdens units are delivered rigid (pre-assembled) and ready to install.
What is the best material for kitchen cabinets?
Plywood or birch plywood for durability; MDF for paint-grade; particleboard for budget builds.
How long does delivery usually take for online kitchen cabinets?
Stock items often ship within 3–7 working days; custom or rigid units may take up to 10 working days.
Can I buy individual cabinet units?
Yes, most retailers sell individual base, wall, and tall units so you can build a custom layout.
What is the most popular cabinet style in the UK?
Shaker-style cabinets are consistently popular, followed by slab and handleless designs.
Are Screwfix kitchen cabinets any good?
Screwfix offers a limited but affordable range of rigid cabinets, suitable for basic installations and repairs.
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