[noshed]

We need a new kitchen - I'll probably just replace the units and the sink and more or less put back like for like. I can get my friend to help with the plumbing but I'm on a tight budget for the units. Anybody got a source of bargain kitchen units, nothing fancy?

[arugula]

If you're planning to keep much the same layout, you can keep the carcasses and just refront and re-handle the cupboard doors and drawers for a new look with perhaps a worktop too....   The carcasses are remarkably strong and resilient.

[noshed]

That's a good idea, thanks

[arugula]

I forgot to say, but as far as I know many of the builders merchants, DIY stores or kitchen and bathroom type stores available, will offer this.

 

[Lardman]

If you're doing that make sure the hinge holes are at the correct spacing for the hinge brackets.

Drilling fronts accurately without the correct jigs can be a serious pain in the bottom.

[noshed]

Good points

[Kenilworth]

If your unsure about doing the work yourself have a look around for independent carpenters, chippys they'll do the job for half the price of the DIY, kitchen stores.

[noshed]

I think I've convnced my mate martin to do the hard bits

[arugula]

That's good.  If you're going to reuse the carcasses, you shouldn't really have problems with hinge fixing point compatibility, unless your existing units are very, very old or you buy new doors from a certain Swedish outlet. 

[sunshineband]

But should you want new wooden worktops, that swedish outlet is by far the best value, and has an excellent range 

New doors, drawer fronts and handles, new worktops and a lick of paint on the walls and a new kitchne is yours 

[noshed]

Thanks SSB I was a bit worried about the worktops - our current one is trendy grey but you can't make out if there's stuff on it or not

[sunshineband]

Croydon is not far from you ---- there is a store there 

[arugula]

Edmonton, Lakeside and Wembley too. 

[noshed]

Hells bells - a trip on the north circular.
My plan is units from Wickes and worktops from the possibly slightly right-wing Swedish outfit - but with a bargain meatball dinner while we're there.
But why aren't all the sizes compatible?

[arugula]

But why aren't all the sizes compatible?

I'm not 100% sure they're not, more of a warning that they might not be. Worktops shouldn't be a problem though, it was more a slight worry/thought door shape and hinge position.

Go on! You know how much you love the North Circ!