In this article, I review my recent B&Q new kitchen design installation and include the renovation costs, the process of choosing the kitchen designs, finding a kitchen fitter and my overall Kitchen unit rating of B&Q. The below is just my opinion, not advice. *This article also includes affiliate links to support the site costs.
Table of Contents
About a B&Q kitchen
B&Q sells a wide range of contemporary, shaker and traditional kitchens under their GoodHome brand. There are nine different kitchens in B&Q’s range, each of which comes in a choice of at least two colours. Some include integrated handles or a ‘push-to-open mechanism. You can choose between gloss and matt finishes, some of which B&Q says ‘don’t reflect light, meaning fingerprints aren’t as visible. It has in-house designers to help you plan your kitchen and offers a paid fitting service. You can buy its fitted kitchens in-store or order them online.
Why did I pick a B&Q Kitchen unit?
Picking a new kitchen design can be stressful and expensive, it can be an absolute minefield for those new to the world of buying a new kitchen. I visited a range of kitchen retailers from Ikea kitchens (online), HomeBase, Wickes and B&Q local store. I the average price of a new kitchen installation in the UK is around £5,000 to £6,000, according to mybulder.com. For me, B&Q had the biggest kitchen showroom area, making it easier to visualise what a kitchen unit could look like (for smaller spaces, like a flat), a competitive price (versus HomeBase and Ikea kitchens) plus a free planning meeting.
Kitchen budgeting
At the top end, a Kitchen renovation can go up to £14,00, so it is important to work out your budget for both the units and the fitting. My budget all in was £3,500, including the new kitchen units and the installation, so I had to be extra frugal and spend time researching costs and finding an affordable price for a small kitchen space.
Kitchen design measurements
Before going to a free planning meeting with B&Q, it was essential to bring measurements for the kitchen, I used a measuring tape in my kitchen to measure the width, length, height and diameter of all units I needed. It was essential to get an accurate quote with B&Q and ensure the units would fit. It was also essential to include kitchen storage space for cutlery, food items and plates.
Free planning meeting
B&Q has a free design service in-store or at home using the B&Q Spaces design software. You can then access and edit your kitchen design online, but you can’t use the tool until you’ve had an initial consultation via an appointment in-store. You can choose between a virtual or in-store appointment when you book. Virtual appointments can be via screen sharing, or phone and email. To get started, B&Q has a ‘kitchen visualiser tool‘ on its website so you can try out different layouts, colours and styles. You can also look around its virtual showroom online and get open-plan kitchen ideas. The free planning meeting was very useful. After arriving, I was able to ask lots of questions and the B&Q kitchen planners were able to mock up a free design of the kitchen, plus advice on what was popular for my budget and costs for a fitted kitchen, a flat packed kitchen and installation services.
My B&Q Kitchen experience
After getting 3 different kitchen quotes, I picked B&Q. Below is what I purchased, you can see the images before and after:
Cabinets
One of the most expensive items in a kitchen. These mini internal doors can cost up to £500 each. I decided due to my budget to apply an inexpensive white sticker (costing £10 from Wilko) over the existing cabinets instead, which saved over £1,500. However, a cabinet was needed for the new oven. This was the GoodHome Caraway White Oven housing Base cabinet, (W) 600mm, costing £28.
Kitchen worktops
Prices range from the lower end of laminate worktops to the more premium Solid wood worktops to the even higher priced world of Acrylic Worktops and bespoke Worktops. After reviewing options, I picked the lower-cost end, yet still high-quality Laminate worktops (made of chipboard) “GoodHome 38mm Kala Matt White Stone effect chipboard & laminate Square edge kitchen Worktop (L) 3000mm” at £126. In addition, I picked edging to limit water damage against any spillages. To match, I picked the GoodHome Kala Matt Stone effect White Worktop edging tape, (L)3m, priced at only £9.
New Oven
I ditched my old-style gas oven, which always took ages to clean. Instead opting for an Induction Bosch HHF113BR0B Built-in Electric Single Multifunction Oven costing £318, with a Bosch PUE611BF1B 4 Zone Black Induction Hob, (W)520mm costing £345. The electric oven has security lights To limit the smell & create some kitchen style, I also purchased an extractor fan Cooke & Lewis LinkTech CL60CGRF Silver Glass Curved Cooker hood, (W)60cm, costing £125 which had LED lights on the light fixtures above. The new oven needs equipment power and the electrical switches need to be inputted by an electrician.
New kitchen bowl sinks
Getting a stainless steel sink and new taps was important, as they look premium. I picked Cooke & Lewis Nakaya Polished Inox Stainless steel 1 Bowl Sink & drainer, costing £62 and Grohe Ambi Chrome effect Kitchen Monobloc Taps, costing £97. There are a handful of stainless steel sinks that are within budget.
Kitchen wall tiles
Decorative wall panels were a great option for creating a modern kitchen feel. I bought the b & q Trentie Grey for £9.60 for a pack of 40. Gloss Metro Ceramic Wall tile, Pack of 40, (L)200mm (W)100mm. They are adhesive vinyl tiles and look expensive (yet affordable).
Flooring
B&Q offers a range of flooring, from solid wood flooring to laminated wood (Quality laminate flooring can look much like real wood. But at close inspection, laminate flooring is not real hardwood. Also, laminate boards repeat patterns, so care must be taken to mix up the boards on installation. I bought laminated wood (previously before the refurb), costing £300, covering a small kitchen space.
Do B&Q kitchens come assembled?
No, all B&Q kitchen units are self-assembled, like an Ikea kitchen, i.e. laminated wooden worktop will need to be cut outside to fit into a small flat. Prices are correct at the time of publication, so be sure to check the individual products for the latest pricing. However, you can get an approved B&Q kitchen fitter – ask in-store or compare fitters on Bark.
Use a B&Q Kitchen fitter or get your own fitter?
B&Q offers a kitchen fitting service, or you can buy from B&Q and hire a different Kitchen installer, or fit it yourself. Often kitchen retailers will charge more for their fitter, but it can be safer than finding your own builder/kitchen fitter, who is trained in carpentry, electrics and plumbing. I was fortunate to know a trusted builder through word of mouth, who was trained in all areas and had a set £ 150-day rate. Bark offers some great Kitchen fitters in your area.
How much did the kitchen cost to fit?
The cost for the 5 days of kitchen installation service work with 2 kitchen builders was £1,500. This was from my contact, so it was a lower rate than B&Q’s kitchen fitters and no doubt some independent fitters. This included a new stainless steel sink and tap install (including plumbing), a new oven and induction install (rewiring electrics & adding equipment power), a Worktop install (cutting the wood and creating the unit), and kitchen wall tiling (decorative wall panels).
My old kitchen Pre B&Q:
My new B&Q designed kitchen unit – All in at £3,000, including fitting.
B&Q Kitchen rating
Overall I’ve rated the B&Q kitchen unit as 4/5 star. Are B&Q kitchens any good? I’d say yes. The customer service was good in-store and the kitchen unit delivery was on time and of good quality, with no missing parts. Despite, the items & new units being uncut and needing to be stored in my garage (as the wooden worktop needed to be cut outside to fit inside the flat), I was happy with the final design and the great new updated look. Many months later, there is no visible wear and tear. If you need to touch up your Kitchen or get a complete refurbishment, I’d recommend B&Q and the option of a kitchen fitter. If you do buy from B&Q, join up to their loyalty card, watch out for the latest offers and use a cashback site. Have you found this B&Q Kitchen review helpful? If so, please leave a comment and share your experience.
How to reduce gas and electricity bills at home
According to Energy Saving Trust, we can all save an extra £30 a year by using smart light bulbs and turning off electrical switches on appliances when we’re not using them, rather than leaving them on standby. For more kitchen energy-saving tips, please read the top tips to reduce gas and electricity bills in the UK. Out of contract with your energy supplier? Consider a £50 joining bonus with ethical energy company Octopus Energy.
Local Kitchen Fitter
Speak to a local kitchen fitter and get three quotes to gauge the best cost and affordable price for your dream kitchen. Remember to also check out kitchen fitter reviews via Google, so your new kitchen is truly a great place.
Best Kitchen Fitters Near Me
Now could be the time to improve your property value with the kitchen of your dreams. Check out this article on Best Kitchen Fitters near me to help you find the best kitchen fitters near you so you can create the right kitchen
Kitchen gadgets for men
Once you have renovated your kitchen, consider updating your kitchen gadgets. Check out this article on affordable kitchen gadgets for men – from new kitchen knives to a healthy air fryer to a new affordable Hoover to clear up the mess.
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