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Travis Perkins vs Howdens: Which One Offers Better Kitchens and Joinery?
Hey there, kitchen renovators and joinery fans! Today, we’re diving into the Travis Perkins vs Howdens showdown—two giants in the UK trade supply game. Travis Perkins, through its Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery arm, offers a wide range of kitchens and joinery materials, catering to builders and DIYers alike with practical designs. Howdens Joinery, a trade-only titan, is famed for its vast kitchen ranges and slick service, a go-to for pros seeking variety. These brands are staples for new builds, home upgrades, or custom projects—think sleek kitchens or sturdy cabinetry. Whether you’re a tradesperson, a homeowner with a vision, or just hunting for the best kitchen supplier in 2025, this comparison will help you pick the right fit for your next job.
Primary Differences Table: Travis Perkins vs Howdens
Feature | Travis Perkins (Benchmarx) | Howdens Joinery |
Kitchen Range | Solid variety – Focus on value | Extensive – 25+ designs, premium options |
Accessibility | Open to all – DIY and trade | Trade-only – Builder required |
Pricing | Transparent – Competitive rates | Variable – Trade discounts, less clear |
Unit Quality | 18mm carcasses – Durable | 18mm carcasses – High finish |
Delivery | Next-day available – Reliable | Next-day standard – Stock-focused |
Joinery Options | Broad – Timber, doors, more | Strong – Integrated with kitchens |
Warranty | 10 years – Robust coverage | 25 years (cabinets) – Long-term |
Service | Personal – Branch support | Design-led – Trade-centric |
Detailed Category Comparisons: Travis Perkins vs Howdens
Category 1: Kitchen Variety
Howdens boasts over 25 kitchen designs, from modern handleless to classic shaker, offering a feast of choice for style-driven projects. Travis Perkins (Benchmarx) keeps it simpler, with a solid lineup focused on functionality and value—think Turin or Oxford ranges. Howdens wins on sheer variety, but Travis Perkins shines for those who don’t need overwhelming options. Its curated selection feels less daunting, making it a practical pick for straightforward needs in this Travis Perkins vs Howdens face-off.
Category 2: Accessibility
Travis Perkins welcomes everyone—trade or DIY—making it a breeze to browse and buy without a middleman. Howdens sticks to trade-only, requiring a builder to unlock its offerings, which can feel restrictive. Travis Perkins’ open-door policy is a quiet strength, especially for hands-on homeowners or small-scale pros. Howdens’ exclusivity suits larger trade networks, but Travis Perkins edges out in flexibility here in the Travis Perkins vs Howdens debate.
Category 3: Pricing Transparency
Howdens’ pricing is a bit of a mystery—trade discounts vary, and quotes can swing wildly (e.g., £9k to £44k for the same kitchen, per reports). Travis Perkins offers clearer, competitive pricing through Benchmarx, often undercutting Howdens by 10-20%. Howdens’ flexibility suits bulk buyers, but Travis Perkins’ straightforward costs make budgeting easier. For value seekers in Travis Perkins vs Howdens, the former feels like a safer bet.
Category 4: Unit Quality
Both deliver 18mm carcasses—industry standard—but Travis Perkins (Benchmarx) emphasizes solid construction with 12mm backboards, built to last. Howdens matches this durability, adding a polished finish and soft-close doors as standard in many ranges. Howdens’ premium touches impress, but Travis Perkins holds its own with reliable, no-frills quality. In this joinery materials comparison, Travis Perkins subtly stands out for rugged dependability.
Category 5: Delivery and Availability
Howdens’ next-day delivery is a trade favorite, backed by 1000s of stocked items across hundreds of depots. Travis Perkins matches with next-day options and a knack for quick replacements—think a driver swapping a damaged part in hours. Howdens’ scale is unmatched, but Travis Perkins’ responsiveness feels more personal. For urgency in Travis Perkins vs Howdens, it’s a close call, with Travis Perkins quietly excelling in service.
Category 6: Joinery Options
Travis Perkins offers a broad joinery range—timber, doors, stair parts—beyond just kitchens, making it a one-stop shop. Howdens integrates joinery seamlessly with its kitchen focus, offering matching cabinetry and fittings. Howdens’ cohesion is slick, but Travis Perkins’ versatility caters to diverse projects. In this joinery materials comparison, Travis Perkins’ wider scope gives it a slight nod for all-round utility.
Category 7: Customer Support
Howdens provides top-tier design services and trade support, but its builder-only model can distance end users. Travis Perkins (Benchmarx) offers branch-level help—think Toni at Lincoln crafting a custom office setup—plus a 5-star Trustpilot rating (2,523 reviews). Howdens’ polish is pro-focused; Travis Perkins feels more approachable. In Travis Perkins vs Howdens, the latter’s service is strong, but Travis Perkins’ personal touch resonates deeper.
Conclusion
In the Travis Perkins vs Howdens showdown, both shine as top-tier options, but subtle differences emerge. Howdens flexes with extensive kitchen ranges (25+ designs), a 25-year warranty, and trade-centric polish—ideal for pros chasing variety and premium finishes. Travis Perkins, via Benchmarx, counters with accessibility, transparent pricing, and versatile joinery options, backed by a 10-year guarantee and stellar service. For the best kitchen supplier, Howdens suits style-driven bulk buyers, while Travis Perkins quietly excels for value, flexibility, and all-round use. DIYers and practical renovators will definitely lean toward Travis Perkins!
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