If you’re dreaming of a new kitchen but are worried about the environmental impact, going second-hand could be the solution.
Recycling a used kitchen can also be easier on your bank balance, potentially saving you 50-70% compared to buying the same kitchen brand new. Amid the current cost of living crisis, these savings could be vital.
But it’s understandable to be a little daunted by the idea of buying a second-hand kitchen. Will it look shabby and dated? Will it even fit? And where do you start looking for a used kitchen to buy?
To help you get started, we’ve put together some handy tips on how to find, buy and fit a second-hand kitchen.
Where to buy a second-hand kitchen
There are lots of places you can source a pre-loved kitchen, including:
Bear in mind that second-hand and ex-display kitchens will have a few differences in quality. A used kitchen will inevitably have some signs of wear and tear, and perhaps even some damage. But if you’re lucky enough to snap up an ex-display kitchen, you should find that it’s in near-new condition. However, it depends how long it’s been out on the shop floor.
Checking the quality
You should get a list of everything that’s included with the kitchen, along with detailed measurements. You might see photographs if the kitchen is advertised online, but it’s always a good idea to inspect the kitchen in person. During your visit, check the following:
Before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to measure your space and draw up a layout plan. This makes it much easier to search for your ideal units, and to see how everything will slot into place.
You’ll find it much simpler if you’re keeping the current layout. If you’re not, use kitchen design software, or graph paper and post-it notes representing your units, so you can play around with the layout.
Don’t forget about ceiling heights, along with accessories such as kickboards, decorative trims and end panels.
Use a professional kitchen fitter for both dismantling and fitting
To make sure your kitchen arrives in good condition, it’s crucial to have an expert fitter taking it apart before delivery. It’s a technical job requiring skill and experience, and must be done carefully.
And when it comes to fitting your second-hand kitchen, it always pays to bring in the professionals. Making a used kitchen work in your space can be a tricky job, requiring adjustments along the way.
You may be saving money by buying a second-hand kitchen rather than a new one, but it’ll all be a waste if the fitting is done poorly. You’d end up having to replace the kitchen again before you know it.
If you need expert advice on fitting your second-hand kitchen, get in touch with the A&J Kitchens team for a chat about your plans.
Recycling a used kitchen can also be easier on your bank balance, potentially saving you 50-70% compared to buying the same kitchen brand new. Amid the current cost of living crisis, these savings could be vital.
But it’s understandable to be a little daunted by the idea of buying a second-hand kitchen. Will it look shabby and dated? Will it even fit? And where do you start looking for a used kitchen to buy?
To help you get started, we’ve put together some handy tips on how to find, buy and fit a second-hand kitchen.
Where to buy a second-hand kitchen
There are lots of places you can source a pre-loved kitchen, including:
- Online auction sites such as eBay
- Local sellers advertising on social media
- Kitchen showrooms – which often sell ex-display kitchens. You can even leave your details so they can contact you if an ex-display kitchen becomes available.
- Used kitchen specialists such as Used Kitchen Hub, The Used Kitchen Company, Used Kitchen Exchange.
Bear in mind that second-hand and ex-display kitchens will have a few differences in quality. A used kitchen will inevitably have some signs of wear and tear, and perhaps even some damage. But if you’re lucky enough to snap up an ex-display kitchen, you should find that it’s in near-new condition. However, it depends how long it’s been out on the shop floor.
Checking the quality
You should get a list of everything that’s included with the kitchen, along with detailed measurements. You might see photographs if the kitchen is advertised online, but it’s always a good idea to inspect the kitchen in person. During your visit, check the following:
- Look inside cupboards and drawers for wear and tear
- Double-check that the advertised measurements are correct, and that they fit into your layout
- Check for water damage, particularly around sink areas
- Check for heat damage, which particularly affects vinyl doors.
- How to measure for a second-hand kitchen
Before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to measure your space and draw up a layout plan. This makes it much easier to search for your ideal units, and to see how everything will slot into place.
You’ll find it much simpler if you’re keeping the current layout. If you’re not, use kitchen design software, or graph paper and post-it notes representing your units, so you can play around with the layout.
Don’t forget about ceiling heights, along with accessories such as kickboards, decorative trims and end panels.
Use a professional kitchen fitter for both dismantling and fitting
To make sure your kitchen arrives in good condition, it’s crucial to have an expert fitter taking it apart before delivery. It’s a technical job requiring skill and experience, and must be done carefully.
And when it comes to fitting your second-hand kitchen, it always pays to bring in the professionals. Making a used kitchen work in your space can be a tricky job, requiring adjustments along the way.
You may be saving money by buying a second-hand kitchen rather than a new one, but it’ll all be a waste if the fitting is done poorly. You’d end up having to replace the kitchen again before you know it.
If you need expert advice on fitting your second-hand kitchen, get in touch with the A&J Kitchens team for a chat about your plans.
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