My new kitchen - underwhelmed

Shutuplaura

So I ordered a new kitchen a while ago and it arrived in pieces today. The company are back tomorrow to to install.

We have had mixed experiences with the company so far. Being charitable it's like they come across as being too busy. But I had hoped that in the end the work would speak for itself. They are, to be fair highly rated online.

Anyway, two issues are leaving me very underwhelmed with the cabinets and they haven't been installed yet. Firstly, the cabinets themselves are made out of some form of chipboard. Is this the standard material for all kitchens? I had thought I was ordering a hardwood kitchen, but apparently only the doors are hardwood. Perhaps I am being unrealistic but i had expected more. The old kitchen we removed was much the same by first appearances.

My second issue concerns the standard of work so far… there are a lot of ding, bangs etc on the cabinets. Mostly, I concede on parts that would be concealed. But one in particular looks like it could affect the structure. The picture is attached. It is a hidden part, but the finish is cracked. We are replacing our old kitchen cabinets because water got into the wood and made it warp. I am worried that the cracked finish could let water in again.

Posters thoughts are welcome. I don't want to be unreasonable or unrealistic dealing with this company, but the kitchen has cost me quite a lot, and I hate feeling that it isn't good quality.

Thanks in advance

Vestiapx

Following

tohaltuwi

Do not let them install and make them remove the products to be assembled. They are clearly not fit for the purpose for which they were sold. You have consumer rights here. Withdraw from purchase, ask for a refund, it is your statutory right. Product is very clearly not fit for purpose.

Small Claims Court has a very low limit of €2K, so your claim would exceed this if you have any trouble with the company. But take a look below at Citizens Info advice.

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer/consumer-laws/your-consumer-rights/#730206

Do not let them install that rubbish whatever you do!

Shutuplaura

Thanks for the advice. After looking again at the photo it does seem pretty bad. I know it's only one phot so it's probably hard to judge, but what's your opinion if the material? To me it seems disappointing for an expensive kitchen cabinets, even if it's only the unseen part.

Tow

Kitchen carcasses are all chipboard unless you go upmarket...

thomas 123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122195420#Comment_122195420

how are they not fit for the purpose ?

All but the very top end of kitchen carcasses are some form of chipboard with a veneer.

Granted the screw that popped through is poor enough but still not a deal breaker.

I think the OP didn’t know what they bought unfortunately.

Shutuplaura

I fully accept that could be the case @thomas 123. I asked because I don't know. I have never bought a kitchen before. Thanks for your advice all the same. On reflection I will highlight it with the fitters and see if the panel can be replaced.

Tippbhoy1

Most kitchens carcasses are chipboard, hard and all as that is to believe despite the cost.

Get them to fix that crack. Either way, if you have a problem with water ingress that crack will be the least of your problems. Ensure worktops are sealed properly and the sink if fitted correctly.

wonga77

Agree with the posters above except for the small claims court post, thats completely ott.
The vast majority of kitchen units are chipboard, solid timber carcasses would cost you an absolute fortune and Im not even sure ive ever even seen them used. The majority of doors are veneered mdf as well, unless you specifically bought solid wood which you may have, again this would be reflected in the price.
The picture you showed above is simply a misplaced screw, its highly unlikely it would affect the structure but im not sure where exactly it is located. If it bothers you that much, just mention it to the fitter and he will fix or change the panel.
Lastly, if you have an issue with water leakage then any form of timer, solid or chipboard is going to be affected in the long run

Shutuplaura

Just to update people. I sent photos to the kitchen company and explained that I was concerned with the structure being weakened. He came out, listened to my concerns, explained that on invisible parts of the carcass dings and marks are normal. He did concede that the screw which popped out was probably a bit on the unacceptable side, though he felt it was a small risk. Anyway, his suggestion was to change that panel, which he had his fitter do.

All in all, I was very happy with his response. Now it's largely installed I have a more relaxed view of it, but as I said to the owner, I don't know what's a normal and what's a problem because I have never bought a kitchen before. He was quite sound about it, and came again yesterday to ensure the fitting was going okay - which it is. All and all I reckon he is a decent guy and can see why he has a good reputation.