Howdens vs Benchmarx Kitchen Installation

Overview

Howdens and Benchmarx are both trade-only kitchen suppliers, meaning neither is directly accessible to homeowners. Both operate through branch or depot networks and require a trade account to purchase from. If you are a kitchen fitter or builder sourcing a kitchen for a client, you will likely have encountered both. Here is how they compare from an installation perspective.

Supply Route and Accounts

Howdens operates through its own dedicated depot network — over 700 branches across the UK. Account holders collect kitchen components directly from their local depot. Howdens accounts are relatively straightforward to obtain for established tradespeople and small builders. The depot model means your fitter will typically have an ongoing relationship with depot staff, which can be advantageous when chasing replacement components or resolving delivery issues.

Benchmarx is part of the Travis Perkins Group and operates through Travis Perkins merchant branches. This means Benchmarx is co-located with a builders' merchant, which can be convenient for tradespeople who are already using Travis Perkins for other materials. If you already have a Travis Perkins account, opening a Benchmarx account is typically straightforward.

Product Range

Howdens has a broad range of kitchen styles, from classic shaker designs to contemporary handleless kitchens, at multiple price points. Its ranges include Tewkesbury, Greenwich, and Burford, among many others. The extensive range gives fitters significant flexibility in matching a client's aesthetic requirements and budget.

Benchmarx has a more focused range, concentrating on practical, well-constructed kitchens at competitive trade prices. The range has expanded in recent years but remains narrower than Howdens. For clients with specific style requirements, Howdens may offer more options; for straightforward projects where value and practicality are the priority, Benchmarx is a strong contender.

Unit Quality and Construction

Both Howdens and Benchmarx supply rigid, pre-assembled carcasses. Both are manufactured to trade standards and are robust enough for professional installation. Experienced fitters generally report a high standard of construction from both suppliers, with consistent tolerances that make fitting straightforward.

Howdens is sometimes regarded as the benchmark (no pun intended) for trade kitchen quality, having built its reputation in the sector over many decades. Benchmarx has made significant improvements to its quality standards and is increasingly competitive. For most residential installations, either brand will perform well over the long term.

Installation Ease

Both brands supply rigid units with standard UK kitchen dimensions and fixings. Any experienced kitchen fitter will be equally comfortable installing either. Installation timelines are broadly equivalent — a standard kitchen from either Howdens or Benchmarx would take three to seven days depending on size and complexity.

One practical advantage of Howdens is the density of its depot network. With over 700 locations, a replacement component can often be collected the same day if something is found to be damaged or missing on installation morning. Benchmarx's network, while extensive, is somewhat smaller, which can occasionally mean a longer wait for replacement parts.

Cost

Both Howdens and Benchmarx offer trade pricing, which is generally more competitive than consumer-facing retailers. Pricing varies by range and account status. Howdens fitters with established accounts and high purchasing volumes often receive preferential pricing that can represent good value for clients. Benchmarx pricing is also competitive and can in some cases undercut Howdens at equivalent specification.

For homeowners sourcing through a fitter, the overall cost will depend on the fitter's trade pricing and mark-up. A transparent fitter will show you the trade price and apply a clear margin, rather than quoting a single opaque supply-and-fit price. Ask your fitter to itemise kitchen supply and installation separately so you can make a fair comparison.