DIY Kitchens Direct

Real-life DIY Kitchen Transformations from Better Kitchens

 Transforming a kitchen takes planning, ideas, and a clear sense of what you want. The Better Kitchens community has shared some great examples, each one shaped by personal style and practical needs.

From Tanya S’s smooth planning in Cambridgeshire to Olivia’s creative layout in Ipswich, these real projects show what’s possible with online kitchen design.

They reflect current trends and personal choices, proving that with the right tools, you can build a kitchen that really works for you.

See Our Customers Finished Kitchens

 

DIY Kitchen Units: A Straightforward Guide to Buying a Kitchen Online

Planning your own DIY kitchen might feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’ve decided to skip the showroom and buy your kitchen units online, this guide will help you make sense of the process. From choosing flat pack kitchens to understanding cabinet styles, we'll walk through everything clearly, with no fluff or sales pitch.

This article is for you if you're working on a new kitchen project and want a solid, practical breakdown of how to approach it yourself. We'll cover how to measure up, choose your layout, pick your kitchen door style, and place an order that suits your budget and space.

Article Outline

1. What does a DIY kitchen involve?

2. How do I measure up and plan my kitchen design?

3. What’s the difference between flat pack and pre-assembled kitchen units?

4. Are online kitchens really showroom quality?

5. How do I choose between gloss, shaker, and other kitchen door styles?

6. What makes a kitchen cabinet high quality?

7. Do flat pack kitchens include everything I need?

8. What is a true handleless kitchen?

9. Are DIY kitchen units easy to install without a fitter?

10. Can I really buy a complete kitchen online and get it delivered?

1. What does a DIY kitchen involve?

A DIY kitchen means you take charge of the whole process—from measuring your space to choosing your kitchen units and managing installation. You can still bring in a fitter, but the decisions start with you.

Many people choose DIY to save money or to get better choice than they would from a high street kitchen retailer. You’re not limited to one brand or kitchen range, and you often get more detail on things like carcasses and doors, door style, and worktops.

You’ll also find that quality DIY kitchens aren’t second-rate. In fact, some online retailers offer high-quality kitchen units that are made in Britain, available at trade prices, and often match or beat what’s on offer in store.

2. How do I measure up and plan my kitchen design?

The first job is knowing the dimensions of your room. Use a tape measure and draw a basic layout showing walls, windows, doors, and anything that might affect placement—like a boiler or waste pipe. This gives you a clear base for your kitchen design.

Most good suppliers offer a free kitchen planner tool online. These help you try out layouts, check for awkward gaps, and build a list of kitchen units that fit your space.

Even if you’re not designing the kitchen from scratch, having your own measurements lets you make better decisions and ask for the right sizes when browsing a huge range of products.

3. What’s the difference between flat pack and pre-assembled kitchen units?

Flat pack kitchens are delivered as separate parts—each cabinet comes in pieces for you or your fitter to assemble. They're easier to transport and usually cheaper. Most standard DIY kitchen suppliers focus on this format.

Pre-assembled (also called fully built) kitchen units arrive already put together. These save time on site and reduce the chance of errors with fittings or hinges. Some customers prefer this when time is short or they want help with complex layouts.

Both options can still be high-quality kitchen products. Look out for details like soft close drawers, solid carcases, and proper fixings. Assembly doesn’t define the finish—it’s all in how the units are manufactured.

4. Are online kitchens really showroom quality?

Yes—if you’re buying from a reputable brand, many DIY kitchens online are the same as you'd find in a showroom. You just skip the markup and the salesperson.

These kitchen units online often come from the same factories that supply retail chains. Some are even supplied by DIY Kitchens that have built a reputation through transparency and user-generated content, like a showroom tour or real kitchen examples.

To check for showroom quality, ask about the thickness of the carcass, finish on the edges, and what sort of hinge system is used. It’s also worth seeing if doors and accessories are included or if these are extras.

5. How do I choose between gloss, shaker, and other kitchen door styles?

The kitchen door is what sets the tone. If you’re after something modern and sleek, high gloss doors in white or grey can reflect light and keep things simple. They're common in modern diy kitchens and easy to clean.

For a more traditional look, the classic shaker design is a strong choice. It works in both period homes and updated spaces. Available in many colours, from dust grey to indigo, shaker doors add character without being fussy.

There are other kitchen styles too—woodgrain, matt painted, or true handleless for a very clean finish. Think about how the door will look with your flooring, wall tiles, and worktops before making your decision.

6. What makes a kitchen cabinet high quality?

It starts with the carcass. Look for 18mm thick board as standard (including the back panel). A solid back adds strength, especially for wall units. Edges should be sealed properly to stop moisture creeping in.

Drawers should glide smoothly and close softly. Good ones have metal sides and strong bases to cope with heavy items. Soft close hinges and drawer runners are now standard in most quality diy kitchens.

Don’t overlook hidden bits like shelf pegs and corner fixings. These matter just as much as colour or style when you’re fitting the kitchen and using it daily.

7. Do flat pack kitchens include everything I need?

Usually, yes—but check the details. A standard unit will come with its carcase, fixings, shelf, and back panel. Doors and handles might be listed separately, depending on how the range is set up.

Some suppliers let you pick your door style later to suit your design. Others include complete kitchen units so you don’t need to order parts individually.

If you’re doing a full kitchen, don’t forget to include end panels, plinths, pelmets, and other finishing pieces. These create a professional fit and match the style and colour of your chosen doors.

8. What is a true handleless kitchen?

A true handleless design has a recessed aluminium rail along the top edge of the cabinet. This means you open the doors or drawers by pulling behind the door, not using a handle. It’s different to a shaker or J-pull handleless front.

You’ll need special carcases to support the rails, so it’s not just a door change. The result is a very streamlined finish that suits open-plan and modern homes.

This kitchen range is growing in popularity, especially with high gloss or matt painted finishes. It’s also used in bespeak kitchens where the customer wants a very tailored look.

9. Are DIY kitchen units easy to install without a fitter?

If you’re confident with tools and can follow instructions, many DIY kitchen units are fine to fit yourself. Wall units need to be safely anchored, and you’ll need to be accurate with things like hinge placement and levelling base cabinets.

Some customers do the layout themselves but bring in a fitter for plumbing or electrics. Installing a sink or cutting worktops is where experience really matters. You may also need new plumbing or tiling, depending on the layout.

If the units are delivered fully assembled, you save time but still need a plan for installation. Either way, factor in that some help might still be needed to get it right.

10. Can I really buy a complete kitchen online and get it delivered?

Yes—and many people do. When you buy your kitchen online, the process is often clearer than walking into a shop. You pick what you need, add it to your basket, and book a delivery time that works for you.

You can browse a huge range of kitchen door styles, cabinet sizes, and colours. Some kitchens are made to order, and others are ready within a few days. Look for listings that show current lead times and options for colour-matching or changes.

Whether you’re going for flat-pack or fully built, you’ll get the same outcome—a fitted beautiful kitchen that fits your space and budget, with no high street kitchen pricing or showroom pressure.

Summary: Key Points to Remember

• A DIY kitchen puts you in charge of choosing, planning, and fitting your new space.

• Measure carefully and use a kitchen planner or layout tool before placing any order.

• Understand the pros and cons of flat pack kitchens vs. pre-assembled kitchen units.

• High-quality kitchen units online can match or exceed showroom quality.

• Choose your kitchen door style based on looks, maintenance, and layout.

• Look for strong carcasses, soft close features, and good finish quality.

• Check what's included—some complete kitchen units still require doors or accessories to be added separately.

• True handleless designs need specific cabinet types and suit very modern looks.

• If you’re unsure about installation, a fitter can handle complex parts like worktops or new plumbing.

• Buying a kitchen online can be easier and cheaper than going to kitchen retailers, with the same design freedom.