Question 1

Who are Blackthorn of Kent?

Accepted Answer

We're Ben and Sean, a kitchen designer and a cabinet maker with over 30 years of combined experience. We handcraft kitchens, wardrobes, home bars, and furniture in our workshop in Ramsgate, East Kent. We work with homeowners across Kent, London, and nationwide.

Question 2

Where is your workshop?

Accepted Answer

We're based in Ramsgate, East Kent, which puts us right in the middle of Canterbury, Margate, Folkestone, Ashford, Dover, and the surrounding areas. You're welcome to visit by appointment to see how we work and talk through your ideas.

Question 3

Can I visit the workshop?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We love showing people around. Pop in for a cup of tea, see the workshop, and have a chat about what you're after. Just give us a ring on 01843 621700 to arrange a time.

Question 4

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We're based in Thanet but we fit kitchens right across Kent and into London. Anywhere within about an hour of the workshop, really. We also deliver and can arrange fitting nationwide for the right project.

Question 5

Do you do the fitting yourselves?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have an experienced fitting team who install every kitchen with care. We handle everything from removing old units to final adjustments. For Kent projects, fitting is included as standard.

Question 6

How long have you been making kitchens?

Accepted Answer

Between us, Ben and Sean have over 30 years of combined experience in kitchen design and cabinet making. We've worked with some of the best kitchen companies in the country before starting Blackthorn of Kent.

Question 7

How much does a kitchen cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends on size, design, and finish, but our kitchen projects typically range from £15,000 to £60,000+. A standalone island starts from about £5,000, and a pantry unit from £3,500. We're upfront about costs from the start and our quotes are detailed with no hidden extras.

Question 8

What's included in your quote?

Accepted Answer

Our quotes cover design, 3D visualisation, manufacturing in our workshop, and can include professional fitting. Everything is itemised clearly. We also offer optional hand-painting and finishing. Worktops, appliances, and flooring aren't included but we can point you to good suppliers.

Question 9

Do you charge for the initial visit?

Accepted Answer

No. The first visit is free and there's no obligation. We come to your home, have a chat about what you want, take measurements, and give you some ideas. Detailed 3D designs are included once you decide to go ahead.

Question 10

What payment terms do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We typically ask for a 30% deposit to get started, with stage payments during the build and the balance on completion. Full details come with your quote. We accept bank transfer and card payments.

Question 11

What wood do you use?

Accepted Answer

We use sustainably sourced tulipwood for all doors and frames. It's a brilliant wood for kitchens: durable, smooth grain, and takes paint beautifully. For carcasses, we offer premium Oak MFC or Walnut MFC options.

Question 12

Is your wood sustainably sourced?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All our tulipwood comes from responsibly managed forests. We also use low-impact finishes and adhesives, and we recycle materials wherever we can.

Question 13

How long will a handmade kitchen last?

Accepted Answer

A lifetime, genuinely. We use traditional joinery techniques like dovetails and mortise and tenon joints. Combined with quality materials and proper construction, our kitchens are built to outlast anything mass-produced.

Question 14

Do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We stand behind everything we make. And because we're local to Kent, we can get to you quickly if you ever need anything.

Question 15

How does the process work?

Accepted Answer

There are five steps: 1) We visit your home for a free chat and measurements. 2) We create detailed designs with 3D visuals. 3) We build everything in our Ramsgate workshop. 4) Professional finishing, painted or primed. 5) We fit it in your home.

Question 16

Do you do 3D designs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We create detailed 3D visuals so you can see exactly what your kitchen will look like before we start building. It's much easier to make changes at this stage, and most people find it really helpful.

Question 17

How long does it take from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

Typically 8-12 weeks from signing off the design to having your kitchen fitted. That includes the build, finishing, and fitting. We'll give you a specific timeline during your first visit.

Question 18

Can you work with my architect or designer?

Accepted Answer

Of course. We regularly work alongside architects, interior designers, and other trades. We can build from your designs or collaborate to develop something together.

Question 19

Can you paint my kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer hand-painted and sprayed finishes in any colour you like. Or we can supply cabinets sanded and primed, ready for you or a decorator to paint.

Question 20

What paint finishes are available?

Accepted Answer

We offer hand-painted and professionally sprayed finishes using quality kitchen paints in any colour. We can match Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, or custom colours. Finishes range from matt to satin.

Question 21

Can you make non-standard sizes?

Accepted Answer

That's the whole point of bespoke. Every cabinet is built to your exact requirements. Awkward spaces, period features, unusual layouts: we make it all work without filler panels or compromises.

Question 22

Do you make things other than kitchens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We also build kitchen islands, pantries, boot rooms, fitted wardrobes, home bars, under-stair storage, media walls, and custom furniture. If it's made from wood and needs to be built properly, we can probably help.

Question 23

Do you make kitchen islands?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and they're one of our favourite things to build. We design islands to be the heart of your kitchen, with storage, breakfast bars, wine racks, or seating. Islands start from about £5,000.

Question 24

Do you make fitted wardrobes?

Accepted Answer

We do. We design and build fitted wardrobes tailored to your space, including tricky features like chimneys and sloped ceilings.

Question 25

Do you make home bars?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We build custom bar units with wine storage, glass racks, lighting, and everything you need.

Question 26

Do you sell kitchen mantels?

Accepted Answer

Yes. These vary a lot in size and style, so get in touch and we'll work out what you need.

Question 27

Do you deliver nationwide?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We deliver across the UK and can arrange professional fitting anywhere. Delivery costs depend on location and we'll quote them upfront.

Question 28

How long does fitting take?

Accepted Answer

Usually 3-5 days depending on the size and complexity of the kitchen. We work efficiently to keep disruption to a minimum and can coordinate with other trades.

Question 29

Do you supply appliances and worktops?

Accepted Answer

We focus on what we do best: the cabinetry. We don't supply appliances or worktops, but we work closely with worktop fabricators and can advise on appliance choices. We design everything around your chosen appliances with precise cutouts.

Question 30

What timber do you use for kitchen cabinets?

Accepted Answer

We use FSC-certified birch plywood for carcasses — it's stronger and more stable than chipboard or MDF. Door frames are solid tulipwood or oak depending on the finish. All our timber is responsibly sourced from certified suppliers.

Question 31

Which paint brands do you use?

Accepted Answer

We work with Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Benjamin Moore, and Mylands. All are applied in our spray booth for a factory-smooth finish, then hand-detailed. We can match any colour from any manufacturer's range.

Question 32

Are your kitchens solid wood or veneer?

Accepted Answer

Door frames are solid hardwood. Panels may be veneered MDF for stability (solid wood panels can warp). Carcasses are birch plywood. We're always transparent about construction methods — ask us for a sample.

Question 33

Do you use soft-close hinges and drawers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, exclusively. We fit Blum hinges and drawer runners as standard — they're the industry benchmark with a lifetime warranty. No upgrade charge, it's just how we build.

Question 34

How long will a Blackthorn kitchen last?

Accepted Answer

With proper care, 25-30 years minimum. Our solid timber construction, quality hardware, and professional finishes mean our kitchens outlast flat-pack alternatives several times over.

Question 35

Is your timber sustainably sourced?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use FSC-certified timber and plywood. We also minimise waste through precise CNC cutting and recycle or repurpose all offcuts. See our sustainability page for full details.

Question 36

Do you use eco-friendly paints?

Accepted Answer

The brands we use (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene) are low-VOC and water-based where possible. We avoid solvent-heavy lacquers. Our spray booth has proper extraction and filtration.

Question 37

Do you install kitchens outside Kent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly work in London, Surrey, Sussex, and Essex. We've fitted kitchens as far as Windsor. Our Ramsgate workshop is central to the South East so transport is straightforward.

Question 38

Do you use subcontractors for installation?

Accepted Answer

No. Ben and Sean handle design and project management. Our installation team are employees, not subcontractors. You deal with the same people from first consultation to final snagging.

Question 39

Can I visit your workshop?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We encourage it. Seeing work in progress helps you understand our quality and process. Contact us to arrange a visit to our Manston workshop.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

Pricing & Costs

Materials & Quality

Design & Process

Finishing & Painting

What We Make

Delivery & Fitting

Materials & Construction

Sustainability & Environment

Local & Service Area

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