Blackthorn of Kent workshop

    How We Work

    How it works

    From first chat to finished kitchen, here's what to expect

    8-12 Weeks

    Typical timeline from first chat to finished kitchen

    30+ Years Experience

    Combined expertise across our team

    Built to Last

    Quality that stands the test of time

    Transparent Pricing

    No hidden costs or surprises

    Getting a kitchen made should be enjoyable. Unlike big kitchen companies with pushy sales tactics, we take a relaxed approach that puts you in control at every step.

    From your first free visit to the moment we hand over the keys to your finished kitchen, here's exactly what to expect when you work with us.

    Five simple steps

    Here's how we take your kitchen from idea to reality

    Step 1

    We come to you

    Free, no-obligation home visit

    We start with a free visit to your home. We'll listen to what you're after, talk through ideas, and take measurements. We'll also chat about materials, finishes, and budget so we're on the same page from the start.

    Typical duration: 1-2 weeks

    • Free home visit at a time that suits you
    • Talk through your ideas and how you use your kitchen
    • Initial measurements and site check
    • Look at materials, finishes and hardware options
    • Honest chat about budget and timelines
    1

    We come to you

    Step 2

    We design it

    See your kitchen before we build it

    Using your measurements and brief, we create detailed designs with 3D renders so you can see exactly what your kitchen will look like, including materials, colours, and layout, before we cut a single piece of wood.

    Typical duration: 2-3 weeks

    • Detailed technical drawings and plans
    • Realistic 3D visualisations
    • Different options to explore
    • Material and finish samples provided
    • We keep going until you're happy
    2

    We design it

    Step 3

    We build it

    Handmade in our Ramsgate workshop

    Once you're happy with the design, we start building in our workshop. Every cabinet is made to your exact measurements from sustainably sourced tulipwood using traditional joinery techniques.

    Typical duration: 4-6 weeks

    • Sustainably sourced tulipwood construction
    • Traditional joinery techniques throughout
    • Every cabinet made to your exact measurements
    • Quality checks at every stage
    • You're welcome to visit and see progress
    3

    We build it

    Step 4

    We finish it

    Painted or primed, your choice

    Your cabinets are finished to a high standard. Whether you want hand-painted in any colour you like, or primer-ready for on-site painting, we make sure every surface is smooth and ready for decades of use.

    Typical duration: 1-2 weeks

    • Hand-painted in any colour you choose
    • Or primer-ready for on-site professional painting
    • Multiple coats for durability
    • Hardware fitted and tested
    • Final quality check before delivery
    4

    We finish it

    Step 5

    We fit it

    Installed with care

    Our fitting team installs your kitchen with proper attention to detail. We work cleanly and efficiently, leaving you with a kitchen that's ready to use.

    Typical duration: 1-2 weeks

    • Experienced fitting team
    • Clean, tidy worksite
    • Coordination with other trades if needed
    • All adjustments made on-site
    • Full walkthrough and care guide
    5

    We fit it

    Design Process in Detail

    Every kitchen starts with understanding how you live. Here's what our design process covers:

    Initial Consultation

    A free home visit to discuss your ideas, take measurements, and understand how you use your kitchen. We'll talk about style preferences, storage needs, and budget.

    3D Visualisation

    We create detailed, photorealistic 3D renders of your kitchen so you can see exactly what it will look like before we cut a single piece of wood. We refine until you're completely happy.

    Material & Finish Selection

    A hands-on session with timber samples, paint swatches, and hardware options. We help you choose from brands like Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, and Blum.

    Technical Drawings & Specifications

    Full technical drawings with precise dimensions, appliance cutouts, plumbing positions, and electrical requirements — ready for your builder and other trades.

    Final Quote & Timeline

    A detailed, itemised quote with no hidden extras. We confirm the build timeline and installation dates so you can plan around the work.

    Workshop Production

    Once your design is signed off, here's how we bring it to life in our Ramsgate workshop:

    1

    Timber Selection & Acclimatisation

    1–2 weeks

    We select the best boards from our FSC-certified stock and allow them to acclimatise in the workshop to prevent warping or movement after installation.

    2

    CNC Cutting & Machining

    2–3 days

    Precision CNC cutting ensures every component is accurate to the millimetre, minimising waste and guaranteeing perfect joints.

    3

    Hand Assembly & Fitting

    1–2 weeks

    Traditional joinery techniques — dovetails, mortise and tenon joints — assembled by hand for strength and longevity.

    4

    Sanding & Preparation

    2–3 days

    Every surface is hand-sanded through multiple grits to create a perfectly smooth base for finishing.

    5

    Spray Finishing

    1 week

    Multiple coats applied in our dedicated spray booth using HVLP equipment. Each coat is hand-checked and sanded between applications.

    6

    Quality Inspection

    1 day

    Every cabinet, door, and drawer is inspected for fit, finish, and function before it leaves the workshop.

    7

    Protective Wrapping

    1 day

    Everything is carefully wrapped and padded for transport to protect the finish during delivery.

    Installation

    Our own fitters handle every installation — no subcontractors, no surprises.

    Our own fitting team

    Our fitters are employees, not subcontractors. They know our cabinets inside out and take pride in every installation.

    3–5 day typical install

    A full kitchen installation usually takes 3–5 days. We work efficiently while maintaining the highest standards.

    Home protection

    We protect your floors, walls, and furnishings throughout the installation. We leave your home clean and tidy every day.

    Final adjustments & snagging

    Once fitted, we make all final adjustments on-site — door alignments, drawer checks, and a full walkthrough with you.

    What makes us different

    No pressure sales

    We don't have salespeople. You deal directly with the people who'll actually design and build your kitchen.

    Truly bespoke

    Every cabinet is made to your exact measurements. No standard sizes, no filler panels, no compromises.

    Transparent pricing

    Our quotes are detailed and honest. No hidden extras, no surprise costs, no pressure to upgrade.

    We know Kent

    Based in Ramsgate, we understand Kent properties inside out, from Georgian townhouses to modern family homes.

    Blackthorn of Kent workshop

    Our Ramsgate workshop where every kitchen is built by hand

    Detailed craftsmanship on kitchen cabinets

    Traditional joinery techniques meet modern precision

    Let's talk about your kitchen

    Get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat about what you're after.

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