Guarantees And Accreditations

We are proud to be recognised for our quality, reliability and sustainability, which is why we put our products through rigorous testing and use materials from FSC® and PEFC certified sources to maintain our corporate responsibilities. We also constantly strive to develop the latest technological innovations in order to provide cutting-edge, energy-efficient products.

Our commitment to this has resulted in many of our products meeting certain standards and receiving official accreditations and accolades.

• Howdens Joinery is a British business. We pride ourselves on the sense of local community, traditional values and long-established relationships that thrive in our depots throughout the country and manufacturing facilities. The UK logo on our website indicates that the products illustrated are manufactured and assembled in the UK.
• A number of our kitchen and bathroom cabinets, laminate worktops, breakfast bars, upstands, backboards and a selection of our kitchen doors and joinery products are manufactured in the UK at our sites in Howden, East Yorkshire, and Runcorn in Cheshire.
• All our manufacturing sites hold the British Standard (BS) ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System accreditation. This requires organisations to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory obligations, and aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system.
• All our manufacturing, warehouse and distribution sites hold the BS ENOHSAS18001 Health and Safety Standard accreditation. This requires organisations to promote a safe and healthy working environment by implementing a framework that identifies and controls health and safety risks, reduces potential accidents, aids legal compliance and improves overall performance.

• We work closely with our suppliers to ensure that the items we purchase come from responsibly managed sources and are produced in a socially responsible way. Howdens Joinery is certified to operate the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Chain of Custody certificates, which apply to a number of products as indicated by the relevant logos on our website.
• 99% of chipboard material used in Howdens manufacturing processes is from sustainable and certified sources in the UK.
• Howdens Joinery has been awarded the ISO 14001:2015 accreditation for demonstrating and continually developing sound environmental performance by BM Trada. BM Trada provides independent certification, testing, inspection, training and technical services globally.
• 98% of all waste produced in manufacturing and logistics is diverted from landfill by recycling and producing heat energy for our factories.
• All cardboard packaging we use is sourced from recycled or certified sources and the plastic bags we mail our brochures in our 100% biodegradeable.

• Our rigid cabinets are tested to BS6222:2009 + A1:2017 Part 2 Level H*, BS EN14749:2016 Domestic and kitchen storage units and worktops and BS6222:2017 Part 3 Domestic Kitchen equipment: Durability of surface finish and adhesion of surfacing and edging materials.
  * Some cabinets require additional components to meet Level H standards.
• Our rigid cabinets have been awarded a Which? Best Buy  in April 2021. Which? said that the cabinets are solidly built and received an excellent rating for the strength of the drawers and hinges. Of all the customers surveyed, Howdens customers were the least likely to have problems with their units after it was installed.
• We have achieved FIRA accreditation and a FIRA Gold award for product excellence on rigid cabinets and kitchen ranges. FIRA is renowned globally for its expertise in testing, research, consultancy, customer care, ergonomics, training/events and sustainability. The FIRA Gold Award is the ultimate mark of product excellence within the furniture industry.
• We have FSC® certification on selected kitchen ranges.
• In the unlikely event of a problem occurring with our kitchen or bathroom cabinetry as a result of a defect in the manufacturing process or raw materials, we will promptly and without charge replace any cabinet (excluding doors) for a period of within 25 years from its installation date in the UK. We will replace any door (subject to availability of the model) for a period of within 5 years from the date of its installation in the UK.
• For more details and full terms and conditions on our product guarantees, please visit our guarantee terms and conditions page. 

• Effective from 15 July 2019, all new Lamona appliances come with a 3-year manufacturer’s guarantee from the date of purchase. All Lamona appliances bought before 15 July 2019 will come with a two-year guarantee. Lamona ovens also include a 5-year guarantee on door glass. Guarantees for other branded products that we offer may be subject to registration.
• We are working in partnership with the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA), to support the Register My Appliance initiative.
• All appliances meet safety requirements of British and European Standards. We are working in partnership with the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA), to support the Register My Appliance initiative. In line with our 3-year guarantee for Lamona appliances, we are proud to offer an industry-leading aftersales service. In the unlikely event that you require support for your Lamona appliance, please contact your local depot who will endeavour to arrange a local Lamona approved service engineer at a time to suit you. If you require support for a branded appliance, please contact the manufacturer directly who is responsible for the warranty. The warranty may be subject to registration.

• All worktops come with a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee. In the unlikely event of a defect in manufacturing or raw materials, we will replace any worktop promptly and without charge.
• Our laminate worktops are tested to BS6222:2017 Part 3.
• Selected worktops use chipboard complying with BS EN312:2010 Type P3.
• All our matt laminate 28mm with P3 grade moisture resistance worktops are tested to and meet FIRA Gold Award standards.

Our flooring products come with one of two guarantees:

• Residential flooring
  The flooring will not separate, peel or wear through for the time specified, within the environment specified (residential or commercial) and, where stated, the use specified (light, medium or heavy). In the unlikely event of a defect in manufacturing or raw materials, we will replace any flooring promptly and without charge.
• Commercial flooring
  The flooring will not buckle or warp for the time specified, within the environment specified (residential or commercial). In the unlikely event of a defect in manufacturing or raw materials, we will replace any flooring promptly and without charge.
• In 2019, Howdens Rigid Vinyl Flooring was awarded the 'Best Product for Landlords' award by the National Landlord Investment Show in recognition of its suitability for investment properties. It is 100 per cent waterproof and suitable for use in areas of high foot traffic and comes with a 30-year residential guarantee. The pre-attached underlay and fast-fit click system ensure is installation quick and convenient, making it great for fast turnarounds between tenants.

• All lighting comes with a 2-year guarantee (excluding bulbs). In the unlikely event of a defect in manufacturing or raw materials, we will replace any lighting product promptly and without charge.

• All sinks are manufactured to European Standards BS EN13310:2015.
• All Lamona taps comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

All aspects of workmanship and all materials used in the construction of the tap are guaranteed for five years from the date of purchase.

Decorative finishes as Chrome, Brushed Nickel, valves and other working parts, the lifetime of which are determined by the extent and nature of use, are guaranteed for two years. Special finishes are guaranteed for 1 year

The guarantee does not cover damage or defects caused by incorrect installation, impact wear and tear, or the use of inappropriate cleaning products, nor the build-up of limescale or other system debris. The foregoing is provided that the tap has been used for normal domestic purposes and that the care, installation and maintenance instructions have been followed. Any repair must use the manufacturer’s replacement parts - the guarantee is not valid if unauthorised spare parts are used. Guarantees are not transferable and apply to the original purchaser only.

The sole remedy for Howdens or an end user shall be the replacement (at our discretion) of all or any part of the particular product, with no consequential liability accepted. In the event that a tap is discontinued, the warranty period will commence from the date of discontinuation.

• We have FSC® or PEFC™ certification on selected products.
• All our door glazing meets BS6206/BS EN12600, BS EN1279 or BS EN12150 accreditation.

The following sets out the regulations that apply to selected joinery products. Door ranges that include products conforming to these regulations are marked with the relevant icon on the product pages of our website.

• Fire doors (FD) – Howdens doors are tested to BS 476: Part 22: 1987, achieving fire resistance up to 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60) when hung and installed in accordance with the instructions provided with the door. Our fire doors are supported by third-party test evidence, assessment or certification schemes.
• Essential Fire door Hardware (FH) – Essential hardware is any concealed or projecting hardware that ensures the integrity of a fire door assembly or door set during a fire for up to 30 or 60 minutes dependant on its rating. All Howdens essential hardware is tested to their relative standards and test evidence is available in the local depot should your customer request it. The three key products that ensure a fire doors performance are hinges, door closers and a latch or lock.
• Non-essential fire door hardware (FH) – Non-essential hardware is classed as any hardware that is face fixed to a fire door. Non-essential hardware does not have a requirement to be fire rated. This includes items such as kick plates, fingerplates and signage.
• Part E doors (E) – sound reducing. Doors which conform to Building Regulation Part E help to minimise sound travel, providing a peaceful and quiet environment.
• Part L doors (L) – warmth & insulation suitable for new build. Doors carrying Building Regulation Part L have a greater thermal efficiency and help to keep rooms warm and cosy. Suitable for most new-build and extension projects. A U-Value of 2.00 W/m2 K or better is achieved by these products, when fitted with an approved frame in accordance with instructions.
• Part L doors (L) – warmth & insulation suitable for refurbishment projects. Doors carrying Building Regulation Part L have a greater thermal efficiency and help to keep rooms warm and cosy. Suitable for most refurbishment projects where both door and frame are being replaced. A U-Value of 1.80 W/m2 K or better is achieved by these products, when fitted with an approved frame in accordance with instructions.
• Part M doors (M) – mobility and access. For access and facilities for disabled people, wider doors and reduced threshold heights are required by Building Regulation Part M (selected sizes only).
• A selection of our door furniture products, including some handles and draught excluders, come with an operational warranty for a specified period. In the unlikely event of a defect in manufacturing or raw materials, we will replace any door furniture products promptly and without charge.
• A selection of our pre-finished doors come with a 5-year guarantee. In the unlikely event of a defect in manufacturing or raw materials, we will replace any doors promptly and without charge.
• Our Burford moulded-skin door was awarded the John Hedgcock Memorial award for innovation by the British Woodworking Federation in 2011. This award was given in recognition of the high degree of technical innovation that allowed a flat panel shaker look to be achieved in a cost effective way, using moulded skin technology.

• In all instances it is good practice to fit British Standard (BS) approved locks to all external doors. In many cases this is an insurance company requirement. Our Union BS 5 lever locks carry the BSI Kitemark™ and are approved to either BS 3621: 2007 or BS EN 1303: 2005, rigorous test standards to which the locks must perform.
• BS 3621: 2007 – A well-established product standard for thief-resistant locks in the UK. Locks tested to BS 3621: 2007 must exceed a minimum level of performance and be subjected to a general vulnerability assessment to enable the product to be Kitemark™ by BSI.
• BS EN 1303: 2005 – The product standard for thief-resistant cylinders for locks in the UK. Locks tested to BS EN 1303: 2005 must pass various performance and vulnerability assessments to enable the product to be Kitemark™ by BSI.
• BS EN 1906: 2012 - The European standard covering the performance requirements and test methods (i.e. durability, static strength, operating torque, corrosion, safety, etc.) for sprung and unsprung lever handles and knobs for doors on back plates or roses. Selected handles in our range offer a full BS EN 1906 classification and all handles undergo two of the primary tests within the standard for durability and corrosion resistance.
• BS EN 1935: 2012 - The European standard specifying requirements for single-axis hinges for windows and doors opening in one direction only. It covers both fixed pin and lift-off hinges and contains additional requirements for hinges intended for use on fire doors.
• BS EN 1154: 1997 – The European standard for controlled door closing devices including requirements and test methods. Products must conform to the standard in order to attain CE marking on the product.
• BS EN 1155:1997 – The European standard for electronically powered hold open devices. Products must conform to this standard in order to attain a CE mark.  
• BS EN 1125: 2008 – Applies to panic exit devices where the exit door is used by the public and provides safe and effective escape through the doorway. The emphasis of products covered by this standard is the safe exit, rather than security.
• BS EN 179: 2008 – Applies to emergency applications where the exit door is used by people who are familiar with the emergency exit and its hardware, and therefore a panic situation is unlikely to occur.
• BS8300: 2009 – The British standard for design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people in line with Approved Doc M. 
• BS EN 12320: 2012 – The European standard for padlocks and padlock fittings, requirements and test methods.

Howdens Joinery Group PLC has been certified for real carbon reduction and commitment to ongoing reductions.

RECYCLING YOUR OLD ELECTRICALS WITH HOWDENS

Buying a new electrical or electronic item from us? We'll recycle the one you’re replacing for free. Simply bring the old electrical item in within 28 days, show us the receipt for its replacement and we’ll do the rest.

• You can also find local recycling points for your old electricals here www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling

Why recycle?

• Recycling and reusing unwanted electrical or electronics can help save the planet, boost the economy and improve lives. Not only that, electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) contains materials, parts and substances which can be dangerous to the environment and harmful to human health if not disposed of correctly.
  
  
• Electrical and electronic equipment is now the fastest growing waste stream in the UK and across the world.

What can I recycle?

• Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled or reused! The materials from recycled electricals can be used in everything from children’s playgrounds to lifesaving equipment, while donated tech can help bridge the digital divide.
  
  
• You’ll find this symbol on all your electrical items. It is a reminder to recycle your old electricals, rather than binning them.
  
  

Reducing waste electricals

• As part of our commitment to reducing the amount of unwanted electrical waste being incinerated or sent to landfill sites, we’ll recycle your old electricals free of charge when you buy new ones. Together we can stop precious resources from being lost forever, save lives and help protect the planet.
  
  
• We take all your old electricals to a recycling plant for processing and separate into individual materials, so they can be turned into new, more useful things.
  
  
• Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is regulated by the UK Government. Find out more here www.gov.uk/guidance/regulations-waste-electrical-and-electronic-equipment