I’ve walked you through our complete kitchen renovation using IKEA kitchen cabinets from design, cabinet installation, to the finishing touches. Now it’s nearly a year later and it’s time to dig into a full review of IKEA kitchens. We have also added some info and tips on this topic with a new blog post all about designing and planning an IKEA kitchen.
So buckle up, hold on, or do whatever you need to do to get comfortable as I discuss all things IKEA kitchen related, including cabinets, design software, pros and cons of the IKEA kitchen system, and what I would do differently the next time.
A quick note before you get started. Be sure to read to the end of this article where I update my feelings toward IKEA kitchen cabinets, and give you a run down of how their cabinetry has held up over the past couple years.
Ultimate Ikea Kitchen Cabinets Guide
The key to these factors is you don’t need to sacrifice on one to get the others. You get flexible designs at fantastic prices.
Almost every off-the-shelf cabinet system I looked into for our project was made with particle board or MDF cabinet boxes. The next step up from this is cabinet grade plywood (sometimes with a real wood veneer), but there is a significant debate over whether this is actually superior. Plus, when I had our project quoted with this type of cabinetry, our price nearly doubled.
Yes, you could go all the way to custom-made, solid wood cabinet boxes and doors. However, for most people (including us) this just wasn’t a feasible option. Yes, you can save some money on custom cabinets by using local builders or smaller companies, but it is still far more expensive than IKEA kitchen cabinets. When I had our project quoted using a local custom cabinet builder, the price came in over $15, 000, and that didn’t include installation.
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Simply put, they are incredibly durable. The kitchen at the Beige Bungalow has now gone through over a year of dinner parties, grandchildren playing, and multiple dog wrestling matches without so much as a scratch. I firmly believe kitchens are the heart of the home and a room that is meant to be used..and sometimes used hard.
If that doesn’t convince you of their durability, the complete wet bar area in my own basement is built from IKEA cabinets. It was one of the first renovations at our home and has seen numerous parties, football games (literally), and too many games of mini sticks hockey to count, yet still not a scratch, ding, dent, or mark to be seen.
In general, kitchen drawers take the largest amount of abuse in our homes. If anything is going to need to withstand slams, warping, or swelling, it’s drawers. Well, IKEA uses solid metal superb hardware manufactured by Blum AND drawer dampers that allow for soft-closing (a feature that will cost you a bundle in custom cabinets).
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IKEA kitchen cabinets are built with a variety of materials. In short, MDF and particle board are affordable materials that maintain durability and strength.
Anything subject to long periods of moisture will get damaged- wood, MDF, or particle board. The difference is MDF will eventually dissolve, particle board will swell and fall apart, and real wood will mold. Plus if this happens, I can guarantee it will be far easier to swap out your IKEA door vs. a custom cabinet door.
Yes, particle board is a cheaper material. But like anything else, when we compare available options, one must compare like with like. Compared to other off-the-shelf kitchen cabinet systems, IKEA’s kitchen cabinet system is hands down the better buy.
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If you prefer the feel and look of solid wood, then you will not be happy with any off-the-shelf kitchen cabinet system. In addition, if don’t mind the extra cost associated with real wood, by all means go that route.
I will leave this section with one final comment. Be weary of ‘custom cabinet’ manufacturers. Many still use laminated particle board for the cabinet boxes themselves in order to keep the product price more affordable. I have been in dozens of high end, custom built homes with expensive kitchens, and their cabinets are constructed from laminated particle board. This is not to argue particle board is better, it is simply to state that just because it isn’t solid wood, doesn’t mean it isn’t a quality product.
IKEA cabinet door and drawer fronts are purchased separately from the cabinet boxes (another perk to the flexibility of the system). They are divided into four classes:
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I discussed IKEA kitchen design in Chapter 1 of our Beige Bungalow build, and I also reviewed the in-home IKEA kitchen planning service here, and here. But I would like to try to tie that all together in this article, including a discussion about IKEA’s design software.
IKEA offers an in-home kitchen planning service which can be purchased directly in store. You should be aware that the in-home planner is not an IKEA employee, but an employee of the local company with the contract for IKEA kitchen installs. In my area, it costs $250 for this service.
If you are a fairly good DIYer with a decent understanding of renovations then you can probably skip this service. Originally, when I tried it out (for curiosity sake) I was more than pleased with the service we received. However, when it came to install, I started to realize the massive shortcomings our in-home planner really had. If you are interested in this service, be sure to head over and read our full review of the IKEA kitchen planning service.
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Ready for a serious case of Stockholm syndrome? IKEA has a software that lets you design your kitchen from the comfort of your own home. It is an online software used right in your web browser, which makes it a little buggy… Fear not though, a little patience goes a long way.
The IKEA kitchen planning software starts out by having you draw your room/space with the correct proportions. This is one perk I really love about the software, as it allows you to design your space to scale. The software allows you to add and delete cabinets, change door fronts, add countertops, change door hardware, add lighting, and even add appliances. Then when you are ready, flip on the 3D mode to watch your design come to life. This all sounds great, but it is also headache inducing. Something as simple as moving objects around the room can cause crashes, so save often. Even walls have a tendency to move at their own will.
In the end, the software provides you with a buying list for everything you need to build your kitchen in real life.
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IKEA’s kitchen software results in a love-hate relationship. It will let you visualize your kitchen before you purchase anything and give you a purchase list which helps with budgeting. Buuuut…it will also leave you wanting to pull your hair out as your go through the process.
First off, wait for IKEA to have their kitchen sale. Usually this happens four times throughout the year, so plan your renovation accordingly. IKEA’s kitchen sale usually works along the premise of the more you spend, the more you save, starting at around 10% off. The catch is the 10% off is most often in the form of IKEA gift cards.
At this point, you may be wondering about IKEA’s kitchen appliances. To be honest, I have never used or even considered purchasing my appliances from there. Nor has anyone I know. This isn’t to say they are poor, I just think there are better options available. Take a minute and read our discussion about IKEA’s kitchen appliances as well as our tips for appliance selection. Another good source is this Consumer reports review on IKEA appliances.
Things To Know When Planning Your Ikea Kitchen
Prepare for a long line at IKEA. Although, if you can swing going in the morning on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, it’s not bad. Regardless, the ordering process will take some time. You bring in your IKEA kitchen plan, log into their computers, and show it to one of their employees. THEN, an employee will comb your entire order piece by piece. This is one of the downsides to the flexibility and modular aspect of the IKEA kitchen- you are ordering hundreds of little boxes and bags.
Check everything once it is delivered, or in store if you are picking it up yourself. This is crucial and may take some time. The employees who put together your order are only human, and mistakes can be made. Save yourself a trip back to IKEA if possible and catch any mistakes the first time.
Do you want to get the benefits of the IKEA kitchen sale nearly year round? Then be sure to read our top 5 secrets to the IKEA kitchen event.
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The average DIYer or handy person should not be intimidated by the thought of installing IKEA kitchen cabinets. In fact, the basic process of installation is really quite easy. However, if you are not one of these people and are looking for an installer, fear
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