We get this question a lot when we provide an estimate and especially from customers who are not familiar with the IKEA products.
Is IKEA the Best Option for Kitchen Cabinets?
The simple answer is “It depends!” If we are talking about durability, or superior quality of materials maybe there is a better product out there, BUT it will be a lot more expensive. IKEA cannot make the claim that offers the best kitchen products, but for its price, this is one amazing product for your new kitchen. Is the IKEA kitchen the cheapest kitchen out there on the market? No, there are cheaper kitchens on the market, but they are inferior in terms of quality, durability, functionality, color and texture options. So… for the price that you, as a customer, are paying, you are getting most likely the best kitchen cabinets on the market. The question of whether IKEA is the best option for kitchen cabinets is one that depends on several factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help guide your decision.
Pros of IKEA Kitchen Cabinets:
Affordability: IKEA kitchen cabinets offer excellent value for money. While not the cheapest on the market, they provide high quality at a competitive price point. Cheaper alternatives often compromise on quality, durability, and aesthetic options. IKEA is the world’s largest furniture manufacturer, and by producing a high volume of parts and products, they can scale their business and achieve a very low price per unit, with these savings being passed on to the customer.
Quality Materials: Despite the low cost, IKEA kitchen cabinets are well-made. The current SEKTION system, introduced in 2015, boasts components made in the USA and France, with doors and drawer fronts crafted in European countries like Portugal, Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands.
Durability: IKEA provides a 25-year warranty on its kitchen cabinets, reflecting their strong confidence in the product’s longevity and durability. For IKEA to offer this kind of manufacturer’s warranty, it shows tremendous faith in the quality of their products. We would also like to emphasize that this 25-year warranty applies to all products, from the expensive, mid-range options to the more affordable, entry-level choices.
Engineering and Design: One of the reasons why IKEA kitchen cabinets are more affordable is that they are designed to be shipped flat-packed, which saves space. Customers can easily assemble the products themselves or hire a professional, like us, to assemble and install the kitchen. Being flat-packed not only reduces shipping costs of the cabinets, but also makes them easier for DIY assembly or professional installation. The modular design allows for a high degree of customization and flexibility.
Collaborations with Top Brands: IKEA partners with renowned companies like BLUM – an Austrian firm known for its high-quality hinges and soft-closing mechanisms, ensuring top-notch functionality.
The rails and drawers inside IKEA cabinets are actually made of metal. They are extremely durable and built to last a very, very long time.
Innovative Features: IKEA was a pioneer in incorporating soft-closing mechanisms for doors and drawers as a standard feature, enhancing the user experience. The soft-closing feature is included by default in all doors and drawers, it is not just an option anymore.
Comprehensive Solutions: In addition to cabinets, IKEA offers a range of kitchen products including quartz countertops and appliances, making it easier to achieve a cohesive look and feel in your kitchen renovation.
Customization Options: While the modular system offers flexibility, it may not match the customization options available with high-end custom cabinetry. But IKEA is also famous for its IKEA hacks and the popularity of brand spurred a whole new industry of companies that manufacture custom doors that work with the IKEA system. We will cover this extensively in another blog post.
Assembly Required: IKEA cabinets are designed for DIY assembly, which might be daunting for some homeowners. However, professional installation services are available.
Material Choices: While IKEA offers a range of styles and finishes, the material options may not be as extensive. Plenty of luxurious options are offered by third party high-end cabinet makers such as Swedish Door, Semihandmade, Embolden Designer Doors, Kokeena, Scherr’s, etc.
If you’re considering IKEA for your next kitchen renovation, talk to current IKEA customers. Ask them what they think about IKEA, and you’ll likely get a unanimous response: IKEA offers an incredible selection of kitchen cabinets, drawers, and doors, with quality and functionality that are unmatched for the price. To get a better kitchen than IKEA, you would need to spend 2-3 times more on a custom kitchen. IKEA’s comprehensive solution also includes great prices on quartz, appliances, and other kitchen products, providing you with a complete package at the best price.
IKEA kitchen cabinets strike an ideal balance between cost and quality
For many customers, IKEA kitchen cabinets strike an ideal balance between cost and quality. They offer a durable, stylish, and functional option at a fraction of the price of custom cabinets.Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific requirements, budget, and preferences. Consulting with current IKEA kitchen owners and professionals, like those at European Kitchens, can provide further insights and help you make an informed choice for your kitchen renovation.
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Your dream team at European Kitchens, the IKEA kitchen installer for Norfolk and Richmond, VA