IKEA or joiner

Opinion of experts

We would like to start by stressing that as experts who install and repair dozens of kitchens every month, we unequivocally recommend IKEA. We repeatedly come across kitchens where we don't understand the reason for the high investment - an IKEA kitchen would look better, be better quality and cost significantly less. Owners often tell us the ridiculous amounts they paid for custom kitchens, and while the owner may be happy with the result, from our professional perspective, it's low quality. So if you're still wavering between IKEA or a cabinetmaker, consider not only price and quality, but also the experience of the professionals who install and repair kitchens every day.

Many people think that a bespoke kitchen from a joiner is the best option. Joinery companies present themselves as being of higher quality, longer lasting and more precise workmanship. But is this really true? The truth is, unless you want to pay like a Ferrari for your kitchen, and you're dealing with the dilemma of IKEA or a joiner, it's a good idea to consider all the factors.

Quality of materials

IKEA kitchens are made from modern materials, just like kitchens from a cabinetmaker in the mid-price range. Laminate boards, MDF or solid wood are used for the more expensive options. In addition, IKEA pays great attention to testing materials for resistance to moisture, heat and mechanical wear.

Thanks to huge production volumes, IKEA has access to premium materials at a fraction of the price a cabinetmaker would pay. Small producers do not have the same bargaining power with suppliers and often work with lower quality materials or have to pay significantly more to afford the same raw materials. As a result, IKEA kitchens can not only be more affordable, but in many cases of better quality than custom kitchens from cabinetmakers. So when deciding between IKEA or a joiner, you need to consider what you're actually getting for your money.

Prices and availability

One of the biggest advantages of IKEA is the price. Mass production and optimised logistics mean you get a quality kitchen at a fraction of the cost of custom cabinetry. Plus, all cabinets, parts and accessories are readily available. With a cabinetmaker, you can expect not only a higher price, but also a long waiting time for implementation. So if you're considering IKEA or a cabinetmaker, speed of delivery can play a major role.

Modularity and flexibility

IKEA offers a modular METOD system that can be adapted to most common spaces. Various cabinet sizes, heights and depths are available. You can easily design your kitchen in the online tool and adapt it to your needs. So if you're wondering whether IKEA or a cabinetmaker is better, think about whether you really need a fully customised solution, or whether IKEA's wide range will be enough.

When does a joiner make sense?

One of the few situations where a cabinetmaker's kitchen is a better choice is an extremely atypical space. If you have walls at irregular angles, columns in the middle of the room, or other specific requirements, custom fabrication may be necessary. But unless your kitchen is extremely non-standard, IKEA offers a more than sufficient solution at a better price. When you're dealing with IKEA or a cabinetmaker, it's important to consider whether your requirements are really specific enough to make the higher investment make sense.

Warranty and reliability

One of the biggest advantages of IKEA kitchens is their warranty. IKEA offers a 25-year warranty on its kitchens, something no cabinetmaker can ever offer. If something goes wrong, just go to IKEA and take advantage of their guarantee. We have a lot of experience with IKEA replacing, for example, kitchen doors without any problems even after 6-7 years of use. This long-term assurance is a huge advantage that does not exist with custom kitchens. So when thinking about choosing IKEA or a joiner, it's a good idea to also consider what happens if problems occur over time.

Conclusion

A kitchen from IKEA is not „worse“ than a kitchen from a carpenter. On the contrary, the advantage is availability, lower price and proven quality. If you don't want to spend a fortune and don't need a highly atypical solution, IKEA is a smart and economical choice. And if you're still wavering between IKEA or a joiner, it's important to think about what you really expect from your kitchen and which option will give you the best value for money.