IKEA Kitchen Cabinet Review: Are They Good?

By: Andrew Saladino | 11 min
Last Updated: October 20th, 2024

Thinking about giving your kitchen a makeover? IKEA is probably one of the first names that pops into your head. With their stylish designs and affordable prices, IKEA kitchen cabinets have become a popular choice for homeowners and renters alike. But are they really worth it?

In this IKEA kitchen cabinet review, we’ll dive deep into the pros and cons, helping you decide if IKEA is the right fit for your dream kitchen. We'll compare IKEA cabinets to other options, break down the costs, and share real customer experiences. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or looking for a plug-and-play kitchen solution, this review will give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Overview of IKEA Cabinets

IKEA has revolutionized the kitchen cabinet market with its SEKTION system. This modular approach offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing homeowners to design a kitchen that suits their space and style. From sleek and modern to warm and traditional, IKEA provides a vast array of cabinet doors, drawers, and accessories to choose from.

The SEKTION system is built around a sturdy frame, and while the core material is primarily particle board, IKEA offers various finishes and door styles to elevate the overall look. However, SEKTION cabinets don't come with pulls or knobs, so you'll have to pick those out yourself.

You can get IKEA kitchen cabinets shipped to you, or you can pick them up from a store in person. You can use IKEA's free 3D kitchen planner online and bring your designs into the store. You can work with a designer at the store for free or have one come to your home for a small fee.

Quality and Construction

IKEA cabinets are primarily constructed from engineered wood, specifically medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is then covered with a melamine finish, wood veneer, or paint. While this approach makes them affordable and lightweight, it also means they’re not as durable as cabinets made from solid wood or high-grade plywood.

MDF is created by breaking down wood into fibers, which are then combined with a resin binder and pressed into a solid panel under high heat and pressure. While it's dense and can be painted smoothly, MDF is susceptible to moisture damage, which can cause swelling and warping. It's also prone to chipping and denting, especially along the edges.

It’s important to note that IKEA separates cabinet boxes from cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This allows you to mix and match different styles and cabinet finishes to create your desired look. IKEA offers four classes of cabinet fronts:

• Class 1: Natural wood and MDF: These cabinet fronts offer a premium look and feel due to the use of solid wood door frames and real wood veneers. However, the cabinet core is still MDF. While they are generally durable, they require more care than other options and may be susceptible to scratches and water damage.
• Class 2: MDF and thermofoil: This is a popular choice for its affordability and durability. The thermofoil finish is resistant to moisture and stains, making it easy to clean. However, the material may not be as high-end as natural wood.
• Class 3: MDF and paint: Offering a wide range of colors and finishes, painted MDF fronts provide a clean, modern look. They are generally durable but can be susceptible to chipping if not handled carefully.
• Class 4: Glass or metal: These fronts are ideal for creating a contemporary or industrial kitchen style. However, even the stainless steel cabinets have an MDF core.

Price Point

IKEA is renowned for its affordable pricing, and kitchen cabinets are no exception. Compared to many other cabinet retailers, IKEA offers a significantly lower price point, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. Generally, you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $4,000 on the cabinets themselves for a standard 10x10 kitchen.

Despite the lower initial cabinet cost, IKEA cabinets can still offer excellent value for money. The modular SEKTION system allows for customization, and the wide range of styles and finishes means you can create a kitchen that suits your taste without breaking the bank.

However, it's crucial to weigh the long-term costs against the initial savings. While IKEA cabinets might be less expensive upfront, you should consider their durability and longevity compared to higher-quality options. You’ll end up spending more money in the long run if you need to replace your cabinets every five years.

Pros and Cons of IKEA Kitchen Cabinets

So, is buying your kitchen cabinets from IKEA the right choice for you? Let’s weigh the pros and cons:

Pros

IKEA offers several advantages when it comes to purchasing kitchen cabinets, like:

• Affordability: IKEA cabinets are significantly cheaper than many other cabinet retailers, making them a budget-friendly option for kitchen remodels.
• Variety of styles and finishes: IKEA offers a wide range of cabinet door styles and finishes to match your kitchen's aesthetic.
• Customization options: The SEKTION system provides flexibility in designing a kitchen layout that fits your space and needs, offering various cabinet sizes and configurations.
• Easy assembly (for some): With clear instructions, IKEA cabinets are designed for DIY assembly, saving on installation costs for those with the skills and time.
• Availability: IKEA stores are widely accessible, making it convenient to browse and purchase cabinets in person or online.

Cons

While IKEA offers many conveniences when shopping for kitchen cabinets, there are also potential drawbacks to consider, including:

• Lower durability: Primarily made from particle board and MDF, IKEA cabinets may not be as durable as solid wood or plywood options and may require replacements sooner.
• Limited lifetime: Due to the materials used, IKEA cabinets might not have the same longevity as higher-end cabinets. Some customers have reported needing to repair or replace their cabinets after just two years.
• Potential quality concerns: Some customers have reported inconsistencies in quality control, which could lead to issues with assembly or function.
• Time commitment: Assembling IKEA cabinets can be time-consuming, especially for larger kitchens or those without DIY experience.
• Long shipping times: Shipping times for IKEA cabinets are much longer than most other retail stores. Expect to wait at least a month for your cabinets to arrive.

IKEA Kitchen Cabinet Reviews

Most positive reviews are about satisfaction in how IKEA kitchen cabinets look, while most negative reviews are about IKEA's customer service. Many negative reviews are about long shipping times, some measured in months instead of weeks. Below are a few examples from IKEA's page on the Better Business Bureau.

Positive IKEA kitchen cabinet reviews:

Negative IKEA kitchen cabinet reviews:

The IKEA Effect

Many customers rave about their IKEA cabinets and feel very proud about how their kitchens turn out — as they should. It's a feat to install your own cabinets and make things look good. However, that's not all there is to the story.

According to Harvard, there's something called "the IKEA effect." And no, it's not the feeling you get when you mix Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce.

The IKEA effect is a psychological observation that people are more inclined to be happy with an installation or project if they did some of the work themselves. For a number of years, Consumer Reports rated KraftMaid, a high-end cabinet maker, with low scores from consumers. On the other hand, IKEA was always at the top of the list in terms of satisfaction.

If you were to ask cabinet professionals, they would all say that KraftMaid cabinets were built better, lasted longer, and offered a wider range of customization. In the long run, people should be happier with a better product. Of course, they cost more money, and you have to hire a pro to make sure the installation is a success.

If you install your own IKEA kitchen, it will feel good. But if you want to enjoy those cabinets for another 10 or 15 years, it pays to shop around.

IKEA vs. Kitchen Cabinet Kings

While IKEA is a convenient and affordable option for kitchen cabinets, it's not the only one. Online wholesale retailers like Kitchen Cabinet Kings provide a different approach to cabinet purchasing. We specialize in kitchen cabinets and offer a wider range of styles, materials, and construction options.

When shopping for kitchen cabinets online, you might be surprised to find better quality cabinets for about the same price as IKEA. Because online cabinet wholesalers cut out the middleman, they can offer premium materials and cabinet styles without breaking the bank. Plus, they often have more customization options than IKEA, so you can really make your kitchen stand out.

Here's a comparison between IKEA kitchen cabinets and Kitchen Cabinet King’s ready-to-assemble (RTA) and pre-assembled cabinets:

	IKEA	Kitchen Cabinet Kings
Quality	Low-tier	Upper-mid tier and above
Design Options	One lower cabinet height choice, multiple width choices	Three height choices and multiple widths in 3-inch increments
Cost	$150-$200 per linear foot	$100-$250 per linear foot
Customer Service	Poor to average	Live support from NKBA-certified cabinet specialists
Delivery Style	RTA	RTA or pre-assembled
Shipping Time	4-6 weeks	1-3 weeks
Cabinet Box Construction	MDF wrapped in melamine	½-inch A-grade plywood
Hinges	May or may not be soft close	All concealed soft close
Drawer Glides	All soft close	All under-mounted with soft close
Door Frame	MDF	Solid wood
Drawer Joints	Basic DIY joinery	All dovetail joinery

So, are IKEA cabinets good? Well, they certainly have their place. They're affordable, offer a decent selection of styles, and are relatively easy to assemble. But if you're looking for a kitchen that will last and truly reflect your personal style, you might want to consider other options.

With Kitchen Cabinet Kings, you won’t have to sacrifice quality for price. All of our cabinets are manufactured using high-end materials and construction, resulting in cabinets that stand the test of time.

Plus, the convenience of online shopping lets you explore countless options without leaving your home. Need a little help? Our expert kitchen designers are here to guide you every step of the way, even creating a free 3D kitchen design to bring your vision to life.

Kitchen Cabinet Kings is committed to top-notch craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Experience the difference a quality kitchen can make.

IKEA Kitchen Cabinets FAQs

Why are IKEA cabinets so cheap?

IKEA cabinets are relatively cheap due to several factors:

• They use engineered wood materials like particle board and MDF, which are less expensive than solid wood.
• The flat-pack design and efficient manufacturing processes contribute to lower costs.
• IKEA's business model focuses on high-volume sales, allowing them to offer competitive prices.

How long does it take to put together IKEA cabinets?

The time it takes to assemble IKEA cabinets depends on the number of cabinets, your experience with DIY projects, and the complexity of the kitchen layout. On average, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to complete the assembly.

Factors such as following the instructions carefully, having the necessary tools, and working efficiently can significantly impact the assembly time. Installing the cabinets on the wall can also add extra time to the process.

What material are IKEA cabinets made from?

IKEA cabinets are primarily constructed from engineered wood, specifically particle board and MDF. These materials are then covered with a melamine finish or paint. While the core materials are not as strong as solid wood or plywood, IKEA offers a variety of cabinet door styles and finishes, including real wood veneers, for a more elevated look and feel.

Are IKEA cabinets good quality?

Many people are satisfied with IKEA kitchen cabinets, but we wouldn't say the cabinets are the best quality themselves. IKEA cabinet quality is on the lower end of the spectrum.

What is the cost of an IKEA kitchen?

IKEA kitchen cabinets and hardware can cost between $2,000 and $4,000. If you add design, appliances, and the rest of the kitchen, an entire IKEA kitchen could cost from $12,000 to $15,000 or above.

Are IKEA kitchen cabinets made in China?

According to online reviews, some IKEA kitchen cabinet components may be made in China. Others may be made in the EU or the USA, as well. There isn't a simple answer, since the door front may come from one place, the hardware from somewhere else, and the cabinet box from a third location.

Can you buy cabinet doors from IKEA separately?

Yes, you can buy doors and drawer fronts separately. Many DIYers actually like to put together a SEKTION kitchen first, and then upgrade to new semi-custom cabinet doors and drawer fronts later on.