Interior Designer's IKEA Kitchen Review | Is the HASSLE worth it?

[@chrism5266]

I had my kitchen planned by several of the big name kitchen companies and found Ikea quality to be comparable, or superior, particularly when taking into consideration I’d wager that the displays in Ikea have a harder life than in other showrooms. Time will tell, ultimately I went with Ikea for my kitchen project. I was able to avoid some of the cons because I used their own installation service, and luckily didn’t have to do any changes with pipework because there was appropriate pipework in place in the kitchen I inherited when I bought my renovation project. Would I have chosen Ikea if I’d had to make changes to plumbing? I think I could be swayed by the potential for future personalisation and customisation, but I don’t think everybody would be. I actually found the colour range pretty limited, a lack of bright colours unless in a gloss finish was really frustrating and almost a deal breaker, but I eventually managed to find a palette that worked for me - this is something I agonised over and whilst it took longer than I would’ve liked for me to make these choices I’d definitely say it’s worth investing thorough thought into use of colour, finish and materials if you’re taking a more bespoke approach to an Ikea kitchen, it paid off for me in that I achieved what I wanted to achieve but without having to buy any fronts from elsewhere (I would have loved to, but my budget couldn’t quite justify it for now). Still, I’m really happy with the finished result and feel I’ve managed to achieve the aim of a kitchen which looks more expensive and bespoke than it really is. I’m completely satisfied with the quality so far too (6 months later) - whether that’s due to it being installed by Ikea contractors rather than my own, I’m not sure. A friend of mine had contractors refuse to take on installing an Ikea kitchen, so that could be something to take into consideration before getting overly committed to an Ikea kitchen before knowing who will be doing the installation. One last thing to mention about the flatpack mountain that arrives at your home about a week before your installation begins… if your ground floor is small (mine is) it is likely to consume a lot of space so be prepared for the delivery and the inconvenience of having so many boxes everywhere. Sorry for such a long comment, I found this video really interesting as somebody who went with Ikea and wanted to share my own experience!

[@edtillett5496]

Good assessment. I installed a complete kitchen from IKEA about 10 years ago. I’m a dedicated do it yourselfer. It could not have been easier or intuitive. Once you figure out the logic and designs, the process is simple. I used IKEA design tool, double checked the details, and pushed the buy button. My installation was probably made easier because I gutted the entire space and started from scratch. As for quality of construction, when the panels are on and cabinets installed, they are just fine. Self installation and leveling are well designed by IKEA and do not require expert carpenters. But you should know how to use a level and tape measure. And follow instructions. An IKEA kitchen can cost 1/3 of a custom kitchen and be as functional and strong. Plan well and execute to the instructions. For me having all the options offered make it a joy to design and build to the space and budget I have to with within.

[@lightx500]

Few things I noticed Pros: 1. Their drawers are very good quality for the cost 2. Deep cabinets and drawers as there is no service voids 3. In house design team with no pressure to buy 4. Overall much easier to make most of the available space 5. Fast delivery Cons: 1. Side panels are not very tick 2. Take time to to put together 3. Need some planning in the building stage to get all walls square and fulsh etc 4. Doors are not the best quality especially glossy ones 5. You will need more clearance to open drawers as these are deep

[@fredrezfield1629]

so if the side panels aren't thick?? are you saying 12mm? thick i need to secure my fridge to the gables

[@daysofgrace2934]

To be honest having a looking at all the kitchen manufacturer in the UK they all use chipboard for the cupboards. My friend's dad in Greece makes them out of solid for a fraction of the price what the UK companies change...

[@mysterytour5983]

You now can choose the essences of wood you want! so a little better now! But a millwork or kitchen guy can do better for sure!

[@mysterytour5983]

My friend just bought one few months ago and the look is great and this is all hardware from Blum which is quality but designed for IKEA! The thing is if you never work with wood dont do the project not for you! This when it will not last long! My friend had a super contractor and it was installed fast and he was even suprised of the quality! It did cost her a fraction of a kitchen company because the contractor did it for free because it is her Dad lol! But the result is very nice! Do your home work calculating everything and then you will see the differences! In term of kitchen accessories you will get better by a kitchen company! The Ikea products for inside cabienet look flemsy and are ugly!

[@Pdjohnners]

Absolutely fascinating and beautifully presented. Planning a new kitchen in a different, bigger room and it's a minefield!

[@robertwrites925]

Cool vid. Loved the bespoke door idea Totally struggling with our kitchen design presently. Many thanks.

[@FifiMcGee]

You'll have to let us know how it all goes Robert! Best of luck with your kitchen plans :)

[@jenniferpepler5843]

Sure would love to hear if you went with Ikea and whether you are happy with it so far. I am in Canada and am considering it at the moment. Would love your input

[@a.d.mitchell2613]

Thank you thank you thank you so much for saving me a crying migraine and wasting my money and time you have no idea you have saved me thank you for being truthful

[@FourJaysFour]

TBH, the finish on our IKEA kitchen cabinets held up MUCH better than "upgraded" custom cabinets in our new house. After 5 years I had 1 ding & 1 coffeee stain. I could replace a drawer front easily

[@MrsKedders]

Would you recommend their worktops? Or if not, where would you recommend for a budget worktop. Thanks

[@FifiMcGee]

Great question! I've not used IKEA worktops on a kitchen project yet as these are usually purchased from local quartz suppliers (or places like Gemini, Worktop Express or RT Stone online). But I have seen their ranges in store on plenty of occasions and definitely rate them in terms of design and affordability. I've proposed them for bespoke joinery in the past though, (bathroom vanity counter top, built in office desks) and been pleased with their offerings! Hope this helps x

[@johosjokers]

I did an ikea kitchen about 15 years ago and the formica counter tops have held up fine, other than a couple of knife marks.

[@fredrezfield1629]

why doesnt ikea offer slim shaker

[@jenniferpepler5843]

I would love to know if anyone who has white IKEA cabinets have had any issues with staining? I was canning a bunch of tomato sauce this year in my new home and some of my sauce went everywhere and made a huge mess. The cheap counter top in my home was stained in a couple of areas. It made me wonder what if this was my IKEA kitchen I am thinking about purchasing? Would this sauce have stained the white cabinets?

[@danieltodeschini8268]

I had a white Ikea kitchen for 12 years and when I move out last year the cabinets still looked like new, they are very good quality I think. I never had problems with stain. Ikea has lots of choice for cabinets/doors, with different prices, mine wasn't the cheapest ones. I am in a new place now and I am building a Walnut Ikea kitchen this time :) I am using IKEA Canada but I guess they are the same everywhere in the world.

[@jenniferpepler5843]

@@danieltodeschini8268 Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, I truly appreciate it! I have decided to indeed get a new kitchen and will likely be going with Ikea due to the price point. I too am looking at those walnut cabinets. They are beautiful. I was thinking going white on top and walnut on the bottom. It looked beautiful in the kitchen design feature I used of Ikea's. I live in Alberta and will be heading to Edmonton location to purchase my cabinets. I hope yours turns out fantastic! Thanks again!

[@youhavetogotheretocomeback]

Great content as usual guys

[@smoothacceleration437]

very useful video. Tx

[@FifiMcGee]

Glad it was helpful!