3 Downsides to Getting an Ikea Kitchen (and How to Plan Around Them)
Those planning a kitchen renovation—or any home improvement project, for that matter—are likely well familiar with the practice of weighing pros and cons: granite countertops versus butcher block, hardwood floors versus tile, open shelving versus closed-cabinet storage. Deciding on an IKEA kitchen warrants its own round of considerations, and while it’s easy to pinpoint the positives—quality, affordability, customization options galore—it can be quite a bit harder to identify potential pitfalls. (In fact, in our research for this story, our guesses at what these negatives might be were swiftly refuted. When we asked whether IKEA kitchens show wear and tear sooner than pricier options, for example, we were surprised to hear that when installed and cared for properly, they’re impressively durable.)
Of course, a stock cabinet will never match the character or unique beauty of its custom counterparts. But besides the obvious, what are some challenges homeowners might encounter when working with an IKEA kitchen—and can anything be done to address those issues? Below, we’ll explore three potential obstacles to be aware of before you begin.
Sizes (and styles) are limited.
“IKEA cabinetry only comes in certain set sizes,” says Des Moines-based designer Jillian Lare, who notes an inconvenient quirk in the retailer’s sizing system. “Typically, the widths of stock cabinets come in increments of three inches, and IKEA’s do, too, but they skip 27 and 33—that can make for real challenges when you’re trying to piece together a kitchen design. With a custom or semi-custom cabinet, you would be able to utilize all of your space, but with IKEA, you might find yourself needing filler pieces more often. Since that’s not very attractive, the goal is to use as little filler as possible.”
Of course, as is the case with any big box option, the range of available styles and colors is finite, too. For renovators interested in incorporating more variety, there’s a wide range of custom front options to consider, albeit at an additional (and sometimes considerable) cost.
Many find IKEA’s kitchen planning software difficult to use.
“IKEA makes an online 3D kitchen planning tool available to homeowners, and while their heart is in the right place, the software is so clumsy that after a few minutes of manipulating it, you might find yourself wondering what life might be like if you just pressed on with no kitchen at all,” says New York City designer Kevin Greenberg. “It’s difficult to use, even for professionals who know their way around 3D modeling programs, and it’s also hard to save your work.”
One relatively affordable workaround: taking kitchen measurements yourself, but leaving the planning to a digital service that specializes in IKEA spaces. Inspired Kitchen Design, for example, offers a complete design—including two revisions—for $295.
Installation can be overwhelming.
IKEA kitchens are designed to be installed by anyone, even non-professionals. But if you’re someone with limited time, experience, or patience (word to the wise: there will be a lot of parts and boxes to deal with), you might consider enlisting outside help.
Just be aware, Lare says, that this option comes with its own set of cons. “The problem is that you’re not going to see as significant of a cost savings if you don’t put the kitchen together yourself,” she cautions. “If you’re in a bigger metro area, you might hire a TaskRabbit or somebody at a slightly lower price point to install the kitchen for you, but if you’re using the same general contractor and carpenters [you’d use in a custom renovation], you’re not going to save as much.”
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