Buzz
On average, kitchen renovations can set you back around $25,000, with premium projects reaching up to $40,000. Factors like your location (Southern regions tend to be more affordable), personal preferences, and kitchen size play a significant role. Regardless of these variables, kitchen remodels are undeniably a costly endeavor.
It’s no wonder many are drawn to IKEA for their kitchen needs. On the surface, IKEA kitchens appear significantly cheaper—often half the price or even less, depending on your selections. IKEA offers a one-stop solution, providing everything from appliances and flooring to cabinets, countertops, and finishes, making it a convenient choice for remodeling.
However, this seemingly unbeatable deal comes with caveats. While the upfront costs of an IKEA kitchen are undeniably low, many homeowners overlook the hidden expenses, both financial and labor-intensive. This is why an IKEA kitchen, marketed as affordable, can end up being far from cheap.
Additional costs are part of the package
IKEA maintains its low prices for kitchens, much like its furniture, by limiting customization and requiring customers to handle assembly and installation themselves. If you’ve ever struggled with the cryptic instructions for assembling an IKEA bookshelf or desk, you’ll have a hint of what to expect when your kitchen cabinets arrive. The process involves a significant amount of DIY effort—truly, a substantial amount. The cabinets come flat-packed, and each one must be assembled before installation can begin.
Take, for instance, someone who spent $14,493.45 on a new IKEA kitchen—a fantastic deal for a brand-new kitchen. However, notice the $0.00 listed for installation. If you’re skilled with tools and have plenty of time, assembling and installing the cabinets yourself will only cost you effort. But if you’re short on time or lack confidence in your DIY abilities, hiring IKEA or an independent contractor for assembly and installation could add $2,000 to $4,000 to your budget, depending on your kitchen’s size and complexity.
Hiring an IKEA consultant to assist with kitchen planning costs around $150. This service is often worth it, as the limited customization options make it tricky to fit everything you need using IKEA’s standard cabinet sizes. The brand’s online planning tool isn’t user-friendly either; it has a steep learning curve and can quickly become a frustrating time drain. Alternatively, you could hire an interior designer familiar with IKEA kitchens, but their fees range from $65 to $250 per hour, potentially adding up to $10,000 or more to your total expenses.
Delivery fees range from $49 to $99, which is remarkably low for transporting an entire kitchen. However, keep in mind that IKEA charges this fee for every delivery, whether it’s a full kitchen or a single missing component. If you discover you need additional items later, you could end up paying hundreds in extra shipping fees. While you can choose to pick up your kitchen yourself, this option likely requires renting a truck unless your kitchen is exceptionally small.
If IKEA’s standard cabinet fronts don’t appeal to you—and many find them lacking—you’ll face additional expenses by ordering custom doors from third-party suppliers like Semihandmade, a highly popular choice. Many homeowners prefer IKEA’s affordable frames but splurge on upgraded doors, trim, and other exterior elements to transform the otherwise basic IKEA kitchen into a more luxurious space.
Additionally, if this is your first large-scale renovation, you might need to purchase high-quality tools to complete the project, particularly if you plan to customize the cabinets yourself. This is yet another expense to factor into your budget.
Your effort is a hidden expense
If you commit to the DIY approach of an IKEA kitchen to minimize costs, remember that your time and effort are also a form of investment. Installing an IKEA kitchen yourself will demand a significant amount of your time. Key time commitments include:
Planning. You’ll need to meticulously plan your kitchen layout online or in-store.
Travel. Trips to the store for purchases and pickups are necessary if you skip delivery.
Delivery. Deliveries are scheduled by day without a specific time or advance notice, and IKEA won’t deliver if no one is home, requiring you to reserve the entire day.
Inventory. After delivery, you have 48 hours to inspect every item and report any missing pieces to IKEA, meaning you must immediately unpack and verify your order.
Assembly. On average, assembling 10 cabinets takes about eight hours for most adults.
Installation. For first-time renovators, this process will likely take far longer than anticipated. Without major plumbing or electrical work, expect one to three days of labor, assuming no major issues arise.
All those hours accumulate, and your time is precious. It’s an important factor to keep in mind.
Material quality also matters
While IKEA cabinets generally receive positive reviews and come with a 25-year limited warranty, the saying 'you get what you pay for' applies here. One reason IKEA cabinets are inexpensive is their construction: most custom or semi-custom cabinets are crafted from solid wood, offering a sturdy, durable feel. In contrast, IKEA cabinets are made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is less durable and prone to swelling in humid environments—a significant drawback for kitchens.
The reality is that these cabinets may not hold up as well as solid wood ones. Many IKEA kitchen owners report that the paint chips easily, and signs of wear appear within just a year or two. As a result, you might need to replace your kitchen sooner than expected, making your 'affordable' IKEA kitchen far from economical in the long run.
Ultimately, an IKEA kitchen is a viable choice for those on a tight budget. With meticulous planning, some DIY effort, and proper maintenance, it can provide a stylish and functional upgrade to your home. However, it’s unlikely to be as inexpensive as you initially anticipate.
