Should I Buy an IKEA Kitchen? Yes!

What Are the Benefits of an IKEA Kitchen?

• IKEA Metod kitchen cabinets are an affordable and flexible solution that pair perfectly with Plykea products. Built from melamine-coated particleboard — a strong, durable material — IKEA’s cabinets offer exceptional value and peace of mind with a free 25-year guarantee.

• Their appliances come with a 5-year guarantee (2 years for the LAGAN and TILLREDA ranges), which is more generous than most brands. Appliances are manufactured by AEG or Whirlpool, so quality and compatibility are assured.

• Hardware that performs – IKEA’s hinges are made by Blum, a top-tier Austrian hardware company renowned for precision and longevity. Designed for smooth, reliable operation, these hinges also come with a 25-year warranty, ensuring durability and confidence in every installation.

• The modular Metod system offers endless configuration possibilities, allowing you to design a kitchen that fits your space and lifestyle perfectly. And thanks to IKEA’s consistent product range, you can easily add to or modify your kitchen in years to come.

• For the design-savvy DIYers: IKEA makes “hacking” easy. For example, you can repurpose a run of 40 or 60cm-high Metod top cabinets (normally used above fridges) as base cabinets with Maximera drawers — a clever way to create affordable banquette seating.

Is an IKEA Kitchen a Good Idea?

Absolutely. For most people, an IKEA kitchen strikes the perfect balance of cost-effectiveness, practicality, and style.

A beautifully designed kitchen isn’t just about looks — it’s about creating a space that works seamlessly for your lifestyle. With Plykea x IKEA, you can enjoy the craftsmanship and warmth of plywood design combined with IKEA’s smart storage and ergonomic planning.

Transform your IKEA Metod base into something extraordinary with Plykea’s bespoke plywood fronts and worktops. Choosing from over 240 colours and finishes, your kitchen can be truly one-of-a-kind.

Plykea also offers:

• Multiple handle options
• Custom-sized doors (e.g., to extend units to ceiling height)
• Bespoke extras like plywood pantry units and Ürtil modular shelving

All of this combines to create a bespoke aesthetic — without the bespoke price tag.

What Does IKEA Do Well?

IKEA’s reputation for smart, affordable design is well deserved. Their kitchens are:

• Functional and flexible — cabinets can be reconfigured and shelves adjusted even after fitting.

• Packed with smart storage — think carousels, pull-out larders, internal drawers, and wire baskets that turn chaos into calm.

• User-friendly — soft-close hinges, adjustable legs, and clever accessories like the VÅGLIG drawer connector, which allows you to add drawer fronts to the dishwasher, creating an uninterrupted, seamless run of drawers across your kitchen.

• Accessible — you can plan your own kitchen using their online tools or book a free design appointment in-store or online. IKEA’s team are experts at problem-solving without compromising design aesthetics.

Are There Any Limitations to an IKEA Kitchen?

Like any modular system, IKEA kitchens have a few limitations — but they’re easy to overcome.

• Cabinet sizes come in set widths (20, 30, 40, 60, or 80cm). But these can be adapted by your fitter, and Plykea can make custom doors to suit modified or non-standard units.

• Some builders may dislike flat-pack kitchens, but they’re actually more sustainable than pre-built options — using less packaging, less transport space, and producing a lower carbon footprint.

• IKEA’s tall units include pull-out larders, but not pantries with drawers beneath. That’s where Plykea pantries come in — made from plywood, available in 600mm to 1200mm widths, and designed to sit on top of IKEA base units for the perfect blend of style and storage. Use a laminate in the base of the unit, and the pantry can double as a convenient coffee or appliance station that can be neatly tucked away when not in use.

• Material quality — while particleboard isn’t as durable as plywood or solid wood, IKEA’s 25-year guarantee ensures it will stand the test of time.

• IKEA cabinets don’t include a rear service void for plumbing or wiring. However, your fitter can set the cabinets slightly off the wall to allow pipes and cables to run behind. At Plykea, we make our worktops and cover panels slightly deeper to neatly conceal this gap. The advantage of IKEA’s no-void construction is that you benefit from the full 370 / 590mm interior depth of the base cabinet. Many other kitchen systems (such as Howdens) include a built-in service void, with the downside that it reduces internal storage capacity.

Are There Any Items You Shouldn’t Source from IKEA?

While IKEA’s foundations are excellent, a few elements are worth sourcing elsewhere for quality or design reasons:

• Bins: A 800mm high bin drawer can feel a bit wobbly or prone to flexing, as it’s only secured at the base. We recommend Binopolis or Häfele alternatives for a sturdier solution.

• Handles: IKEA’s range is basic. Upgrading to premium handles instantly elevates the space.

• Fronts: IKEA’s finishes are limited compared to fully bespoke options, but combining them with Plykea’s fronts gives you the best of both worlds. Our fronts have the same hinge cups and fixing holes as IKEA’s, making the installation a piece of cake!

• Sinks & taps: IKEA’s options are solid, but brands like Franke and Blanco sinks, or Quooker boiling taps offer more design options, plus better performance and durability.

Why IKEA x Plykea Just Works

An IKEA kitchen provides a strong, affordable foundation for your dream space. With clever planning, thoughtful upgrades, and the addition of Plykea’s beautifully crafted plywood elements, you can create a kitchen that’s both functional and full of character — a perfect blend of Scandinavian simplicity and bespoke design.