Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you based?
Our workshop and showroom (by appointment only) are based at Here East in East London. Book an appointment to visit our showroom and explore the materials, handles and worktops that we offer.
Order lead time?
Our standard lead time is around 4-6 weeks to manufacture and deliver. Please check the current lead time with the team, as it can vary at busy times and depending on location.
How much does it cost?
Our fronts and worktops are made to order which means we don't have a price list of individual items. Cost examples for kitchens can be found here and wardrobes here but the best way to get an accurate price is to simply send us your design and we'll pull a quote together.
Do you make fronts for other carcass suppliers or custom sizes?
We only make fronts for IKEA's Metod system of kitchen cabinets. If you have a tricky space to fill and need a non-standard sized door we can accommodate a custom size, when ordered alongside a standard order.
Where are your products available / where do you ship?
We currently ship throughout the UK from our East London workshop and across the USA from our workshop in San Francisco.
Do you ship to Europe?
Following Brexit, we are sad to say that we have taken the decision to stop servicing our EU customers for the foreseeable future.
Do your fronts come pre-drilled for IKEA hinges?
Yes – our standard fronts have the same hinge cups and fixing holes as IKEA’s, making installation easy. Custom-sized and top-hung doors are not pre-drilled. Top-hung hinges vary in placement, for which IKEA provides a drilling template to guide your fitter.
How durable are the wood veneered fronts?
We use formaldehyde-free, crack-resistant lacquers with high light fastness to delay yellowing over time. The finish creates a water-resistant barrier while preserving the wood’s natural appearance. Walnut and sapele are treated with a UV-protective lacquer in a 10% matt sheen to enhance grain and colour. All other veneers are finished with a matt acrylic lacquer in a 5% sheen to retain their natural tone.
What do you use as the core of your fronts?
Every front, panel, and countertop is built on a solid birch plywood core — no cheap MDF, no chipboard, ever.
Do you use FSC timber?
Yes, our timber is sourced from an FSC-certified supplier.
Do you make fronts for the Pax wardrobe system?
Yes, we also make fronts for both the IKEA Pax and Platsa storage systems. More information can be found here.
Do you supply painted fronts?
No. We only supply fronts in natural wood faced plywood and Formica or Fenix faced plywood.
Do you offer edge-banding?
As standard all items have the beautiful plywood edges exposed. If you prefer the edge to be hidden, we also offer edge-banded cover panels.
Do you make fronts for the older IKEA Faktum base cabinets?
We only make fronts for the newer IKEA Metod system. You can check which system you have using this guide on the IKEA website.
Can I just order a worktop?
Yes, you can order a worktop for delivery within London or collection from our workshop in East London. When delivery is outside of London, we only provide worktops as part of a full kitchen order. From experience, the cost of delivery for just worktops to other parts of the UK proves too expensive.
Will the wood veneer samples match the final product exactly?
Not exactly. The grain and tone of real wood veneer vary naturally – and that’s part of what makes it so beautiful. While samples offer a good indication of finish and colour, they won’t be an exact match. Variation in grain is to be expected both between the sample and your finished kitchen, and even within a single kitchen that uses more than one sheet of veneer.
For the same reason, images on our website may not perfectly reflect the wood veneer samples, as natural variation is an inherent quality of the material.
Do you use laminate suppliers other than Formica, Arpa Bloom and Fenix?
Yes, but it depends if our material supplier has access to them. It’s best to contact us to check if you have a specific laminate in mind.
Can I delay my order?
If your building schedule changes and you need to delay, we can store your order for up to 1 week only.
What can I use to clean my fronts?
We recommend simply wiping them with a damp cloth and some warm soapy water. Bleach and abrasive cleaners should be avoided.
Can I change my order once it's placed?
We understand that design and construction changes often happen, even after an order is placed. We’ll accommodate revision requests up to 1 week after payment. Minor changes (e.g. handle or hinge positions) are free of charge. If material usage or order value increases, we’ll invoice the difference. If your changes reduce the order size, we can’t offer partial refunds once materials have been ordered.
After 1 week, changes are subject to a £100 +VAT Change Request Fee, payable before production begins or resumes. We aim to meet original delivery dates, but late changes may delay your order.
Do you offer an installation service?
We are supply only and do not offer installation. Each of our component parts is discretely engraved on the reverse with its own unique number, matching the Ikea plan and our 2D visual and packing list, making installation easy.
We have a short list of fitters recommended by our customers, please ask us for more information.
Returns Policy
All goods purchased from Plykea Ltd are made to order. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a refund if you change your mind. You can view our full returns policy here.
