• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

PSA: Kitchen cabinets

G

gregulator

Senior member
I just finished renovating our kitchen, and in the process of pricing cabinets I received some serious sticker shock. I went to all the usual suspects of big box stores, some local guys, and priced out doing custom ones myself, and what did we end up with???

IKEA!!!

I didn't even know they existed until I came across them on a random google search.

I am definitely impressed, and highly recommend them. After installing them, and seeing some "custom" installs at other houses, I don't think you could do better. And they were the cheapest option. They are certainly not as well built as some custom hardwood cabinets (that would be at least 10x in price), and you have to assemble them, but they boxes are definitely sturdy enough. And they look great depending on your style preference (lots of door and handle options). The other nice thing is that they have a free online design tool that makes design/layout pretty easy.

If you care where you products come from, most of the box frames/doors are made in the USA. Hardware (hinges, drawer pulls etc) is from Austria, Blum brand. I think the knobs etc were from India.

Just and FYI for other renovators because I had no idea...
 
IMO..
With Cabinets you get what you pay for..
I have solid oak cabinets. 3 hinges per door, soft close on eveything. They are build like tanks, and fell VERY sturdy...
These are stock cabinets though. If you go the custom route yes it gets crazy, but using stock size in an average kitchen seems like we spent around 8k or so?
 
I put in Ikea cabs 7 years ago. They are still in perfect shape. I also did Ikea butcherblock, not a warp, crack, split, or separation of any kind. I did upgrade to soft door closers last year, I think that they were $5 per pair 😛.

The initial unloading of the stuff was interesting. I believe there were 300+ boxes for a total of 2,500lbs.

EDIT: Oh yeah, at the time the cabs came up under $2,000.
 
Last edited:
jaha2000 said:
IMO..
With Cabinets you get what you pay for..
I have solid oak cabinets. 3 hinges per door, soft close on eveything. They are build like tanks, and fell VERY sturdy...
These are stock cabinets though. If you go the custom route yes it gets crazy, but using stock size in an average kitchen seems like we spent around 8k or so?
Click to expand...
From where?


The nearest IKEA is 2.5 hrs away. Hate to drive up there to "window shop."
 
iamwiz82 said:
I put in Ikea cabs 7 years ago. They are still in perfect shape. I also did Ikea butcherblock, not a warp, crack, split, or separation of any kind. I did upgrade to soft door closers last year, I think that they were $5 per pair 😛.

The initial unloading of the stuff was interesting. I believe there were 300+ boxes for a total of 2,500lbs.
Click to expand...
Just redid my kitchen with Ikea in December. Good to know they will hold up well. The backing on the wall cabs is cheesy, but does not really matter. The soft close is win. I went with stainless "4 legs no kick plates. And went with
11203_PE088472_S3.jpg
for between the Frig and range. Holds all my pots and pans and more easily. No soft close option though.

What I really like is that the kitchen is now modular. I can replace anything quickly and inexpensively as desired or needed. And assembly and installation was extremely simple. And if you decide you want a new look, just pop new doors and fronts on all the cabs.
 
i hate to say this. but the ikea stuff is crap and expensive. its not even cheap plywood. ikea cabinets feels like compressed paper. i do admit ikea stuff looks very modern and nice

i remodeled my whole house a year ago. the cheapest cabinets i got was from the chinese stores in south philly. made from plywood and feel so much more robust than those at ikea and home depot. all for about $1500
http://www.dablet.com/tests/DSC00005.JPG
http://www.dablet.com/tests/DSC00007.JPG
 
The nice thing about it not being plywood or hardwood is that it won't warp. Yes, the boxes are basically wood chips and glue wrapped in some thermoformed material (hence waterproof), and the doors are wrapped MDF.. but they are really the best materials to prevent warpage and shifting. You can seal the open ends to prevent any moisture egress.

And yes, the backs are cardboard BS, but who cares unless you have them exposed on an island.
 
I'm also pricing cabinets and would never consider cabinets made ply particle board and such. They look like shit and don't have a sturdy feel to them. Plus they succumb to water damage faster. I am replacing cabinets for a rental and have opted for all-plywood construction.
 
gregulator said:
The nice thing about it not being plywood or hardwood is that it won't warp. Yes, the boxes are basically wood chips and glue wrapped in some thermoformed material (hence waterproof), and the doors are wrapped MDF.. but they are really the best materials to prevent warpage and shifting. You can seal the open ends to prevent any moisture egress.

And yes, the backs are cardboard BS, but who cares unless you have them exposed on an island.
Click to expand...

Doors can (could?) be had in solid wood. Mine are birch
 
skyking said:
I am in the middle of a bathroom remodel, with kitchen next.
I am seriously considering these guys for doors. I can make cabinet faces, boxes, etc.
I can't build drawers and doors for these prices.
http://www.barkerdoor.com/default.asp
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link. This looks very close to the type of stuff we're getting from a well known local shop. Better and more expensive than IKEA but less than the big box HD/Lowe's. Going thru a complete tear out kitchen remodel right now and the cabinets alone is nearly half the cost of the job. But it'll look great.
 
We got ours cheaper than ikea, plywood with sold maple doors, cuahion hinges from mei kitchens in florida. Ship flat, assemble at home.
 
highland145 said:
Pompano Beach, FL?? I can't get there from here to visit the showroom.
Click to expand...

Me either. Ordered entirely online. Friends went with a different company that was cheaper bu MEI's line had a shaker style my wife liked with semi Custom cabinet options, so we got tall Angled Corner cabinets she wanted.
 
The Chinese look nice but the finish is very thin. Its sprayed on so it only sits on the surface.

So if you have kids or animals it will show. Also be careful as some of the boards can warp easy. Open the boxs a day before putting them together so they have time to acclimate to your house.
Ours look nice but will require touch ups if we sell the house.
 
V00DOO said:
To all those that DIY, did you need any special tools beside the usual power drill and basic tools?
Click to expand...

a table saw or a circular saw with a tack setup so you can rip plywood is pretty much a must

chop saws also come in very handy when doing angles

you can do most things with just those and drills
 
Anubis said:
a table saw or a circular saw with a tack setup so you can rip plywood is pretty much a must

chop saws also come in very handy when doing angles

you can do most things with just those and drills
Click to expand...


I think he meant when installing cabinets like these. If thats the case then you would not need any of those tools to install these RTA cabinets.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top