top of page

Cabinet Quality: IKEA vs Custom Cabinets

Writer's picture: Rob RRob R



When it comes to cabinetry, you may find yourself weighing the options between the convenience and affordability of IKEA and the craftsmanship of a local custom cabinet maker, like our friends at Detailed Works (https://detailedworks.ca/).  While IKEA has its appeal, there are many compelling reasons to choose a custom cabinet maker for your next renovation project. Here's why custom cabinets stand out.  


1. Unparalleled Craftsmanship

Custom cabinet maker’s take pride in creating cabinets that showcase exquisite craftsmanship. Each cabinet is built by skilled artisans who pay attention to every detail, ensuring a superior fit and finish. Unlike mass-produced IKEA cabinets, cabinet makers use quality materials and time-tested techniques to deliver a product that is both beautiful and durable.


2. Tailored to Your Needs

Custom cabinets from a cabinet maker are designed with your space, style, and storage needs in mind. Whether you’re dealing with an awkward corner, uneven walls, or simply want a unique design, a cabinet maker can create cabinets that perfectly fit your vision. IKEA’s modular cabinets, while versatile, often require compromises and have limited customization


3. Premium Materials

While IKEA cabinets often rely on particleboard and laminate, custom cabinet makers use high-quality materials like solid wood, high-end veneers, and durable hardware. These premium materials not only enhance the appearance of your cabinets but also ensure they stand the test of time, even in high-traffic areas.


4. Long-Term Value

Investing in custom cabinets provides long-term value. Unlike IKEA cabinets, which may need parts replaced after a few years, custom cabinets are built to last. Their durability and timeless design can even increase the resale value of your home, making them a wise investment.


5. Local Expertise and Service

By choosing a custom cabinet maker, you’re supporting a local Mississauga business that understands the unique needs of Canadian homes. Their personalized service ensures that you’ll have a seamless experience from design consultation to installation. IKEA, on the other hand, often leaves customers to navigate the assembly and installation process on their own, which can be overwhelming and frustrating. For example, a custom cabinet maker will typically have the cabinet box, also called a carcass, preassembled for the installer. This not only creates a more durable cabinet because it is prebuilt at the factory with both screws and glue, but saves on install time, which means more labour savings for the customer.  


Conclusion

While IKEA cabinets may be a convenient option for some, a custom cabinet maker offers a level of quality, personalization, and craftsmanship that is simply unmatched. Although some customers are drawn towards IKEA cabinets because of the low entry cost, custom cabinetry does not need to break the bank. You can find a quality crafted kitchen for typically only 20-40% more than what an IKEA kitchen would cost. If you are in need of a kitchen for a rental unit, IKEA may be a cost effective solution, just realize it may not last as long, and may break down sooner rather than later. However if you’d like something that is going to last 25+ years, it may be worth it to spend a bit more upfront on a quality materials from a cabinet maker. We breakdown some of the material differences below. 


Material Differences: IKEA vs. A Custom Cabinet Maker

IKEA Cabinets:

  • Primary Material:

    • Particleboard with a laminate or melamine finish.

  • Cabinet Box Construction:

    • Made from 1/2" or 5/8" thick particleboard, which may not hold up well under heavy loads over time.

  • Doors and Fronts:

    • MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) coated with a melamine, foil, or high-gloss acrylic finish.

  • Edges:

    • Often finished with glued-on edge banding, which can peel with wear.

  • Hardware:

    • European-style hinges and drawer slides (mostly average quality but reliable brands like Blum are used for some components).

  • Back Panels:

    • Thin, often 1/8", and secured using nails or slots—less durable overall.

  • Shelf Material:

    • Particleboard or MDF, more prone to sagging with heavy items.

  • Moisture Resistance:

    • Low resistance to water damage. Swelling can occur if water penetrates the laminate or exposed edges.


Custom Cabinet Maker:

  • Primary Material:

    • Plywood or solid wood, typically 3/4" thick for cabinet boxes, ensuring superior strength and longevity.

  • Cabinet Box Construction:

    • Plywood boxes with edge banding or veneering to create a sturdy and refined appearance.

  • Doors and Fronts:

    • Solid wood or high-end veneered panels with various finish options (stained, painted, clear-coated, etc.).

  • Edges:

    • Professionally finished edges, often without glued-on banding to avoid peeling issues.

  • Hardware:

    • Premium hinges, drawer slides, and pull-outs from top-quality brands like Blum or Grass (soft-close is standard).

  • Back Panels:

    • Fully enclosed, thicker back panels (e.g., 1/4" to 1/2") secured with screws or dado joints for structural integrity.

  • Shelf Material:

    • 3/4" plywood, minimizing sagging under heavy loads.

  • Moisture Resistance:

    • High resistance due to the use of plywood and protective finishes, making cabinets more suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.



13 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

תגובות


bottom of page