The price of Ikea kitchen cabinets, appliances, and installation can range widely, often starting around \$3,000 for a very small, basic setup and easily exceeding \$25,000 for a large, fully customized kitchen.
Deciding on a new kitchen is exciting. But the big question is always about money. How much will this cost? If you are looking at Ikea, you are aiming for style without breaking the bank. Ikea offers great designs at low prices. However, the final Ikea kitchen cost depends on many things. This guide will help you figure out your Ikea kitchen remodeling budget. We will break down the real costs involved.
Factoring In the Price of an Ikea Kitchen
The total Ikea kitchen cost is not just the price tag on the boxes. You must think about cabinets, countertops, hardware, appliances, and labor. Ikea is known for being budget-friendly. They offer affordable kitchen cabinets Ikea shoppers love. But beware of hidden expenses.
Cabinetry: The Core Expense
The main cost driver is the cabinets themselves. Ikea uses a modular system. You buy base cabinets, wall cabinets, and tall units separately.
Ikea Kitchen Unit Prices Breakdown
Ikea kitchen unit prices change based on the door style and finish you pick. Simple white, flat-panel doors cost less than high-gloss or wood-effect doors.
Here is a look at typical cabinet box and door costs (prices are estimates and can change):
| Cabinet Type | Estimated Price Range (Box + Door) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Base Cabinet (15″) | \$100 – \$180 | For fillers or small storage spots. |
| Standard Base Cabinet (24″ or 30″) | \$180 – \$350 | The most common sizes used. |
| Drawer Unit (3 drawers) | \$280 – \$500 | Drawers cost more than simple shelves. |
| Wall Cabinet (Shallow) | \$90 – \$160 | Good for light items above the counter. |
| Tall Pantry Unit | \$450 – \$700 | Offers maximum storage space. |
Remember, these prices only cover the box and the door. You need interior fittings.
The Role of Interior Fittings and Drawers
Ikea’s strength is its internal hardware. Things like MAXIMERA drawers and UTRUSTA pull-outs make life easy. But they add up quickly.
- Shelves vs. Drawers: A simple shelved cabinet might cost \$200. The same cabinet fitted with two high-quality, full-extension drawers can cost \$450 or more.
- Hardware: Hinges, drawer slides, and organizers are essential. Budget about 15% to 25% of your total cabinet cost just for these extras.
Deciphering the Average Cost of Ikea Kitchen
What is the average cost of Ikea kitchen setups for typical homes? This depends on the size of the kitchen. We look at small, medium, and large layouts.
Small Kitchen Budget Estimate (L-shape, 10-12 cabinets)
A small apartment or galley kitchen might need 8 to 12 cabinets total.
- Cabinets and Doors: \$2,500 – \$4,500
- Sinks and Faucets: \$400 – \$800
- Appliances (Basic): \$2,000 – \$4,000
- Countertops (Laminate): \$800 – \$1,500
- Total (DIY Installation): \$5,700 – \$10,800
Medium Kitchen Budget Estimate (U-shape, 15-20 cabinets)
This size fits most standard suburban homes. It includes more upper and lower cabinets.
- Cabinets and Doors: \$4,500 – \$8,000
- Sinks and Faucets: \$700 – \$1,500
- Appliances (Mid-Range): \$4,000 – \$7,000
- Countertops (Quartz/Mid-Grade Stone): \$2,500 – \$4,500
- Total (DIY Installation): \$11,700 – \$21,000
Large Kitchen Budget Estimate (Island, 25+ cabinets)
Large kitchens with islands and many specialty units require significant investment.
- Cabinets and Doors: \$8,000 – \$15,000+
- Sinks and Faucets: \$1,000 – \$2,500
- Appliances (High-End): \$7,000 – \$12,000
- Countertops (Full Stone/Custom): \$5,000 – \$10,000+
- Total (DIY Installation): \$21,000 – \$39,500+
These figures serve as a baseline before adding labor costs.
Custom Ikea Kitchen Cost: Going Beyond Stock
Many people want a look that seems higher-end than standard Ikea. This leads to the custom Ikea kitchen cost. This usually involves using third-party companies that specialize in customizing Ikea frames.
Fathom the Customization Options
Third-party companies offer specialized products that fit right onto Ikea frames. This is often called “Ikea hacking.”
- Custom Doors and Drawer Fronts: Companies like Semihandle, Faktum, or Noah provide custom-made doors in wood, unique colors, or profiles. These doors cost significantly more than Ikea’s own options.
- Specialized Countertops: Using real marble, thick butcher block, or high-end quartz requires professional templating and installation.
- Legs and Toe Kicks: Swapping standard Ikea toe kicks for metal legs or custom wood bases dramatically changes the look and adds cost.
If you use custom fronts, expect the cabinet portion of your budget to rise by 50% to 150%. For example, a medium kitchen costing \$6,000 in standard Ikea fronts might cost \$10,000 to \$15,000 with custom doors and trim pieces.
How Much Does An Ikea Kitchen Cost Installed? Labor Expenses
One major factor affecting the Ikea kitchen cost installed is labor. Ikea cabinets are designed for DIY assembly, but installation is where most homeowners hire help.
Interpreting Ikea Kitchen Installation Cost
Ikea kitchen installation cost varies greatly by region and complexity. Installing Ikea cabinets requires specific skills, such as leveling and securing the suspension rail perfectly.
Factors Affecting Installation Labor:
- Region: Labor rates in major cities are much higher than in rural areas.
- Cabinet Type: Installing standard wall and base units is faster than installing tall pantry units or specialized corner carousels.
- Countertop Installation: This is often a separate trade. Stone countertop installers charge based on square footage and complexity (cutouts for sinks, cooktops).
- Plumbing and Electrical: Moving existing plumbing lines or adding new electrical outlets will increase the Ikea kitchen remodeling budget significantly.
Labor Cost Estimates (for Medium Kitchen – 15-20 units):
| Service | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Assembly & Hanging | \$1,500 – \$3,500 | Based on 2-4 days of work. |
| Sink and Faucet Hookup | \$400 – \$800 | Standard hookup to existing rough-ins. |
| Backsplash Installation | \$500 – \$1,500 | Depends on material (tile vs. slab). |
| Countertop Templating & Install | \$1,800 – \$4,000 | Varies heavily based on stone choice. |
| Total Estimated Installation Labor | \$4,200 – \$9,800+ | This excludes demolition and site prep. |
When budgeting, always ask installers if they charge by the hour or by the unit/project. For Ikea, project pricing is common.
Appliances: A Major Swing in the Budget
Appliances can make or break your Ikea kitchen cost. Ikea sells its own brand (often rebranded Whirlpool or Electrolux) as well as compatible models from other manufacturers.
Appliance Budget Scenarios
You have three main choices when selecting appliances:
- Ikea Budget Appliances (e.g., LAGAN, HUVUD): These are the most economical. They look basic but function well. Expect to spend \$1,800 – \$3,000 for a full suite (fridge, range, dishwasher, microwave).
- Ikea Mid-Range Appliances (e.g., ANVÄNDBAR, KULINARISK): These feature better finishes, soft-close doors, and more features. This range usually costs \$3,500 – \$6,000.
- Non-Ikea Premium Appliances: If you want specific features or brands (like Thermador or high-end Bosch), you must ensure they fit the standard Ikea cutouts (usually 24″ or 30″ wide). Premium suites can easily cost \$8,000 to \$15,000+.
Countertops: The Surface Decision
Countertops provide the most visible difference between a budget Ikea kitchen and a high-end one.
Fathoming Countertop Materials and Cost
| Material | Durability | Estimated Installed Cost Per Square Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate (Ikea Standard) | Low to Medium | \$15 – \$40 | Most affordable kitchen cabinets Ikea pairs use this. |
| Butcher Block (Ikea/Local) | Medium (Requires Sealing) | \$30 – \$65 | Great natural look, high maintenance. |
| Quartz (Engineered Stone) | High | \$60 – \$120 | Very popular, durable, non-porous. |
| Granite (Natural Stone) | High | \$50 – \$100 | Requires sealing; unique patterns. |
| Solid Surface (Corian type) | Medium | \$55 – \$90 | Seamless look possible. |
If your kitchen layout is standard, you might be able to use Ikea’s pre-cut laminate countertops to save money. For stone, you must pay a fabricator to measure, cut, and install. This adds significant labor costs.
Utilizing the Ikea Kitchen Planner Cost Estimate
Ikea provides excellent tools for planning your kitchen. The Ikea kitchen planner cost estimate feature is your first real look at itemized costs.
How the Planner Works
The online planner lets you place every cabinet, drawer, door, and accessory. Once finished, the planner generates a bill of materials. This bill shows the retail price of every component you selected.
- Pros: It is highly accurate for the material cost. You can instantly see how swapping a drawer for a shelf affects the total.
- Cons: It does not include sales tax, delivery fees, or installation costs. It also doesn’t account for custom third-party components.
Always take your planner estimate and add a buffer (at least 15%) for unexpected small parts, delivery fees, and taxes to get a clearer picture of your final materials budget.
Budgeting for Small Details: Hardware and Lighting
Don’t overlook the small things. These details significantly impact the final look and the overall Ikea kitchen cost.
Hardware and Accessories
Ikea sells handles and knobs cheaply. If you select premium hardware from specialty stores, expect to pay \$5 to \$25 per handle instead of Ikea’s \$1 to \$5 knobs.
- Handles/Knobs: For a 20-cabinet kitchen, 20 handles plus 10 drawer pulls can add \$200 to \$1,000 to the budget if you choose high-end options.
- Lighting: Under-cabinet lighting is crucial. Ikea’s LED strip systems are affordable (\$50-\$100 per section). Professional electricians charging for installation will add labor fees here.
Delivery and Pickup Fees
If you order online, Ikea charges a delivery fee based on the size of your order. If you plan to self-haul, ensure your vehicle is large enough for the flat-packed boxes. A large kitchen order can involve 20+ boxes.
Minimizing Your Ikea Kitchen Cost
If keeping costs low is your top priority, you need to be strategic about where you save money.
Key Strategies for an Affordable Kitchen Cabinets Ikea Project
- Stick to Basic Doors: Choose the cheapest door style (often matte white or simple grey). The most expensive part of the look is often the door front.
- Maximize Shelves, Minimize Drawers: Drawers are incredibly functional but costly. Use a few good drawers where you need them most (like for pots) and use standard shelves everywhere else.
- DIY Installation: If you are handy, installing the cabinets yourself saves thousands on labor. Be warned: installing stone countertops yourself is highly risky.
- Use Laminate or DIY Countertops: Laminate is tough to beat on price. If you are skilled, build your own thick wood countertop instead of buying pre-fabricated stone.
- Buy Used Appliances: Check local marketplaces for gently used, high-quality appliances that fit standard Ikea cutout sizes.
Custom Ikea Kitchen Cost vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry
It is essential to compare the custom Ikea kitchen cost against buying cabinets directly from a local custom cabinet maker.
Often, a fully custom kitchen in a mid-grade wood veneer starts at \$18,000 for materials alone (for a medium kitchen). An Ikea kitchen using high-end custom fronts and decent stone countertops might land near \$15,000 to \$20,000.
Ikea often wins when aiming for modern, minimalist European styles or when the budget is very tight. Local custom shops win if you need very specific, non-standard dimensions or rare wood species.
Calculating Your Ikea Kitchen Remodeling Budget: A Checklist
To accurately determine how much does an Ikea kitchen cost installed, use this final checklist. Estimate low, medium, and high for each category.
| Category | Low Estimate | Medium Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets, Doors, Hardware | \$4,000 | \$7,000 | \$12,000 |
| Sink, Faucet, Disposal | \$300 | \$700 | \$1,500 |
| Appliances (Full Suite) | \$2,000 | \$5,000 | \$10,000 |
| Countertops (Material Only) | \$800 | \$3,000 | \$6,000 |
| Materials Subtotal | \$7,100 | \$15,700 | \$29,500 |
| Installation Labor (Cabinets/Install) | \$2,500 | \$5,500 | \$9,000 |
| Plumbing/Electrical Labor | \$500 | \$1,500 | \$3,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | \$10,100 | \$22,700 | \$41,500 |
This range covers everything from a basic small kitchen installed by a handy friend to a large, professionally installed kitchen with quality stone tops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use my existing appliances with Ikea cabinets?
Yes, you can. Ikea cabinets are built around standard North American and European appliance sizes (e.g., 24-inch dishwashers, 30-inch ranges). You just need to ensure the dimensions match what the Ikea cabinet box is designed to hold.
Does Ikea offer kitchen installation services?
Ikea partners with local, independent installers. They will provide quotes for assembly and installation when you purchase your kitchen plan. This ensures the work is guaranteed, but it may be more expensive than hiring your own local contractor.
How long does it take to install an Ikea kitchen?
For a medium-sized kitchen handled by professional installers, the physical assembly and installation of cabinets and countertops usually take 3 to 7 days. Final plumbing and electrical hookups might add another 1-2 days.
What is the main difference between Ikea and custom cabinets?
The main difference is flexibility and price. Ikea offers standard dimensions and finishes at a low price. Custom cabinets are built to exact, non-standard sizes for a higher price, offering far more finish options.
How accurate is the Ikea kitchen planner cost estimate?
The planner cost estimate is very accurate for the materials listed in the plan (cabinets, doors, hinges). It usually excludes sales tax, delivery fees, and any professional labor costs.