Ikea kitchen, different cabinet front. Anyone done this?

[Stripeystripes]

Thinking about getting one, but different (non-Ikea) cabinets made and maybe different worktops too as I didn't love the ones in the store. Anyone done this? Or is that an expensive way of doing things?

Or are other kitchens better?

Begs the question - why buy from ikea if you don't like the cabinets and work tops?

Yes. It's very common now. Much cheaper than a fully bespoke kitchen from a carpenter but gives a very bespoke look as you get the materials and design you want. Ikea have many options and very cheap and transparent pricing . I did it:

Definitely always get worktops from a different supplier - much more choice and cheaper to deal with the stone yards and fabricators directly.

We're going to have to do this at some point. Very disappointed with IKEA cabinet fronts - we've only had the kitchen a couple of years but not wearing well so far.

Love the insides of them though.

Lovely kitchen Dynevoran.

Ikea cabinets here, with ply/formica drawer fronts and silestone worktop.

Why bother with IKEA? I wanted the flexibility and versatility and the interior fittings.

It cost a lot more than a bog standard IKEA kitchen but considerably less than a bespoke one

Lovely Eagle Ray.

The other thing I don't like about my IKEA kitchen (issues with the cupboard fronts) is the bit at the very bottom, where the unit meets the flooring. We have large spaces there and I dread to think what's living under there. Is yours like that?

No I've got plinths underneath - dread to think what it would be like otherwise!

A few other interesting features of my kitchen: absolutely no cupboards anywhere (apart from the unavoidable one under the sink) - instead everything is drawers, no tiles and no wall units

Plinths...that's the word. Do you have IKEA plinths or others? My IKEA plinths seem cheap. Where did you get your kitchen fronts. I love plywood.

I actually have a drawer under my sink. Pull out and keep all the bins in there. The front of it is being spoiled by water (one of my complaints about IKEA cupboard fronts)

We've had plinths for our IKEA kitchens.
Using IKEA cupboards and work tops from elsewhere is a commonly recommended tip on MN. I can't see why using other cupboard fronts is any different,

Beautiful kitchen dynvoran - you have my dream parquet floors! I think the drawers and fitted aspect of Ikea kitchens are very nifty. Just wanted my own cabinet fronts and worktop.

eagleray - so gorgeous!! Wow. Yes I feel the same as you and is why I'd like to also do it.

Did you find it easy to find a good carpenter to make the cabinets?

Eagle Ray love yours too! Plywood and Formica rule. I actually find Ikea better internally than anyone else except the super expensive ones. There are lots of small companies making them like plykea and bespokea. I used a carpenter who works in ply and we designed the handles together. If you're in London I can give you his details.

dynevoran I am! Yes please! I will DM you!

Sorry this is just a quick post but more info on how my kitchen was built here

Beautiful kitchens. I'd be delighted with any of them.

EagleRay - I love plywood; your kitchen is beautiful, but please tell me practicalities. I keep imagining that you break all your nails on the non-handles opening the cupboards.

Lovely kitchens dyn and eagle!

We're considering doing this as well. Did you need to reinforce the cabinets to put a stone worktop on?

Custom Fronts do exactly this - and have some gorgeous photos in their gallery.

The drawers are fine - possibly slightly harder to get a grip on than conventional handles but not too bad, and best of all my curious 15mo can't open them!! I hate cupboard handles and got really stressed trying to choose some when I was originally going for standard IKEA fronts then saw the ply recesses and was in love.

I was heavily pregnant during the project and a lot of conventional ideas went out of the window due to my state of mind - it was quite liberating!

No reinforcement was needed for the worktops. I originally wanted polished concrete but even I could see that this was bonkers so the similarly coloured composite was a compromise and I love it even though it cost as much as the kitchen itself

Oh dear, I want concrete worktops! Is it really bonkers to consider it?

Also really want concrete worktops! Eek!

Custom Fronts is lovely!!

Following

@EagleRay - this is an old post but I'd love to know how you are getting on with your beautiful Plykea kitchen. Did you go for Formica or Fenix? And how has it fared over the last 18 months? We're replacing an 18 year old kitchen later this year - granite worktop has been great, but I'd like a change. Would really appreciate your thoughts! thanks...

@wheezyj it's actually been in situ for nearly 3 years now and still looking great! It's Formica fronts and the whole kitchen design is a bit unusual in that it's almost entirely wide base units with drawers - no wall units, tiles or even splash backs! It's still v functional though.

I've got loads more info and resources if you want them - just drop me a PM 😊

Oooh this has inspired me to do the same but with Pax. Anyone know if Plykea or similar do pax doors as well? (I know I could just google...)