Consumers were awaiting the opening of IKEA store near Park Meadows Mall in Centennial, Colorado. Some Kitchen and Bath retailers are not enthusiastic. Now that it is open, let’s educate ourselves on what IKEA offers and why the “prices” appear so attractive to consumers.
First and foremost, consumers are not prepared for the “RTA” – Ready to Assemble – format that is IKEA’s model for keeping prices low. The buyer may be able to purchase the kitchen cabinets at what seems to be a real bargain – around $4,000 for a 10’ x 10’ kitchen. This ‘model’ is used by big box stores to provide the consumer a means for comparison. Some of the recent television advertisements by IKEA have boasted “complete kitchens for $3,900.00”. The small print states cabinetry only.
You need to consider the cost of assembling the cabinet units. Most contractors will charge by the piece. It takes roughly 1 ½ hours to assemble one cabinet box for wall and base units. A minimum of 2 hours for tall pantry type cabinet boxes is typical. The contractor will use laborers to construct the boxes with a finish carpenter to oversee the work. This would equate to roughly $105.00 per cabinet to assemble with an efficient crew. With an average of 13 cabinets in the 10’ x 10’ kitchen, this amounts to $1,365.00 just in assembly cost.
The DIY consumer will take roughly 33% more time to construct the cabinet boxes. This will mean that you will need approximately 30+ hours of the DIY individual assembly time.
Now compare what you are actually buying with other manufacturers:
Construction:
IKEA cabinets are constructed using the metric system. This relates to approximately ½” thick particle board for the top, bottom and sides with the backs being layered paper of roughly 1/8” thick. Visible sides and edges are coated with a very thin layer of melamine paper with a photographic representation of the wood or color used for the door. Some Doors and Drawers are constructed of wood. Some are made using MDF with a paint finish or a ‘Thermofoil’ finish (a plastic that under heat and pressure, molds to the door details). Thermofoil finishes also use a photographic image for simulating wood grains. Door and Drawer fronts range in thickness from ½” up to ¾”, with the ½” being the norm.
There are too many brands on the market to point to one as representative of comparing to IKEA. However, before the purchase, compare products – especially quality – being offered by Kitchen Dealer Showrooms. If cost is your driver, tell the kitchen dealer upfront so you can compare products that are approximately equal.
Be an informed Consumer! Be a Smart Kitchen Specialist!
Michael Luzier, CKD
Luzier LLC – manufacturer representative and designer
Current Rocky Mountain Chapter of NKBA VP of Government Relations
