What’s The Actual Cost of an IKEA Kitchen Remodel?

Ok, so you’ve just started on your kitchen remodel, and yes, besties, we’re screaming with excitement too, but there’s a big problem: you just got a quote back for cabinetry alone, and you realize it’s way more than you budgeted for.

We’ve all been there. Budget is always a topic of conversation, no matter how big or small your design project is. How you spend your hard-earned money is your choice, and you should be comfortable and happy with how you spend it.

Now, back to the topic of kitchen remodels. Of course, we all want a dreamy kitchen with a huge island and the integrated dishwasher of everyone’s practical dreams. Still, it can sometimes feel like these surprise costs jump out of nowhere.

We’re here to let you in on a little design secret… psst, it’s got to do with IKEA. If you’re a hardcore IKEA fan, you might have noticed in Project Bonview we took full advantage of the IKEA cabinetry, and you would never even have known. Of course, although IKEA is technically a budget option for a kitchen remodel, there are so many other pros that we’re huge fans of! This article has every pro and con of using IKEA in your kitchen remodel and a general pricing guide to help you along the way.

Pros of an IKEA kitchen

We’ve got to start with the good stuff, right?! Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we are all for high-end cabinetmakers and independent producers; we know how incredibly hard they work at their craft. But for the price point of IKEA, it’s about the value you can get on a budget.

Customize until your heart’s content

With any IKEA kitchen cabinets, you can completely customize everything. Even without going custom, IKEA offers the widest variety of cabinet sizes (from 2–5 drawers to full-height pantries).

Functional and stylish

It’s easy to design a kitchen that will be truly functional and stylish. You can choose to go with the IKEA door and drawer fronts or select another company like Semihandmade that makes custom door and drawer fronts.

When working with clients, everyone has their own style, and it’s our job to find what makes them love their dream kitchen. As IKEA is so customizable, we’re here to be that support and give you the best recommendations of styles we know you’ll love.

Organizers

IKEA cabinetry is the bee’s knees of customization. But even better, they also do a fantastic job providing the most incredible drawer dividers, organizers, and sets. So while it is an additional cost, it’s a great way to use your space effectively and stay organized like those Pinterest photos we can’t get enough of.

Insider tip

If you’ve fallen in love with door handles or even a paint color, guess what… you can have it all! When you use the IKEA systems, almost everything is interchangeable. So you can choose the more affordable cabinet and pair it with a luxe handle. No one will ever know the difference!

Price point

Budget, budget, budget. As we mentioned earlier, it’s something we talk about all the time. In a kitchen remodel, cabinets alone make up around 25% of the budget, give or take. That’s a quarter of what you get to spend, so if you can cut that cost in half, why wouldn’t you?

Within the range of cabinetry offered at IKEA, there are also varying price points, so if you need a quick fix, like “I just need to get rid of these awful yellow-stained cabinets,” you can get it.

Shorter wait times

With cabinetry, appliances, and even door handles, your usual lead time is 10+ weeks. When you work with us, we can give you average lead times during your consultation, so that you can plan and organize along the way. But if you buy your cabinetry through IKEA, you can often pick it up the same day you decide on it.

Insider tip

Although IKEA is fabulous for a quick turnaround, we highly recommend avoiding DIY. While we love a good DIY, unless you know all the tools of the trade, we recommend handing your flat packs to experienced tradespeople who will get your kitchen fitted out in no time! IKEA also provides an installation service. However, it will not help with demolition, electrical, or other work that must be completed.

Warranties

We know this isn’t the first thing that jumps to mind when looking at a kitchen remodel, but it’s the practical side we always consider, and you should too. You wouldn’t believe it, but IKEA has warranties that go from 5 years up to 25 years! Learn more about what their warranties cover.

Cons of an IKEA kitchen

Okay, we get it. We’ve rambled and told you about everything we love about IKEA. But what are we not a fan of?

1. We do not recommend IKEA appliances, sinks, or faucets. These items are not worth the price, as you will have to re-purchase sooner rather than later.
2. The cabinet boxes are made of particleboard, so if they get soaked by a leak, they usually need to be replaced.
3. If you are putting them together yourself, like anything IKEA, you need a bit of patience and time.

How a designer makes IKEA look custom

You really didn’t think we’d let you choose your kitchen all on your own, did you? We’re here to work with you, guide you, and make professional recommendations. Trust us; we’ve got some ideas you haven’t even thought of yet.

ASR Design Studio has done many projects, so we’ve devised ways to avoid potential bumps before you get there. We pair our expertise with your budget-friendly selections, and voilà, you’ll have the kitchen of your dreams.

IKEA kitchen remodel cost: a rough price guide

Alright, we’ve made our case and listed the pros and cons. Here’s the skinny on the actual cost of an IKEA kitchen remodel. These prices are a general guide, last reviewed in October 2026, and San Diego labor and material costs tend to run higher than national averages. When you work with us, we give you a full breakdown of all the expenses.

Cabinetry

IKEA’s own 10’ x 10’ kitchen price guide puts cabinets, fronts, drawers, hinges and panels at roughly $1,900 to $5,000, depending on the door style. For a 120 sq ft kitchen with fillers and a few upgrades, plan on around $6,000 for cabinetry alone. Installation typically adds $50 to $120 per linear foot, and IKEA’s own installation service starts at about $119 per cabinet.

To use IKEA cabinet boxes in the same size kitchen with Semihandmade fronts and fillers, you are looking at closer to $3,000 for the IKEA boxes and roughly $5,000 to $10,000 for the fronts and fillers. Semihandmade doors run from under $100 to over $300 each depending on the finish, so your door style is the biggest variable.

Price will change depending on square footage, cabinets selected, and desired finishes. Cabinetry can vary significantly between kitchens, so getting a quote for that part of your budget is always important.

Hardware and kitchen sink

To top it off, you must include hardware and the kitchen sink. Hardware can easily fall in the $6–$50 range per piece, $500–$2,000 for a faucet, and $1,000–$3,000 for a sink. These do add up, so plan and adjust the costs depending on the size of your kitchen.

We recommend Kohler sinks and faucets. They offer great quality products, many styles, and good price points that won’t break the bank. Our favorite sinks are the Prolific undermount and the Whitehaven farmhouse-style sink. If we had to pick only three favorite Kohler faucets, we would choose Crue, Artifacts, or Purist.

Countertops and backsplash

This update can have a major impact on the overall look of your kitchen. Durable materials such as quartz or granite help you avoid costly maintenance down the line, and they’re easier to keep clean, making that chore just a little bit simpler!

A backsplash is a great way to add color and texture. It’s about $10–$30 per square foot, depending on whether you choose ceramic, porcelain, or handmade tile. In a 120 sq ft kitchen, that’s in the $1,000 range.

Quartz countertops

At ASR Design Studio, we love quartz countertops. We recommend MSI, Caesarstone, or Daltile. It’s about $1,200–$3,000 per slab. Slab sizes vary, so your designer or fabricator can tell you how many slabs you need.

Natural stone countertops

If you want a natural stone like granite, we recommend picking one with a treatment to protect the stone. We prefer Petra Stone, which is about $2,000–$8,000 per slab. It’s worth protecting your investment for years to come. Remember, there will be additional costs for fabricating and installing your counters and backsplash.

Insider tip

For a more modern look that is both functional and pretty, run the counters up the walls to create a built-in backsplash. It’s easier to clean and looks so stylish. You can also create a shelf with the same material for a high-end look. Overall, this will add an extra slab to the cost.

Lighting

Kitchen lighting is so important! You need to see what you’re doing at all times and, of course, have the option to turn the lights down and create ambiance when friends are over. A combination of different types of lighting allows for the most versatility. Our three favorite lighting sources are Circa, Cedar & Moss, and Worley’s.

For ceilings 9 feet and higher, consider recessed overhead lighting, under-cabinet lighting, wall sconces, and a pendant light over an island. Recessed lighting provides bright illumination without taking up visual space. Under-cabinet lights are ideal for highlighting countertops and adding task light. Wall sconces create mood lighting, and pendants over an island add texture and interest while offering focused light over eating areas.

For ceilings 8 feet and under, add recessed lighting to create a bigger, brighter space. Choosing the right can light will improve visibility and add a modern feel.

Kitchen appliances

And don’t forget about appliances like refrigerators, cooktops, and dishwashers! A basic appliance package can start around $3,000 to $9,000, but for the mid- to high-end appliances most of our clients choose, plan on $10,000–$30,000.

Total cost of an IKEA kitchen remodel

For a 120 sq ft kitchen with the finishes we typically specify, you are looking at $30,000–$50,000 for cabinets, appliances, countertops, hardware, sinks, and plumbing. You may see national cost guides quote $7,000–$15,000 for an IKEA kitchen, but those figures usually cover only basic cabinets, countertops, a sink and a backsplash, and leave out appliances, permits and most labor. You’ll also need to hire a contractor for demolition and installation. The price varies depending on your area and the contractor’s expertise.

Insider tip

For preliminary contractor pricing, we take the budget for everything that goes into the kitchen and use it as our baseline for labor. For example: $30,000 in materials + $30,000 for the contractor = $60,000. This rough estimate helps you see what your overall costs will look like. Final pricing depends on the size of your kitchen, which cabinets you select, and the finishes you choose.

Final thoughts: IKEA, the designer way

All in all, we’re fans of IKEA and the budget-friendly solutions it offers. We love its storage solutions, range of cabinet styles, and drawers.

But we truly believe your kitchen shouldn’t look like an IKEA catalog. We love mixing IKEA and Semihandmade to create a custom-look kitchen at a budget-friendly price. If you want a more luxe look and feel, we would love to help you create the kitchen you’ve always dreamt of, whether that means IKEA and Semihandmade or going completely custom.

From challenge to solution

A cabinetry quote can blow a kitchen budget before design even starts. Here is how we use IKEA strategically so the finished kitchen still looks custom.

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading

• Why Every Kitchen Remodel Needs an Interior Designer
• The complete guide to kitchen countertop materials — from everyday durable to heirloom luxury
• How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Appliances for a High-End Home