IKEA Kitchen Remodel Cost: Full Breakdown
Real numbers by component, IKEA vs 3rd-party install, DIY savings, and how the full budget adds up
$5,500IKEA cabinets avg*
$2,500IKEA install avg*
$7K–$15KFull kitchen avg
$15K–$50K+With appliances/reno
⚡ Quick Answer
A complete IKEA kitchen remodel (cabinets + countertops + installation, no appliances) costs $7,000–$15,000 on average. IKEA itself reports their average kitchen cabinet set costs $5,500 and installation runs $2,500. Add countertops ($2,000–$5,000), appliances ($3,200–$9,000), and any electrical/plumbing work and the all-in total for a full gut remodel is typically $15,000–$30,000.
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Component
Unit Price ($)
Qty
IKEA SEKTION base cabinets
IKEA wall cabinets
Cabinet fronts / doors
Countertops (per sq ft)
Installation labor
Demo / haul-away
Electrical / plumbing
Hardware (handles, knobs)
Appliances (optional)
Estimated Budget$10,005
IKEA Kitchen Cost by Component
The easiest mistake in IKEA kitchen planning is budgeting only for the cabinets. Here's where the money actually goes:
| Component | Budget Range | Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA cabinet boxes (SEKTION) | $2,000–$4,000 | $3,000 | Materials only — base and wall cabinets without fronts. IKEA's avg: $5,500 total including fronts. |
| Cabinet fronts / doors | $500–$2,500 | $1,200 | IKEA fronts are affordable. Upgrade to Semihandmade or Reform for custom doors on IKEA boxes: +$2,000–$6,000. |
| Countertops | $800–$5,000 | $2,500 | IKEA's laminate starts at $15/sq ft. Their KASKER quartz: $59–$89/sq ft materials. Third-party quartz installed: $50–$120/sq ft. |
| IKEA installation | $1,500–$4,000 | $2,500 | IKEA's own service: avg $2,500. Starts at $119/cabinet. Includes cabinets, prefab countertops, integrated lighting, and handles. |
| Demo / old cabinet removal | $300–$1,500 | $750 | IKEA does NOT offer demolition. You'll need a separate contractor or do it yourself. |
| Electrical / plumbing | $500–$6,000 | $2,000 | Required if moving appliances, adding outlets, or rerouting plumbing. Often the biggest surprise cost. |
| Hardware (pulls, knobs) | $50–$500 | $200 | Budget $5–$20/piece. Soft-close hinges: standard in most IKEA SEKTION boxes. |
| Appliances | $2,000–$9,000 | $5,000 | IKEA sells appliances (Whirlpool-manufactured). Not required — most homeowners use existing or buy separately. |
| Backsplash | $200–$2,000 | $600 | IKEA sells tile. Install is separate. Good time to add while kitchen is already disrupted. |
| Permits | $100–$2,000 | $600 | Required for structural work, plumbing, or electrical changes. Check local requirements before starting. |
*IKEA.com official data: average kitchen cost $5,500 (excl. appliances), average installation $2,500.
IKEA Install vs. 3rd-Party vs. Full DIY
This is the decision that moves the budget by $2,000–$7,000. Here are the three paths:
🔧 Full DIY
Saves $2,500–$7,000
You assemble and install every cabinet yourself. Takes 2–4 weekends. Works well for handy homeowners with time. Downside: voided IKEA install warranty. Countertop and plumbing still need pros.
🏠 IKEA Installation Service
Avg $2,500
IKEA uses third-party certified partners. Starts at $119/cabinet. Includes prefab countertop install, handles, lighting. Clean hand-off but doesn't include demo, plumbing, or electrical — coordinate those separately.
🛠️ Independent IKEA Specialist
$1,800–$4,500
Local contractors who specialize in IKEA kitchens. Often handle demo, plumbing, electrical, AND cabinet install. More flexibility, often better pricing than IKEA's service for complex projects. Find them via Install Connect or Angi.
⚠️ The hidden cost: demo and trades. IKEA's installation service specifically excludes demolition, plumbing, and electrical work. These three items together typically add $2,500–$7,000 to any real kitchen remodel. Budget for them upfront — they're not optional if you're doing a full gut remodel.
IKEA Cabinets vs. Custom: Is IKEA Worth It?
- IKEA SEKTION cabinets: $150–$300/linear foot installed. Particleboard with melamine finish. Soft-close hinges and full-extension drawers standard on most lines. 25-year warranty on cabinet boxes.
- Semi-custom (Home Depot, Lowe's): $200–$500/linear foot. Better finish options, faster lead times than custom, more limited than IKEA customization system.
- Custom cabinets: $500–$1,200/linear foot. Full customization, best quality, 6–12 week lead times. Justified for luxury remodels and non-standard spaces.
- The IKEA sweet spot: IKEA's interior box system (SEKTION) is genuinely strong — the hinge and drawer systems are comparable to cabinets costing 3x more. The weak point is the door/front quality. The popular hack: IKEA boxes + custom fronts from Semihandmade or Reform gives you 90% of the custom kitchen look at 50% of the price.
Real IKEA Kitchen Project Costs
| Project | What Was Done | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small galley — DIY install | SEKTION cabinets $2,200 + quartz countertops $3,800 + no demo + DIY install | ~$6,000–$7,000 |
| Medium kitchen — IKEA install | SEKTION + BODBYN fronts $5,500 + IKEA install $2,500 + separate demo + countertops | ~$10,000–$12,000 |
| Full gut remodel — contractor | Demo $750 + IKEA cabinets $5,500 + custom fronts + quartz countertops + electrical/plumbing $4,000 | ~$18,000–$22,000 |
| Full remodel + appliances | All of above + IKEA appliance package | ~$24,000–$32,000 |
💡 Best IKEA savings tactic: wait for the 20% kitchen sale. IKEA runs a kitchen promotion 2–3 times per year (typically January and late summer) offering 20% off all kitchen cabinets and fronts. On a $5,500 cabinet order that's $1,100 off. Plan your project around the sale — order cabinets and store them until you're ready to install.
Find IKEA Kitchen Installers Near You
IKEA's official service is one option — but independent IKEA-certified contractors often offer better pricing and more flexibility on complex projects.
IK
IKEA Kitchen Installation Service (official)
Available in all markets with IKEA stores
Book through your local IKEA store or ikea.com. Certified third-party partners do the work. Starts at $119/cabinet. Best for straightforward projects — includes prefab countertop install and integrated lighting. Does not include demo or trade work.
Official
AN
Angi — IKEA Kitchen Specialists
All 50 states · Verified reviews
Search "IKEA kitchen installation" by ZIP. Filter for contractors who specifically list IKEA kitchen experience — they understand SEKTION's quirks, can handle full-scope projects (demo + cabinets + trades), and often beat IKEA's official service on price for complex jobs.
Marketplace
IKD
IKD — Inspired Kitchen Design
IKEA kitchen design specialists · National
Professional IKEA kitchen design service ($199–$399) that delivers 3D renderings, shopping lists, and IKEA hack diagrams. Connects you with vetted local installers via Install Connect. Best for complex layouts or custom hacks.
Design
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Keeping your existing cabinet boxes?
If your IKEA or existing cabinet boxes are still solid, refacing is 40–60% cheaper than full replacement. See our Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Cost →. For flooring while you're renovating, see Epoxy Flooring Cost →.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an IKEA kitchen remodel cost?
A complete IKEA kitchen (cabinets + countertops + installation, no appliances) costs $7,000–$15,000 on average. IKEA officially reports their average cabinet set costs $5,500 and installation costs $2,500. Add demolition ($300–$1,500), electrical/plumbing ($500–$6,000), and appliances ($2,000–$9,000) for a full gut remodel total of $15,000–$30,000.
Does IKEA install their own kitchens?
Yes, through certified third-party partners. IKEA's official installation service starts at $119 per cabinet and averages $2,500 for a standard kitchen. It covers cabinet assembly and installation, prefab countertop installation, and hardware. It does NOT include demolition, plumbing, or electrical — you'll need separate contractors for those.
Are IKEA kitchens good quality?
IKEA's SEKTION cabinet system is genuinely well-engineered — the concealed hinge system and full-extension soft-close drawers are comparable to cabinets costing significantly more. The particleboard construction is durable for normal kitchen use. The weakest point is door/front quality at the lower price tiers. The popular improvement: use IKEA boxes with aftermarket fronts from companies like Semihandmade — you get a near-custom look at a fraction of custom pricing.
How long does an IKEA kitchen installation take?
IKEA estimates 2–3 days for an average 10-cabinet kitchen installation. A full gut remodel (demo + trades + cabinets + countertops) typically takes 3–6 weeks from start to finish, with 1–2 weeks of that being active work days. The biggest timeline variable is countertop templating and fabrication — stone countertops typically have a 2–4 week lead time after template.