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Decision Guide

IKEA vs Custom Kitchens in Adelaide

IKEA's Sektion kitchen system is the cheapest way to renovate a kitchen in Adelaide. But cheaper does not always mean better-value. This guide compares the real total cost of an IKEA install vs a custom Adelaide kitchen, including the hidden costs that quotes do not always show.

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Tiers

Pricing by tier.

IKEA Sektion (DIY)

$8,000 - $18,000 total

IKEA cabinetry, IKEA appliances, your labour. The cheapest path. Suits investment properties, holiday homes, or homeowners who enjoy DIY assembly.

Includes

  • +Sektion frames in standard sizes
  • +Method or Akurum doors (replaced 2019, now Sektion-only)
  • +IKEA appliances (entry tier, 5-year warranty)
  • +Your own assembly and install (typically 80-150 hours of work)

Out of scope

  • -Custom sizing (Sektion is modular only)
  • -Local installer support
  • -Adelaide-made quality and longevity
  • -Plumber and electrician (you book and pay separately)
IKEA Sektion (Professional Install)

$14,000 - $26,000 total

IKEA cabinetry, professional installer, separate appliance purchases. The mid-path: cheaper than custom, with someone else doing the labour.

Includes

  • +Sektion cabinetry
  • +Professional installer (4-7 days)
  • +Licensed plumber and electrician
  • +Some networks offer end-to-end IKEA install (Adelaide IKEA Kitchen Installers, third-party)

Out of scope

  • -Custom sizing
  • -Adelaide-made cabinetry quality
  • -Premium hardware (you can upgrade to Blum but it adds cost)
Adelaide Modular

$22,000 - $40,000 total

Adelaide-made modular cabinetry (Polytec, Laminex, Australian Panels), licensed renovator, full project management. The mainstream Adelaide kitchen.

Includes

  • +Australian-made modular cabinetry
  • +Adelaide licensed renovator with insurance
  • +Project-managed install (typically 4-6 weeks)
  • +Full trades coordination (plumber, electrician, tiler)

Out of scope

  • -Custom carcass sizes
  • -Hand-painted finishes
  • -Bespoke internal fitouts
Adelaide Custom

$35,000 - $80,000+ total

Custom Adelaide cabinet maker, full project management, premium finishes. The longest-lasting option (25-40 year design lifespan).

Includes

  • +Adelaide workshop-made cabinetry, exact-fit
  • +Hand-painted 2-pac, timber veneer, or fluted finishes
  • +Full-height ceiling cabinetry
  • +Bespoke internal fitouts
  • +20+ year cabinet maker warranty
Line items

Cost per category, Adelaide 2026.

ItemLowTypicalHigh
IKEA Sektion cabinetry (typical kitchen)$5,000$6,500$9,000
Adelaide modular cabinetry (typical kitchen)$9,000$13,000$18,000
Adelaide custom cabinetry (typical kitchen)$22,000$32,000$50,000
Professional IKEA install labour (typical kitchen)$3,500$4,800$6,500
Related cost guides

Other categories to budget against.

2026 Cost Guide

Kitchen Cost

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Cabinetry Pricing

Cabinetry Cost

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Decision Guide

Paint vs New

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FAQ

IKEA vs Custom cost questions.

Is IKEA actually cheaper than Adelaide custom?

Yes, typically 50-70% cheaper for cabinetry alone. A custom Adelaide kitchen at $32,000 in cabinetry is equivalent to an IKEA kitchen at $8,000-$12,000 in cabinetry. The total kitchen cost difference is smaller because trades (plumber, electrician, tiler) cost the same either way.

Does IKEA cabinetry last in Australian conditions?

IKEA Sektion has a 25-year warranty in Europe and a 10-year warranty in Australia. Real-world longevity in Adelaide kitchens is typically 8-12 years before doors and hinges start showing wear. Adelaide-made modular lasts 15-25 years. Adelaide custom lasts 25-40 years.

Can I get a Blum-hardware IKEA kitchen?

Yes, third-party Blum hardware swap kits are available. Adds about $400-$900 to the total for a typical kitchen, but brings the hardware up to Adelaide modular standard. Common upgrade for IKEA installs.

Should I do IKEA or Adelaide modular?

IKEA suits tight budgets (under $20,000 total), investment properties, holiday homes, or homeowners who enjoy DIY. Adelaide modular suits homeowner-occupied homes where 20+ year longevity matters, where project-managed install is wanted, or where insurance and warranty support is valued.

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