Are IKEA Countertops Any Good? What We Know

You probably know IKEA for its kitchen cabinets and budget bookcases (and the meatballs, of course), but the furniture and home décor giant actually offers a lot more than DIY furniture. If you have ever spotted the countertops at IKEA and wondered if they're right for you, we've got you covered. From price to appearance to materials, it can feel overwhelming to try and figure out whether IKEA is offering good value for money with their countertops — and on the whole, the answer is yes.

For a more in-depth review, we chose the three countertops that had the most reviews on the IKEA website: the EKBACKEN countertops, the KARLBY countertops, and the SÄLJAN countertops. All three come with a 25-year limited warranty, which should give you peace of mind if you're unsure whether to go ahead. IKEA also has a solid return policy of 365 days for new items, unless the countertops are custom. With all of that out of the way, here's all you need to know so you don't make the mistake of not choosing the right countertops for your home.

The EKBACKEN countertops are made from laminate and particleboard and feature a wide range of designs, from a sophisticated marble effect to limestone, concrete, and wood. Priced at $99 per 74-inch slab, this style is rated highly for appearance and value for money. Reviews frequently noted that the EKBACKEN countertops appeared more expensive than they actually were and held up well against stains (though this might depend on the pattern you opt for).

Nest up are the KARLBY countertops, which are made from laminate and particleboard. You can choose from either a birch, walnut, or oak veneer overlaid over the top. Priced at $249 per 74-inch piece, these countertops are significantly more expensive than the EKBACKEN, probably due to the inclusion of solid wood. Reviews noted how thick it felt and it scored highest on appearance and ease of installation. 

The SÄLJAN countertops cost $79 per 74-inch slab and are constructed from particleboard and laminate. Like the EKBACKEN, the SÄLJAN countertops have several design options, including imitation marble and stone. Positive things about this product are its affordability and the fact it's easy to install without professional help.

Now for the negatives (or at least the things that might make you rethink buying IKEA countertops). For the EKBACKEN, the negative aspects mentioned include a rough texture, warping, and chipping issues. Other reviews stated that the colors are lighter in real life than they appear online, so it's best to go in person to double-check the color if possible. As for the KARLBY, reviewers mentioned difficulties cutting each block to size and that the inclusion of non-solid wood materials made the countertops appear cheap. Warping, scratching, and durability issues also cropped up. Finally, the SÄLJAN was mentioned to scratch and chip easily. Reviews also stated that the material expanded when it came in contact with a small amount of water.

In addition to the above styles, you can also buy custom quartz composite countertops from IKEA, known as the KASKER. Described as durable and low-maintenance by reviewers, this style is priced at $95 per square foot. You could potentially find cheaper options elsewhere through local suppliers, though the fact these are custom could complicate pricing. If going local isn't an option for you, the KASKER countertops do seem to be a good option overall. On the whole, IKEA countertops are a good purchase so long as you do research into how to best maintain the material you are buying for longer-lasting results. We also recommend looking at them in person so you aren't disappointed by the color.