How Durable Are IKEA Kitchen Cabinets Really?

When you walk into an IKEA showroom and see the perfect kitchen design, it's easy to get swept up in the stylish, affordable cabinets. However, choosing the right cabinets for your space goes beyond just looks — it's about finding options that offer lasting durability for everyday use. This is an aspect that can be hard to judge on the spot, considering the strength of these products is typically something that reveals itself after years of restocking clean dishes, storing bulky appliances, and endless attempts of trying out kitchen cabinet organizers to make storage a breeze. If you're curious about the true durability of those tempting IKEA kitchen cabinets, consider how they'll fit with your kitchen goals — while an affordable option, they can chip and wear over time, and factors like humidity and care can impact their longevity due to the material used.

Durability can mean something different to everyone, so understanding your expectations for kitchen cabinets will help you decide if the IKEA designs are a good fit for your space. There may be other options on the market that can rise to heftier challenges, but some people may find the drawbacks reasonable in the context of their affordable pricing.

Durability is crucial when choosing cabinets, and while IKEA designs are meant to be long-lasting, certain issues may still arise over time. The majority of their cabinets are made with medium-density fiberboard (also known as MDF wood), a material that is less prone to warping and cracking than solid wood cabinets, however the material fibers will absorb water quickly, which can cause damage like swelling over time. That said, it's best to wipe up spills immediately to maintain their appearance, as well as keeping steamy appliances like coffee makers or dishwashers at a distance from the fiberboard.

In terms of actual strength, MDF lacks the strength of solid wood or plywood because it doesn't have a natural grain, and it requires a solid frame to prevent sagging over time. Like many cabinets, IKEA's design might get chipped over time, and some customers have expressed that their doors and drawers were slightly misaligned, leading to more excessive chipping where these areas had more friction. Unfortunately, damage like chips, scratches, or dents can be harder to repair on MDF material in comparison to natural wood products. If you prefer the benefits of a solid wood, IKEA does offer the SEKTION cabinet line, where many products come with solid oak frames and drawer fronts, and oak veneer on the panels — but they may come at a higher price point.

While the IKEA cabinet designs do come with certain drawbacks in terms of durability, some shoppers may see this as a small price to pay in exchange for their affordability. Some shoppers believe there is no need to worry about their durability, as they do offer a quality design that can hold up in most kitchens. It comes down to how much you value the strength of your cabinets in your household. Certain reviews mention that they may not be ideal in busy households with children that might overestimate the strength of the material, causing possible damage from tugging or slamming the cabinet doors.

If you're looking for something affordable that comes with customization options, these cabinets can be a great fit — some arrangements can complete an entire kitchen for under $1,000. Plus, the return policy at IKEA may be more generous than other furniture suppliers, and their cabinets come with a free 25-year guarantee if you aren't pleased with your purchase.