How Long Does IKEA Furniture Typically Last?

A few things probably come to mind when you think of IKEA furniture: affordability, Scandinavian minimalism, and convenience, for starters. But what this build-it-yourself furniture maker isn't renowned for is long-term durability. Unfortunately, poor product quality is one of the more common customer complaints about IKEA. That's not to say this iconic brand's wares are all low-quality or short-lived by design, just that people don't usually shop at IKEA hoping to find heirloom pieces they'll hand down to their grandchildren. That said, how many years can you realistically expect your IKEA furniture to last?

The answer to that question depends on the type of furniture and, especially, what it's made from. IKEA manufactures a huge variety of furniture using a wide range of materials. More affordable pieces made from composite materials such as particleboard can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, while solid wood and metal furniture can last for decades with care. If you're planning a shopping trip at IKEA and want to buy with long-term durability in mind, here's what to look for.

Not all IKEA furniture is made the same, and how long it lasts largely depends on the components. Much of the cheaper stuff is made of particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). These materials are comprised of smaller wood pieces that are pressed into flat sheets and sealed with a binding agent such as resin. The result is a dense, flat material that's inexpensive to manufacture, easy to ship, and ideal for built-it-yourself furniture pieces featuring flat components, such as shelving, cabinets, and drawers.

MDF is stronger, denser, and more moisture-resistant than particleboard, but neither is as durable as good old-fashioned wood. When people talk about cheap IKEA furniture –- that is, the stuff that doesn't feel like it's built to last for decades -– they're probably referring to items made from these manufactured wood materials. As far as longevity, you can expect furniture made of MDF or particleboard to last between 5 and 15 years, depending on how you use it and how well you care for it. For example, disassembling and reassembling your furniture (such as during a move) will put extra wear and tear on it and can wear out the screw holes.

If you want furniture built for long-term durability, you can certainly find it at IKEA. There are plenty of high-quality IKEA products in the brand's catalog that are manufactured from sturdy materials like pine and steel. In contrast to shorter-lived MDF and particleboard furniture, pieces made from solid wood (typically pine) can last for decades. There's a reason wooden furniture is so timeless, and pieces made of solid wood definitely rank among the IKEA products worth buying.

Regardless of what your IKEA furniture is made of, you can extend its life with proper maintenance. However, different materials require different cleaning and maintenance techniques. Since MDF and particleboard are not made of solid wood, they are more susceptible to damage, such as chipping, as well as moisture absorption. Think of the compressed wood particles like a sponge: if the fibers absorb water, they'll expand, causing the pieces to warp.

Before assembling your MDF or particleboard furniture, consider waterproofing any exposed surfaces, such as the edges of the pieces. You can do this with paint, wood sealant, or even glue. You can also reinforce and seal screw holes using a thin superglue. Additionally, use wood glue on components such as wooden dowels for stronger, more permanent assembly. MDF furniture isn't designed to be taken apart and reassembled often, and disassembling it is one of the easiest ways to cause damage.

Sturdier materials like solid wood need regular attention, too, to keep them looking their best. You can use linseed oil to preserve wood, and avoid all-purpose cleaners, which contain harsh chemicals that can ruin your wood furniture. Instead, use gentler substances like olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar, which are much better for cleaning your wood furniture without damaging the finish. With proper care, your solid wood IKEA furniture can last for decades while continuing to look great.