Flat Pack Kitchen Plans: Should You DIY or Hire Installer Pros?

Building a kitchen is a seriously large project. A flat-pack kitchen has everything you need to build your cabinets into exactly the footprint and design you want.  

Many people who want all new cabinets on a budget choose a flat-pack option where your cabinets come in pieces to be assembled by hand. Assembling a kitchen flatpack is somewhere between the concept of Ikea furniture and the experience of real construction.

It's important to know if you're ready to DIY a flat-pack kitchen or if a professional installation would work best for your house, schedule, and skills.

Many people remodeling their kitchen weigh the idea of self-installation. As professional kitchen remodelers, we know all about the wonderful meeting between DIY and professional work, and how to know whether a project calls for one or the other. Let's dive into what it takes to DIY a flat-pack kitchen and you can weigh your skills and available time along the way.

Things to Consider Before DIYing a Flat Pack Kitchen

If you're thinking about constructing your new kitchen DIY with a flat pack, this can be a rewarding project. But no one enjoys realizing halfway in that they don't have the tools needed, or that the project will take three times longer than you predicted. Make sure you're fully ready to begin and have considered each step.  

Do You Have the Time?

 A flat pack kitchen takes two to four weeks to complete. This is with one or two people working most of the day to prepare the space, then drill, assemble, and fit each piece of cabinetry in a complete kitchen design.

If you have the time, you may be able to dive in and get your kitchen assembled on elbow grease. But if you have a schedule that doesn't have a two-week window and can't wait two months of weekend work, an installation team may be the best way to meet your goals.

Do You Have all the Tools?

• Cordless Drill
• Tape Measure
• Jigsaw
• Spirit Level
• Pencil
• Adjustable Square
• Wall Fixings
• Clamps
• Wood Screws
• Mallet
• Glue
• Caulking Gun

Have You Prepped the Space?

Preparing a space for kitchen installation is almost as big a task as installing the kitchen. In addition to removing your old kitchen cabinets and appliances, you will need to bring the room back to 'bare bones' before you start installing emplaced cabinets.  

• "Back to Neutral"
  • Cleared of everything but the floors and walls.
  • Even remove the baseboards around where cabinets will be installed
  • Repaint before cabinets, backsplash after cabinets
• Check the level of floors and walls
  • Level the floors
  • Prepare fittings for uneven walls
• Fix any needed repairs
• Know your wall and ceiling materials
• Tape the footprint of your kitchen
  • Find the wall studs for upper cabinet installation

Do You Have Experience with Construction Flat-Packs?

Finally, assess your skills based on your experience. If you've constructed cabinets or other wood pieces professionally before, then you're in the right place. However, if your only experience with flat-packs is an Ikea bookshelf - it's important to know that a flat pack kitchen is nothing like Ikea furniture.

We weren't kidding about potentially needing a jigsaw. If you do not yet have experience to take on DIYing a flat-pack kitchen on your own, you can bring in a friend, a family expert, or schedule a professional kitchen installation team to do the job right without hassle or worry.

Why You Should Ask the Experts:

The biggest job isn't actually putting the flat pack together. There's a technique to it. There are lots to do from a project management perspective. Come to us for a design session to configure the perfect flat pack for your kitchen and, if necessary, schedule an expert kitchen installation team to make sure your cabinets are flush with the wall and perfect in every way.    

Here at Edesia Kitchen & Bath, we can help you make your dream kitchen come true, whether that's lending a hand with a mostly-DIY project or taking care of your remodel every step of the way. Contact us to consult on your kitchen renovation plans, and for tips on when to DIY vs when to call a pro. We're here for your kitchen transformation needs.