Anyone who’s ever tried to assemble a flat‑pack kitchen unit on a Saturday afternoon knows the mix of hope and frustration. This guide cuts through the confusion, covering everything from budget flat‑packs to second‑hand bargains on DoneDeal, so you can choose kitchen units in Ireland without the headache.
Average starting price for flat pack kitchen units in Ireland: €3,935 (incl. VAT) from kitchens4u.ie · Number of kitchen unit listings on DoneDeal: 649 as of latest search · IKEA kitchen cabinet range: Base, wall, tall units in over 20 styles · Popular material for kitchen units: MDF and particleboard with melamine finish
Quick snapshot
- Average kitchen renovation in Ireland: €10,000–€20,000 (IVCG (Irish home improvement guide))
- Flat‑pack units are generally cheaper than pre‑assembled (Houzz.ie (home design platform))
- IKEA kitchen units come with a 25‑year warranty (IKEA Ireland)
- Exact durability of budget flat‑pack units over 10+ years
- How much installation costs vary between fitters
- Supply chain delays for specialty materials may add 2–4 weeks
- Spring and summer are peak kitchen renovation months (IVCG)
- Consider browsing DoneDeal for second‑hand units to cut costs (IVCG)
- Budget for professional installation – average fee ~€1,100 (IVCG)
A handful of numbers paint the overall landscape for Irish buyers.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Total DoneDeal listings | 649 |
| Starting price flat pack (incl. VAT) | €3,935 (kitchens4u.ie) |
| IKEA kitchen unit range | Base, wall, tall units |
| Popular material | MDF, particleboard, melamine |
| Average price per linear meter (budget) | €1,000 – €1,500 |
| Average installation fee for entire cabinetry | €1,100 (IVCG) |
| Laminate worktop starting price | €294 for average kitchen (IVCG) |
What are kitchen units and what types are available?
Kitchen units are the cabinets that form the core of any kitchen – base units sit under the counter, wall units mount above, tall units house ovens or pantries, and corner units make use of awkward angles. Most Irish homes use a mix of these.
Base units
- Standard depth is 560–600 mm; width varies from 150 mm (filler) to 900 mm
- Designed to support worktops and contain drawers or shelves
- Popular materials: MDF with melamine finish for moisture resistance
Wall units
- Depth typically 300–350 mm, height 400–900 mm
- Mounted above countertop, usually 450 mm from worktop to bottom of unit
- IKEA offers wall units in SEKTION system with adjustable hinges (IKEA Ireland)
Tall units
- Height 2,000–2,400 mm, depth matches base units
- Used for integrated fridges, freezers, ovens, or pantry storage
- Corner tall units can include carousel or pull‑out shelving
Corner units
- Maximise L‑shaped or U‑shaped layouts
- Options: carousel (lazy Susan), Magic Corner, blind corner pull‑out
- Require careful planning – Cash and Carry Kitchens (Irish supplier) advises measuring all obstructions first
Choosing the wrong mix of unit types is the fastest way to waste space. A corner unit with a carousel can cost €200–€500 extra but can reclaim up to 30% of otherwise dead storage.
The trade‑off: standard sizes fit most rooms, but custom‑built corner solutions can push a budget kitchen into premium territory.
Where can I buy cheap kitchen units in Ireland?
Irish buyers have several avenues for budget kitchen units, each with distinct trade‑offs.
Online retailers
- IKEA Ireland – SEKTION system, 25‑year warranty, wide online range
- B&Q Ireland – own‑brand cabinets, often on sale
- Kitchens4u – Irish flat‑pack specialist, starting from €3,935 incl. VAT
Local stores
- Cash and Carry Kitchens (Dublin) – showroom visits recommended
- Independent joiners in counties like Cork, Galway, Limerick – can build custom units for ~€4,500 (IVCG)
Second‑hand market
- DoneDeal lists ~649 units; prices range from €200 to €3,500
- Inspect for water damage, missing hardware, and correct dimensions
- Example listing: “Kitchen units €2,500, includes integrated fridge doors” – real ad on DoneDeal
Flat pack vs pre‑assembled
- Flat‑pack is cheaper and easier to transport, but requires DIY assembly
- Pre‑assembled saves time but costs more – typical premium 20–40%
- Houzz.ie (home design platform) notes IKEA, Homebase, and B&Q are the main flat‑pack sources in Ireland (Houzz.ie)
Cheap units often mean thinner materials (15 mm backs vs 18 mm) and lower‑quality hinges. Over five years, you may spend more replacing doors than you saved upfront.
What this means: if your budget is tight, flat‑pack from a trusted retailer like IKEA or Kitchens4u gives the best balance of price and reliability.
Are IKEA kitchen units a good choice?
IKEA is by far the most recognised brand for kitchen units in Ireland. Here’s how they stack up.
Pros of IKEA kitchen units
- 25‑year warranty on SEKTION cabinets – one of the longest available
- Modular system means you can mix and match sizes easily
- Wide range of door styles (over 20) and finishes
- Free 5‑year guarantee on IKEA home appliances (IKEA Ireland)
Cons of IKEA kitchen units
- Some users report door sag or laminate peeling after 5–7 years
- Frame is particleboard – can swell if exposed to persistent moisture
- Assembly requires patience; professional assembly adds €300–€600
Comparison with other brands
- B&Q offers similar modular design but shorter warranty (5–10 years)
- Local joiners produce solid wood units that last 20+ years but cost 2–3× more
- Flat‑pack specialist Kitchens4u uses 18 mm MDF (thicker than IKEA’s 15 mm particleboard) at a similar price point
IKEA is ideal for renters or first‑time buyers who want style and a safety net. For owners who plan to stay 15+ years, spending a little more on thicker materials may pay off.
The pattern: IKEA wins on warranty and range, but loses on durability compared to mid‑range flat‑pack alternatives.
What are flat pack kitchen units and how do they compare?
Flat‑pack units come as a box of panels, screws, and instructions – you assemble them on site. They dominate the budget sector.
Definition of flat pack
- Components cut and drilled at the factory; packaging is compact
- Standard in DIY stores – IKEA, B&Q, Homebase
- Usually made of particleboard or MDF with melamine or foil wrap
Advantages of flat pack
- €500–€1,500 cheaper than pre‑assembled for an average kitchen
- Easier to get through narrow doors and staircases
- Can be installed in stages by the homeowner
Disadvantages
- Assembly takes 4–12 hours for a small kitchen
- Mistakes in assembly can compromise structural integrity
- Less durable than custom‑built (solid wood or plywood)
Comparison with custom units
- Custom: €4,000–€8,000 for materials alone; lasts 20–30 years
- Flat‑pack: €1,500–€3,000; expected lifespan 10–15 years with good care
- IVCG notes that a competent joiner can build a full cabinetry set for ~€4,500 (IVCG)
Why this matters: flat‑pack is a smart choice for short‑term homes or tight budgets, but if you’re renovating a forever home, custom may cost less per year of use.
How to find second‑hand kitchen units on DoneDeal?
DoneDeal is Ireland’s go‑to marketplace for pre‑owned kitchen units. Follow these steps to avoid costly mistakes.
- Search with filters: Use location, price range, “collection only”. Keywords: “kitchen units”, “kitchen cabinets”, “ikea kitchen” – narrow by brand. Set alert for new listings; good deals sell within hours.
- Measure your space first: Standard units may not fit. Write down your kitchen dimensions.
- Inspect condition: Check for water stains, soft spots, missing hinges/drawers. Ask for photos of backs and bottoms.
- Negotiate price: Typical asking price on DoneDeal: €500–€2,500. Offer 20–30% less if units show wear or lack handles/drawers. Bundle with worktops or appliances for a better deal.
- Arrange transportation: Rent a van – most sellers won’t deliver. Bring blankets and straps to protect units. Check if units can be disassembled for easier move.
Second‑hand units can save 50–70% of retail, but you inherit someone else’s wear and tear. For a rental property or temporary setup, it’s a smart move.
The catch: without a warranty, any defect is yours to fix – factor in €100–€200 for replacement hinges or touch‑up paint.
Three popular options, one pattern: price drives trade‑offs in materials and longevity.
| Feature | IKEA SEKTION | B&Q own brand | Kitchens4u flat‑pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet material | Particleboard, 15 mm sides | Particleboard, 16 mm | MDF, 18 mm |
| Warranty | 25 years | 5 years | 10 years |
| Door finish | Melamine, foil, painted | Melamine, solid wood some | Melamine, gloss acrylic |
| Price (3 m base + wall) | €1,500–€2,500 | €1,200–€2,000 | €1,800–€2,800 |
| Assembly required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Irish showroom | Dublin, Belfast | Multiple stores | Online + Dublin depot |
Specifications matter when comparing across brands.
| Specification | Standard dimension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base unit depth | 560–600 mm | Includes door thickness |
| Base unit height | 720–780 mm (plus legs) | Legs add 150–200 mm |
| Wall unit depth | 300–350 mm | Shallower for headroom |
| Wall unit height | 400–900 mm | Typically 700 mm |
| Tall unit height | 2,000–2,400 mm | Matches ceiling height |
| Door material | MDF, particleboard, solid wood | MDF most common budget |
| Worktop thickness | 28–40 mm | Laminate 28 mm typical |
| Hinge type | Concealed soft‑close | Standard on IKEA, premium on Kitchens4u |
Confirmed facts
- Flat pack units require self‑assembly (Houzz.ie (home design platform))
What’s unclear
- Exact failure rate of IKEA cabinet doors over time – reports vary.
- Average lifespan of budget flat pack units compared to custom – no long‑term Irish data.
- Installation costs can differ by €500+ depending on location and fitter – get multiple quotes.
- IKEA kitchen units are available in base, wall, and tall configurations (general market knowledge).
- DoneDeal lists second‑hand kitchen units from private sellers (general market knowledge).
- Supply chain delays for specialty materials may add 2–4 weeks (estimated).
Flat pack kitchens starting at €3,935 incl. VAT – an all‑in‑one solution for Irish homeowners.
Kitchens4u (Irish flat‑pack specialist)
We offer a wide range of kitchen cabinets with a 25‑year warranty – peace of mind built in.
IKEA Ireland website
Kitchen units €2,500, includes integrated fridge doors – buyer collects.
DoneDeal private seller listing (example)
kitchenandbedroomperfect.ie, creditunion.ie, youtube.com, ikea.com
For a detailed look at one of the most popular budget-friendly options, check out our guide to B&Q kitchen units in Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard depth of kitchen base units?
560–600 mm, including the door. Legs add 150–200 mm to the total height.
Can I paint existing kitchen units?
Yes, if they are made of MDF or solid wood. Laminate surfaces require specialist primer and paint.
How do I measure for new kitchen units?
Measure width, height, and depth of each run. Note windows, doors, radiators, and plug sockets – Cash and Carry Kitchens (Dublin showroom) has a guide.
Are kitchen units from B&Q good quality?
Decent for the price, but warranty is shorter (5 years) and materials are similar to IKEA’s. Good for rentals.
What is the difference between kitchen units and kitchen cabinets?
No practical difference – the terms are used interchangeably in Ireland. “Units” often refers to the complete set including doors.
Do I need planning permission to replace kitchen units?
No, unless you are altering the structure or moving gas/water lines. Check with a professional installer.
How long does it take to assemble flat pack kitchen units?
A small kitchen (10 units) takes 6–10 hours for one person. Professional assembly cuts that to 2–4 hours.
What is the best material for kitchen units in humid conditions?
MDF with a sealed melamine finish resists moisture better than particleboard. Solid wood is best but costly.
Oliver Jack Carter Cooper is a staff writer for EveningLedger.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Edward Langley and Managing Editor Charlotte Reeves, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.