[evecakes7]

I know that IKEA kitchen cabinets are highly rated and everyone loves them. But we have a vanity from IKEA that is 7 years old and the hinges are already going.

In what way are these cabinets different?
Can anyone tell me how long they last?

Thanks!

[GardenOfDarwin]

evecakes7 -- welcome to the forums!

I think the primary differences in the kitchen cabinets vs. the bath cabinets are related to hardware and drawer boxes (kitchen cabinets have Blum, bathroom cabinets have ???) and thickness of cabinet walls (kitchen cabinets have 3/4", bathroom cabinets have 1/2" (I think)). I'm not sure if there's a difference in the quality of the MDF used, but I do know that the versatility of the kitchen component system isn't translated to the bath cabinets. I have hopes that IKEA will see the market in bathroom cabinets and offer some of the same options for both.

As for how long they last, I think you're probably the best judge of that. Sounds like not much more than 7 years? But I don't have any bathroom items, so I can't offer an alternative opinion. Hopefully someone who does will come along...

Just something to think on...many people are starting to use the kitchen cabinets in the bath, despite the taller base cabinet and the deeper depth. Those who've done it actually come to enjoy the higher surface (not so much bending over to wash hands, brush teeth, shave) and if you've got the space in your bathroom, the depth shouldn't be a problem. IF you're in the market to replace, I'd be looking at the kitchen line.

Hope that helps!
Susan

[evecakes7]

Thanks for your note. I am looking at the kitchen cabinets for our kitchen (was just making a comparison with the IKEA vanity that I have) and need to know that they will last beyond 7 years.

It sounds like there are enough differences that make the quality of the kitchen cabinets much better.

Just curious if anyone knows people who have had the IKEA cabinets for 10 years?

Thanks.

[GardenOfDarwin]

I know people who've had IKEA cabinets for 20 years....and the cabinets from 20 years ago didn't have all the Blum hardware and alot of the features that make them so outstanding these days. One is DH 's aunt and uncle (he's an architect) and they put them in their house back when the first US IKEA opened in Plymouth Meeting, PA. They said they were still in excellent shape when they sold the house 20 years later, and they seriously considered IKEA for the house they're building -- except he's fanatically building the entire thing himself -- the WHOLE HOUSE.

The other is our own torrus -- one of our members and moderators who installed IKEA cabinets 20 years ago and also says that the cabs were still in great shape when the house was sold.

I've only had mine for 1 1/2 years, so I can't really answer personally, but these are two stories I know of. I CAN state that the kitchen cabinets are fundamentally different from the bathroom cabinets and that there's no reason to suspect the IKEA cabinets won't last just as long (or longer) than cabinets from other companies, who also use PB/MDF and don't necessarily have the Blum hardware that doesn't break down over time, like drawers that are stapled together might (more common than you think). Bear in mind that dovetailed drawers, solid wood and plywood cabinet boxes are expensive upgrades with most cabinet companies, as are Blum fittings.

Susan

	DH definition DH usually means Dear Husband (or, pick your own adjective starting with D).

[Shouva]

The current line of bath cabinets with interchangeable doors (Vattern?) do not impless me with their quality. The walls are thinner, but most importantly, the pieces are foil wrapped, not melamine. This material is thinner than melamine and is more suseptable to gouging. The drawer runner system is far inferior to the kitchen system.

Because of the increased thickness of the particle board, melamine surface, and better hinges I am using a 24" high over the refrig cabinet for my vessel sink base and a 350cm deep Pax tall unit for my linen/storage tower.

Shouva

[hille4]

We installed Kvadrat (discontinued) cabinets in 1995 and just sold that house about 2 months ago. Cabinets were still in great shape after two toddlers riding the drawers in on the close. Unfortunately, we never took pictures. I had no idea anybody else liked them the way we did until I found this site right after we moved.

We are in interim housing while we build new...the kitchen here stinks (it is the one I grew up in)...I miss my IKEA cabinets!! We will be installing IKEA (all DIY for the cabinets) in our new house...I am looking forward to many more years of satisfaction.

	DIY defininition DIY means Do It Yourself

[Kayla]

I have cabinets i installed 5yrs ago, i created an office in our dining room using kitchen cabinets. i just finished installing ikea kitchen cabinets in my kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms, and a couple other areas of my house. can't tell the difference between the new and 5 yo cabinets. i know 5 isn't 20, but it's still an impressive comparison to me.