Hi Forummers,

I'm interested in using IKEA carpentry for my new home. Particularly interested on the IKEA kitchen with solid surface top option (they have this option now). Thinking of getting 3-meter IKEA wardrobe with sliding doors. Also interested in IKEA bookshelves. I like their design and their price (which can be half of custom-made ones).

Does anyone has experience using IKEA carpentry ?

Some suggested that IKEA furniture does not last, but after viewing IKEA store and normal custom-made ID shop, I find that the custom-made workmanship and material does not differ much. (Or maybe my eyes are not well-trained enough to spot the quality differences). Can someone highlight the differences between IKEA and normal custom-made carpentry ?

Thanks!

most important different is the material

try to look at a cross-section of the wood

ikea mostly uses chip-board i.e. compressed wood chips

outside carpentry usually uses ply wood which is better especially for kitchen carpentry

bookshelves also not advisable to use chip wood because it cannot tahan weight

best for bookshelves would be solid wood, but ikea's solid wood range is the same price as outside ones

How abt those wall mount shelf (Jarpen) with nickel plated brackets (Bjarnum)??

Look quite solid to mi.

The toilet mirror cabinets (Norrgrund) how ar?

jarpen is chip board

thing about chip board is cannot touch water, if not the laminate will peel and the material will 'balloon'

in the long run the chips will just fall off and the whole thing disintegrate

find that it's still expensive

might as well go lumber yard and buy solid wood shelves

that's what i'm going to do

have the norrgrund mirror cabinet

edge of mirror rusty within two years and sides all got yellow stains

overall experience not too good, esp considering can get similar item outside at a lower price

which lumber yard? can share with mi???

which lumber yard? can share with mi???

i only know defu lane and sungei kadut area got quite a few

but have not yet venture out there yet

think jln besar area got one but not sure the exact location

Do u think if i ask contractor, will they know or tell us? Maybe need to source ard.

i believe they will tell you lah

they should know where to get the material

good to ask your carpenter

Just that some might not sell to walk in customers..sighhh

deal with contractors only

Thanks for the info!

For booshelves, I've been using IKEA Billy range, so far 4 years and they are still going strong. Even though I overloaded them with thick books, textbook, hardcovers, etc. Bought Carrefour ones, and rite, they sag after 1 year.

For kitchen, why IKEA dare to give 25 years guarantee if the material so lousy ? Anyone has ever claim the guarantee when things disintegrate ? The custom-made ones only give 1 year.

Hmm, anywhere I can go for solid wood carpentry ? Why they dun want to sell to walk-in-customers ? Got union with contractor ?