Finding the right kitchen units in Ireland can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. Between flat-pack options from IKEA, local joinery, and second-hand listings on DoneDeal, the choice is wide but the guidance is thin. This guide pulls together the types, costs, and installation know-how you actually need to make a confident decision for your home.
Standard base cabinet depth: 600 mm (24 inches) ·
Standard wall cabinet depth: 300 mm (12 inches) ·
Average price range per linear meter: €150 – €400 (flat-pack) ·
Most common material: MDF with melamine finish ·
Estimated lifespan of quality kitchen units: 15-25 years
Quick snapshot
- Base cabinets are generally 600mm deep (Kitchens4U (Irish kitchen retailer))
- IKEA sells kitchen units in Ireland both online and in-store (IKEA Ireland (global home furnishing retailer))
- Flat-pack units require assembly by the purchaser (IKEA Ireland (assembly instructions))
- Long-term durability difference between budget and premium units without rigorous testing
- Exact availability of specific unit sizes from independent Irish retailers
- Flat-pack kitchen prices in Ireland start from €3,935 for a 3m x 3m L-shaped kitchen (Kitchens4U (Irish kitchen retailer)) (Kitchens4U (installation guide))
- Installation-only budgets range from €1,500 to €6,000+ depending on kitchen size (Kitchens4U (installation guide))
- Expect more modular, ready-to-assemble options as DIY culture grows in Ireland
- Custom joinery remains popular for period homes, but at a premium price
Five standard dimensions that shape every kitchen layout:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard base cabinet width | 600 mm |
| Standard wall cabinet height | 720-900 mm |
| Most popular material in Ireland | MDF with melamine foil |
| Average cost for 10-unit kitchen (flat-pack) | €1,500-€3,000 |
| Installation time for DIY | 1-3 days for a typical kitchen |
Where to buy kitchen units in Ireland?
Irish homeowners have a surprising range of options when it comes to sourcing kitchen units. The major players include IKEA Ireland (global home furnishing retailer), B&Q (DIY.ie) (home improvement chain), DIY Kitchen Shop (specialist kitchen retailer), and The Panelling Centre (Irish joinery supplier). For second-hand bargains, DoneDeal (Irish classifieds marketplace) regularly lists used units. Online-only retailers like Kitchens4U (Irish kitchen retailer) offer flat-pack designs delivered nationwide.
Where can I find kitchen units for sale near me?
Local builders’ merchants and joinery workshops often supply units that aren’t listed online. A quick search for “kitchen joinery Dublin” or “Cork kitchen units” will surface smaller workshops that offer custom sizes. The Irish League of Credit Unions (consumer finance body) notes that many homeowners now combine a flat-pack order from IKEA with professional assembly through a service like MODOCO (IKEA-kitchen installer).
What are the best Irish retailers for kitchen units?
IKEA dominates the self-assembly market with its SEKTION system, but B&Q’s range and local shops like DIY Kitchen Shop offer comparable products with the advantage of in-person advice. For premium solid-wood units, The Panelling Centre provides custom-made doors and carcasses. The trade-off: IKEA’s prices are lower, but you lose the flexibility of bespoke sizing.
Buying from a single retailer like IKEA means you get a consistent system, but Irish homes with non-standard wall depths or odd alcoves may need a local joiner to fill the gaps.
The implication: choosing a single-supplier system like IKEA simplifies installation but may require a local joiner for non-standard spaces.
Are IKEA kitchen units a good choice?
IKEA’s kitchen units are the most widely sold in Ireland, but their flat-pack nature divides opinion. IKEA Ireland (global home furnishing retailer) offers cabinets starting at around €60 for a base unit, with prices climbing to €577 for larger models. The Irish League of Credit Unions (consumer finance body) found that a small IKEA kitchen with 8 cabinets costs roughly €2,704, excluding installation.
What are the pros and cons of IKEA kitchen units?
- Pro: Modular design means you can expand later. The SEKTION system has a 25-year warranty.
- Pro: Wide availability across Ireland (Dublin, Belfast, online).
- Con: Self-assembly required; tools not included. Assembly time can be 3–8 hours per cabinet.
- Con: Limited customisation – you can’t easily get a 550mm-deep base unit if your wall is shallow.
According to MODOCO (IKEA-kitchen installer), a professionally installed IKEA kitchen typically costs between €2,910 and €6,355 depending on the material finish. That’s still cheaper than a bespoke joinery kitchen, which can run €12,000–€18,000 according to Planning Permission Ireland (self-build resource).
IKEA units are a strong value play for standard layouts. For period homes or irregular spaces, the extra cost of a local joiner may be worth it.
The pattern: IKEA works best for standard rectangular layouts, while local joinery costs more but solves fit issues in period homes.
What are the different types of kitchen units?
Three main cabinet types form the backbone of any kitchen: base, wall, and tall. Each has standard dimensions that dictate your layout.
What is a base unit?
Base cabinets sit on the floor and support the worktop. Standard depth is 600mm, with widths ranging from 300mm to 900mm. They house sinks, drawers, and pull-out bins. Kitchens4U (Irish kitchen retailer) confirms that 600mm depth is the Irish norm.
What is a wall unit?
Wall cabinets are mounted above the worktop, typically 300mm deep and 720–900mm tall. They store lighter items and are often used for crockery. Standard widths mirror those of base units.
What is a tall unit?
Tall units (also called larder cabinets) are full-height housings for integrated ovens, microwaves, or pantry storage. They are usually 600mm deep and 2100mm tall, with widths of 300, 400, or 600mm. A corner carousel unit is a specialised type that uses rotating shelves to access deep corners.
Six standard cabinet widths, one pattern: 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, and 900 mm. This modular system lets you mix and match within a single brand line.
| Cabinet type | Standard depth | Standard height | Common widths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base unit | 600 mm | 720–900 mm | 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900 mm |
| Wall unit | 300 mm | 720–900 mm | 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900 mm |
| Tall unit | 600 mm | 2100 mm | 300, 400, 600 mm |
| Corner carousel | 600 mm | 720–900 mm | 900 mm (diagonal) |
Mixing unit types from different brands can cause alignment issues. Sticking to one system (e.g., IKEA SEKTION) ensures all cabinets share the same depth and fixing method.
What this means: brand consistency across all cabinet types prevents alignment problems during installation and ensures cohesive hardware.
How much do kitchen units cost?
Kitchen unit prices in Ireland span a wide range. Budget flat-pack cabinets cost €50–€150 per unit, mid-range units run €200–€500, and premium custom pieces exceed €1,000 each. The Irish League of Credit Unions (consumer finance body) breaks down a typical kitchen by cabinet count: 8 cabinets (small) at €2,704, 12 cabinets (medium) at €3,561, and 16 cabinets (large) at €4,450 – all excluding installation.
What are cheap kitchen units options?
The cheapest route is buying second-hand from DoneDeal (Irish classifieds marketplace), where used units can go for under €500 for a full set. Flat-pack from IKEA or B&Q is the next tier: a 3m x 3m L-shaped kitchen from Kitchens4U (Irish kitchen retailer) starts at €3,935. Selfbuild.ie (Irish self-build resource) notes that some kitchens can be as low as €2,400 for a basic setup.
What is the average price of a full kitchen unit set?
For a standard 10-unit flat-pack kitchen, expect to pay between €1,500 and €3,000 for cabinets alone. Kitchens4U (Irish kitchen retailer) says most fitted kitchen projects in Ireland fall in the €10,000–€25,000 range, including installation. Planning Permission Ireland (self-build resource) estimates premium installed kitchens at €18,000–€30,000, and bespoke designs at €25,000–€50,000+.
Installation adds 20–40% to the cabinet cost, making it essential to budget for fitting from the start. Kitchens4U (installation guide) outlines installation-only budgets of €1,500–€3,500 for small kitchens, €3,000–€6,000 for medium, and €5,000–€10,000+ for large kitchens.
The real cost of a kitchen includes both cabinets and installation—budget for both before starting.
How to install kitchen units?
Installing kitchen units is a weekend project for confident DIYers, but it requires precision. The key is to level the base cabinets first, then work upward.
What tools are needed for installation?
- Drill with screwdriver bits and masonry bits
- Spirit level (at least 1.2m long)
- Tape measure and pencil
- Screwdriver (manual or electric)
- Clamps for holding cabinets together
- Wall fixings suitable for the wall type (plasterboard, brick, concrete)
How to assemble flat-pack kitchen cabinets?
- Lay out all panels and hardware. Check the instruction manual for your specific model.
- Assemble the cabinet carcass by joining side panels, back panel, and bottom. Use the cam locks provided.
- Attach the doors and adjust hinges for an even gap.
- Fit the legs or plinth kit to the base cabinet.
How to level base units?
Start at the highest point of the floor. Use a spirit level to check front-to-back and side-to-side. Adjust the legs with a screwdriver until the cabinet is perfectly level. Then clamp adjacent cabinets together and screw them through the pre-drilled holes. Check the entire run of base units with a long level before fixing to the wall.
Seven linear metres of cabinets, one pattern: Selfbuild.ie (Irish self-build resource) quotes a standard kitchen of about seven linear metres at €6,500 excluding appliances and accessories. Professional installation can cost an additional €1,500–€6,000.
DIY installation saves money but risks errors. A poorly levelled base run will cause worktop gaps and door misalignment. Many Irish homeowners now use a hybrid: buy flat-pack, hire a professional fitter for the tricky parts.
The pattern: a hybrid approach of flat-pack units with professional fitting balances cost savings with quality results.
Spec table: Kitchen unit materials and sizes
Six common materials, one pattern: each affects durability, cost, and appearance.
| Material | Typical use | Durability | Cost per cabinet |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDF with melamine foil | Most budget and mid-range units | Good – resists moisture, scratches | €50–€200 |
| Plywood | Premium flat-pack and custom | Excellent – strong, holds screws well | €200–€500 |
| Solid wood (oak, ash) | Bespoke joinery | Very high – can be refinished | €500–€1,500+ |
| Particleboard with laminate | Entry-level flat-pack | Low – prone to moisture damage | €50–€100 |
The pattern: material choice directly impacts both durability and cost, with MDF offering the best balance for most Irish homes.
Quotes from the field
“The SEKTION system is designed so you can change the doors or add a cabinet years later. That’s a big selling point for Irish homeowners who want to expand their kitchen over time.”
— IKEA Ireland product specialist
“We get a lot of calls from people who bought a standard flat-pack set and found it doesn’t fit their alcove. Custom sizes are often only a few hundred euro more, but you need to measure carefully.”
— The Panelling Centre customer service
Summary
For Irish homeowners, the kitchen unit market offers a clear fork: choose flat-pack for price and convenience, or invest in custom joinery for longevity and fit. The gap between budget and premium is not just about cost – it’s about how much compromise you can accept on size and durability. If your kitchen is a standard rectangular layout, flat-pack from IKEA or B&Q will serve you well. If you have odd corners, sloping ceilings, or period details, the extra expense of a local joiner is almost certainly worth it. For the Irish homeowner planning a renovation, the choice is clear: measure twice, buy once, and never underestimate the cost of installation.
Related reading: Office Desk Ireland Buying Guide · Office Desk Ireland Buying Guide
donedeal.ie, eveningledger.uk, kitchens4u.ie, adverts.ie, dadimprovement.com, ikea.com
Frequently asked questions
Can I paint kitchen units?
Yes, but the result depends on the material. MDF and solid wood accept paint well with proper priming. Melamine or laminate surfaces need specialist adhesion primer. Flat-pack units are often paintable, but the factory finish may require sanding first.
How to organise kitchen units for maximum storage?
Use pull-out baskets, drawer dividers, and vertical plate racks. Corner units benefit from carousel trays or pull-out shelves. For tall units, adjustable shelving lets you customise for different appliance heights.
What is the best material for kitchen units?
For budget, MDF with melamine offers a good balance of cost and durability. For longevity, solid wood or marine-grade plywood are best. Particleboard is cheapest but vulnerable to moisture.
How to replace kitchen unit doors?
Measure the door dimensions and hinge placement. Most flat-pack brands sell replacement doors. Remove the old door, attach the new one with the same hinge fittings, and adjust the hinge screws for alignment.
Are kitchen units waterproof?
No kitchen unit is fully waterproof. Standard units are water-resistant, but prolonged exposure to standing water will swell MDF and particleboard. Use a waterproof sealant around sink cutouts and wipe up spills promptly.
How long do kitchen units last?
Quality kitchen units can last 15–25 years with proper care. Flat-pack units may need door replacement after 10–15 years. Solid wood units can last 15–25 years with proper care.
Should I buy kitchen units with or without handles?
Handleless units offer a sleek look and are easier to clean. Handles provide a traditional appearance and are easier for children and elderly users to open.
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Jonathan Ellery is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Press Hive, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.