I have read the posts of folks here who have made their own doors for Ikea cabs (they have skills that I will never have), so I'm sure it can be done. If you want to get a price comparison, ask your custom shop to price the cabs too, versus just the doors. I don't think you will eat up all the savings.

Well I just made a trip to IKEA hoping that if I saw the door choices in person, I might soften and accept a thermofoil. Unfortunately, my better half just couldn't stomach them, so now I'm going to check out Scherr's again. I was heartened to read the Honest opinions about IKEA cabinets thread updates and still see a lot of positive feedback, so I think that we're on the right track.

Scherr's was wonderful to work with, even though I ended up not going with them...I still remember Leon's name from 4 years ago, that's how helpful he was. If the Hallarum hadn't been there, we would have gone with Scherr's.

You might also consider painting a door like Tidaholm. Someone on Ikeafans did this with great results. I'm thinking of doing this myself, though I'd use a more vintage-looking knob and pull.

Here is a link that might be useful: painted Tidaholm cabinets

Thanks Joann23456, I did see those on ikeafans. I'm not sure if it was that person or another one though who mentioned that if they had it all to do over again, they'd have gone with Scherrs because painting the already finished Tidaholm (or maybe it was somebody with Adel birch) turned out to be pretty tricky. She had to have the doors and drawer fronts delivered to her painter, he had to sand them (to remove the finish) then prime and paint (sprayed them). They did turn out nicely, but seems like a lot of hassle and potential for screw-ups. The thing that does appeal though is that I want to have a wood hood screen, crown moulding and some other finishing touches. If we had the doors painted, then we'd have an easier time of matching these other elements, and touching up the doors if they get scratched.

Anyway, for some reason Scherrs website isn't working for me tonight, so I can't even check out their doorstyles again. Maybe tomorrow. I think I'll call or email them too and see about the painted shaker style door concept. They must have done them, they're so popular.

Oh, yes, they have them. Look at the 400 series. I'm considering that, too. I like Shaker, but I actually prefer a simple decorative bead, like style 475.

I've been looking into going this route as well since I'd like to do a more traditional door style. I've run across a few examples online with pictures and or details of using custom doors with Ikea cabinets.

A contemporary kitchen with custom walnut doors.

This message has pictures and pricing information on another kitchen with custom doors.

Nice blog post about using custom doors from Scherrs with lots of details.

Discussion of custom doors on Ikeafans

List of alternative door suppliers and some pricing info re: Scherrs

Thanks so much linley1 those are really helpful links and a lot of info I just couldn't find simply trying to search through ikeafans.com.

I'm still torn though, all of the talk of nominal measurements, and drilling holes or having holes that aren't quite right, make me nervous. I guess I need to do more homework. I'm pretty set on IKEA cabinets now, just waffling on whether to go with the custom door or stay safe (and not great) with IKEA's doors.

I wish this were easier!

I have the IKEA Adel White cabinet doors. I was worried about it looking plasticy, but the finish is a nice eggshell, type finish. In fact, the pantry which is built around the fridge is right next to a painted wood door, and they look very similar. I'll attach a link to some photos.

Using IKEA boxes, if you go with a custom door, you will also need to order custom cover panels to wrap the sides.

If you like the white, shaker style, I would encourage you to take a second look at IKEA's Adel White.

Here is a link that might be useful: IKEA's Adel White doors