i have an estimate from Ikea to build and install 17 cabinets and doors/drawers for $3400. This does not include any demo or removal or countertops. Work will be performed in Central Florida.

Sounds ok to me (Houston, TX)

Skilled labor is always a bigger figure than you think it will be.

so if you do all that yourself you save $5400? sweet!! what's your spare time worth?

It’s not as easy as it sounds. Thus, “skilled” labor, vs unskilled. You need lots of tools, and experience using them. Levels, shims, and clamps especially. It helps a lot to be around during framing to make sure the walls are square and plumb. Add some blocking at the rail attachment heights during framing.

I wouldn't call taking down and installing cabinets skilled labor. its just labor.

levels, shims and clamps are all ridiculously inexpensive at harbor freight or northern tools.

We aren’t doing anything ourselves except building the boxes and really are just wondering how this one estimate compares to others. The fridge panel I would consider skilled label, everything else is labor.

I am just asking wondering whether that quote is about right for other ikea kitchen installs since their kitchen installs generally aren’t “skilled labor” until you get to the extras (toe kicks, panels, crown, etc).

If I recall correctly, ikea cabinets hang on rails, which helps alleviate some shim issues. That said, if one is not particularly handy/skilled, I would say professional installation is key to having a top notch result. I assembled our ikea boxes but then had them installed....and every time I read a kitchen thread here about panels next to a fridge, extra panel so doors open fully, etc, I look over at our cabinets and realize the installer did something I never would have thought of. Also, ours ‘hacked’ a few items to our needs (fabricated a nicer looking upper over fridge); combining face panels....all stuff I had zero clue about. So I’m a whiz at assembling those boxes, but that’s exactly where my expertise ends.

Did you get a quote from Ikea? They'll also assemble the boxes. In March, we had 17 cabinets assembled and installed by Ikea, complete with side panels, all drawer lowers, molding, etc. They customized upper cabinet for OTR microwave, too. For about $2500.

They did not remove old cabinets, we used Ikea doors, and our countertops were done by someone else.

Thanks - not sure how this thread became a discussion about whether ikea install is skilled v. unskilled, but I will say it again:

I am not asking so that I can decide whether I want to do it myself. We are not doing ANYTHING ourselves except building the cabinet boxes.

I’s just like to hear from others who have had their ikea kitchens installed about how much they paid. I know all ikea kitchens are different but it helps to hear the range.

It would be good to hire someone who has previously installed IKEA cabinets. The frameless “system” is different than the typical American framed cabinets.

Thanks ulisdone. I tend to agree. I don’t believe this guy has done them before so that’s a bit of a concern. He does exceptional work but ikea is a whole different animal from what I’ve heard.

@sushipup1 - we have QWR in our area, and I believe they’re one that IKEA uses. Waiting on that quote now.

They will want to build the cabinets as well as install. We asked about doing the assembly ourselves, but they said that was included in the price. What about the old cabinets? Haul away? Install in a basement or garage? Sell?

@sushipup - did you also use QWR? I’d be interested to hear how they are.

I'm in the Philly area, and Ikea owns part of Traemand, which covers only part of the US. They were great. Lots of bang for the buck. Don't know about QWR.

So just for removal and installation your price seems high to me. However, what kind of guarantee are you getting on the quartz? That is the one unknown here because if they are willing to accept the risk of breakage during removal and reinstallation that is worth some money.

My quote for installation for 27 cabinets in one property was much less than that. I ended up doing it myself but wanted to be sure it was worth my time.

Anyone experienced with installing traditional cabinets is overqualified to install IKEA cabinets. It is much much easier than doing traditional cabinets. It really is a great install system. So I would not worry too much about your cabinet guy not having experience with IKEA specifically. I personally find IKEA's trim system leaves a bit to be desired and a pro will help solve that issue.

Off topic but can I ask why you're taking cabinets down in a brand new house? Are the existing cabinets that egregious?

@shead - so glad you asked, as I was waiting for that question! It’s a production build and we weren’t really able to pick the cabinet style or color we actually wanted. Also they’re already cracking where the joints on the frames get hit by the doors closing. They’re also just not the best quality, with the finish chipping, and it’ll actually cost me less to put new cabinets in than to install interior drawers and organizers in the existing cabinets. And the final straw in our decision to take them down was that our warranty on the cabinets was completely voided when we added cabinet pulls and knobs.

What?!?! That's crazy that a warranty is voided by installing pulls and knobs...geez!

We are planning to DIY Ikea cabs when we do our upcoming house remodel/addition. I'm hoping to use them in the kitchen, pantry, laundry, and three bathrooms :) Good luck with your project!

HOME ADVISOR (can do a more specific search based off zipcode) https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/cabinets-and-countertops/install-cabinets/

Cabinet Installation or Replacement Costs

On average, cabinet installation costs $4,942, with most homeowners spending between $1,863 and $8,196. Prices for semi-custom and fully custom installs for an average sized kitchen ranges from $13,000 to $30,000 or more. Depending on whether you choose stock, semi-custom or custom, pricing ranges widely from $100 to $1,500 per linear foot. Stock, semi-custom and custom run $50 to $650 per cabinet for the materials alone. Size, quality and customization are the main cost factors.

From what I understand IKEA installation runs about 90-100 per box to assemble and install. Add some more to that for trim, crown and fillers. Getting cabinets attach to a wall is one thing. Doing a quality job where everything is trimmed out and aligned perfectly is not. Each situation is different. Some will be easier than others. Those who think it doesn't take a skill are those who have never done it.

" I wouldn't call taking down and installing cabinets skilled labor. its just labor.
levels, shims and clamps are all ridiculously inexpensive at harbor freight or northern tools."

that's typically a comment from someone who has never installed cabinets, or from someone who has installed so many kitchens that it's effortless, because of skill.

I've been in both spots.

I would say that the quote is high for Waco. Get at least two more quotes, if possible. I've done projects with installers from Temple TX, and I wish I had gotten more quotes.

You need to calculate the costs of 3.5% unemployment. I just hired a guy with no experience in my business for $27.00 per hour and a truck. He's apparently worth it so far, but I'm not paying it, my customers are. You are too.

That sounds like a crazy bargain to me (NYC). I guess it's not an older home and you're keeping the footprint.