Hey, flyleft, I used some doors with the big holes in them on those cheap oak face frame cabinets in my kitchen. (I can't remember now why I bought doors with those holes in them.) I used the regular overlay hinges where just the little hinge edge is visible. It was a little tough getting the hinges secured because those huge holes were just in the spot where hinges needed to be. So some of my hinges had less than the optimal amount of screws holding them on. I think to do it properly, you'd have to fill in those holes. I'm sure the woodworking forum can give you some good advice for cutting out blanks and glueing them into the holes. Are you choosing IKEA for the style or the price? Seems like it would be easier to get a custom ordered door and stain or paint it yourself.

Hi Forgot about posting this. We are almost finished with the kitchen refacing project. Adding the REAL wooden styles makes such a huge difference. We do have the ply sides but it is wood and not paper covered wood look. I am pleased with how it is turning out. Very happy we decided to leave off the crown on the top too.Gives a cleaner look. He did the work in stages so the kitchen was always usable. Also adding a inside window in the guest bath. Non opening. Mostly to let light in. If you already have the wood styles and doors drawers it should be easy to change the sides. We had pressed paper styles with contact paper like stuff over it. YUCK I still think you will end up with a veneer ply. Chris

Sure, it can be done well by experienced people. Beware of farmed out jobs like what Sears/Home Depot/Lowe's/etc. do. Find a company that does just that kind of work and look at their track record. Plus, get a customer list and actually pick several to talk to about the way the jobs turned out.

With IKEA? Probably 1/3 of that with all drawer lowers, if you diy. Pricier once you add new appliances, stone countertops and new floors. There's an IKEA Kitchen sale next month. Discount usually also covers appliances and countertops. Though I don't think IKEA appliances have glowing reviews. HD Laminate countertops are no longer the same hideousness as they were in the 90's. Get estimates as lower tier granite can be cheaper fabricated/installed. Though, one thing I definitely rec'd is post your layout and have the GW gurus fine comb it for you. Most posters state that doing so was their best decision! IKEA has a 3D planner you can use to both price out the cabinets and post screenshots here for critique. Sorry that doesn't answer your original question!