PLANNING AN IKEA KITCHEN?
WHEN TO DIY AND WHEN TO HIRE A PRO
Planning an Ikea kitchen? You’ve picked a smart, flexible system that works for a range of budgets and styles. But now comes the big question—should you design and install it yourself, or hire a pro?
The truth is, Ikea makes it possible to DIY the whole thing—but that doesn’t mean it’s the right move for everyone. In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both options, from layout planning to cabinet installation.
We’ll also show you how you can upgrade your Ikea kitchen with Modern Twig’s custom door fronts. But first, let’s talk about one of Ikea’s most popular customizable kitchen systems— Sektion.
IKEA SEKTION: AN AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE TO CUSTOM CABINETS
Ikea’s Sektion Kitchen (also known as Metod in Europe)—introduced in 2015 as a response to an evolving cabinet industry focused on quality, function, cost, manufacturing timing, and materials—was designed to be modular and customizable.
How customizable? Pretty much every element of your kitchen can be tailored to suit your layout and lifestyle. With a variety of cabinet sizes, an expansive selection of kitchen organizers and interior fittings, and a wide range of finishes, Sektion lets you create a kitchen that works for your space, style, and budget. Add in countertops, sinks, faucets, lighting, knobs, and handles, and you’ve got endless possibilities.
Sektion gives you the freedom to mix and match sizes, configurations, storage solutions, and styles, whether you’re transforming a compact galley kitchen or designing an open-concept masterpiece. Because of its affordability, flexibility, and relatively faster installation, Ikea Sektion has become a go-to alternative to fully custom cabinets.
DESIGNING YOUR IKEA KITCHEN: DIY VS. HIRING A PRO
Every great kitchen starts with a solid design—and when you’re working with Ikea cabinets, you’ve got options. The big question is: should you tackle the layout yourself or bring in a professional? Let’s walk through the pros and cons of each approach so you can decide what’s best for your space.
DIY Design: Is It Right for You?
What really separates Ikea from other big box stores like Home Depot is that Ikea makes it much easier for you to do it yourself, if you choose to go that route.
Ikea has a free online kitchen planner that lets you experiment with layouts, swap in different cabinet types, and even see 3D renderings of your space. You’ll find every component you need —from tall pantry units and cleverly designed drawer systems to appliances and lighting. It’s basically like playing SIMS but with Ikea components that you can buy and install in real life.
That said, a successful kitchen layout still takes time, precision, and a solid understanding of your space. You’ll need to take accurate measurements, think through appliance placement, and troubleshoot around things like plumbing or awkward corners.
If you’re confident in your planning skills (and enjoy the process), this route can be super rewarding—and save you money, too. Use the Ikea Kitchen Planning Guide to kickstart your journey.
Hiring a Pro: Why It Might Be Worth It
Even though Ikea’s tools make DIY design possible, sometimes it just makes sense to bring in a pro—especially if you’re juggling a busy schedule, renovating a tricky space, or simply want peace of mind that everything will fit and function flawlessly.
Ikea offers several kitchen services to help with design, including in-home measuring, layout planning, and consultations. Some of it is free, and some comes with a fee. These services are a great starting point if you want expert input in the planning process but still want to lead the design yourself.
Using Modern Twig’s Design Services
If you’re looking for a more personalized experience—especially one that includes expert guidance and custom cabinet fronts—our Design Services are a great place to start.
A project by Modern Twig – Walnut & Paint-ready Slab door fronts
Our in-house team knows Ikea’s system like the back of their hand, and we’re here to make the design process feel a whole lot less overwhelming. Here’s what you can expect when you book with us:
- A dedicated designer will work with you one-on-one to understand your space, layout goals, storage needs, and style preferences. We gather all the details upfront so we can build a kitchen that fits your life—not just your floor plan.
- Unlimited revisions are included. No extra fees, no limits—just a shared goal to get the design exactly right. Some companies charge for every tweak; we don’t. Because to us, good design means getting it right for you.
- You’ll receive detailed plans, elevations, and renderings throughout the process. We also provide clear cost estimates so you’re never left guessing about the bottom line.
- When everything is finalized, we’ll even populate your Ikea and Modern Twig shopping carts so you can place your orders with confidence—no second-guessing product numbers or component lists.
It’s a streamlined, collaborative way to bring your vision to life. Our design services range from $250 – $499, depending on the layout needed.
Learn more about our Design Services.
INSTALLING YOUR IKEA KITCHEN: DIY VS. HIRING A PRO
Once your kitchen design is locked in, it’s time to bring it to life—and that means installation. This step requires precision, patience, and a decent set of tools. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of installing cabinets yourself vs. hiring a pro.
Installing an Ikea Kitchen Yourself
Ikea kitchens are designed with the DIYer in mind, which means you can totally take on the installation yourself. But before you grab your toolbox, it’s important to know what you’re in for.
Installing Ikea kitchen cabinets isn’t like assembling a simple bookshelf—it involves a lot of precision, measuring, and oftentimes problem-solving. You’ll be working with flat-pack cabinets that need to be leveled, assembled, and sometimes customized to fit your space perfectly. Things like cutting panels, adjusting for uneven walls, and aligning doors to ensure they open smoothly can be tricky.
The good news? Ikea provides clear installation manuals and a 7-part video series that walks you through every step of the process. They’ve done a solid job of making the system approachable for non-professionals.
If you’re comfortable with DIY projects and have the time to dedicate to this task, installing your Ikea kitchen can be a rewarding experience. Just make sure you’ve got the right tools (a power drill, level, and saw) and are prepared for some trial and error along the way.
Hiring a Pro to Install Your IKEA Kitchen
There’s a lot that goes into installing an Ikea kitchen (just watch the video above). A lot can go wrong, especially if you’re new to assembling and installing furniture. The precision needed for things like leveling, cutting, and ensuring every panel fits perfectly is crucial to making sure everything looks and functions the way it should.
That’s why we highly recommend hiring a professional installer, especially if you’re working with the complexity of an Ikea kitchen and our custom fronts and panels.
A pro will not only speed up the process but also ensure you avoid costly mistakes that could delay your project. A misaligned door or incorrect cut can lead to reorders and wasted time.
WHO SHOULD YOU HIRE FOR THE IKEA INSTALLATION?
When it comes to hiring, we recommend hiring a specialized Ikea installer. These pros focus solely on Ikea cabinets and know the system inside and out. They’re experts at dealing with the flat-pack assembly, understanding article numbers, and troubleshooting any tricky spots.
You want someone who can handle all the little details, such as ensuring the front edge of panels are flush with the face of doors or ensuring the right hinges are used on doors with inner nesting drawers.
Ikea offers Kitchen Installation Services and will install your Ikea kitchen for a fee (around $1,500 – $5,000, depending on the size).
However, if you’re working with custom door fronts, like Modern Twig (more on this later), or have other items on your renovation list other than an Ikea cabinet, you’d want to work with someone who can handle the full scope.
A project by 365 assembly, using Modern Twig door fronts on Ikea Sektion
Here are a few contractors we’ve had personal experience with and can vouch for:
- Wes from Brave Element – Wes and his team are Ikea veterans. They’re meticulous, organized, and detail-obsessed. From sorting your cabinets by article number before starting to ensuring panels and trim are flush with your doors, they bring precision to every step of the process.
- Oscar & Cindy from 365 Assembly – This Northern California–based husband-and-wife duo brings over a decade of Ikea experience to the table. They’re creative, thoughtful, and especially good at problem-solving on the fly—exactly what you want when unexpected surprises pop up during a renovation.
If you already have a general contractor, ask whether they have experience with Ikea kitchens. Many are used to working with custom cabinets, which arrive pre-assembled and simply need to be secured in place. Ikea’s flat-pack system is a different beast, and the learning curve can cost you time and quality if they’re not familiar with it.
GIVING YOUR IKEA CABINETS A CUSTOM LOOK
While Ikea doors are great, they aren’t for everybody. Ikea cabinets have a limited color scheme and lack versatility when it comes to design.
That’s where Modern Twig comes in.
Ikea Sektion + Walnut door fronts from Modern Twig
We make custom doors to fit Ikea Systems, giving you the ease of installation, unique styling , and a budget-friendly solution for Ikea—but with a completely elevated custom look.
The best part? Our doors install just like Ikea’s, so there’s no retrofitting or guesswork. Whether you’re tackling the project yourself or hiring help, our fronts are made to fit seamlessly, like they were always meant to be there.
Here are some of the different collections we offer:
- Wood Veneer – Natural material that varies in tone and grain, unique to every project.
- Faux Wood – An engineered wood laminate material. If consistency in tone and grain is what you’re looking for, this is the way to go.
- Wood Shaker – 5-piece construction of solid wood framing and MDF/veneer center panel. Great for giving modern homes a traditional touch.
- Paint-Ready – Comes unfinished. Can be sanded, primed, and painted with any color of your choosing, giving you maximum control over the look of these fronts.
- Matte Colors – An MDF core wrapped in thermofoil, showcasing a muted look. We’ve curated a select number of colors that are suitable for every type of design.
If you want to see what these collections look like, visit our materials page.
Final thoughts
Whether you decide to DIY or hire a pro for your Ikea kitchen project, the choice ultimately depends on your budget, time, and comfort level with the process. Designing and installing an Ikea kitchen can be a satisfying DIY project, but it’s not without its challenges.
If you’re after a hassle-free experience, working with a pro to design and install your kitchen can save you time and ensure a high-quality result.
And if you’re looking to elevate your Ikea kitchen with custom touches, Modern Twig is here to help. From wood veneer doors to sleek matte finishes, we offer a range of styles that’ll take your space to the next level. Our design services can also help you create a flawless layout and guide you through the ordering process, so you can skip the guesswork.
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