The IKEA Metod and Faktum kitchen systems represent two different generations of IKEA's kitchen design, with the core difference being that Faktum is the older, discontinued system and Metod is its modern, highly modular replacement. Metod offers vastly more customization, a modern aesthetic, and improved materials, while Faktum was a more rigid, utilitarian product that is no longer being produced.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand what defines each system and which one matters for your project.
IKEA Faktum Kitchen System
Faktum was IKEA's long-standing kitchen cabinet system from the early 2000s until it was phased out around 2015. Known for its practicality and affordability, it was a go-to for countless budget-friendly kitchen renovations. Its design was straightforward and functional, a reliable workhorse that served its purpose but offered limited creative freedom compared to modern systems.
- What it is: IKEA's previous-generation, discontinued kitchen cabinet system.
- Key features: A rigid set of cabinet sizes with a simple, utilitarian design. It had fewer options for door styles and internal organizers.
- Price: Was known for being extremely budget-friendly. Today, its parts are only found second-hand, so prices vary.
- Style: Can appear dated by today's standards, with a boxier, less integrated look. Well-suited for straightforward, traditional kitchen layouts.
- Materials/Construction: Primarily made of particleboard with melamine or laminate finishes. It's durable for its age but less resistant to scratches and moisture than newer materials.
- Pros: Was highly affordable, reliable, and straightforward to assemble for a basic kitchen layout. Can still be found on second-hand marketplaces.
- Cons: Officially discontinued, meaning parts are very difficult to find. Incompatible with all modern Metod components. Limited design and customization options. Dated aesthetic.
The Faktum system is now mostly relevant for homeowners who need to identify their existing kitchen to find matching-style replacement parts if a cabinet or door gets damaged.
Shop this product: As this is discontinued, you may find parts on second-hand marketplaces.
IKEA Metod Kitchen System
Metod is IKEA's current, fully-featured kitchen system, designed to provide limitless flexibility and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Introduced to replace Faktum, Metod is based on a modular grid system that allows for truly custom layouts. It emphasizes clean lines, clever storage, and a huge selection of finishes to suit any style, from minimalist modern to cozy traditional.
- What it is: IKEA's modern, fully customizable, and modular kitchen cabinet system. (Note: Known as SEKTION in North America).
- Key features: Built on a grid system for complete modularity. Available in a vast array of cabinet sizes, door styles, and finishes. Includes modern features like soft-close hinges and a wide range of smart internal organizers.
- Price: More expensive than Faktum was, but it offers significantly more value in its flexibility, quality, and longevity. Still very competitively priced against other kitchen retailers.
- Style: Sleek, contemporary, and highly adaptable. The wide variety of fronts (doors and drawer faces) allows it to fit into virtually any home decor style.
- Materials/Construction: Built with high-quality fiberboard and offered with durable finishes like laminate, veneer, and gloss or matte foils that offer better moisture and scratch resistance.
- Pros: Extremely flexible and customizable. Modern, high-end look at an affordable price. Widely available and supported by IKEA's online planning tools. High-quality hardware and a huge range of internal accessories.
- Cons: Assembly can be more complex due to the sheer number of options. Can be slightly more expensive than its predecessor.
The IKEA Metod system is the standard choice for anyone designing a new kitchen today, offering flexibility and style that Faktum could not.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/search/products/?q=metod
Faktum vs. Metod Comparison
Dimensions & Customization
This is the most significant difference between the two systems. Faktum had a limited range of standard cabinet sizes that worked for most, but not all, spaces. Customization was basic, confined mainly to choosing from a smaller selection of doors and handles.
Metod, conversely, is a truly modular system. Its frame sizes are based on 10 and 20 cm increments, allowing you to combine them like building blocks to perfectly fit your space. This revolutionary approach means you can create kitchen islands, a bank of drawers, or appliance towers with seamless, clean lines. Metod’s flexibility in mixing and matching depths, heights, and widths far surpasses anything possible with the old Faktum system.
Design & Aesthetic
The visual difference is immediately clear. Faktum kitchens often have a more traditional, disjointed look due to the standardized sizing and thicker cabinet frames visible between doors. The color and style options were also a product of their time and feel less contemporary today.
The Metod system is designed for a modern, integrated aesthetic. Its modularity allows for wall-to-wall installations with very tight tolerances, giving the appearance of expensive custom cabinetry. The vast catalog of cabinet fronts available for Metod covers every style, from high-gloss modern white to classic shaker-style wood effects, ensuring a perfect match for any interior design.
Installation & Compatibility
Both systems were designed for DIY assembly, but they are not compatible in any way. The dimensions of the frames, the placement of the hinge holes, and the drawer runner mechanisms are completely different. You cannot put a new Metod door on an old Faktum cabinet without significant and difficult modifications.
Metod also introduces improved hardware, such as a suspension rail system that makes it easier to mount wall cabinets level and secure. This rail system also allows for easier adjustment and installation compared to hanging each Faktum cabinet individually.
Availability & Long-Term Value
Availability is a simple distinction: a Faktum kitchen is a legacy product. IKEA no longer sells any components, and finding replacement parts involves scouring second-hand marketplaces. Metod is the current standard, fully stocked in IKEA stores and online, and backed by IKEA's warranty and customer support.
While Faktum was cheaper, Metod offers far greater long-term value. Its superior materials, timeless design potential, and the ability to easily purchase replacement parts or update doors in the future make it a much better investment for any kitchen renovation.
Which One Should You Choose?
While both systems served their purpose for their respective eras, the decision today is straightforward for most people.
Choose Faktum if:
- You already have a Faktum kitchen and only need to find a single replacement part from a second-hand seller.
- You've been offered a complete, used Faktum kitchen for almost free for a shed, garage, or low-priority area.
- Your goal is simply to identify an existing cabinet system and you have no plans to upgrade.
- You're comfortable with its dated style and lack of available parts.
Choose the Metod if:
- You are designing, planning, or installing a new kitchen.
- You value design flexibility and want to create a layout that perfectly fits your space.
- You prefer a modern, integrated, and high-end aesthetic without the custom price tag.
- You want access to a wide array of door styles, colors, finishes, and smart storage solutions.
- You want the peace of mind that comes with readily available parts and IKEA's support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between IKEA Faktum and Metod?
The main difference is that Faktum is IKEA's older, discontinued kitchen system with limited sizing, while Metod is the current, highly modular system that allows for vastly more customization, a modern integrated look, and parts continue to be sold by IKEA.
Can I use Metod doors on Faktum cabinets?
No, you cannot. The dimensions, hinge patterns, and hardware mounting points are completely different and incompatible. Attempting this would require extensive, difficult custom modifications that would likely not work well.
How can I tell if I have a Faktum or Metod kitchen?
The easiest way to tell is by looking inside a wall cabinet frame. Metod cabinets have two parallel vertical rows of small pre-drilled holes running up the sides for shelf adjustment. Faktum cabinets typically have only a single row of holes.
Is IKEA Metod better than Faktum?
Yes, for anyone designing a kitchen today, Metod is unequivocally better. It surpasses Faktum in every key area: design flexibility, material quality, available styles, modern features, and long-term availability of parts.
What is the North American name for the IKEA Metod system?
In the United States and Canada, the Metod system is branded as SEKTION. While the name is different, the core modular principles, design, and functionality are nearly identical, with the main difference being that SEKTION is based on Imperial (inch) measurements while Metod uses the Metric system.
Where can I get replacement parts for my Faktum kitchen?
Since IKEA no longer produces Faktum-compatible components, your only options are second-hand marketplaces like eBay and local used furniture sites. There are also third-party companies online that specialize in manufacturing custom doors designed to fit old Faktum cabinets.
Why did IKEA replace Faktum with Metod?
IKEA replaced Faktum to modernize its kitchen offerings and provide customers with far more flexibility. Metod's modular system allows for design solutions that were impossible with Faktum, better aligning with contemporary trends toward customized, integrated kitchens.
Are Metod kitchens harder to assemble than Faktum?
Metod kitchens are not necessarily harder to assemble on a per-cabinet basis, and the hardware has improved. However, the overall project can feel more complex simply because there are more components and customization choices to manage during the planning and installation phases.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
