Semihandmade specializes in creating high-end, custom-style cabinet fronts specifically designed to fit IKEA cabinet systems, allowing for a luxurious, bespoke look on a budget. In contrast, IKEA sells complete, affordable, and functional cabinet systems, offering a one-stop-shop solution with a signature Scandinavian-minimalist aesthetic.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right approach for your kitchen or storage project.
Semihandmade: The Designer Upgrade for IKEA Cabinets
Semihandmade has carved out a niche by collaborating with and complementing IKEA's kitchen systems. The brand doesn't sell cabinets, it sells premium doors, drawer fronts, and panels that transform affordable IKEA cabinet boxes into what looks like a fully custom kitchen. Homeowners and designers use Semihandmade to achieve a high-end aesthetic while leveraging the affordability and modularity of IKEA's SEKTION kitchen system.
- Product mix: Exclusively sells cabinet fronts (doors and drawer faces), panels, and trim. They are designed for IKEA’s SEKTION (kitchen), PAX (wardrobe), GODMORGON (bathroom), and BESTA (storage) systems.
- Style/vibe: Highly versatile and trend-focused, offering everything from classic Shaker to modern slab doors in a variety of wood grains, supermatte finishes, and vibrant colors. The aesthetic elevates IKEA's basic look to appear custom and high-end.
- Price point: Mid-range premium. While pricing depends heavily on the door style and kitchen size, expect to pay $3,000-$7,000+ for fronts for an average-sized kitchen, in addition to the cost of the IKEA cabinet boxes. Doors can range from under $100 for a small upper to several hundred for a large pantry door.
- Quality: Professional-grade and durable. Materials include thermofoil, painted MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and premium wood veneers that offer a more substantial feel and finish than standard IKEA options.
- Customization: This is their core strength. You can choose from dozens of finishes and styles that IKEA doesn't offer, including collaborations with designers like Sarah Sherman Samuel.
- Delivery: Lead times vary by product line, often ranging from 2 to 10 weeks, as items are made to order. Planning ahead is essential.
- Return policy: Since products are made to order, most sales are final. They offer a limited return window only for unmodified items in their Quick Ship collection.
Semihandmade is the perfect solution for those who want a custom look and a higher-quality finish without the cost and complexity of a fully custom cabinetmaker.
Shop Semihandmade: semihandmade.com
IKEA: The Affordable & Functional One-Stop-Shop
IKEA is a global home furnishing giant known for affordable, flat-pack furniture with a distinct Scandinavian sensibility. The brand's SEKTION kitchen system provides the entire structure - cabinets, hardware, countertops, lighting, and appliances - that customers can buy and assemble themselves. It's a go-to for first-time homeowners, budget renovators, and DIY enthusiasts who value function and clean design.
- Product mix: A complete solution for the home. For kitchens, this includes cabinet boxes, frames, drawers, shelves, hinges, doors, and countertops, plus appliances, sinks, and faucets.
- Style/vibe: Minimalist, modern, and Scandinavian. While there are a handful of traditional styles, the overwhelming aesthetic is clean, simple, and practical.
- Price point: Highly affordable. A complete average-sized kitchen, including cabinet boxes and basic fronts, can range from $3,000 to $8,000. Individual base cabinet boxes often start around $50.
- Quality: Built for value. Cabinets are typically made of particleboard with laminate or foil finishes. While functional and backed by a 25-year warranty, the materials may not feel as substantial or offer the long-term durability of solid wood or premium MDF.
- Customization: Options are limited to IKEA's curated selection of door styles, colors, and finishes. While the modular system allows for flexible layouts, the visual aesthetic has fewer options than a custom-front company.
- Delivery & Assembly: Most items can be picked up in-store or delivered within a week or two. All products require self-assembly, though IKEA offers official third-party assembly services for an additional fee.
- Rewards program: The free IKEA Family program offers product discounts, free coffee/tea in the restaurant, and a 90-day price protection guarantee.
- Return policy: Very generous. IKEA offers a 365-day return policy for unopened items and 180 days for opened products.
Put simply, IKEA offers an unbeatable, complete, and budget-friendly cabinet system for anyone prioritizing cost and function with a clean, modern style.
Shop IKEA: ikea.com
Semihandmade vs. IKEA Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a significant difference in price because these brands serve different purposes. IKEA provides the entire system at an entry-level price point. You can get all the cabinet boxes, drawers, and basic doors for a small 10x10 kitchen for as little as $3,000. IKEA is the undisputed budget champion.
Semihandmade is strictly an add-on expense to achieve a higher-end look. The cost of their fronts for that same 10x10 kitchen might be $4,000-$7,000, which you pay in addition to the cost of the IKEA cabinet frames and hardware (purchased without doors). The combined total is still often less than half the price of a fully custom kitchen from a cabinetmaker, delivering excellent value for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics.
Style & Aesthetic
IKEA’s style is distinctly Scandinavian: minimalist, practical, and modern. You can choose from a range of finishes - white, black, gray, and some wood tones - primarily in flat-panel or simple Shaker-style doors. It’s a clean and timeless look, but it is also very recognizable and limited in scope.
Semihandmade's entire business is built on expanding aesthetic possibilities. They offer beaded, slim shaker, and slab doors in trending colors, textured materials, and premium wood veneers like walnut and oak. Their collection allows you to create a kitchen that looks truly custom-built, whether you’re aiming for mid-century modern, modern farmhouse, art deco, or contemporary coastal. This is where Semihandmade truly shines.
Quality & Materials
IKEA cabinet fronts are typically made of fiberboard with foil, laminate, or paint finishes. While covered by an impressive 25-year warranty, they are lighter and can be more susceptible to chipping and wear than premium materials. The cabinet boxes themselves are made of particleboard, which serves as the durable and affordable foundation for millions of kitchens.
Semihandmade uses higher-grade materials, resulting in a more durable and luxurious feel. Their doors come in options such as painted MDF (which is more stable and moisture-resistant than solid wood), premium wood veneers, and durable thermofoils. The construction feels more substantial, adding to the overall custom-built impression of the finished kitchen.
Shopping Experience
Shopping at IKEA is a one-stop experience. You can use their free online kitchen planner to design your layout, generate a complete shopping list, and purchase everything - from cabinets and countertops to sinks and lighting - in one transaction. You can pick up items yourself or have them delivered relatively quickly.
The Semihandmade process is a two-step purchase. First, you must finalize your kitchen design using IKEA's planner. Then, you use that plan to order the correct quantity and size of doors, panels, and trim from Semihandmade's website. This requires more planning and coordination, and since the products are made-to-order, you must account for longer lead times.
Which One Should You Choose?
This isn't a true apples-to-apples comparison, as you need IKEA to use Semihandmade. The real question is whether you should stick with IKEA's standard fronts or upgrade to a premium option.
Choose IKEA (with IKEA fronts) if:
- Your primary concern is staying within a tight budget.
- You want a fast, simple, and all-in-one shopping process.
- You prefer a clean, minimalist, or classic Scandinavian look.
- You are a DIYer looking for a straightforward assembly with all parts from a single source.
Choose Semihandmade (with IKEA cabinets) if:
- You want a custom, designer look for significantly less than a full custom kitchen.
- The specific style, color, or material you desire isn’t available from IKEA.
- Durability and a premium feel are important to you.
- You are willing to manage a two-step purchasing process and longer lead times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Semihandmade or IKEA cheaper?
IKEA is much cheaper. Remodeling a kitchen using only IKEA's own cabinet systems and fronts is the most budget-friendly option. Using an IKEA system with Semihandmade fronts will be more expensive but still typically costs 30-50% less than a comparable fully custom kitchen.
Do you have to use IKEA cabinets with Semihandmade doors?
Yes, Semihandmade doors are specifically designed and pre-drilled to fit IKEA's SEKTION (kitchen), PAX (wardrobe), and GODMORGON (bathroom vanity) cabinet systems. They do not sell their own cabinet boxes.
Which option offers better quality furniture?
Semihandmade's fronts are made from higher-quality, more durable materials like premium MDF, real wood veneers, and heavy-duty thermofoils compared to IKEA's standard foil and laminate doors. The underlying IKEA cabinet box remains the same in either scenario.
Can you buy a whole kitchen from Semihandmade?
No, you cannot. Semihandmade provides the "skins" or cosmetic surfaces: doors, drawer fronts, cover panels, and trim. You must purchase the cabinet frames, drawers, hinges, and legs separately from IKEA.
Is it difficult to install Semihandmade fronts on IKEA cabinets?
No, the process is straightforward for a moderately skilled DIYer or a professional installer. Semihandmade fronts come pre-drilled to work perfectly with IKEA's hinge and drawer systems, making for a direct replacement.
What are the return policies?
IKEA has a very generous 365-day return policy for unopened items. Semihandmade products are made-to-order, so they are generally non-returnable and non-refundable once production begins.
Will using Semihandmade fronts void my IKEA warranty?
Yes, modifying any IKEA product, including using third-party doors, can void IKEA's 25-year warranty on the affected parts. Consumers should weigh the custom look against the loss of the warranty.
Are there other companies like Semihandmade?
Yes, the market for custom IKEA fronts has grown. Other popular companies include Kitch, Dunsmuir Cabinets, and Reform, each offering their own unique materials and design aesthetics.
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