Flat Pack vs Custom Kitchen - Which should you choose?

Kitchen renovations can be an exciting but stressful time, with a huge variety of decisions to be made and alterations to occur. From cabinet sizing to benchtop types to splashback colouring and everything in between, the requirements can start to get a little overwhelming.

Another big question is this - flat pack or custom kitchen? The choices on the market for both options are wide-ranging, but which offers the best benefits? We've compared the two and taken a look at what their strengths are (and some of their weaknesses too) to make the decision a little easier. If you are wanting some more information, give Haddon Kitchens & Cabinets a call today at 07 3204 0399 and we would be happy to discuss further.

What's the difference between a flat pack and a custom kitchen?

When it comes to custom kitchens and flat pack kitchens, the biggest difference is who builds them. Flat packs come in packages and are DIY/build yourself, whereas custom kitchens are built by a professional. Another difference is in the name - custom. Flat pack kitchens come in a range of sizes but are not created exactly for your space. Alternatively, custom kitchens are made specifically for your space, ensuring exact measurements.

Custom Kitchen

First of all, let's take a look at custom kitchens and the pros and cons they offer.

Advantages of a custom kitchen renovation

• Customised: As their name suggests, custom kitchens are personalised to the kitchen space and exactly what look you are searching for, including differing budgets.
• Build: Custom kitchens are built by trade professionals.
• Quality: Custom kitchens offer great quality materials that are durable and long-lasting.
• Measurements: A custom kitchen is measured exactly to the room available.
• Variety: The options and combinations when it comes to custom kitchens are endless - almost any ideas you have can be bought to life with a custom kitchen.
• Aesthetics: Custom-built kitchens look a lot more aesthetically pleasing than many flat pack options, no matter the style or character.
• Durability: Generally long-lasting due to quality materials being used.
• Finish: Huge range of finish options is available.
• Ease: This is a big one - a custom kitchen is built by professionals for you, making it an easier process in more ways than one.

Disadvantages

• More expensive: Generally, custom kitchens are more expensive than their flat pack counterparts.
• Less hands-on: If you are the kind of person that likes to build/install items themselves, custom-built kitchens are likely not your ideal choice.

Flat Pack Kitchen

How does a flat pack kitchen compare? They definitely have their fair share of benefits and deficits, so take a look below.

Advantages of flat pack kitchens

• Cheaper: Flat pack kitchens are more suited to lower budgets, as they are generally lower in cost.
• Assembly: Flat pack kitchens can be built yourself.
• Time: Components of a flat pack kitchen can generally be assembled quicker than in custom kitchens.

Disadvantages

• Assembly: Flat-pack kitchens can be quite difficult to assemble.
• Measurements: Flat pack kitchens are predetermined measurements, instead of customised to your kitchen.
• Quality: The quality of flat pack kitchens generally isn't as good as custom kitchens.
• Durability: Not as durable as many custom kitchen options.
• Aesthetics: Flat packs can have a 'flat pack' look, and not custom.
• Ease: Can be stressful arranging everything yourself.
• Finish: Not as many finish options as custom kitchens.

It is worth considering that although building cabinets from a flat pack may be 'easy', creating a kitchen isn't as simple as cabinets only. There are sinks, fixtures, the benchtop, splashbacks, electricity and gas connection... the list goes on.

Should you choose a flat pack or a custom kitchen design?

Ultimately, a range of factors will affect whether you choose to have a custom kitchen or flat pack. From financial budget to room space to building skills (and many more), both options appeal to someone. Overall, custom kitchens offer more advantages over a range of areas, especially if you have an abnormally-shaped room you are renovating, however, they are more expensive. If you are more of a hands-on person with construction skills and a lower budget, a flat pack kitchen may be more suited to you.

Your professional kitchen renovation experts in Brisbane

If you would like to know more about custom kitchens in Brisbane, give Haddon Kitchens & Cabinets a call today at 07 3204 0399 and we would be happy to discuss all your kitchen renovation needs.

 

Resources
Hi Pages (Custom vs Flat Pack Kitchen)
Wikipedia (Kitchen)