Along with the bathroom, redoing the kitchen is a famously expensive job.
Ripping out the existing countertops and cupboards to start new will undoubtedly raise your home’s value in the long-term, but in short-term, calling in the professionals will hit your savings hard.
But if you’re up to the DIY challenge, it can be a job you can do yourself, provided you have the skills, patience and know-how to work around obstacles. While major plumbing and electricity jobs should always be carried out by a qualified tradesperson, adding your own cupboards and countertops is relatively easy - especially if you’ve already put up your own shelves and bookcases before. It’s just one rung up on the DIY ladder.
The key to building your own kitchen lies in buying flat-pack models.
What are the benefits of a flat-pack kitchen?
They’re easy to assemble, are cheaper than rigid and fitted kitchen units because they’re mass-made, and you can add or subtract cupboards and shelves to suit the space or the look you’re going for. Whether you want one unit of open shelving to display glassware or crockery, dream of a luxurious Belfast sink, or need extra room in a low cupboard for pots and pans, flat-pack kitchens put you in the design driving seat.
How to design your own kitchen
The king of flat-pack IKEA offers a design service, allowing you to mix and match from the Swedish furniture store’s vast catalogue to make the most of your kitchen space. The planning appointment will walk you through the options once you’ve submitted your measurements so you know exactly what products to add to your online basket if you want the satisfaction of doing it all yourself.
If you’d rather hand the actual hard work to the professionals once you’ve designed your kitchen, IKEA also offers a kitchen installation service where experts will come to secure all the pieces into place, with a five-year workmanship guarantee as standard. Work is usually completed within a week but can take a little longer if your makeover is particularly complex. Naturally, there’s an extra cost for this, which you can read more about here.
If you’re looking for inspiration for a kitchen update, we’ve gathered the best flat-pack options below.
Shop now
Best range cookers 2023: Top gas and electric models reviewed
Best enamel cookware for durable, non-stick nourishment
The ES Best air fryer buying guide: How to choose the right model for you
Best non-toxic cookware: Pots and pans to ensure healthy cooking
Best kettles for hard water that will help avoid limescale when making a brew
Best oven cleaners that will beat tough stains and get your cooker shining
Best food storage containers from plastic boxes to glass jars
Best deals on fridge freezers from Hisense, Russell Hobbs, Haier and more
Best ovens 2023: Top built-in electric, gas and mini oven alternatives
IKEA ENHET Kitchen
Starting from scratch? As well as cupboards and bundles, IKEA sells kitchen flat-pack sets to help with ordering. One such option is the Enhet design, an ideal set-up for a kitchen running along one wall.
The white units include generous storage space as well as a cabinet that can house an integrated fridge-freezer so that you’ll have a polished, uniform look when all the doors are closed. The gleaming white makes it a good option for brightening up dark spaces.
The bundle includes wall and base cabinets as well as a space to insert a sink in-between laminated worktops. Lighting and waste solution options are also suggested for those who want to add as much convenience to their new kitchen as possible. It’s also easy to disassemble and take with you if you move. Comes with a 10-year guarantee.
Buy now £835.00, IKEA
Wickes Kitchens Madison White Pull Out Base Unit
As one of the UK’s top home improvement stores, Wickes has plenty of flat-pack kitchen designs on offer. If you don’t fancy white, the contemporary Madison collection comes in a choice of blue, green, light and dark grey, allowing you to add subdued colour to the space.
There are no bundles here; instead, it’s a pick-and-mix selection that can be filtered by unit type, measurements, weight and price. As well as regular and base corner units there are handless cupboards to pick up plus doors to hide large appliances from view.
The Madison White Pull Out Base Unit measures just 15cm across, making it perfect for adding storage in tight spaces.
Buy now £121.00, Wickes
GoodHome Artemisia Midnight blue classic shaker Base Kitchen cabinet
B&Q offers flat-pack kitchens that will go the distance, with a 25-year guarantee to back it up. The kitchen units come with everything you’ll need, from the carcass to the door and the hinges to hang said door on. There are plenty of designs, sizes and colours to work for your kitchen space, with base and cupboards all in the mix. This base unit will work for a galley as well as corner kitchens or can be used as part of an island for a more contemporary vibe.
Buy now £229.00, B&Q
HOMCOM 72 Modern Kitchen Solid Storage Sideboard Cabinet w/Glass Door – White
Whether you’re after additional storage for crockery or need a break-out space to set up a breakfast station, an extra unit can help. This flat-pack unit comes with strong tempered glass doors and sits on raised feet for easy moving and cleaning. There’s free home delivery for selected postcodes so there’s no need to lug it home from a shop.
Buy now £98.99, ManoMano
KitchenKit Flatpack Shaker Ultra Matt Tall Unit Larder
You can never have too much kitchen storage, and this tall cupboard from Kitchen Kit will help you utilise every inch. The quick-build design is made from MDF and comes with adjustable shelves so it will work for your space. A mounting bracket is also included to ensure the unit sits flush and securely against the wall.
Buy now £263.99, Wayfair
Victoria Plum Schon New England light grey shaker kitchen base and wall unit bundle
This bundle from home specialist Victoria Plum has everything you need to fit a kitchen. There are base units, a frame to house the oven, some wall units and a bridging unit for a seamless finish. It's important to note that things like the worktop, sinks and taps need to be bought separately and the doors are free from handle holes to allow you to place your pulls to where suits you best.
Buy now £1249.00, Victoria Plum
