Are Flat Pack Kitchens Worth It? Pros & Cons Guide

Flat pack kitchens can seem like a budget-friendly option, but are they worth it once you factor in assembly, installation, time and potential mistakes?

A flat pack kitchen is a kitchen supplied in separate pieces. The cabinets, drawers and panels are delivered unassembled, usually in boxes, and must be put together before they can be installed.

This means the homeowner, installer or tradesperson needs to assemble the cabinetry before the kitchen can be fitted into place.

Flat pack kitchens can include:

• Base cabinets
• Wall cabinets
• Pantry units
• Drawer units
• Doors and panels
• Benchtops
• Hinges, runners and hardware

The main appeal of a flat packs is usually price. Because the cabinetry is supplied unassembled, the upfront cost can look lower than other kitchen renovation options.

However, the lower starting price does not always tell the full story.

Flat Pack kitchens offer many options in modern and contemporary styles. Here’s a shaker style kitchen with drawers and doors with gold finger pull handles offering visual relief and a touch of luxury.

Flat pack kitchens can be worth it for some people, especially if they are experienced DIY renovators, have the right tools and are confident in managing the installation process.

They may suit smaller projects, investment properties or basic kitchen updates where keeping the upfront cost low is the main priority.

However, flat pack kitchens are not always the best option for every homeowner. The time, labour and risk of mistakes need to be factored into the final cost.

It may seem cheaper at first, but you still need to consider:

• The time required to assemble each cabinet
• The skill needed to make sure cabinets are square and level
• The cost of hiring someone to assemble and install it
• The risk of incorrect measurements
• Delays if parts are missing or damaged
• The need to coordinate plumbers, electricians and other trades
• The quality of the hardware, hinges and drawer runners
• Whether the finished kitchen will feel solid and long-lasting

For many homeowners, the better question is not “Are flat pack kitchens worth it?” but “Is there an easier alternative that still keeps the renovation affordable?”

Flat pack kitchens have come a long way over the past decade. Once associated with inferior quality and poor durability, today there are several long-lasting options on the market.

They have some advantages, but they also come with some clear downsides.

Pros of flat pack kitchens

Flat pack kitchens can be appealing because they are usually:

• Lower in upfront cost
• Available in a range of styles, designs and finishes
• Suitable for some DIY renovators
• Flexible enough for basic kitchen layouts
• Easier to transport because they arrive in boxes
• Loads of styles from which to choose

Cons of flat pack kitchens

Because the these kitchens literally comes “flat-packed”, they are required to be assembled before installation.

The leading reason why homeowners shy away from the flat pack kitchen is that assembling them can be more trouble than they are worth. Handy DIY-ers may have an easy time putting a flat pack kitchen together (although one needs to factor in the cost of time), but most inexperienced individuals, or those without any help, can find installing a flat pack kitchen to be frustrating and overwhelming.

The downside of these kitchens is that the real work begins after delivery.

Common disadvantages include:

• Every cabinet needs to be assembled
• More limited in range of sizes
• Assembly can be time-consuming
• Mistakes can affect the final fit and finish
• Poor assembly can reduce cabinet strength
• Installation may still require professional help
• DIY measuring errors can become expensive
• Renovation timelines can stretch out
• The kitchen may be out of action for longer
• The finished result depends heavily on the skill of the person assembling and installing it

This is where many homeowners start to realise that flat pack does not always mean simple.

An update to your kitchen is a wise investment for both the value of your home and for your lifestyle. But what holds most Melbourne homeowners back from renovating their kitchen is the expense.

You don’t need custom cabinetry to create a beautiful new space. There are now both flat pack and pre-assembled kitchens on the market, each of which comes with its unique set of pros and cons.

But what may be a “pro” to one homeowner could very well be a “con” to the next. In this section, we’re going to dive in and explore what you can expect when you invest in either type of kitchen.

Flat pack kitchens

Flat pack kitchens have come a long way over the past decade. Once associated with inferior quality and poor durability, today there are several long-lasting options on the market.

This type of kitchen is a popular choice because it is a less expensive kitchen option. There are some other benefits, including:

• Availability in a range of sizes
• Wide variety of designs
• Loads of styles and features from which to choose

Because the flat pack kitchens literally come “flat-packed”, they are required to be assembled before installation.

The leading reason why homeowners shy away from the flat pack kitchen is that assembling them can be more trouble than they are worth. Handy DIY-ers may have an easy time putting a flat pack kitchen together (although one needs to cost in the time factor), but most inexperienced individuals, or those without any help, can find installing a flat pack kitchen to be frustrating and overwhelming.

Pre-assembled kitchens

The leading type of kitchen for Melbournians is the pre-assembled kitchen. Unlike flat pack kitchens, the cabinetry are manufactured and already assembled for you, so all that’s left is install them. There are huge savings on the installation cost compared to flat pack cabinets that take time to screw together.  The difference is half the cost for pre-assembled as well as taking less time in installation so you are up and running quicker.

Pre-assembled kitchens come in a variety of sizes, styles and layouts. They offer that beautiful custom look and can be designed to fit any kitchen space, without the huge price tag!

Many pre-assembled cabinets are the same price as a flat pack kitchen cabinet (and substantially less expensive than custom cabinetry), but of course huge savings on installation costs.

What type of kitchen is right for you?

Those who have experience installing cabinetry or who appreciate a challenge will likely enjoy the standard flat pack kitchen experience, but be prepared for taking extra time.

Those who don’t have the time, experience, or know-how to build their own kitchen from the ground up will have a much easier time and save a lot of headaches with a pre-assembled kitchen. This is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to renovate their kitchen on a budget while still retaining its quality. In fact, most of our customers leave it to experienced Recommended Kitchen Installers for a quicker, no problems installation.

Here at Kitchen Shack, we pride ourselves on providing top quality easy-to-install pre-assembled flat pack kitchens in Melbourne. Our affordable kitchens are made right here in Melbourne, and they are the perfect way to save on a brand new kitchen.

Contact us today to book your free in-store design appointment and be sure to ask us about our Lowest Prices Guarantee!

A pre-assembled kitchen can be a better option for homeowners who want an affordable renovation but do not want the frustration of building every cabinet themselves.

Unlike flat pack kitchens, the cabinetry are manufactured and already assembled for you, so all that’s left is to install them. There are huge savings on the installation cost compared to flat pack cabinets that take time to screw together.  

Many pre-assembled cabinets are the same price as a flat pack kitchen cabinet (and substantially less expensive than custom cabinetry), but of course you can achieve huge savings on installation costs.

Pre-assembled kitchens can offer:

• Less assembly work
• Faster installation
• A stronger, more consistent cabinet build
• Fewer DIY headaches
• Less chance of assembly mistakes
• A more professional finish
• Better use of installer time
• Less disruption at home

For many homeowners, this makes a pre-assembled kitchen the smarter flat pack kitchen alternative.

Flat pack kitchens are often compared on cabinet price alone. But the real cost of a kitchen renovation includes more than the boxes delivered to your home.

You also need to factor in time, trades and potential mistakes.

If you are paying an installer to assemble and install a flat pack kitchen, the labour cost can increase quickly. If you are assembling it yourself, the cost may be your time, your weekends and the stress of getting it right.

There is also the risk of small mistakes causing bigger problems later. A cabinet that is not assembled squarely can affect door alignment, drawer function, benchtop fit and the overall look of the kitchen.

A pre-assembled kitchen helps reduce those risks because the cabinetry has already been built before it reaches your home.

As with all things in life, not everything is created equal. This certainly rings true when it comes to flat pack or pre-made kitchens. Whether browsing online or strolling through a showroom, here’s what you should be looking for:

If you are comparing flat pack kitchens with other affordable kitchen options, look beyond the lowest advertised price.

A good kitchen should offer:

• Long lasting quality cabinetry
• Durable materials – choose kitchens that use high-quality moisture resistant particle board
• Reliable hinges, drawer runners and hardware like Hettich – check the hinges to make sure that they allow you to smoothly and seamlessly open up the cabinets.
• A practical layout
• Design support
• Accurate measurements
• A strong product guarantee
• A finish that suits your home
• Installation support or recommended installers

The right kitchen should not just be cheap upfront. It should be practical, durable and designed to make your renovation easier and last for many years to come.

Kitchen Shack is a better alternative for homeowners who want an affordable kitchen without the hassle of traditional flat pack assembly.

All our kitchens are made for people who want value, quality and a simpler renovation process.

With Kitchen Shack, you get:

• Pre-assembled kitchen cabinets
• Affordable kitchen options
• Free in-store kitchen design
• A wide range of styles, colours and finishes
• Quality hardware
• Australian-made kitchens
• A 10-year guarantee
• Showrooms across Melbourne
• Recommended installers available

Instead of spending hours assembling cabinets, you can focus on getting a kitchen that looks great, functions well and is ready to be installed sooner.

Kitchen Shack cabinets can be designed to fit into any kitchen space and they come pre-assembled.  Once you provide us with the measurements of your existing space, we can present you with the best kitchen renovation options available and are within your budget. This article explains how to accurately measure your kitchen if you go down the DIY path.

We stand by our products and offer a 10-year guarantee on our pre-assembled kitchens. If there is ever an issue with any of our cabinetry, give us a call and we will help.

We invite you to book your kitchen design appointment with Kitchen Shack today. Our conveniently located showrooms are in Forest Hill, Preston, Rowville, Moorabbin and Maribyrnong. Save time and start planning your dream kitchen sooner by booking a kitchen design appointment either online or by giving us a call!