What are the Differences When Ordering with Howdens vs IKEA?

Ordering from IKEA:
When you download your IKEA plan directly from their web planner, you're provided with clear, front-facing visuals showing the widths and heights of each item. This makes it easy and quick for us to adapt our fronts to match your design as we can clearly see the sizes you require.

You can also make changes to your design, get an updated price from IKEA, and easily remove items ordered from us directly in your IKEA planner. Our clients report that this flexibility makes the buying experience more client-led, which they appreciate.

Ordering from Howdens:
When ordering from Howdens, you'll often receive a render of the design, which looks great but doesn’t provide detailed item sizes. Howdens only provides precise dimensions once you’ve placed a deposit, and they don’t offer front-facing visuals with clear item sizes. As a result, we’ll need a detailed item list from you to proceed with creating your custom fronts. For example, we’ll need specifics like the height and width of doors for each unit (e.g., item 1: tall unit with a top door 1222mm tall and a base door 720mm tall). With Howdens extensive catalogue, certain units, like oven units, can be tricky as there are many variations.

So yes, we can absolutely make fronts for your Howdens design, but we’ll need clear, accurate measurements before moving forward.

Comparing IKEA vs Howdens Units:
We personally love the black IKEA units in our own showroom.

While Howdens offers oak units, our clients often find that when comparing our real wood finishes to Howdens faux wood, the difference is clear. Howdens popular grey finish has been a hit though with many of our clients.

What About Larder Cupboards?
If you prefer Howdens for their larder cupboards, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. We offer several adaptations to make IKEA units work beautifully for larder and coffee station designs.

Some Other Considerations.

Circularity and Sustainability
IKEA has committed to becoming fully circular by 2030. This includes designing products to be reused, refurbished, and recycled - and offering replacement components to extend the life of their kitchens. Their modular system makes kitchens easier to adapt or reconfigure over time.

Guarantee and Materials
Both IKEA and Howdens are made from the same materials and offer a 25-year guarantee on their kitchen cabinetry.

Assembly
IKEA kitchens arrive flat-packed, but are straightforward to assemble. Howdens units are delivered pre-assembled, which some tradespeople prefer.

Design and Dimensions
IKEA’s METOD system has a modern, modular design with deeper and taller cabinets than Howdens, giving a significantly more internal volume. The plinth is shorter, contributing to a cleaner, more contemporary look.

Colour Options
Howdens offers more cabinet colours as standard, while IKEA base cabinets are typically white or black. We usually recommend the black option, for a more cohesive finish behind our doors - it looks good. 

Modularity and Flexibility
IKEA offers more flexible sizing and modularity, making it easier to customise layouts and achieve a more balanced, harmonious design. IKEA kitchens are relatively easy to disassemble and reconfigure, making them a good choice if you think you might move or want to adapt your kitchen in future. Their modular system allows for flexibility without needing specialist tools. Replacement small parts are widely available and easy to order, free of charge.

Pricing and Access
IKEA’s pricing is open and consistent. Howdens is trade-only, and pricing can vary, depending on who orders - many builders are familiar with sourcing from them.