Planning a kitchen renovation in Ireland means facing the same big question: should you order new flat-pack units or try to find a second-hand set that fits? With prices ranging from budget-friendly cabinets at under €70 to complete fitted kitchens costing several thousand, the options can feel overwhelming. This guide sorts through the costs, suppliers, and trade-offs so you can match the right kitchen units to your home and budget.

4 related posts

Kitchen unit types available: Wall, base, and tall units ·
Leading supplier in Ireland: IKEA ·
Second-hand listings on DoneDeal: 663 ads as of search date ·
Flat-pack suppliers: Kitchens4U, Noyeks ·
DIY store options: B&Q (white and oak finishes)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact pricing for all units varies by retailer and finish
  • Quality of second-hand units depends on the seller and previous wear
  • Lead times for flat-pack vs pre-built differ by supplier
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Expect more Irish buyers to compare flat-pack and second-hand options as renovation costs rise
  • Retailers may expand budget-friendly ranges with integrated design services
The trade-off

Flat-pack kitchen units save money upfront but demand assembly time and skill. Second-hand units avoid assembly altogether but carry unknown wear and sizing risks. For Irish buyers on a tight renovation budget, the choice often comes down to sweat equity versus certainty.

What types of kitchen units are available?

Kitchen units fall into three main categories based on where they fit in the room. Each type serves a different storage purpose and comes in standardised widths that make planning straightforward.

Wall units

  • Mounted on the wall above worktops, typically at a height that leaves clearance for countertop appliances
  • Standard widths range from 300 mm to 1,000 mm in 50 mm or 100 mm increments
  • B&Q Ireland sells wall cabinets in white and oak-effect finishes that match their base unit ranges (B&Q Ireland (complete kitchen units)
  • IKEA wall cabinets come with integrated hinges and adjustable shelves as standard (IKEA Ireland (kitchen cabinet range)

Base units

  • Sit on the floor and support the worktop; the backbone of any kitchen layout
  • Available as standard cabinets or with drawers; Noyeks supplies multiple sizes in white and grey carcasses (Noyeks Newmans (kitchen carcasses range))
  • DIY Kitchen Shop lists budget base units from €69.81, sold without doors, so the buyer must account for door and finishing costs separately (DIY Kitchen Shop (budget flat-pack units))
  • Most base units include legs, shelves and shelf studs; doors are typically sold separately

Tall units

  • Full-height cabinets that provide floor-to-ceiling storage for pantry items, brooms or integrated appliances
  • Usually 600 mm wide and 2,100 mm or 2,200 mm tall
  • Available from IKEA and Kitchens4U with pre-drilled holes for adjustable shelving (Flat Pack Kitchens Ireland (design service)

Units with drawers

  • Deeper drawer units are common for pots and pans; shallower drawers for cutlery and utensils
  • IKEA’s MAXIMERA drawer range runs on soft-close runners as standard
  • Kitchens4U offers drawer packs in their flat-pack kitchen packages
  • A Facebook group discussion noted that flat-pack units take longer for the fitter to install but take up less space while awaiting fitting (Facebook kitchen renovation group (user discussion))
Bottom line: Three cabinet types cover almost every kitchen layout: wall, base and tall. Each comes in standard widths and can include drawers or doors. The choice mostly affects storage flexibility and installation time.

The implication: selecting the right mix depends on your storage needs and how much assembly you’re willing to do.

How much do kitchen units cost in Ireland?

Prices vary widely depending on whether you buy new flat-pack, pre-assembled, or second-hand. Here’s what Irish buyers can expect across the main channels.

Category Typical price range What’s included
IKEA base cabinet (new, flat-pack) €50 – €250 per cabinet Carcass, shelves, hinges, legs; doors sold separately
DIY Kitchen Shop budget flat-pack base unit €69.81 – €176.43 Carcass, legs, shelves, shelf studs; no door
Kitchens4U flat-pack kitchen (full room) €1,500 – €5,000 All cabinets, doors, hinges, free 3D design
Second-hand kitchen set (DoneDeal) €200 – €1,000 Complete or partial sets; condition varies
Pre-built rigid units (rough estimate) Approx €2,000 more than flat-pack equivalent Pre-assembled carcasses and doors; higher strength

An Irish flat-pack kitchen guide from EveningLedger.uk (Irish home improvement blog) cites an average starting price of €3,935 for a complete flat-pack kitchen. A Screwfix Community discussion suggests the premium for pre-built (rigid) units over flat-pack is roughly €600 for the cabinets alone, with the full difference including assembly labour and finish options (Screwfix Community Forum (installer discussion)).

The upshot

A full flat-pack kitchen from a specialist supplier like Kitchens4U lands between €1,500 and €5,000. Second-hand sets on DoneDeal can cost as little as €200, but the risk of missing parts, incorrect sizing, or hidden damage makes thorough inspection essential.

That’s why inspection is a non-negotiable step for anyone considering used units.

Where can I buy kitchen units in Ireland?

Irish buyers have several options, from international retailers to local specialists and online marketplaces. Each channel offers different levels of design support, assembly requirements, and price points.

IKEA Ireland

  • Offers a wide range of wall and base cabinets in consistent sizes with a 25-year guarantee on cabinets (IKEA Ireland (kitchen cabinet range)
  • Self-assembly required; clear instructions and online planning tools available
  • Showrooms in Dublin (Ballymun, Carrickmines) where you can see finishes in person
  • Limited customization compared to bespoke joinery, but the modular system is well-documented

Kitchens4U

  • Specialises in flat-pack kitchens with free 3D design when you purchase (Flat Pack Kitchens Ireland (free design service)
  • Ranges typically fall between €1,500 and €5,000 for a full kitchen
  • Offers carcass-and-door packages plus optional drawer packs

Noyeks Newmans

  • Supplies standard base carcasses in white and grey finishes in multiple sizes (Noyeks Newmans (kitchen carcasses)
  • Popular among tradespeople who source their own doors separately

B&Q Ireland

  • Sells complete kitchen units that include the door, carcass, and hinges in white and oak-effect finishes (B&Q Ireland (complete kitchen units)
  • Flat-pack delivery with instruction manuals; suitable for DIY fitting
  • Stores in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway for in-person browsing

DoneDeal

  • Ireland’s largest all-sections marketplace with 663 kitchen unit ads at time of research (DoneDeal Ireland (kitchen units listings)
  • Listings range from single cabinets to complete kitchen sets from renovations
  • User-generated content means quality and accuracy vary; no central returns policy
Bottom line: IKEA and B&Q offer the most consistent quality and returns protection. Kitchens4U and Noyeks give better value for trade buyers willing to source doors separately. DoneDeal is the budget wildcard — savings can be huge, but so can the risk of mismatched parts.

The safest bets for quality assurance remain the major retailers.

Are IKEA kitchen units worth buying?

IKEA is the most recognised kitchen unit brand in Ireland, but its flat-pack model isn’t for everyone. Here’s what the evidence shows about quality, assembly, and customisation.

Quality and durability

  • IKEA cabinets use melamine-faced particle board with a foil wrap on visible edges; consistent quality across units (IKEA Ireland (kitchen cabinet specifications)
  • 25-year guarantee on cabinets suggests confidence in long-term durability
  • The modular system means replacement parts and additional units remain available for years

Assembly requirements

  • Self-assembly is required; clear pictorial instructions and online video guides provided
  • A Facebook group discussion noted that flat-pack units take longer for the fitter to install but take up less space while awaiting fitting (Facebook kitchen renovation group (user discussion)
  • Assembly time per cabinet averages 30–45 minutes for a first-timer

Customization options

  • Limited compared to bespoke joinery: cabinet widths follow standard increments, and door styles are predetermined
  • IKEA offers multiple door finishes (high-gloss, wood-effect, matte) to suit different aesthetics
  • Integrated planning software allows you to visualise the layout before purchase
The catch

IKEA units are well-made for the price, but the self-assembly requirement adds real labour time. For a typical 10-unit kitchen, expect 5–8 hours of assembly work. If you value convenience over cost, a pre-built option from B&Q or a local joiner might save you more than the sticker difference.

So the IKEA trade-off is essentially time versus money.

Can I buy second-hand kitchen units?

Yes — and in Ireland, the second-hand market is active enough that hundreds of listings appear on any given week. But buying used requires more care than buying new.

Benefits of second-hand

  • Significantly cheaper: complete sets often sell for €200–€1,000, compared to €1,500–€5,000 for new flat-pack equivalents
  • Available immediately — no lead times for manufacturing or delivery
  • Often from renovations where the previous kitchen was in good condition and only a few years old
  • A Screwfix Community thread suggests pre-built (rigid) units are stronger than flat-pack and may cost approximately €2,000 more when bought new — so second-hand rigid units represent especially good value (Screwfix Community Forum (installer discussion)

Where to find them

  • DoneDeal is the primary marketplace, with 663 kitchen unit ads at time of research (DoneDeal Ireland (kitchen units listings)
  • Local salvage yards and architectural reclamation centres sometimes carry kitchen units from showroom changes
  • Facebook Marketplace and local buy-and-sell groups also list kitchen units regularly

What to check before buying

  • Measure door widths, cabinet depths, and overall clearances against your kitchen space — second-hand units are rarely modifiable
  • Inspect for water damage, delaminated edges, broken hinges, and missing shelving
  • Check that the seller can confirm the brand and age; older units may not have replacement doors available
  • Confirm what’s included: some listings sell only the carcasses, others include doors, worktops, and appliances
Bottom line: Second-hand kitchen units can save you 60–80% compared to new flat-pack, but the lack of standard sizing across brands means you must measure twice and inspect thoroughly. For Irish buyers with a flexible layout and the ability to collect in person, the savings are real.

However, they require diligence and flexibility.

Upsides and downsides of flat-pack vs second-hand

Upsides

  • Flat-pack units are new, with consistent quality and full manufacturer warranty
  • Second-hand units cost a fraction of new and avoid assembly labour
  • Flat-pack from Kitchens4U includes free 3D design to plan the layout
  • Second-hand from DoneDeal can be viewed in person before purchase

Downsides

  • Flat-pack requires several hours of assembly per cabinet
  • Second-hand units may not match your kitchen dimensions or style
  • Flat-pack lead times can be 2–4 weeks depending on supplier
  • Second-hand purchases come with no returns policy and unknown wear

The choice ultimately comes down to your personal tolerance for risk and effort.

What’s clear and what’s not

Confirmed facts

What’s unclear

  • Exact pricing for all unit configurations varies across retailers
  • Quality of second-hand units depends entirely on the seller and previous usage
  • Lead times for flat-pack deliveries can shift depending on stock levels
  • Long-term durability of budget flat-pack units compared to IKEA is not well-documented
  • Exact pricing for all unit configurations varies across retailers

Buyers should weigh these confirmed facts against the uncertainties before committing.

“Explore our wide range of wall and base kitchen units designed to fit every style and budget.”

— IKEA Ireland (IKEA Ireland (kitchen cabinet range)

“Ireland’s best value flat pack kitchens with free 3D design to help you plan your perfect kitchen.”

— Kitchens4U / Flat Pack Kitchens Ireland (Flat Pack Kitchens Ireland (design service page)

“Flat-pack and prebuilt units are effectively the same product aside from assembly and available finishes.”

— Facebook kitchen renovation group (Facebook kitchen renovation group (user discussion)

The pattern across these sources is consistent: the core difference between flat-pack and pre-built is labour, not materials. For Irish buyers, the real decision hinges on whether you have the time and confidence to assemble cabinets yourself or would rather pay a premium for a ready-to-install solution. The second-hand market adds a third path — lower cost but higher risk — and is best suited to those with flexible layouts and a willingness to inspect thoroughly.

One thing is clear from the data: the second-hand market on DoneDeal with 663 active listings shows that many Irish households are choosing to sell rather than skip the second-hand route. That volume suggests a functioning resale market, not just one-off clearouts. For any buyer willing to measure carefully and travel to view, the savings compared to new flat-pack are substantial — often 60–80% off retail.

Related reading: Black and White Bathroom: Colors, Towels & 2026 Trends · Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker: Reviews, Comparison & Guide

For a deeper breakdown of what each cabinet type costs and how to plan your layout, check out this complete cost and installation guide covering everything from base to tall units.

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Frequently asked questions

What materials are kitchen units made from?

Most kitchen units use melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) with a protective edge banding. Budget units from DIY Kitchen Shop use 18mm MFC with 0.8mm edge band edging (DIY Kitchen Shop (product specifications)). IKEA uses a similar particle board with foil wrap. Higher-end units may use plywood or solid wood, but these are less common in standard flat-pack ranges.

How to install kitchen units?

Installation typically involves securing wall cabinets to wall studs or brackets, and levelling base cabinets on adjustable legs before fixing them together and to the wall. B&Q Ireland recommends following the instruction manuals supplied with each unit. A spirit level, drill, screwdriver, and wall anchors are essential tools. For second-hand units, installation may require additional brackets if the original fixing hardware is missing.

Do kitchen units include drawers?

Some units come with pre-installed drawers, but most flat-pack base cabinets are sold as carcasses only, with drawers as optional add-ons. IKEA’s MAXIMERA drawer system is sold separately. Kitchens4U offers drawer packs that can be integrated into their flat-pack kitchens. When buying second-hand, check whether drawers are included in the listing.

What sizes do kitchen units come in?

Standard widths for wall and base units are 300 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm, 600 mm, 800 mm, 900 mm, and 1,000 mm. Standard depth is 570 mm for base units and 300 mm for wall units. Tall units are typically 600 mm wide and 2,100 mm or 2,200 mm tall. These sizes are consistent across IKEA, B&Q, and most UK/Ireland flat-pack suppliers.

Are flat-pack kitchen units easy to assemble?

Yes, with basic DIY skills. Most flat-pack units come with clear instruction manuals and require a screwdriver, drill, and spirit level. IKEA cabinets average 30–45 minutes assembly time per unit for a first-timer. More complex units with multiple drawers or integrated fittings may take longer. A Facebook group discussion noted that flat-pack units take longer for the fitter to install but take up less space while awaiting fitting (Facebook kitchen renovation group (user discussion)).

How to measure for kitchen units?

Measure the width, depth, and height of your kitchen space. Note positions of windows, doors, pipework, and sockets. Standard base unit depth is 570 mm, so allow at least 600 mm of floor space. Wall units need clearance above worktops (typically 450–500 mm). Draw a floor plan with appliances marked before ordering. Most suppliers including IKEA and Kitchens4U offer free planning tools or design services.