The honest split
Direct-sourcedCrateworksThermally-broken aluminum | Established brandIKEA | |
|---|---|---|
01Construction | Custom-built to opening | Flat-pack standardized system |
02Material | Aluminum, premium veneer, painted MDF, any spec | Mostly melamine and laminate |
03Sizing | Any width and height | Standardized increments |
04Price | Premium tier, direct from factory | Lowest entry tier in US market |
05Lead time | 10-14 weeks made to order | In stock typically |
Where IKEA wins
IKEA wins on price (significantly lower entry tier), availability (in-stock and ready-to-ship), and a tested standardized system with abundant install resources. For a budget-driven renovation with a standard-size kitchen, IKEA is hard to beat on raw cost.
Where Crateworks wins
Crateworks builds to exact dimensions, in any finish or material (aluminum, premium veneers, painted MDF in any RAL), and coordinates supply across the broader renovation. For non-standard openings, premium aesthetics, or coordinated multi-category projects, custom direct is the right path.
Common questions
Yes. IKEA is the budget entry tier; Crateworks is premium custom. The price gap reflects material, construction, and customization, not markup. For non-standard projects or premium spec, Crateworks competes on value rather than entry price.
When openings are non-standard, when premium materials or finishes are required, when the project needs coordinated multi-category supply (cabinets plus countertops plus lighting plus tile), or when long-term build quality is the priority over upfront cost.
Real quote, real number
Compare a real quote.
The honest test is a like-for-like quote. Send your openings and spec, and we will quote it direct so you can put a real number next to any brand.