Ikea Vs Contractor

[boohoo 1]

hi all, pls advise for new bto flat, 4 room, with opt in floors..is it cheaper to get simple cozy furnishings/designs from ikea or engage a contractor?

like perhaps buy a tv table from ikea vs getting a custom made one from a contractor?

thanks in advance!

[hihihi 0]

check the material used by IKEA, they like to use chipboard for cabinets. contractor will usually use plywood (altough plywood also have different grades now)

[garion 1]

hi, we have also considered using ikea for our new house.... flooring, wardrobe and kitchen cabinet but decided against it in the end....

although the list price is cheaper... but after you add in the accessories, delivery and installation costs, there is not much difference in the pricing anymore...

also, ikea is also not as customizable as contractors for the parts are already fix and there is a limit to how you can play around with the individual parts....

however, in terms of durability, i have previously quite a few pieces of ikea furniture for the last 4 years and no issue... wardrobe, shoe cabinet and study table... the materials seems quite solid and dun sound like chipboard....

hope this helps

[badabing 0]

hi, we have also considered using ikea for our new house.... flooring, wardrobe and kitchen cabinet but decided against it in the end....

although the list price is cheaper... but after you add in the accessories, delivery and installation costs, there is not much difference in the pricing anymore...

also, ikea is also not as customizable as contractors for the parts are already fix and there is a limit to how you can play around with the individual parts....

however, in terms of durability, i have previously quite a few pieces of ikea furniture for the last 4 years and no issue... wardrobe, shoe cabinet and study table... the materials seems quite solid and dun sound like chipboard....

hope this helps

I just came back from Ikea and I think the quality varies. Ikea has cheap products using cheaper material as well as higher grade products and of course the price is higher! The good point of hiring contractors is that it's customizability. Personally I'll be match mixing the both. I'm also in the midst of doing some simple reno for my new dig. =)