Preparing an old kitchen to install BODBYN and SEKTION
Since moving, Thomas has struggled in a small kitchen on an 1870s Maryland farmhouse. After trying out some of his DIY solutions, he decided it was time to sell the place and make the kitchen a major selling point.
With the help of IKEA expert and real estate agent Baltimore Betsy, he began a complete overhaul using IKEA BODBYN designs by Inspired Kitchen Design.
Read more about Thomas’ DIY woes, the design process for his new IKEA kitchen, and shopping for supplies in Part 1 of this series.
To see the finished product and learn more about the final touches, check out Part 3 of the series.
Kitchen demolition begins
Once the design process is complete, the next step in this IKEA kitchen installation is demolition.
Thomas has already removed the top cabinets from his small kitchen, saving the contractor hassle and labor costs.
The contractor has moved appliances out of the way, with the exception of the stove and refrigerator. These can be left in place until the installation date. He also removed the tile backsplash, old base cabinets and countertops. Next, fix the drywall and prepare the wall for the installation of the BODBYN cabinet.
Choose the right IKEA kitchen color scheme and update the design
At this point in the renovation, Thomas had to make some important decisions about walls and floors. He chose to keep the hardwood floors and paint the walls gray to complement his new KASKER quartz countertops with sleek white cabinetry and anthracite stone effect.
Thomas’ contractor rebuilt a half-wall that Thomas had previously demolished to prepare the countertop seating area. Originally designed as a 20-inch high bench, Betsy switched it to a lower 15-inch option.
Changes will inevitably occur during construction. You may not like the paint color or crown molding you have chosen. Some may have found it useful to have additional outlets in certain locations. It’s always easier to make these changes as soon as possible.
IKEA SEKTION cabinets are perfect for quaint old homes
We call them “quirky” so as not to spoil the atmosphere of the house. It’s no secret that older homes have experienced significant subsidence over the years, resulting in an asymmetry. Thomas’ house is no exception.
Before installing the cabinets, the contractor should ensure that the floors are level and the walls are at right angles.
Bad news: Flat floors and square walls in a 150-year-old house are too much.
Good news: IKEA makes it easier to work around uneven floors and walls that need to be vertical (a perfect 90 degree angle).
IKEA cabinet rails and adjustable feet help with uneven floors
The main difference between IKEA cabinets and cabinets sold by big box stores and custom furniture manufacturers is that IKEA SEKTION cabinets are hung on rails. Other cabinets, in contrast, are mounted directly on the wall.
With IKEA cabinets, you can check if the rails are level and if they are attached to the studs before installing the cabinet, so you can install it correctly. Betsy explains that leveling the cabinet suspension rails from the highest point on the uneven floor will do the trick. IKEA’s installation guide shows the proper height for cabinets of all sizes.
The SEKTION base cabinet has adjustable feet to help level the cabinet. Of course, if you adjust it too much, you’ll need to cut the toe kick, so you want to get as close to that as possible from the start.
How much does IKEA install a kitchen in an old farmhouse
In the previous article, we discussed Thomas’ supply costs. $8,600.
When IKEA installs a kitchen, the customer receives a quote for installing cabinets and laminate countertops. Another company would have to install the fancy countertops, and the owner would have to do the plumbing, electrical, trim work, etc. himself.
Whether you need to hire a contractor or do it yourself, it may make sense to skip IKEA’s installation service and get a full quote upfront. This is the route Thomas chose because he had to make some structural changes.
Thomas’ contractor estimated $11,000 for the cost of:
- Remove old cabinets and countertops
- Assemble IKEA drawers and cabinets
- IKEA kitchen installation
- Install doors, drawer fronts and knobs
- Install fillers, toe kicks and trim
- Build a new half wall bar
- Remove tile backsplash
- repair drywall
- primer and paint
- Electrical (moving range hoods, installing additional outlets, installing new lights, etc.)
- Plumbing work (installing sink valves, installing new faucets, etc.)
- cleaning
Thomas’ contractor was very pleased with the quality of IKD’s planning for this kitchen renovation project.
“The elevation and lighting plan were perfect! I appreciated the attention to detail that the standard IKEA planner drawings don’t have.”
Having someone on your team who knows IKEA cabinets is essential to the success of your project. Betsy knows that even the most experienced cabinet installer can struggle without IKEA installation experience. She may come off due to differences in cabinet rails and cabinet depths.
IKEA Cabinet Depth vs Competitor Comparison
Most wall cabinets are 12 inches deep, which is the same as most microwave ovens and extractor hoods. Experienced IKEA installers know the solution is the IKEA NYTTIG filler piece, which pokes out the microwave and hood vents to fit the depth of IKEA’s 15-inch cabinets.
Betsy has encountered several instances where contractors forgot about the problem, were unaware of the problem, or thought the dimensions were miraculously different. Omitting the filler will prevent the microwave door from opening and the exhaust hood to vent properly, requiring the contractor to reinstall the filler.
What to look for in IKEA cabinet rails
Cabinet rails are also causing problems. For example, rails create a small gap between the cabinet and the wall. IKEA offers bumpers that level the back of the cabinet. If the contractor had to remember to install a bumper (which has happened before), the homeowner’s cabinet has a very uneven one. The only solution at this point is to remove the cabinet and reinstall it properly.
Betsy reminds us:
“It’s not a good idea to have extra hardware left over after installing an IKEA kitchen.”
When Betsy works on an IKEA kitchen project, she watches contractors with a teacher’s mind and assembles cabinet boxes that solve these common problems. For Thomas, he has a great contractor who knows every inch of installing IKEA cabinets.
“Actually, I love building IKEA SEKTION cabinets and MAXIMERA drawers.”
Pro tip: keep your kitchen working even during the demolition phase
Your kitchen has been demolished, but you still need to eat. Betsy reminds us that homeowners often get so caught up in their kitchen renovation that they forget the details. If you remove the stove and sink, you have no functioning kitchen.
As you design and plan your future kitchen, take the time to plan your temporary kitchen. you will need:
- food storage
- access to water
- how to keep food cold
- cooking method
Your version of a temporary kitchen may differ from someone else’s version. If you’re single like Thomas, you might order takeout or make do with a microwaveable meal and a relocated coffee pot. If you’re cooking for your family, consider moving your fridge to the garage and planning your kitchen renovation for the warmer months when night after night is grilling night.
No matter how you organize it, there’s one thing we do know. Paper plates and plastic utensils are your friend during home renovations.
Next Post: IKEA Kitchen Transformation with BODBYN Cabinets
The next step is to bring this IKEA kitchen design to life. SEKTION Cabinet boxes are assembled, plumbers and electricians arranged, walls prepped and painted. We know you’re waiting for your beautiful new kitchen as much as we are.
Get Professional IKEA Kitchen Designs Online
Work with one of our certified kitchen designers to get a personalized kitchen designed to suit your needs and vision. To learn more about our services, please visit IKEA kitchen design services.
