Should you buy a flat pack kitchen or rigid kitchen?
One of the things to consider when buying a kitchen is whether you want a flat pack kitchen or a rigid kitchen.
Flat pack kitchens are delivered as components that need to be assembled on site. Rigid kitchens are delivered fully assembled.
Flat pack kitchens use the cam and dowel method of assembly. The unit is held together via a combination of wooden dowels and metal cams. Below is a picture of the cams.
Rigid kitchens are assembled in the factory using the glue and dowel method of assembly. All of the components are placed inside a jig. The jig gently squeezes them together & holds them in place for several minutes to allow the glue to dry.
Below is a picture of an assembly jig.
As with all methods of construction, there are advantages and disadvantages of both:
Advantages of a flat pack kitchen
- Usually cost less than rigid kitchens
- You can assemble a flat pack kitchen yourself and save on assembly costs
- A skilled fitter can cut down/modify it on site.
- Cab be just as solid as a rigid kitchen
- Suitable for properties with restricted access such as flats with stairs
- Retailers often allow customers to change units after ordering.
Disadvantages of a flat pack kitchen
- The metal cams on the underside of the wall units are visible and can look unsightly
- Have lots of holes in the sides of the units which can also look unsightly
- Have a lower perceived value than a rigid kitchen
- Seen as a ‘cheap’ option by many
- increases the overall fitting time due to the need for assembly
Advantages of rigid kitchens
- No visible metal cams on show under the wall units
- Less visible holes in the unit sides
- Reduces the overall fitting time as no need to assemble
Disadvantages of rigid kitchens
- More expensive than flat pack kitchens
- You cannot cut down/modify it on site.
- Not always suitable for properties with restricted access such as flats with staircases
- Once you order the kitchen, you cannot make any changes.
- Not necessarily better quality than flat pack kitchens
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