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 & 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 & disadvantages of both:
Advantages of a flat pack kitchen
- Usually cost less than rigid kitchens
- You can assemble a flat pack kitchen yourself & save on assembly costs
- Can be cut down/modified on site by a skilled fitter
- Cab be just as solid as a rigid kitchen
- Suitable for properties with restricted access such as flats with stairs
- Retailers often allow units to be changed after ordering
Disadvantages of a flat pack kitchen
- The metal cams on the underside of the wall units are visible & 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
- May increase the overall fit 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
- Can’t be cut down/modified on site
- Not always suitable for properties with restricted access such as flats with staircases
- Once the kitchen is ordered no changes can be made
- Not necessarily better quality than flat pack kitchens
How do you find the best value suppliers of flat pack or rigid kitchens in your area?
Simple, just contact us and we will tell you who they are.
Our service is free.
Our free service recommends the best value kitchen suppliers in your area.
Their kitchens cost similar to the chains and trade-only suppliers, but are higher quality and will last longer.
Showrooms offer free, no-obligation quotes and are within 30 minutes drive.
Read what our customers say about our service below:
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