When it comes to buying new kitchen cabinets, CliqStudios and IKEA are two of the most popular options for homeowners looking to renovate on a budget. Both offer modern, minimalist designs at affordable prices compared to custom cabinetry.
But which provides the best value and quality for your kitchen remodel?
We break down the key differences between CliqStudios and IKEA cabinets below.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | CliqStudios | IKEA |
| Materials | Plywood boxes, solid wood doors | Particleboard boxes, some solid wood doors |
| Quality | Higher quality materials and construction | Lower quality but very affordable |
| Design | Curated, contemporary styles | Highly customizable mix and match |
| Cost | $80-$120 per linear foot | $50+ per linear foot |
| Assembly | Shipped fully assembled | Shipped flat-packed for self-assembly |
| Installation | Handle entire install for you | Self-install required |
| Availability | Online only | Available in retail stores |
| Lead Times | 6-8 weeks | Same day in-store |
| Warranties | Lifetime and 5-year warranties | 25-year limited warranty |
| Customer Service | Superior support | Mediocre reputation |
Overview of CliqStudios Cabinets
CliqStudios is an online retailer that specializes in made-to-order kitchen, bathroom, and garage cabinets. Their cabinets are handcrafted from solid wood in a California workshop and shipped fully assembled to your home. Here are some of their main features:
- Materials: CliqStudios uses plywood boxes with solid wood doors and drawers. Most of their wood options are maple, oak, cherry, and thermofoil.
- Quality: CliqStudios emphasizes quality construction with full-extension soft-close drawers, concealed European hinges, and multiple finish options.
- Design: They offer a range of standard, premier, and full custom designs to choose from in various colors and styles. Their streamlined, contemporary aesthetic is very on-trend.
- Cost: Pricing starts around $80 per linear foot installed, which is very competitive, especially for solid wood cabinetry.
Overview of IKEA Cabinets
As one of the most popular affordable cabinet brands, IKEA is known for their flat pack, ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinet system. Here’s an overview:
- Materials: IKEA cabinets are primarily made of particleboard, with some solid wood doors and drawers on select styles. Their interiors include melamine or vinyl finishes.
- Quality: IKEA is not known for top-quality construction, but their cabinets offer decent functionality for the very low price point. Hinges and drawers are usually not soft-close.
- Design: IKEA kitchens are geared toward simple, contemporary styling in a limited range of colors. You can achieve a more custom look by mixing and matching door styles.
- Cost: IKEA consistently offers some of the lowest prices, starting around $50 per linear foot installed. They also frequently run sales and promotions.
Key Differences Between CliqStudios And IKEA Cabinets
Now that we’ve outlined the basics on each brand, let’s compare them in-depth across a few key factors:
- Quality and Durability
When it comes to quality, CliqStudios cabinets are the clear winner over IKEA.
The main advantage of CliqStudios is their solid hardwood construction and dovetail joinery, which makes them stronger and more durable than IKEA’s particleboard cabinets.
CliqStudios’ plywood boxes won’t sag or warp like IKEA’s MDF, and their mortise and tenon joinery is sturdier than IKEA’s cam locks.
Full-extension drawers, soft-close hinges, and multiple finish layers also give CliqStudios the edge for quality.
While IKEA products are generally decent for the price, their cabinets simply don’t have the structural integrity or longevity of real wood. For a kitchen that will get heavy usage for years to come, CliqStudios’ quality hardwood cabinets are the better investment.
- Design and Customization
Both CliqStudios and IKEA offer a range of trendy, modern cabinet designs and colors to choose from. IKEA has the advantage when it comes to diverse options – their catalog includes dozens of door styles and finishes to mix and match.
This allows DIYers to create a more custom kitchen.
CliqStudios provides a curated palette of on-trend cabinet looks. While not as extensive as IKEA, their lineup still offers versatility. They have standard cabinets in many configurations, or you can upgrade to premium and fully custom kitchens. CliqStudios finishes and hardware also feel a step above IKEA.
This category comes down to personal preference for customization versus a cohesive designer look. IKEA excels at choice, while CliqStudios makes it easy to achieve a high-end aesthetic.
- Costs
In terms of bottom-line pricing, IKEA cabinets are the cheapest option starting around $50 per linear foot installed. CliqStudios costs a bit more, with prices from $80 per linear foot.
However, we would argue that CliqStudios provides greater value for money when you factor in the quality. The plywood boxes, solid wood, soft-close hardware, and seamless installation bring this option closer to semi-custom cabinets at nearly ready-to-assemble prices.
IKEA kitchens may be cheaper upfront but require more time and effort to install.
If you’re willing to splurge for a higher quality kitchen, CliqStudios gives you more bang for your buck. But IKEA can’t be beat solely on price alone.
- Installation and Assembly
One major distinction between these brands is that CliqStudios cabinets arrive fully assembled, while IKEA cabinets come flat-packed for customer assembly.
Having CliqStudios install your kitchen for you is a huge perk—it saves significant time and headaches compared to tackling IKEA’s infamously challenging cabinet instructions. However, CliqStudios’ turnkey installation does come at an added cost.
IKEA can be a great choice for handy homeowners on a budget, as you can self-install to cut costs. But assembly requires tools, patience, time to build cabinets properly, and some DIY experience.
If ease of installation is your top priority, CliqStudios pulls ahead. But IKEA gives you more flexibility if you don’t mind hands-on cabinet building.
- Availability and Lead Times
Another IKEA advantage is the wide availability of their products at retail stores across the country.
You can purchase most IKEA cabinets in-store the same day.
In contrast, CliqStudios only sells direct to consumer online.
However, because CliqStudios cabinets are made to order, you can customize sizing and dimensions to fit your kitchen exactly.
IKEA’s standard sizes may not work as seamlessly unless you DIY modifications.
Lead times also differ—CliqStudios orders can take 6-8 weeks for production and shipping, while IKEA cabinets are ready immediately. But once you factor in time spent self-assembling and installing IKEA cabinets, the overall timelines even out.
- Warranties and Customer Support
CliqStudios provides better customer service and stronger warranties:
- Lifetime warranty on cabinet boxes and drawers
- 5 year warranty on doors and parts
- 1 year warranty on labor
IKEA’s warranties are more limited:
- 25 year limited warranty only covers defects in materials and workmanship
- Does not include labor costs
CliqStudios also offers superior customer support online, by phone, or in showrooms. IKEA is known for crowded stores and lackluster post-purchase support. When issues come up, CliqStudios will be more helpful.
Which Brand Is Right For You?
Now that we’ve broken down the pros, cons, and differences in detail, should you choose CliqStudios or IKEA for new kitchen cabinets?
Here are a few key questions to ask yourself:
- What’s my total budget for this kitchen remodel? IKEA will be the cheapest option if you’re on a tight budget.
- How long do I plan on staying in this home? CliqStudios makes more sense for longevity, while IKEA is fine for a starter home.
- How much time do I want to spend on installation? CliqStudios will handle the entire cabinet process for you.
- How custom do I want my kitchen aesthetic? IKEA offers unlimited mix-and-match possibilities.
- How important is quality construction to me? CliqStudios is the clear winner here.
While both brands have their merits, in most cases we would recommend CliqStudios over IKEA for a kitchen remodel you plan to enjoy for years to come. The quality hardwood cabinets are worth the slightly higher investment for durability that will last decades. But IKEA remains a solid budget pick if you’re comfortable assembling and installing everything yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
CliqStudios is owned and operated by Cyxus Group based out of Maryland. They are a privately-held national retailer focused on cabinetry and home goods.
CliqStudios has their own manufacturing facility in California where they produce all of their cabinets. They use domestic woods from U.S. suppliers.
Some of CliqStudios biggest competitors include Semihandmade, Barkaboda, Effektiv, Cabinets.com, and Craftmaid. They also compete with big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s.
On average, CliqStudios cabinets cost $80-120 per linear foot, with most kitchens averaging $3,000-$5,000. Full custom designs can be $6,000-$15,000. Their pricing depends on cabinet materials, styles, installation, and customizations.
Key Takeaways
- CliqStudios has higher quality wood construction and hardware, while IKEA uses cheaper particleboard.
- IKEA offers more diverse design options, while CliqStudios focuses on cohesive designer kitchens.
- CliqStudios costs more upfront but includes installation, while IKEA is cheaper but requires assembly.
- CliqStudios has better warranties and customer service compared to IKEA.
- For long-term durability and quality, CliqStudios is the better investment. But IKEA is good for sticking to a strict budget.
That summarizes the main differences between CliqStudios and IKEA for your kitchen cabinet remodeling. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you determine which provides a better fit for your needs and home.
Either can be a solid choice – it just comes down to your project goals, budget, and DIY willingness. With the right information, you’ll end up with a beautiful, functional new kitchen.