IKEA is one of the most popular places to go when decking out a new home. They’re masters of flat-pack furniture, scented candles and meatballs. So it’s no wonder so many Australians head to the famous stores for new kitchens too. They’re good quality, stylish and a more affordable option for many. And whilst some may be brave enough to install a kitchen themselves, there will undoubtedly be a couple of hurdles to overcome in the process. A major one is the plumbing for kitchen appliances and fittings.
So, why should you think about hiring a plumber for an IKEA kitchen? Can you buy any appliances for your kitchen? And what are the risks if you go it alone?
Installing an IKEA Kitchen
Anyone who has ever walked around the maze of IKEA will know that they have some amazing kitchens. They come in different styles and colours and are perfectly staged with other IKEA products (which is how table mats, material flowers and a bottle opener also make it into your basket). You choose a style you like, measure your kitchen space, plan the design, and voila, you can either pick it up or wait for delivery.
According to IKEA, their kitchens are designed to be installed by you. However, in my experience, unless you’re very nifty with a screwdriver and a spirit level, aligning and levelling an IKEA kitchen can be difficult.
And that’s before you’ve started on the plumbing, fittings and installing the kitchen appliances. That’s because IKEA kitchens are designed for a global market. This means that the piping, configuration and space required under the cabinets that works in one country, may be different in another. So whilst you might have installed a dishwasher in the past, it might not be as easy to install your new dishwasher into your IKEA kitchen.
Does IKEA Do Appliance Installation?
IKEA does not do appliance installation or the plumbing themselves. What’s more, extra materials needed to fit appliances, such as gas pipes, brackets and pegs will typically need to be paid for separately. This means that if you don’t fancy installing the appliances yourself, your best bet is to go with an experienced kitchen plumber who does.
Can You Put Any Appliance in an IKEA Kitchen?
This really depends on the kitchen you go for (whether it’s a METOD or a FAKTUM) and the height of the units. In examples like this, you’ll need a fully-integrated dishwasher that can be built in behind your chosen cabinets.
Again, installing a new dishwasher in Australia that’s designed for a global market could be difficult. It’s best to check with the IKEA team during the planning stage as to what appliances will suit and fit into your kitchen best.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Plumber for an IKEA Kitchen?
There are a number of reasons why you should think about hiring a plumber to install the appliances for your IKEA kitchen.
Benefit 1: Reduce Stress
Whether you’re attempting an entire kitchen or just a small nightstand, IKEA flat packs are notoriously stressful. You have everything perfectly aligned only to realise you’re missing a final screw or a key tool. When you work with a qualified and experienced kitchen plumber, you know that they will do the job to a high standard and on time. Which means less stress for you!
Benefit 2: Quicker Job
It can take a while to install all the appliances in a kitchen if you don’t do it every day. It can be difficult to get your head around IKEA fittings and how they don’t quite match up with Australian piping. A plumber for an IKEA kitchen will be able to install your appliances quickly and efficiently so that you have more time to enjoy your new kitchen.
Benefit 3: Combine Tasks
At some point in your kitchen planning process, you might think about installing a Zip tap or Billi tap or even an under-counter water filter. A kitchen plumber will be able to install these from the start so that you can enjoy boiling, sparkling and chilled water. There’s no need to pay for a standard tap only to replace it a couple of months later.
Benefit 4: Reliable Service
Trying to install appliances into your IKEA kitchen yourself can lead to complications. Sometimes the quickest and cheapest thing to do is to partner with a plumber for an IKEA kitchen who turns up on time, quotes in advance, cleans up after themselves and does the job they promised.
Why Work With Peak Performance Plumbing?
At Peak Performance Plumbing it’s just me, Dan Wilson, your local Melbourne plumber – so you know exactly what you’ll be getting. I’m a licensed Melbourne plumber with experience installing appliances in IKEA kitchens. I’m friendly, professional and happy to install your sink, fridge, dishwasher and stove top.
If you’re looking for a plumber for an IKEA kitchen, get in touch with Peak Performance Plumbing for an initial quote.