Thinking of mixing carcasses from one company with fronts from another? This short guide helps you weigh practicality, price and look when planning a new kitchen refresh.
IKEA units are praised for long guarantees, deep storage and low price. Many homeowners value the ready availability and strong quality‑to‑price ratio in user reviews.
Gloss finishes at some ranges are limited, so swapping fronts is common. That choice can raise fitting time and reveal alignment issues, especially with wider drawer banks at 600mm.
This guide explains where sizes and hinge positions match, what to check before ordering a single door, and when a specialist service is worth the cost. Read on to avoid a problem that shows up after installation.
Key Takeaways
- Mixing brands can work but check hinge holes and door sizes first.
- IKEA units offer deep storage and strong price value in many reviews.
- Gloss colour limits drive some to buy alternative fronts for design reasons.
- Drawer widths, scribe gaps and cabinet backs affect alignment and fit.
- Professional pre‑drilling or measuring can save time and extra labour costs.
At-a-glance: Can IKEA doors fit B&Q cabinets today?
Mixing fronts from different makers can work, but it often hinges on precise measurement. Check door height, width and the hinge cup centres before you order. Small mismatches cause rubbing, uneven reveals or a closing problem.
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The short answer:
The short answer and when it works
The simplest cases are standard sizes. Many UK units use a 720mm cabinet height with a 715mm-high door. A “500mm” unit is usually 495mm wide, which helps stop rubbing at the edge.
- IKEA doors can sometimes work with B&Q carcasses when heights and hinge patterns align closely enough to get right with existing plates.
- Most doors use two 35mm hinge cups set about 22.5mm in from the edge, but vertical cup spacing varies by company and model.
- Measure hinge centres and widths on one existing carcass and compare before buying a replacement door.
When you may hit problems (sizes, hinges, depths)
Depth differences matter. IKEA units are deeper internally because they lack a rear void. That affects how drawers and pipe space sit, and it may well change how smoothly drawer runners work.
If you are unsure, contact customer service to confirm hinge specs. Many reviews praise value for price, but compatibility often requires extra time or a service good fitter to re‑drill holes.
Understanding UK kitchen door and unit sizes
Measurements matter: small differences in height or hole placement often cause the most headaches when swapping fronts. Most UK base cabinets sit around 720mm tall and use a 715mm-high door. That 5mm gap keeps plinth lines neat and prevents rubbing when humidity changes timber-based finishes.
Standard cabinet and door dimensions
A “500mm” unit normally needs a door of about 495mm. This small allowance delivers a crisp reveal and avoids friction at the edge.
Where differences matter for other suppliers
Two 35mm hinge cups with a 22.5mm edge inset are common, but vertical cup centres vary by maker. That means a door that looks right on paper may still need holes moved or plates swapped.
- Measure each door from the back; it shows true size without profile distortion.
- Note left/right hinge side and top/bottom hole centres for every unit.
- Create a quick table of door, unit and hinge measurements before ordering any service or new fronts.
Cabinet construction: void backs, depth and wall space
Cabinet backs, depth and wall clearance shape whether a run will be simple to install or demand extra work. Consider how much internal room you need and where pipes, gas and electrics sit in the room.
IKEA’s deeper storage and no void cabinet backs
Units made without a rear void provide a bit more usable depth behind each door. That extra room helps when you want larger drawers, pull‑out baskets or taller storage inside a unit. The trade‑off is less space to hide services at the back.
B&Q units and the rear service gap for pipes and electrics
Many competitors leave a rear service gap so pipework and cables pass without chasing into the wall. This suits older rooms where services are exposed or bulky. Installers often prefer this approach near sinks and appliance points.
Implications for hinges, drawers and fitting costs
The internal depth and wall clearance influence runner length, hinge positions and how far drawers can extend. If services intrude, runners may need shorter set‑backs or runners that clear obstacles.
- Install time: extra cutting or notching raises labour and time.
- Fitment choices: mixing carcasses can work but requires matched hinge centres and door sizes.
- Practical tip: pilot one unit on a long wall to check real‑world clearances before full fitting.
do ikea kitchen doors fit b and q cabinets: the compatibility factors
Compatibility often comes down to a few precise measurements rather than brand names. Start by checking hinge cup size and where the hinge centres sit on the rear of the door. Most replacement fronts accept a 35mm hinge cup, commonly set about 22.5mm from the edge, but the vertical spacing from top and bottom varies by range.
Door height and width matter. Standard UK doors near 715mm high are chosen to avoid rubbing on adjacent faces when mounted on a 720mm carcass. Measure each door from the back to confirm true size and match the vertical hinge positions to your carcass plates.
Pan drawer fronts and 600mm units need predictable runner positions. Ensure the front and runner clearances allow full stroke without clashing. Wall units, tall housings and appliance surrounds require extra care because vents, oven frames and integrated doors need precise overlay and hinge alignment.
Where backs and depth differ, adaptor plates or re-drilling can place the hinge where your plates expect it. Test‑mount one new door to check hole placement before altering multiple panels; this small quality check saves time, service calls and money.
| Factor | What to check | Quick remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Hinge cups | 35mm cup size, 22.5mm edge inset, vertical centres | Measure and match plates or use adaptor plate |
| Door height/width | 715mm typical height; width for reveals | Choose correct size or trim gap with plinths |
| Pan drawers / 600mm | Runner position, full stroke clearance | Adjust runner setback or choose shallower front |
| Wall/tall units | Overlay, vents, appliance frames | Test mount; order pre‑drilled if needed |
Practical solutions if sizes don’t match
Mismatched sizes rarely mean failure — they usually mean a short list of fixes. Start by measuring hinge centres and the vertical hole positions from the back of a single unit. That simple check saves time and cost before you order replacement fronts.
Ordering pre-drilled to your hinge measurements
Many suppliers will drill to your exact hinge centres. Typical cups are 35mm with a 22.5mm edge inset, but you must supply the vertical centres. This makes on-site work faster and reduces rework.
“Provide clear measurements and one reference door; a measured sample avoids most problems.”
Adaptor plates and custom sizing for mismatched holes
If holes are close but not exact, adaptor plates or filling and re‑drilling can correct the overlay. A 35mm Forstner bit and a simple jig let many DIY installers place cups accurately when pre‑drilling isn’t offered.
When to choose third‑party fronts sized for each range
For long runs or mixed units, third‑party companies can supply uniform size and drilling patterns for either major supplier systems. Consider lead time, price and whether a short site day is needed for tweaks.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑drilled doors | Fast install; fewer adjustments | Depends on accurate measurements |
| Adaptor plates / re‑drill | Cost effective; keeps style | More on‑site labour and time |
| Third‑party pre‑sized range | Consistent finish across run | Longer lead time; extra price |
Materials, finishes and price: choosing doors that match your kitchen
How a door is made affects its edge detail, durability and how well it matches worktops. This matters when you want a consistent look and long life from your new fronts.
MDF, MFC and plywood each suit different budgets and tasks. MDF is ideal for painted profiles and smooth lacquered finishes. MFC offers a low-maintenance surface in many colours at a sensible price for busy family life.
MDF, MFC and plywood: durability, look and budget
Plywood gives a premium feel and strong layered edges that suit minimalist design and modern worktops. It also resists warping better in humid spots.
Consider mixing materials: MFC for utility runs and MDF or plywood for statement areas to balance price and quality.
Gloss options, paintable doors and colour swatch samples
Gloss colours are eye-catching but not always available across every range. If the exact shade is missing, a paintable door lets you choose the right cream or tone to match kitchen décor.
Order small swatches (usually about £5 for 100x100mm) to check colour under your room lighting. One sample can save a costly mismatch across an entire elevation.
- Factory-finished fronts are robust, but confirm whether they accept over-painting before planning a respray.
- Check edge banding, core density and lacquer thickness; these details influence daily wear and the long-term look.
- Good service includes clear lead times, swatch returns and helpful customer guidance while you choose materials.
“Confirm finish type and request a swatch before you commit to a full run — it avoids surprises on site.”
How to measure, order and fit with confidence
Begin with the back of each panel — this reveals the real height, width and hinge centres. Accurate rear measurements stop errors caused by bevels or visible trims.
Measure precisely:
- Measure every door from the back in millimetres for height and width.
- Remove each panel, mark the centre of the 35mm hinge cup and note distance from top or bottom; most cups sit 22.5mm from the edge.
- Record whether a unit is left‑hand, right‑hand or top‑hung when you order so pre‑drilling matches your plates.
DIY tips: use a 35mm Forstner bit, depth stop and a simple jig for repeatable holes. Larger fronts may need three hinges to protect quality and long‑term life.
“Dry‑fit one panel first — adjust mounting plates, then fine‑tune the hinge cams for uniform reveals.”
Order and lead times: keep all confirmations with hinge centres noted. Good service teams and clear advice speed any remake and improve the overall experience.
Conclusion
A short trial fit often reveals the small mismatches that cause the biggest headaches on site.
In summary: mixing fronts from different makers can work where sizes and hinge positions align, but you may well need minor adjustments to match construction and available space.
Measure carefully, confirm hole positions and test one door before ordering the full run. This simple step reduces the chance of a late-stage problem and keeps on-site time low.
Use supplier pre-drilling, clear instructions and trusted reviews to speed installation. With thoughtful planning and precise order details, you can achieve a joined-up finish that looks intentional and performs reliably over time.
FAQ
Do IKEA kitchen doors work on B&Q units?
Many people successfully attach flat-pack doors from a popular Swedish retailer to B&Q units, but success depends on hinge cup position, door sizes and the cabinet depth. If hinge centres match the 35mm cup standard and door widths/heights line up, the swap is straightforward. If not, you’ll need small modifications or adaptor plates.
What short checks should I do before buying replacement fronts?
Measure hinge cup centres from the door edge, check overall door width and height, and confirm cabinet depth and any service void at the back. Compare these with the replacement specification and order samples or pre-drilled options where possible.
Which common problems cause doors to rub or not close?
Issues arise when hinge holes are in different places, doors are slightly taller or wider than the unit, or the carcass has a rear service gap that affects hinge geometry. Also, deeper drawer boxes or internal runners can make pan drawer fronts sit proud if not matched.
Are UK standard dimensions compatible with Swedish range sizes?
UK units often use nominal widths such as 300–1000mm and door heights around 715mm for 720mm units. The Swedish system uses its own increments, so some sizes will line up and others won’t. Always compare exact millimetre dimensions rather than relying on nominal labels.
How do cabinet backs and depth affect door fit?
Cabinets with a full back change hinge geometry and internal spacing. Some units include a rear void for pipes and wiring; that can shift where hinges sit or require spacer plates. Deeper storage from one supplier may mean different door overhangs on matching units.
Will hinge standards differ between suppliers?
Most modern European-style cabinets use the 35mm hinge cup system, but hole spacing and mounting plate heights can vary. Verify cup centre distance and plate height to ensure soft-close or standard hinges will work without drilling new holes.
What about drawer fronts, especially pan drawers on 600mm units?
Pan drawers need precise height alignment and runner compatibility. If a replacement front is a few millimetres off, drawer travel or closing may suffer. Measure the runner position and order matching front heights or use filler strips if required.
How do wall units, tall units and appliance housings differ in requirements?
Tall units and appliance housings often have integrated supports and cut-outs. Replacement fronts must not obstruct vents or handles and must line up with appliance frames. Wall units require correct hinge overlay to avoid hitting adjacent units or cornices.
Can I order doors pre-drilled to match my hinge positions?
Yes. Many suppliers and joiners will pre-drill at your specified hinge centres. Provide exact measurements from the edge to each cup centre and note left/right hung doors. This reduces on-site drilling and improves fit.
What are adaptor plates and when should I use them?
Adaptor plates bridge differences between hinge plate hole patterns or heights. Use them when the new front’s hinge cups are offset from the existing plate positions; they save you from redrilling cabinets and keep soft-close mechanisms aligned.
When is it better to buy third-party fronts sized specifically for either supplier?
If you have a mix of unit sizes or need a precise match across a whole kitchen, buying third-party fronts made to either the Swedish or DIY retailer’s standard can be simpler and cheaper than custom doors. They come in standard heights and widths that match each system.
Which materials and finishes work best for longevity and look?
MDF with a durable laminate or painted finish gives a smooth, modern look. MFC is cost‑effective for matt finishes. Plywood or solid timber suits bespoke styles but costs more. Request swatches or sample doors to check colour and surface quality before ordering.
Are gloss and paintable options interchangeable between suppliers?
Surface finish is independent of size, but gloss panels show imperfections more easily. Paintable doors allow a perfect colour match, while factory-finished gloss or matt doors give a consistent finish without onsite work. Check edge banding and spray quality when mixing brands.
How should I measure hinge holes and door dimensions accurately?
Remove one door and measure from the outer vertical edge to the centre of each hinge cup, and from the top/bottom to the cup centre. Measure overall door width and height to the nearest millimetre. Photographing the inside of the door helps suppliers match configurations.
What ordering details are crucial to avoid mistakes?
Give exact millimetre sizes, hinge cup centres, hand (left/right), overlay type and any handle positions. State if units have a service void or integrated plinth. Note any unusual runner types or appliance cut-outs so suppliers can advise on compatibility.
Any simple DIY fitting tips for adapting fronts?
Use a Forstner bit for clean hinge cups, employ mounting plates to adjust heights, and fit temporary spacers to check alignment. Work on a flat surface, clamp carefully when drilling and adjust hinge tension during final alignment for perfect gaps.
How long do custom or pre-drilled fronts typically take to arrive?
Lead times vary from a few days for off-the-shelf items to several weeks for bespoke or painted doors. Check the supplier’s stated lead time and ask about sample availability and delivery tracking to plan fitting and worktop installation.
Where can I get help if I’m unsure about compatibility?
Contact the supplier’s customer support or visit a kitchen showroom with photos and measurements. Independent kitchen fitters and local joiners can offer on-site advice, measure for bespoke doors and fit adaptors if needed.
