What Is the Difference Between Rigid and Flatpack Kitchens?

Rigid Kitchens

Rigid (or pre-assembled) kitchen units arrive with the carcass already built. Brands like Wren, Howdens and Magnet supply rigid units. Installation is typically faster as the fitter does not need to assemble the box before fixing it. Rigid units are generally considered more structurally stable in the long term.

Flatpack Kitchens

Flatpack kitchens — most notably IKEA — arrive as flat panels that are assembled by the kitchen fitter. This takes longer but can be advantageous where access is limited (narrow doorways, tight staircases) as each panel is smaller and easier to move. The finished result, when assembled correctly, is structurally sound.

Which Is Better?

• Rigid units are faster to install and are the standard in the UK kitchen market
• Flatpack units may be preferable where access is very restricted
• Both types, when installed by a skilled fitter, produce excellent results

Rigid vs Flatpack at a Glance

A Practical Access Consideration

If you live in a flat with a narrow stairwell or a period property with tight internal doorways, ask your fitter to check carcass dimensions against your access points before ordering a rigid kitchen — some larger rigid units simply will not go round tight corners and may need to be ordered flatpack even if the rest of the kitchen is rigid.

Can You Mix Rigid and Flatpack in One Kitchen?

Yes. It's common for the bulk of a kitchen to be rigid while one or two awkward-to-access units, such as an integrated fridge housing taken up a tight staircase, are ordered flatpack and built in place.