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In this corner we have IKEA coming in with butts joints at 79.99 and in the other corner we have Ron coming in with dovtails and $404.00?? Huh??
I am often approached by friends and clients who mention “you can build that blah blah cheaper than that can’t you?” It’s now been 3 years and to date I have yet to be able to build anything cheaper than I can find at a local furniture store, Lowes, Home Depot, IKEA…. I have been close in some cases but never cheaper. With that in mind I thought it might be fun to break down typical costs on a selected item between myself and IKEA .
Below is an average two drawer unit from IKEA with a price of 79.99. The product information is listed below and was taking from the IKEA USA website.
Product information
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Key features Handles can be placed to the right or left on the drawer front to suit your personal needs. designer: IKEA of Sweden Product dimensions Width: 16 1/8 ” Width: 41 cm
This product requires assembly environment
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good to know May be completed with SUMMERA drawer insert with 6 compartments. care instructions Wipe clean using a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. product description & measurements Main parts: Particleboard, Birch veneer, Paper, Clear acrylic lacquer |
79.99??? WOW! Ok now that I have a list of specs and details let me try and match that price. First up Materials.
Materials
| 1 | 4×8x3/4″ sheet of cabinet grade Birch Plywood |
65 |
| 1 | 5×5x1/2 Baltic Birch Plywood |
35 |
| 1 | 5×5x1/4″ Baltic Birch Plywood |
20 |
| 4 | 2″ Castors |
4 |
| 4 | 18″ drawer slides |
20 |
| 1 | Birch edge banding Tape |
15 |
| 1 | Pre cat Lacquer |
10 |
| 2 | Handles |
5 |
| Misc glue, screws… |
10 |
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Total |
$184 |
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$184??? Are you kidding!! We are just getting started!
Labor at $40/hr
| Pick up materials | 1 |
40 |
| Rough Cut Materials | 1 |
40 |
| Machine drawers, dados, etc | 1 |
80 |
| Assemble | 1 |
40 |
| Finish | 1.5 |
60 |
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Total Labor |
7.5 |
300 |
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Total Project Costs |
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$404 |
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Isn’t it amazing how quickly this stuff adds up? Now for the comparison!
What you get for 79.99 is a piece of functional furniture that would be great for that first apartment or dorm room. Measurements as shown and no option to go bigger, wider or deeper. You get a piece of furniture that will be around for a couple of years until it makes sense to have what you really needed custom built:)
What you don’t get is an assembled piece of quality furniture constructed with quality materials and joinery designed to stand years of use. So what really makes this a quality piece of furniture? Well that’s another topic in and of itself which I will gladly get to in the near future!
So who wins? I guess that depends on the who you are and what you are doing but unfortunately most often IKEA:(
You forgot that 79.95 does not include:
1. Assembly. You have to assemble it yourself or pay $$ for them to assemble it. You have to figure the piece above would take the average person an hour to put together.
2. Delivery. Schlep it home yourself or pay $$ for delivery. Being particle board, that stuff is heavy.
You are probably looking at another $100 to assemble and deliver that peice.