If you suspect that you have an IKEA kitchen, that’s step one. Step two is figuring out which type of kitchen you have, because IKEA has introduced different kitchen systems to the market: Faktum and Metod. The Faktum system was produced for over 20 years and was sold in the Netherlands until mid-2014. After that, the switch was made to the Metod system and since then, no Faktum parts have been sold by IKEA. The systems differ considerably in terms of dimensions and therefore do not fit together well. This makes combining them a no-go.

We will take you through the differences and similarities between the IKEA Faktum kitchen system and the IKEA Metod kitchen system so that you know which type of IKEA kitchen you have and what we can do for you; our products are specifically designed for the IKEA Metod system. Additionally, there are several advantages to the Metod system that we would like to share with you.

The holes in the cabinets

The holes on the inside of the kitchen cabinets easily indicate whether you have a Metod or Faktum kitchen. With the Faktum system, you only see a single row of holes on the front of the cabinet. With the Metod system, there are two rows of holes next to each other.

The plinth

The plinth height is another noticeable difference between Metod and Faktum. In principle, you could read the difference between the two systems just from this, but it is advisable to also go through the other differences. The plinth heights are 160 mm for Faktum and 80 or 110 mm for Metod.

The cabinet height

There is also a clear difference between the heights of the kitchen cabinets in Faktum and Metod. The cabinet heights in Faktum consist of irregular numbers (348, 572, 700, 924, 1248, 1948, and 2172 mm). The cabinet heights in Metod are always a multiple of 100 mm (400, 600, 800, 1000, 1400, 2000, 2200, and 2400 mm).

The cabinet width

A small difference can be found in the cabinet widths. The width of Faktum kitchen cabinets is always 2 mm below a multiple of 100 mm (198, 298, 398, 498, 598, and 798 mm). The width of a Metod kitchen cabinet is simply a multiple of 100 mm (200, 300, 400, 600, and 800 mm).

The drawers

The difference with the drawers is in the number of drawers, their color, and in which cabinets they can be placed. In a Faktum kitchen cabinet, 1, 2, 3 or 5 drawers can be placed. With a Metod kitchen cabinet, the possibilities are greater because here you can place 1-8 drawers. The sides of the drawers are gray-silver for Faktum and white for Metod. Furthermore, with the Metod system, it is possible to place drawers in the upper cabinets. This can be done with cabinets that are 800 or 1000 mm high.

What are the similarities between Faktum and Metod?

The depth of the lower cabinets is 600 mm for both systems.

The depth of the upper cabinets is 370 mm for both systems.

The kitchen appliances have not changed and therefore fit both systems.

The warranty period covers 25 years in both cases (with the exception that

Faktum parts purchased before September 1, 2007 fell under a warranty period of 10 years; that period has since passed).

The benefits of the Metod system

Due to the lower plinth, Metod kitchen cabinets are more spacious than Faktum cabinets (800 mm vs. 700 mm; a difference of 100 mm in height).

There are two color options available for Metod kitchen cabinets: white or black. With Faktum, everything was only available in white. The black option provides better combination possibilities with, for example, a dark type of wood.

The drawers in the upper cabinets of Metod offer more possibilities. Not only more drawers, but also the possibility to place an upper cabinet on a lower cabinet, which creates a buffet cabinet.

In addition to the standard Maximera drawer, you can also choose the cheaper Förvara drawer in the Metod line. This drawer is cheaper, so the guarantee period is not 25 years, but 10 years. Additionally, this drawer does not have a soft-close system, something to keep in mind. However, it does offer more possibilities, especially if you want to keep costs low.

The hinge positions are easier to change with Metod.

A handy rail system has been added to Metod for attaching the upper cabinets.

I have a Faktum kitchen and want new fronts, what now?

Although IKEA Faktum kitchens are now somewhat outdated, this does not necessarily mean they are no longer good. Even if the outside is visibly aged and has undergone a lot of wear and tear, the inside can still be solid. You can read more about this in our blog about the lifespan of an IKEA kitchen. If you want to replace the outside with new fronts, plinths, and side panels, there are possibilities for that. Although we do not have the exact measurements of the Faktum system, we are happy to think along with you. If you would like more information on this, please contact us.

From IKEA Metod kitchen to luxury custom kitchen

Our wooden fronts are produced according to the exact dimensions of IKEA Metod and contain the precise pre-drillings for the corresponding hinges and drawer fronts. This makes them fit perfectly and you can attach them to your kitchen yourself. If you are sure that you have an IKEA Metod kitchen, or if you plan to purchase an IKEA Metod kitchen, you can easily order fronts, plinths, and side panels from us to give your IKEA kitchen a custom look, at an affordable price. The easiest way is to fill out the (free) IKEA kitchen planner and send the design to us. We will then make a non-binding offer for you. Please see the How it Works page for further steps.

Finally

Are you curious about what we have to offer? Then take a look at our page for IKEA kitchen inspiration or our social media: Instagram or Facebook. You can also order a sample of our wood types and finishes. We are curious about your design and are happy to help. So don’t hesitate to contact us.