IKEA Pre-Cut Countertops will put your Kitchen a ‘Cut Above’

A review of how your countertop selection can elevate any kitchen design theme

When you’re starting your IKEA kitchen remodel project and it’s time to select your countertops, there are always certain factors to consider: Style (of course); size (it matters!),and durabilityare allimportant.But not all countertops, or kitchens, are created equal.Maybe you entertain a lot and want a space that can accommodate your serious cooking skills, or you have a family with young children and want countertops that can withstand those unexpected dings and spills. Or maybe you justwant something that looks really good. IKEA’s pre-cut countertopscheck all of these boxes for you.

“Your countertop selection can elevate your kitchen and complete that industrial, farmhouse, modern, traditional, you-name-it look you wanted for your kitchen. IKEA’s countertop materials are generally underrated. They are high quality, made sustainably andcome with a 25-year Limited warranty!” says IKD designer Merari.

Putanother way: Picking the right countertops can be the cherry on top of your kitchen renovation. Pick the wrong one, well, it could leave a bad taste in your mouth. Fortunately as experts in all-things IKEA we’d like to share what we know about countertops so you can make a well-informed decision. We’ll start with the basics and take a look at what IKEA has to offer and what works best with IKEA’s SEKTION kitchen system — and your budget.

Let’s see how it works!

IKEA Pre-Cut Countertops vs Custom Countertops

IKEA pre-cut countertops come in standard dimensions and are readily available for purchase.

“Whether laminate or wood, IKEA offers a wide variety of styles, texture effects, and colors. IKEA countertops are made out of a particle board with a top layer of thick veneer wood that can be sanded and surface treated when required,” Merari notes.

IKEA offer a wide variety of wood veneer countertops, such as IKEA KARLBY; IKEA PINNARP (ash); IKEA BARKABODA; IKEA MÖLLEKULLA; IKEA VRENA, and IKEA SKOGSÅ. Keep in mind, the more intricate the pattern the more beautiful and unique your IKEA kitchen will look. Ask your IKD designer to show you the SKOGSÅ and BARKABODA thick veneer wood countertops— very stylish!

(Designer’s note: IKEA countertops EKBACKEN and LILLTRÄSK are 1-⅛” thick.LILLTRÄSK (74″ x 1-1/8″) is IKEA’s least expensive laminate countertop ($49.00).)

Also pre-cut, laminate countertops are a great choice and the perfect solution for limited budgets. Why’s that? They’re easy to clean and maintain and you can choose between a broad range of options to complement your kitchen, like IKEA’s EKBACKEN white marble effect, SÄLJAN black mineral effect, EKBACKEN concrete effect and IKEA’s EKBACKEN countertop double-sided, among others.

For larger budgets, IKEA offers custom Caesarstone Quartz countertops made out of Quartz. They have many colors and you can select the edge style. They can also be enhanced with the correct installation of IKEA undercabinet lighting.

IKEA’s KASKER Quartz is durable, stain resistant and non-porous, which is why it’s become such a popular material among IKEA customers. Custom countertops really provide endless options!

Additional Considerations for IKEA Pre-Cut Countertops

Other considerations are how your countertop selection will work with the kitchen configuration.

“You need to considerthat some IKEA wood and laminate countertops have a beveled edge so care must be taken when installing the countertops in an L-shaped kitchen,” IKD designer Frank says.

An IKEA insiders tell us: “Wheninstalling IKEA laminate countertops in an L-shaped kitchen use the square side for the front edges of the countertop and they will look amazing!” Also, if you place the rounded edges in front, this will create a gap when two slabs are joined together.While you can cut the slabs to the desired length, you need to be super careful to avoid having a seam under the sink, over the dishwasher or cooktop. IKEA will give you two edge strips to cover the cut edge. Follow the instructions supplied with your IKEA countertop. Use masking tape to protect the countertop surface from chipping if you cut the countertop to size.

Last but not least: you cannot use under-mount sinks with any of IKEA’s pre-cut countertops. All undermount sinks should be complemented with a Quartz or solid countertop.

Understanding IKEA Countertop Dimensions

Most IKEA pre-cut countertops come in standard lengths of 74″ or 98″; a standard depth of 25-5/8″and a thickness of 1-1/8″ or 1-½”

“IKEA is starting to sell different sizes such as the lower cost IKEA LILLTRASK white countertop,now available in 50″ lengths and countertop or island depths. All IKEA kitchen countertops are finished on all sizes,” IKD designer Frank notes.

IKEA has also just expanded itsisland countertop choices for the following families:

• EKBACKEN (multiple colors) 74″ x 42″ x 1-½”
• KARLBY (Oak or Walnut) 74″ x 42″ x 1-½”
• LILLTRASK white laminate 50″ x 34-½” x 1-1/8″

Advantages of IKEA Pre-Cut Countertops

The great benefit of countertops with a top layer of thick wood veneer is that they can be sanded and treated when required; so don’t be discouraged by any perceived cons. There are plenty of benefits that make them an attractive option.

These include:

• Better stability regarding humidity as opposed to solid wood
• Can be cut to the desired length
• Can help reduce your IKEA kitchen installation costs

IKEA also has the KARLBY countertop for kitchen islands. This is the only pre-cut material they offer for islands, as it comes in 42″ of depth. But it doesn’t come with edge banding, so you must use the full length of the slab.

Can You Cut IKEA Pre-Cut Countertops?

As with wood, laminate countertops can be cut in length. They all come with two edging strips that you can use to finish the cut edges. Can we get extra edge strips? They’re not available as a spare part, but you can always ask in the As-Is department in your local IKEA store.

“Having a modest budget doesn’t necessarily mean you must compromise your kitchen’s look and style. IKEA’s wide variety of laminate countertops can help you achieve a great look for your kitchen at a reasonable cost. Of course, it’s not polished concrete or Carrara marble but it will still dependably look great,” IKD designer Merari says.

The bottom line is simple: You don’t want to cut corners when planning your kitchen. There are options for any budget and you may want to consider IKEA countertops. Our team is here to help you through the design and product selection process. Let’s get started now!