Can You Replace Just the Fronts of an IKEA Kitchen?
Can you replace just the fronts of an IKEA kitchen?
Yes — you can replace just the fronts of an IKEA kitchen without changing the cabinets.
This works for both the current IKEA METOD system and the discontinued FAKTUM system, as long as measurements and hinge positions are matched correctly. Replacing only the fronts is often the most cost-effective way to renovate an existing kitchen.
How replacing IKEA kitchen fronts works
Replacing the fronts of an IKEA kitchen means changing only the visible parts — the doors, drawer fronts and panels — while keeping the existing cabinet frames in place.
Because IKEA kitchen systems use standardized cabinet sizes and mounting points, new fronts can be fitted without modifying the underlying structure.
For both IKEA METOD and the discontinued FAKTUM system, the process typically involves measuring the existing doors, matching hinge positions, and ordering replacement fronts that are made to the same specifications.
Once the new fronts are ready, the old doors are removed and the replacements are installed onto the existing cabinets using the original fixing points.
This approach allows you to update the look of your kitchen with less disruption, lower cost, and shorter installation time compared to a full kitchen replacement.
IKEA METOD vs FAKTUM – what’s the difference?
IKEA has used two main kitchen cabinet systems over time: the older FAKTUM system and the current METOD system.
Both systems allow the kitchen fronts to be replaced independently of the cabinet frames, but there are important differences to be aware of.
METOD is IKEA’s current kitchen system and uses standardized cabinet sizes that are still supported by IKEA. Replacement fronts for METOD can be sourced directly from IKEA or from third-party manufacturers.
FAKTUM is a discontinued system that IKEA no longer produces or supports. However, replacement fronts can still be made to fit FAKTUM cabinets, as the cabinet frames themselves remain structurally compatible with new doors.
Because FAKTUM kitchens are no longer supported by IKEA, replacement fronts for FAKTUM typically need to be custom-made to match the original dimensions and hinge positions.
Understanding whether your kitchen is METOD or FAKTUM is essential before ordering replacement fronts, as this determines available options and measurement requirements.
How to tell if your IKEA kitchen is METOD or FAKTUM
METOD Frames
Faktum Frames
Illustration showing the difference in hinge hole spacing between METOD and FAKTUM cabinet frames.
The most reliable way to tell whether your IKEA kitchen uses the FAKTUM or METOD system is to look inside the cabinet frames, where the hinge holes are drilled.
IKEA discontinued the FAKTUM kitchen system around 2013 and introduced METOD as its replacement. While both systems may look similar from the outside, the internal drilling patterns are different.
METOD cabinets have:
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A double row of pre-drilled holes at the front of the cabinet
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A vertical spacing of 50 mm between hinge holes (centre to centre)
FAKTUM cabinets have:
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A single row of pre-drilled holes at the front of the cabinet
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A vertical spacing of 32 mm between hinge holes (centre to centre)
These differences are shown in the illustrations above.
If your kitchen was installed before 2013, it is likely FAKTUM.
If it was installed after 2013, it is most likely METOD.
Measuring the hole spacing inside the cabinet frame is the most accurate way to be sure.
It is also possible for a kitchen to contain a mix of FAKTUM and METOD cabinets. In that case, replacement fronts can still be matched in colour and style, with sizing and hinge drilling adapted to each cabinet type.
Ways to replace IKEA kitchen fronts
Once you know whether your kitchen uses the IKEA FAKTUM or METOD system, there are a few distinct ways to replace the fronts without removing the existing cabinet frames.
The main options are:
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Replace only the doors and drawer fronts
This approach keeps all cabinet frames in place and focuses solely on changing the visible parts of the kitchen. New doors and drawer fronts are fitted using the existing cabinets, allowing the kitchen to be updated without altering its layout or structure. This option is suitable for both METOD and FAKTUM kitchens when the correct measurements are used. -
Use replacement fronts supplied by IKEA (METOD only)
For METOD kitchens, it is possible to replace fronts using IKEA’s current door ranges. This option is limited to METOD systems and does not apply to discontinued FAKTUM kitchens. The selection of fronts from IKEA is also limited. -
Use custom-made replacement fronts for discontinued systems
For FAKTUM kitchens, replacement fronts must be manufactured to match the original cabinet sizes and hinge drilling. This allows older IKEA kitchens to be updated even though the system is no longer supported by IKEA.
In all cases, identifying the kitchen system and measuring correctly is essential to ensure the new fronts fit and function properly.
Expert recommendation
Based on our experience working with both IKEA METOD and discontinued FAKTUM kitchens, replacing only the fronts while keeping the original cabinet frames is usually the most practical and cost-effective solution.
This approach allows the kitchen layout to remain unchanged, reduces installation time, and avoids the unnecessary disruption of removing cabinet frames that are still structurally sound. For newer METOD kitchens, replacement fronts can be sourced directly from IKEA or from third-party manufacturers. For older FAKTUM kitchens, custom-made replacement fronts make it possible to update the kitchen even though the system is no longer supported by IKEA.
According to Faktum UK, identifying the cabinet system correctly and matching the original measurements and hinge positions is the key factor in achieving a good fit and long-lasting result when replacing IKEA kitchen fronts.
Custom replacement fronts from Faktum UK
Faktum UK manufactures custom-made replacement doors and fronts for both IKEA FAKTUM and METOD kitchens, produced to match the original dimensions and drilling patterns.
You can view our replacement fronts for discontinued IKEA FAKTUM kitchens here:
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, you do not need to replace the hinges when changing IKEA kitchen fronts.
If the new fronts are drilled to match the existing hinge positions, the original hinges can usually be reused without modification.
Hinges may need to be replaced only if they are worn out or incompatible with the new door thickness or drilling pattern.
Yes, replacement fronts can be made compatible with standard IKEA hinges.
For both METOD and discontinued FAKTUM kitchens, replacement fronts are typically drilled to match IKEA’s hinge systems, allowing the existing hinges to be reused.
Compatibility depends on accurate measurements and correct hinge positioning, especially for older FAKTUM kitchens.
Professional installation is not strictly required to replace IKEA kitchen fronts, as the process mainly involves removing existing doors and attaching new ones using the original mounting points.
However, professional installation may be recommended if adjustments are needed, such as aligning doors evenly, handling custom-made fronts, or working with mixed FAKTUM and METOD kitchens.