Flat Pack vs. Rigid Kitchens: Which One Is Right for You?

The Benefits (and Limits) of Flat Pack Kitchens

There’s a reason flat pack kitchens are still widely used: they make kitchen renovations accessible for more people.

Pros:

• Lower price point – Especially on labour, if you're fitting it yourself
• Compact delivery – Easier to move, store, or carry through tight hallways
• DIY-friendly – You’ve got full control over the assembly process

However, there are trade-offs.

Things to consider:

• Assembly takes time – Even for pros, building units on-site adds hours
• Risk of mistakes – Misaligned screws, dropped panels, or missing parts can cause issues
• Durability can vary – If it’s not assembled properly, the quality may suffer
  

Why Rigid Kitchens Are Often Worth It

Rigid kitchens remove the assembly step entirely. Cabinets arrive already built, doors aligned, backs fixed, and fittings in place.

Here’s what you gain:

• Faster installation – Saves hours of labour on-site
• Greater strength – Factory-built cabinets tend to be more square, stable, and solid
• Less room for error – No fiddling with parts or checking instructions

Rigid kitchens are often seen as the premium option – and that’s true when buying from many suppliers. You’ll typically pay more for the convenience and quality.

But here’s where Better Kitchens is different:
We don’t charge extra for rigid cabinets. It’s your choice. No upselling.

Better Kitchens: Offering More Without Charging More

Most kitchen suppliers make you pick a side: flat pack if you want to save money, rigid if you want a smoother install. And if you want rigid? Expect to pay a premium.

That’s not how we do things.

At Better Kitchens, you can choose flat pack or rigid for your kitchen at the same price. It’s one of the ways we keep things fair and practical.

You’re not punished for wanting something easier. You’re not pushed into rigid because it’s more profitable for us. Instead, we let you choose what’s right for your project — because you know your own needs better than anyone.

Here’s what you get with either format:

• Made-to-order cabinets built with solid materials
• Consistent quality across flat pack and rigid options
• The same design choices, same prices, same guarantees

Which Kitchen Type Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few ways to help you decide.

Choose flat pack if:

• You’re working with a tight budget and want to keep labour costs low
• You enjoy DIY and have the skills (or patience) to assemble the kitchen yourself
• You need to store the kitchen for a while before installing it

Choose rigid if:

• You’re short on time and want a fast, tidy install
• You’re using a professional fitter who charges by the day
• You want the most solid build from day one
• You don’t want to deal with missing screws or vague instructions

You can also mix both in one project. Many customers go for rigid base units but opt for flat pack wall units where strength matters a little less.

Not Sure? We’ll Help You Decide

Still undecided? We get it — a kitchen is a big purchase. And choosing between flat pack and rigid is just one of many steps.

At Better Kitchens, we don’t just sell kitchens – we help you plan them. Whether you need advice, help understanding measurements, or a quote for both formats, our team is on hand to guide you through it.

Use our online kitchen planner, send us your plans, or give us a call — we’ll help you work out what fits your space, your budget, and your deadline.

Final Word

Choosing between flat pack and rigid kitchens doesn’t need to be stressful — especially when there’s no extra cost involved.

Flat pack suits hands-on projects and tighter budgets.
Rigid suits faster installs and a solid, ready-made finish.

At Better Kitchens, you don’t have to compromise either way. You’ll get the same great quality, same support, and the same price — whichever format you pick.

Explore our kitchen ranges today, or contact our team to get a quote. We’ll help you make a decision that works.

Which route will you take — the build-it-yourself option or the ready-made solution?