How much does a wooden kitchen cost? An honest budget breakdown
Introduction
The question of price is often the first one asked, and the hardest to answer honestly online. From IKEA kitchens at €1,500 to custom-made kitchens at €30,000, the term "wooden kitchen" covers completely different realities.
At Jacamar, we prefer transparency over persuasion. Here's a real cost breakdown for a genuine wooden kitchen, without hype or fine print.
The three components of a kitchen
A kitchen is divided into three distinct components, often combined in quotes. The cabinets form the internal structure that supports everything. The fronts are what you see and touch every day. Complementary elements include the worktop, splashback, lighting, handles, and installation.
The Jacamar model is based on a clear separation: you buy your IKEA Metod cabinets, which are robust, guaranteed for 25 years, and delivered quickly, and we supply the genuine wooden fronts. This approach allows you to precisely control each expense item.
The cost of IKEA cabinets
For a standard 3-meter linear kitchen with a tall cabinet, expect to pay between €500 and €900 for IKEA Metod cabinets, depending on the number of elements and configuration. This is the most economical and reliable base on the market for this segment.
IKEA guarantees its cabinets for 25 years. They are durable, easy to assemble, and their Utrusta hinge system is one of the most well-adjusted on the market.
The cost of Jacamar fronts
Our high-density MDF fronts, oak veneered with a three-layer finish, are priced from €80 for a 60x40 cm door, €120 for a 60x80 cm door, and €160 for a 60x120 cm door.
For a 3-meter kitchen with 12 to 15 fronts, the Jacamar fronts budget generally ranges between €1,200 and €2,000 including tax, depending on dimensions and configuration.
This is 20 to 30% cheaper than our main competitors for equivalent or superior material quality and finish.
Why Jacamar is cheaper without sacrificing quality
Our workshop in Brașov benefits from lower European labor costs than in France, without compromising on execution quality. Luc is on site, supervising every order.
We don't spend on brand awareness campaigns or Parisian showrooms. That money stays in materials and manufacturing.
You buy directly from the workshop, without a distributor or reseller adding their margin.
The rest of the budget: worktop, splashback, installation
Worktops vary from €200 for laminate to €1,500 for natural stone over 3 linear meters. A splashback costs between €100 for simple tiles and €600 for handmade zellige tiles. Installation costs €300 to €800 if you don't install it yourself. Handles vary from €5 to €40 per piece depending on quality.
Realistic total budget for a Jacamar kitchen
For a 3 to 4 linear meter genuine wooden kitchen with IKEA cabinets, expect €600 to €900 for cabinets, €1,200 to €2,000 for Jacamar fronts, €400 to €800 for a worktop, €150 to €400 for a splashback, and €0 to €600 for installation. That's a total of between €2,500 and €4,700 depending on your choices, for a high-end and durable genuine wooden kitchen.
For comparison, an equivalent kitchen from a traditional kitchen designer rarely starts below €8,000.
FAQ
Can I get a precise quote before ordering?
Yes. Send us your IKEA plan and we'll provide a detailed quote front by front.
Are there delivery fees?
Delivery is charged separately, at the actual cost of the carrier. It is transparent and not inflated.
Do prices vary by shade?
No. All oak shades are the same price.
Conclusion
A genuine wooden kitchen is not reserved for unlimited budgets. With the IKEA base and Jacamar fronts, you get a kitchen that will last twenty years, for a budget that many five-year melamine kitchens don't justify.
Luc Deniel — Founder of Jacamar
To learn more: Comparison of wooden kitchen front market players