PLANNING GUIDE
Flat-Pack vs Custom Kitchens in NZ
Flat-pack and custom kitchens solve the same problem in different ways. Neither is automatically the right answer - it depends on your room, your timeline, and what you're prepared to trade for a lower upfront cost.
The Real Difference
A flat-pack or off-the-shelf kitchen is built to standard module sizes - from a fixed range of widths, varying by supplier - and your room is expected to fit around them, with filler panels covering the gaps. A custom kitchen works the other way around: cabinet widths can be adjusted to your room, with standard heights and depths where appropriate and scribers or trims where needed, but it takes more design and manufacturing time to get there.
| Flat-Pack | Custom / Bespoke | |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing | Fixed module widths, filler panels where needed | Widths adjusted to your room, with standard heights and depths where appropriate |
| Installation | DIY or a trade installer working from a kit | Designed, made and installed by one company; plumbing and electrical by your own trades |
| Best For | Rental properties, first homes, tight budgets | Forever homes, non-standard rooms, character villas |
| Typical Cost | Generally lower upfront | Often higher upfront; more flexibility to reduce unused space |
| Design Input | Choose from a fixed module catalogue | Full layout designed around how you use the space |
Flat-Pack Kitchens
Pros
- Lower upfront cost for a standard-size room
- Cabinets can be self-assembled; plumbing and most electrical connections need qualified trades
- Widely available with fast lead times
Cons
- Filler panels and gaps in non-standard rooms
- Fixed module sizes limit layout flexibility
- DIY installation risks poor fit and finish if the room isn't perfectly standard
Custom / Bespoke Kitchens
Pros
- Makes better use of your room through adjusted cabinet widths and planned storage
- We design and make your cabinetry and arrange installation. Specialist partners make and fit benchtops; you arrange your plumber and electrician
- Layout planned around how you actually use the space
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than an equivalent flat-pack kitchen
- Longer lead time - most kitchens are installed within 10 weeks of design sign-off; allow extra time for design and other trades
When a Flat-Pack Kitchen Makes Sense
If your room is a genuinely standard size and shape, a rental or first-home budget is the priority, and you're comfortable installing it yourself or hiring a tradesperson separately, flat-pack can be the right call. The trade-off is real: any deviation from a standard module size shows up as a filler panel or an awkward gap.
When Custom Is Worth the Extra Cost
Character villas, non-standard room shapes, sloped ceilings, and forever-home budgets are where custom earns its higher price. Compare quotes for the same materials, hardware and installation scope. An irregular room may need more fitting work with either approach.
Can You Get a Flat-Pack Budget with a Custom Fit?
Partly. Our "Good" finish tier - melamine cabinetry and laminate benchtops - is our most affordable custom option, with cabinet widths adjusted for your room. As a general guide, most kitchens are $15,000 to $80,000 including GST; small second kitchens can cost less. Compare quotes with the same scope rather than kit prices alone.
FAQ
Questions Answered.
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