Sunshine Home Material vs. IKEA: Which Kitchen Cabinets Are Right for You?
When planning a kitchen renovation in Orlando, almost everyone starts with the same question: "Should I just go to IKEA?"
It’s a fair question. The Swedish giant is famous for modern style and low prices. But as a "Factory Direct" wholesaler, Sunshine Home Material offers an alternative that often surprises homeowners—giving you higher quality materials for a comparable (or even better) price.
Here is the honest breakdown of how our wholesale cabinets compare to the big box retailer.
1. The "Bones": Plywood vs. Particleboard
This is the single biggest difference between buying from a wholesaler like Sunshine and a retailer like IKEA.
IKEA Cabinets: use particleboard (engineered wood) for their cabinet boxes. While decent for dry environments, particleboard can swell and degrade if exposed to water—a major risk in kitchens, especially in humid Florida.
Sunshine Home Material: We specialize in premium kitchen cabinetry that prioritizes durability. Our cabinets are typically constructed with plywood boxes. Plywood is stronger, holds screws better, and is far more resistant to humidity and plumbing leaks than particleboard.
2. Assembly: The "Flat Pack" Reality
Both options offer RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) cabinets, but the experience is very different.
IKEA: Famous for its "flat pack" system. You will likely spend hours deciphering cartoon instructions and managing hundreds of distinct parts. If you hire a pro to assemble IKEA cabinets, it often kills the budget savings because it takes them longer to build.
Sunshine Home Material: As a wholesale supplier, we offer RTA cabinets that are designed for straightforward assembly. Because we are local to Orlando, we are also a real resource—you can talk to a human if you have questions, rather than calling an 800 number.
3. Price & Value
Most people assume IKEA is the cheapest option, but that isn't always true once you add everything up.
IKEA: The base price looks low, but you have to buy every single part separately: the box, the door, the hinges, the legs, and the toe kick. The price at the checkout register is often 30-40% higher than the "shelf price" you saw in the showroom.
Sunshine Home Material: We operate on a "Factory Direct" model. By cutting out the middleman and importing directly, we offer unmatched prices on premium materials. You are paying for the cabinet, not the massive retail showroom overhead.
4. Styles: Timeless vs. Trendy
IKEA: Excellent for ultra-modern, high-gloss, or slab-style doors. However, their sizes are strictly modular. If your wall is 3 inches off, you might be left with a large "filler" gap.
Sunshine Home Material: We focus on timeless styles like White Shaker and modern trends that increase resale value. Our selection is curated to fit the specific tastes of Florida homes and vacation rentals, ensuring your renovation doesn't just look good now, but appeals to future buyers too.
The Verdict
If you want ultra-modern European tech on a strict DIY budget and don't mind particleboard, IKEA is a solid choice.
However, if you want solid wood/plywood construction, personal service from a top-rated Orlando business, and a kitchen built to survive the Florida climate, Sunshine Home Material is the better investment.
Ready to compare the numbers?
Bring your IKEA quote to our showroom at 3827 WD Judge Drive and let us show you how much more you can get for your budget.