Flat Pack Kitchen FAQ: Answers to the Questions We Get Asked Most
Everything you need to know before buying a flat pack kitchen — from quality and fitting to delivery and ordering.
About Flat Pack Kitchens
What is a flat pack kitchen?
A flat pack kitchen is a kitchen where the cabinets are supplied unassembled — packed flat in boxes and built on site. Every component arrives with the fixings needed to put it together. It's the most popular way to buy a kitchen in the UK because it cuts out showroom overheads and passes the saving directly to you, without compromising on the quality of the finished result.
Are flat pack kitchens any good?
Yes — modern flat pack kitchens are a world away from the flimsy units of the past. Our cabinets are made from 18mm MFC board with a solid 8mm back, use pre-fitted cam and dowel joints for a strong, lasting bond, and carry FIRA Gold certification — the industry standard for structural performance in kitchen furniture. The finish is indistinguishable from a fitted kitchen once installed.
Are flat pack kitchens as strong as rigid kitchens?
A properly assembled flat pack kitchen using quality materials is very strong and will last as long as a rigid cabinet in everyday use. The key is using good-quality board (ours is 18mm throughout) and assembling carefully. Our cabinets are FIRA Gold certified to Heavy Domestic / Contract specification — the same standard used for commercial kitchen installations.
How long will a flat pack kitchen last?
With normal use and proper installation, you should expect at least 10–15 years from a quality flat pack kitchen. Our units come with a 6-year manufacturer's warranty as standard.
What's the difference between flat pack and supply-only kitchens?
They're the same thing. Supply-only means the kitchen is supplied without installation — you arrange fitting separately, whether that's DIY or a professional fitter. All our kitchens are supply-only, delivered flat-packed to your door.
Ordering and Choosing
Do I need to visit a showroom?
No. Everything at Flat Pack Kitchens is designed to be ordered entirely online. Our product pages include detailed dimensions, finish descriptions, and photography. We also offer door samples so you can check colours and finishes in your own home before ordering.
Can I order just replacement kitchen doors?
Yes — and it's one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a kitchen. If your existing carcasses are in good condition, replacing just the doors and drawer fronts gives you a completely new look for a fraction of the cost of full new units. Our doors are available pre-drilled or undrilled.
What cabinet colours are available?
Our cabinets are available in White, Grey, Urban Oak, and Anthracite. In most installations the cabinet colour is not visible once the doors and worktop are fitted, so this choice mainly matters if you have open shelving or glass-fronted doors.
Do handles come included?
No — handles are sold separately. This gives you the flexibility to choose a handle that suits your door style and finish. We have a range of handles available on site, or you can source your own.
Are worktops included?
No — worktops are not supplied by us. Your unit plan will determine the lengths you need, and worktops are available from a range of suppliers in laminate, solid wood, quartz, and granite.
What if I'm not sure which units I need?
Our kitchen planning guide walks you through measuring your space and working out exactly which units to order. If you'd rather talk it through, call us on 02920 007 948 — we're happy to help you check your plan before you order.
Do you offer a kitchen design service?
We don't offer a bespoke design service, but our planning guide covers everything you need to plan your own layout confidently. Many customers find this straightforward once they have their measurements. If you have questions, our team is happy to advise by phone or email.
Quality and Specification
What are your cabinets made from?
All our cabinets are made from 18mm MFC (Melamine Faced Chipboard) with a solid 8mm back panel. They use pre-fitted cam and dowel joints and are FIRA Gold certified to Heavy Domestic / Contract Kitchen Furniture specification.
What does FIRA Gold certified mean?
FIRA International is an independent testing body that certifies kitchen furniture against structural performance standards. FIRA Gold certification to Heavy Domestic / Contract level means our cabinets have been independently tested and proven to meet the most demanding domestic usage requirements. It's meaningful third-party assurance of quality — not a self-awarded badge.
Do the units come with soft-close hinges and drawers?
Yes — all our complete units include soft-close hinges and drawers as standard. Drawers come pre-assembled; you just fit the drawer front.
What sizes do your cabinets come in?
Our base units are standard UK depth (570mm cabinet, 590mm with doors) and come in a range of widths from 300mm to 1,000mm. Wall units are available in heights from 600mm to 900mm. Full dimensions are listed on each product page.
Fitting and Assembly
Can I fit a flat pack kitchen myself?
Yes, and many of our customers do. Our cabinets use pre-fitted cam and dowel joints — you don't need specialist tools, just a drill, a spirit level, and patience. The assembly process is logical and well-documented. If you're comfortable with standard DIY tasks, fitting your own kitchen is very achievable.
How long does it take to fit a flat pack kitchen?
For a DIY fitter, a medium kitchen typically takes a long weekend to a week, depending on complexity. A professional kitchen fitter will generally take 3–5 days, as they build and hang each cabinet before moving on. Allow extra time if plumbing or electrical work is involved.
Do I need a professional fitter?
Not necessarily — but it depends on your confidence and the complexity of your kitchen. If you're moving plumbing, adding new electrical sockets, or working with a complex layout, involving a professional for at least some of the work is advisable. Gas work and electrical installation must always be carried out by qualified tradespeople.
Should I book my fitter for the day of delivery?
No — please don't book your fitter for the delivery day. Delivery is an all-day service and we cannot guarantee a specific time window. Book your fitter for the day after delivery at the earliest.
Do your doors come pre-drilled for hinges?
Yes — when you order complete units, doors come pre-drilled as standard. If you're ordering doors only, you can specify pre-drilled at the time of ordering.
Delivery
How long does delivery take?
Delivery times vary by product — the accurate delivery time for each item is shown on the product page and confirmed again at checkout before you pay. As a guide, cabinets are typically delivered within 3 days. For complete units, please check the individual product page for the current lead time.
Unfortunately, due to limitations with our courier, we are not able to deliver to the Highlands and Islands.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery to mainland UK is free. The exact delivery date is confirmed at checkout before payment.
What time will my delivery arrive?
Delivery is an all-day service, between 8am and 7pm. We are unable to specify a delivery time slot. Please ensure someone is available to receive the order and check it over on arrival.
What if something is damaged or missing?
Check your order thoroughly on delivery. If anything is damaged or missing, contact us as soon as possible on 02920 007 948 or info@flatpackkitchens.co.uk and we'll arrange a replacement.
Pricing and Discounts
How much does a flat pack kitchen cost?
It depends on the size of your kitchen and the door style you choose. As a rough guide, units for a small kitchen start from around £800–£2,000; a medium kitchen typically costs £1,800–£3,500 in units. Our full pricing guide covers what to budget for worktops, fitting, appliances, and other costs too.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes — we offer 5% off orders over £2,000 and 10% off orders over £5,000. Discounts are applied automatically at checkout.
Can I return units if they don't fit?
Please check your measurements carefully before ordering using our kitchen planning guide. If you need to discuss returns or have received incorrect items, contact us directly and we'll help resolve it.
Still Have a Question?
Call us on 02920 007 948 (Monday to Friday) or email info@flatpackkitchens.co.uk — we're happy to help with anything from checking a plan to advising on door styles.