"Formaldehyde is a common chemical compound present in for example water, fruit and wood, but it can also be added through industrial processes. To avoid health problems, there are strict requirements of formaldehyde emissions from furniture. We want the formaldehyde emission levels in IKEA wood products to be equal to the levels of natural wood. So, first we cut formaldehyde-based lacquers (1993) from our products. Next, we removed formaldehyde from glue systems used to glue veneer surfaces on furniture. DAVE laptop table, for example, has a fibreboard top that has contributed to cutting formaldehyde emissions by nearly 40% in recent years. The levels are now significantly below EU requirements."

What is the smell? All of the kitchens at Ikea had a formaldehyde-like smell like particle board furniture often does. If it was formaldehyde that would not be safe. Did the smell go away?

I like the look and the price.

I paid to have mine put together it was totally worth it. But if you're young and energetic, you can definitely do it yourself.

Anonymous wrote:Do you have to put the cabinets together yourself?

You can but if you want to pay, you can have them do it.
I think the charge 99 dollars per cabinet for installs.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks - is there a quality difference between ikeas birch and beech?

I had to decide between these 2colors. I ended up picking birch. Been happy with it. It is a very clean look. It has darkened a little over the years.

No, I think they're quite comparable, so the main question is whether you like the warmer or cooler tone. I find the finger joining in the beech a little distracting but it's still a nice choice.

Thanks - is there a quality difference between ikeas birch and beech?

Ours are 1.5" Numerar oak, finished with a dark tung oil (food safe). We got them at Ikea, but I'm pretty sure Ikea doesn't offer oak any more. If you like the beech or birch Ikea's are nice, and super budget friendly. If you want oak, I seem to recall that Lumber Liquidators had good prices. The hardiest of all would be maple, and teak's a good water resistant choice.

Which of the butcher block counters would you recommend?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have them in a beach house. Humid, salty air has been battering them for the last ten years and they are still in perfect shape. The only bad piece is the butcherblock countertop that's kind of stained but that's basically because we cut everything under the sun on it, not cause it's ikea.

We are remodeling our house now and seriously considering ikea ... A $10k kitchen vs a $40k one ...

We're the same way. A few weeks ago, I refinished our butcher block top with a belt sander and orbital sander. Took a few hours, and now it looks new. Try that with any other kind of countertop!

To be fair stone counters won't wear out like wood.

No, but there's an immense price difference between stone and wood. If you are looking for a budget countertop, I'd take wood over laminate any day.

I also think that stone looks dated more quickly…

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have them in a beach house. Humid, salty air has been battering them for the last ten years and they are still in perfect shape. The only bad piece is the butcherblock countertop that's kind of stained but that's basically because we cut everything under the sun on it, not cause it's ikea.

We are remodeling our house now and seriously considering ikea ... A $10k kitchen vs a $40k one ...

We're the same way. A few weeks ago, I refinished our butcher block top with a belt sander and orbital sander. Took a few hours, and now it looks new. Try that with any other kind of countertop!

To be fair stone counters won't wear out like wood.

Anonymous wrote:We have them in a beach house. Humid, salty air has been battering them for the last ten years and they are still in perfect shape. The only bad piece is the butcherblock countertop that's kind of stained but that's basically because we cut everything under the sun on it, not cause it's ikea.

We are remodeling our house now and seriously considering ikea ... A $10k kitchen vs a $40k one ...

We're the same way. A few weeks ago, I refinished our butcher block top with a belt sander and orbital sander. Took a few hours, and now it looks new. Try that with any other kind of countertop!

We have them in a beach house. Humid, salty air has been battering them for the last ten years and they are still in perfect shape. The only bad piece is the butcherblock countertop that's kind of stained but that's basically because we cut everything under the sun on it, not cause it's ikea.

We are remodeling our house now and seriously considering ikea ... A $10k kitchen vs a $40k one ...

Do you have to put the cabinets together yourself?

Ikea cabinets with custom doors, installed almost 4 years ago. Everything has remained in good shape so far.