Flat Pack Kitchens vs. Custom Kitchens – Which Is the Better Option?
When it comes to renovating your kitchen, few decisions are as important — or as overwhelming — as choosing the right type of cabinetry. Between juggling your budget, timeline, and design preferences, it can be hard to know whether to go for something quick and affordable or invest in a fully customised design.
For most Australian homeowners, the choice comes down to two popular options: flat pack kitchens and custom kitchens. Flat packs appeal to DIY renovators chasing convenience and cost savings, while custom kitchens promise flawless fit and premium craftsmanship — but at a much higher price.
According to the 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Report, 72% of homeowners choose semi-custom or custom cabinetry, while 19% opt for ready-to-assemble (flat pack) cabinets and just 6% go for pre-assembled stock options. These figures highlight that most renovators still view kitchen cabinetry as a long-term investment, yet there’s growing interest in easier, more budget-friendly solutions that don’t compromise on quality.
In this guide, we’ll compare flat pack kitchens vs custom kitchens to help you decide which fits your renovation best — and introduce a third, often overlooked option: pre-assembled kitchens, which offer the ideal balance between convenience, cost, and craftsmanship.
Understanding the Two Main Kitchen Cabinet Options
Before deciding which kitchen style is right for your renovation, it’s worth understanding the two main approaches most homeowners consider: flat pack kitchen cabinets and custom kitchen cabinets. Both can deliver beautiful, functional results, but they differ greatly in how they’re built, installed, and priced.
Flat pack cabinets are all about affordability and convenience — a great choice for DIY renovators or those looking to save on labour. Custom cabinets, on the other hand, prioritise craftsmanship and personalisation, offering endless design flexibility but at a higher cost and longer lead time.
Let’s take a closer look at how each option works, what makes them appealing, and where their limitations lie.
What Are Flat Pack Kitchen Cabinets?
Flat pack kitchen cabinets — also known as ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets — are pre-manufactured cabinets and components that come packed flat in boxes, ready for homeowners to assemble and install themselves. They’re a popular choice for budget-conscious renovators because they offer a cost-effective way to achieve a new kitchen look without the expense of hiring a cabinetmaker.
Modern flat pack kitchens have come a long way from their early days of limited designs and flimsy materials. Today’s modular kitchen systems are built for real homes, with improved joinery, durable surfaces, and stylish finishes that rival many custom kitchens. They’re also available in a wide range of standard sizes, making it easier to mix and match base units, wall cabinets, and pantries to suit different layouts.
The biggest advantages of flat pack kitchen cabinets are their affordability, quick availability, and flexibility for DIY kitchen renovation projects. However, they do have some drawbacks. Assembly can be time-consuming and tricky if you’re not confident with tools, and the quality of the final result often depends on how well each unit is put together. Flat packs also offer limited customisation — you’re generally confined to set sizes, finishes, and configurations.
For a closer look at the pros and cons of this option — and how pre-assembled kitchens compare — check out our article Flatpack Kitchen Cabinets: Are They Any Good?
TL;DR: Flat pack kitchens are affordable, DIY-ready options that come packed flat for self-assembly. They’ve improved in quality and style but require time and skill to put together and offer limited customisation compared to pre-assembled or custom kitchens.
What Are Custom Kitchen Cabinets?
Custom kitchen cabinets are designed, built, and installed entirely to order, typically by professional cabinetmakers or kitchen design specialists. Every element — from the layout and materials to the hardware and finish — is tailored to suit the homeowner’s space and style. This makes custom kitchen cabinets the ultimate choice for those who value individuality, precision, and a high-end result.
The appeal of custom kitchens lies in their flexibility and craftsmanship. They offer a perfect fit for any room size or configuration, along with an extensive range of finishes, colours, and materials. Homeowners can mix textures, integrate unique storage solutions, and select every detail to achieve a seamless, cohesive look that reflects their taste. The end result is a kitchen that feels truly bespoke — a centrepiece of the home that combines functionality and style.
However, this level of personalisation comes at a cost. Custom kitchen cabinets are significantly more expensive than flat pack or pre-assembled options, and the process can take weeks or even months from design to installation. They also require multiple trades — designers, cabinetmakers, and installers — which adds both time and expense to the project.
While custom kitchens remain a popular choice for homeowners who want a tailored design and flawless finish, they’re not the only way to achieve a beautiful, functional kitchen. For renovators looking for a balance between quality and convenience, other options — like pre-assembled kitchens — are worth considering.
TL;DR: Custom kitchens are tailor-made by professionals for a perfect fit and premium finish. They deliver exceptional quality and design freedom but come with higher costs, longer lead times, and reliance on trades — making pre-assembled kitchens a faster, more affordable alternative.
Flat Pack vs. Custom Kitchen Cabinets – How They Compare
When it comes to choosing between flat pack or custom kitchen cabinets, the right choice often depends on your priorities — whether that’s budget, time, design flexibility, or long-term durability. The table below offers a quick side-by-side look at how each option stacks up.
| Feature | Flat Pack Kitchen Cabinets | Custom Kitchen Cabinets |
| Cost | Affordable, DIY-friendly | Premium pricing for bespoke design |
| Installation | DIY, time-consuming | Professional installation required |
| Quality | Varies by supplier and assembly | Consistently high, professionally built |
| Design Flexibility | Limited to modular sizes | Fully customisable |
| Durability | Depends on materials and skill | Long-lasting, robust craftsmanship |
| Finish Options | Moderate range | Unlimited colours, textures, and finishes |
| Lead Time | Quick availability | Long production and installation time |
So, Which Is the Best Option?
Both flat pack and custom kitchen cabinets have clear strengths. Flat packs are a practical choice for DIY renovators or budget-focused homeowners who want quick results without breaking the bank. In contrast, custom kitchens deliver personalised design, expert craftsmanship, and enduring quality — but at a higher cost and with a longer wait.
For many Perth renovators, however, there’s an increasingly popular middle ground: pre-assembled kitchen cabinets that combine the convenience and affordability of flat packs with the finish and reliability of custom designs.
The Happy Medium – Pre-Assembled Kitchen Cabinets
Flat-pack kitchen cabinets offer an affordable solution, while custom cabinetry provides luxury. Pre-assembled cabinets, however, strike a perfect balance between the two, delivering the best of both worlds.. These factory-built kitchens are pre-manufactured using precision machinery, delivered fully assembled, and ready to install straight out of the box. There’s no time lost to assembly or guesswork, just a fast, stress-free setup that still delivers professional results.
Pre-assembled kitchen cabinets solve many of the frustrations that come with both flat pack and custom designs. They eliminate complex assembly and alignment issues common with DIY builds while avoiding the long wait times and high price tags of bespoke cabinetry. Built from moisture-resistant HMR board, finished with high-gloss PET laminate, and coated in durable 2-pack epoxy, they offer the premium look and performance of custom kitchens at a more attainable price.
Ross’s Discount Home Centre has been making pre-assembled kitchen cabinets in Perth easy since 1973. Our modular cabinets are designed for simple DIY installation. Each cabinet is backed by a 10-year warranty and built to last, combining convenience with craftsmanship.
For more details on the benefits and considerations of this option, read our full guide: Pros and Cons of Pre-Assembled Kitchen Cabinets.
TL;DR: Pre-assembled kitchens are fully built in the factory and delivered ready to install, combining the quality of custom kitchens with the convenience of flat packs. They’re durable, moisture-resistant, easy to fit, and backed by a 10-year warranty — a true balance of value and craftsmanship.
Choosing the Right Cabinets for Your Kitchen Renovation
When planning a kitchen renovation Perth, the best choice often depends on your budget, skill level, and design expectations. Each kitchen cabinet style offers its own advantages, making it easier to match your goals with the right solution.
- Flat Pack Kitchens – Best for DIYers, budget renovators, or investment properties where affordability and quick turnaround are priorities.
- Custom Kitchens – Ideal for homeowners wanting a one-of-a-kind design, premium finishes, and professional installation.
- Pre-Assembled Kitchens – Perfect for anyone who wants the speed and simplicity of flat packs but the strength, finish, and longevity of custom kitchens.
Whether you’re upgrading your forever home or improving an investment, understanding these differences helps you choose the best kitchen cabinets for renovations that suit your needs.
TL;DR: Pre-assembled kitchens offer the perfect balance — they save time, deliver long-lasting quality, and are simple to install without the high price tag of bespoke cabinetry.
Why Choose Ross’s Discount Home Centre
For more than 50 years, Ross’s Discount Home Centre has been Perth’s trusted source for quality kitchen cabinets and home renovation products. Locally owned and family run, we combine genuine expertise with unbeatable value to help homeowners achieve professional results at affordable prices.
Here’s why so many Perth renovators choose Ross’s:
- Proven Experience: With over five decades in the industry, Ross’s is one of Perth’s most established and trusted kitchen suppliers.
- Premium Manufacturing: Our pre-assembled kitchen range is built by Alpine KB, specialists in precision cabinetry and factory-grade assembly.
- Superior Materials: Cabinets feature moisture-resistant construction, using durable HMR board and a high-gloss 2-pack epoxy finish for lasting quality.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Every cabinet is delivered fully assembled in 100% plastic-free packaging — wrapped in recyclable paper and reinforced with honeycomb cardboard.
- 10-Year Warranty: We stand behind our products with a comprehensive 10-year warranty for total peace of mind.
- DIY-Friendly Design: Each cabinet is made for simple, DIY kitchen installation with reversible doors and pre-drilled templates for easy handle placement.
Explore our complete range of kitchen cabinets online or visit our Guildford showroom to discover why Ross’s Discount Home Centre remains the go-to destination for long-lasting cabinetry in Perth.
Conclusion
Both flat pack and custom cabinets have their place in modern kitchen design. Flat pack cabinets deliver affordability and quick results for confident DIY renovators, while custom kitchen cabinets offer unmatched craftsmanship, premium materials, and total design freedom. Yet for most homeowners tackling a kitchen renovation in Perth, there’s a smarter solution sitting right in between — pre-assembled kitchen cabinets.
Pre-assembled kitchens provide the ideal balance of convenience, quality, and cost. They arrive fully built and ready to install, saving hours of work without sacrificing durability or style. With moisture-resistant materials, a high-gloss finish, and easy DIY installation, they combine the strengths of both flat pack and custom options into one practical, ready-to-install choice.
Ready to start your kitchen renovation? Explore our full range of pre-assembled kitchen cabinets online or visit our Guildford showroom — Perth’s trusted destination for quality kitchen cabinets that make creating your dream kitchen easy.
