Pre-Assembled Kitchens vs Flat Pack: What’s the Better Option?

As the Head of Purchasing at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, I’ve had countless Perth homeowners walk through our showroom doors unsure about one thing—should they go for a flat pack kitchen or choose our pre-assembled kitchen cabinets? And I get it. When you’re staring down the barrel of a DIY kitchen renovation, the decisions can feel never-ending. But this one choice can make or break how easy (or how stressful) your reno turns out to be.

Over the years, I’ve had customers come in halfway through assembling a flat pack kitchen, fed up and wishing they’d gone the pre-assembled route from the start. I’ve also helped first-time renovators pick out their dream kitchen in one visit, with everything arriving fully assembled and ready to go. So, believe me when I say—this article could save you a serious amount of time, money and headaches.

We’ve been helping Perth families upgrade their homes since 1973, and in that time, we’ve seen every trend and trap regarding kitchens. Whether planning your forever home or renovating a rental property, knowing the difference between a flat pack kitchen and a pre-assembled kitchen is critical. In this article, I’ll walk you through both options, looking at the things that matter most: ease of installation, quality, cost, customisation and long-term durability.

If you’ve been Googling “cheap kitchen cabinets in Perth” or wondering whether a flatpack kitchen is really worth the savings, you’re in the right place. I’ll give you my honest, professional opinion—based on years of experience and plenty of customer feedback—so you can feel confident about the kitchen you choose.

Let’s get into it.

What Are Pre-Assembled and Flat Pack Kitchens?

Let’s start with the basics—what exactly is the difference between a pre-assembled kitchen and a flat pack kitchen?

What Is a Pre-Assembled Kitchen?

Pre-assembled kitchens, like the ones we stock at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, come ready to install. Each cabinet is built at the factory, fully assembled, and wrapped in protective packaging. You just unbox it, put it in position, screw it into place, and you’re done – instant kitchen! There’s no bags of screws. No confusing instruction manuals. No missing hinges or guessing which panel goes where. It’s a ready-to-install kitchen, perfect for those wanting to complete their renovation quickly and without fuss.

Our pre-assembled kitchen units are popular with everyone from first-time renovators to property investors working on tight timelines. Why? Because they offer the ease of custom-made kitchens without the wait—or the price tag. You don’t need a cabinet maker to install them. If you’ve got a cordless drill and a level, you’re well on your way.

What Is a Flat Pack Kitchen?

On the flip side, a flat pack kitchen comes unassembled in boxes. Think Ikea kitchens or Kaboodle kitchens from Bunnings. You’ll get panels, screws, hinges, drawer runners and all the fixings—but you have to put them together yourself. For some people, that’s part of the fun. But if you’re not handy or on a tight schedule, flat pack kitchen cabinets can quickly become a headache.

Just last month, I had a couple come into our store looking to upgrade their own kitchen. They’d recently finished an investment property reno using a flat pack kitchen. It had taken them two full weekends and a lot of frustration to get it done. He told me, “Never again.” When it came to their own home, they didn’t want to waste time or risk the stress. They chose one of our pre made kitchen kits—and had it installed in a day.

So whether you’re planning a DIY kitchen installation or hiring someone to do it for you, understanding the difference between these two options is the first step to making the right choice.

Installation: Which Is Easier?

When it comes to kitchen renovation planning, installation is where many DIYers hit a wall. What seems like a cost-saving option on paper can turn into a drawn-out, frustrating job—especially if you’ve never installed cabinets before. Whether tackling your own reno or helping out a family member, the time and effort involved installing a kitchen together shouldn’t be underestimated.

Let’s look at how pre-assembled kitchens compare with flat pack kitchen cupboards regarding installation.

Pre-Assembled Kitchens Make Installation Simple

Ross’s pre-assembled cabinets come fully built—doors, drawers, hinges, and runners already in place. You don’t have to measure, drill, or assemble a single panel. Just place each unit according to your kitchen plan, screw it to the wall, and move on to the next one. This is especially helpful if you’re working to a deadline or have limited experience with tools.

Even better, our cabinets come with adjustable feet to handle uneven floors and quick-release hinges that make future maintenance easy. And when it comes to installing your door handles, we include a drilling template and bit with every order—so you get perfect placement without the guesswork. It’s a fast, clean, and stress-free way to get your DIY kitchen installed without needing a cabinetmaker.

If you’re giving it a crack yourself, check out our full guide on how to install kitchen cabinets the DIY way.

Flat Pack Kitchens Take Time, Tools and Patience

Flat pack kitchens, on the other hand, come as a set of panels and hardware. Assembly requires time, space, and attention to detail. Every cabinet must be built from scratch—lining up panels, inserting cam bolts, attaching runners and hinges. While brands like Kaboodle and IKEA offer guides and videos, the job still falls on your shoulders. One mistake and it can throw off the whole kitchen alignment.

If you’re trying to renovate on a weekend or fit the job around work and family, flat packs can feel like a second job. That’s where many end up paying installers, which often negates the savings they were hoping for.

When speed and simplicity matter, pre-assembled kitchen units have a clear edge.

Build Quality and Materials

When investing in a kitchen—whether for your own home or a rental—you want it to last. That’s where build quality becomes a real game-changer. It’s not just about how your kitchen looks on day one, but how well it holds up to everyday wear and tear.

Factory-Assembled Cabinets Built to Last

At Ross’s, we’re proud of the materials that go into every one of our pre-assembled kitchen cabinets. The doors are made from 18mm HMR (High Moisture Resistant) MDF, giving them added strength and resilience in wet areas like kitchens. We don’t cut corners. Each door is finished with a multi-layer 2-pack epoxy paint system, the same durable, scratch-resistant finish you’d expect on a car. We hand-polish every door to achieve that ultra-sleek, high-gloss look that really elevates a kitchen space.

Inside, the cabinet carcasses are constructed from 16mm HMR particleboard, then wrapped in PET high-gloss laminate—both inside and out. This laminated finish not only looks good, but it’s also easy to clean and holds up to years of spills, splashes, and everyday knocks.

It’s the level of construction you’d usually only find in custom cabinetry—but without the premium price tag. And to give you peace of mind, every kitchen cabinet we sell is backed by a 15-year warranty.

Flat Pack Cabinets: Decent, But Not Built the Same

Now let’s look at flat pack kitchens. Whether you’re buying from Kaboodle, IKEA, or another supplier, most flat pack kitchen cabinets are made from 16mm standard particleboard with either a foil wrap or basic melamine finish. These materials are functional and cost-effective, but they’re not designed to go the distance of factory-assembled kitchens.

I’ve seen plenty of flat pack cabinets swell, chip, or delaminate over time—especially if water finds its way in. And because you’re assembling them yourself, the end result often depends on how accurate your tools and skills are on the day. One minor mistake in assembly can throw off drawer alignment or weaken the joints.

If durability is high on your list—and let’s be honest, it should be—pre-assembled kitchen cabinets give you a noticeable edge in long-term performance. You’re not just paying for convenience; you’re investing in quality that lasts.

Cost: What Do You Really Save?

If you’ve been shopping around, you’ve probably noticed that flatpack kitchens often appear cheaper upfront. And on the surface, they are. You can create basic Bunnings or IKEA flat pack kitchens for a low price—and for tight renovation budgets, that can look pretty appealing.

But here’s what I always tell customers: don’t just look at the sale price. The real cost of a kitchen includes time, tools, installation, and what happens if things go wrong.

The Hidden Costs of Flatpack

Flat pack cabinets might be cheap to buy, but they cost you in other ways. Unless you’re confident with tools and have the time to spare, you’ll either need to spend your weekends building everything yourself—or pay someone to do it for you. Professional installation costs can run into the thousands, especially if flatpack kitchen has a larger layout.

Then there’s the gear you need: clamps, levels, drills, possibly even a jigsaw. And delays. I’ve spoken to customers who lost days waiting for missing parts to be re-sent or had to return to the store because a panel was damaged out of the box.

By the time you add it all up, that “cheap flat pack kitchen” doesn’t look so cheap anymore.

Pre-Assembled Value Without the Surprise Costs

At Ross’s, our pre made kitchen cabinets offer real value. They’re fully built, professionally finished, and ready to install—no special tools, late nights, or unexpected headaches. And because our prices are affordable to begin with, the gap between flat pack and pre-assembled is often smaller than you think.

Better still, we offer a $100 flat rate delivery across Perth Metro, so you can have your fully assembled units delivered right to your door. No hidden assembly fees. No paying a tradesperson to make it all work. Just a quality kitchen, ready to go.

If you’re serious about sticking to your kitchen renovation budget, consider what your time, effort and peace of mind are worth. With Ross’s, you’ll get high-end construction, long-lasting materials, outstanding value for money, and a better experience, without blowing your budget.

Customisation and Design Flexibility

When planning a kitchen renovation, the layout and look of your kitchen matter just as much as the materials. Whether designing a space for your home or upgrading an investment property, you want a layout that works—and cabinets that fit. The good news? Both flat pack kitchens and pre-assembled kitchens offer modular options. But not all flexibility is created equal.

Pre-Assembled Cabinets with Smart Modular Design

At Ross’s, our pre assembled kitchen range is built around smart, modular sizing. Cabinets come in widths from 15cm to 120cm, allowing you to design any kitchen layout—L-shape, U-shape, galley, single-wall or even a layout with an island. You can mix and match pre assembled kitchen units to get the exact configuration you need, without waiting for custom sizes or alterations.

And yes, we only offer one door profile—a sleek, high-gloss white panel. But here’s why that’s a strength, not a limitation: flat-panel white kitchens are timeless. Unlike trending cabinet styles that come and go (like coloured Shaker doors or textured finishes), a gloss white kitchen never dates. It suits every design style, reflects natural light, and makes any kitchen feel clean and modern. Whether flipping a house or creating your forever kitchen, it’s a safe, stylish choice.

Still curious about colour options? Have a look at our guide on 10 Stylish Kitchen Cabinet Colours & Ideas for inspiration—just in case you want to style your white cabinets with bold tapware or standout splashbacks.

3D Kitchen Planner & In-Store Design Help

To make the design process even easier, we offer a free 3D Kitchen Planner you can use at home—or come into the showroom and sit down with Fiona or Matt for one-on-one help. They’ll walk you through the process, help with measurements, and make sure your pre made kitchen cabinets fit the space perfectly. It’s a service you’d usually pay for at places like Bunnings or IKEA—but at Ross’s, it’s free.

The planner lets you visualise your entire kitchen—cabinet by cabinet. It’s perfect for DIYers who want to see the final layout before committing, and it takes the guesswork out of placing things like pantry cupboards, microwave units or corner cabinets.

Flat Pack Flexibility: More Styles, More Waiting

Flat pack suppliers like Kaboodle (sold at Bunnings) or IKEA offer more door profiles and colour options, which might sound appealing. But there’s a trade-off. Many of those finishes are special order only, and stock can be hit or miss. You could be waiting weeks just for your flat pack kitchen cabinets to arrive, then you still have to build and install them.

And when kitchen design trends change—as they always do—that dusty pink or navy door you picked might feel tired in just a few years. With Ross’s, you know you’re getting a kitchen kit that’ll stand the test of time, both in looks and build quality.

Our modular pre-assembled kitchen cupboards are a smart choice if you’re after custom cabinetry without the custom price tag or lead time. You get design flexibility, timeless style, and expert help—all under one roof.

Longevity and Maintenance

When you’re choosing a kitchen, it’s not just about how it looks on day one—it’s about how it holds up five, ten, even fifteen years down the line. That’s especially true if you’re fitting out a busy family home or a rental property that’s going to see heavy, everyday use.

Pre-Assembled Cabinets Built for Daily Life

At Ross’s, our pre assembled kitchen units are made to take the knocks. The high-gloss 2-pack epoxy finish isn’t just stylish—it’s scratch-resistant, moisture-proof, and incredibly easy to clean. Whether you’re dealing with sticky fingers, a splash of red wine, or just everyday cooking grime, a quick wipe is all it takes to keep your cabinets looking like new.

This durable finish is ideal for Perth households who want a lasting kitchen. The moisture-resistant materials—including HMR MDF doors and PET-laminated interiors—protect against swelling, chipping and peeling, which are common issues in cheaper kitchens over time.

We had a local landlord come in to replace a swollen, discoloured flat pack kitchen in his rental property after just three years of use. The experience made it clear to him—next time, spend a little more upfront and avoid having to do the job twice.

Flat Pack Kitchens Don’t Always Go the Distance

Now don’t get me wrong—flat pack kitchen cabinets can work just fine in the right setting. But over time, especially in homes with kids or tenants, the wear shows. Most kitchen flat packs use lower-grade materials like basic melamine over particleboard, which are more prone to damage from moisture and heavy use.

Once the surface chips or the edges start to lift, repairs are tricky—and replacing doors or panels can be more costly than you’d think, especially if the range has been discontinued.

If you’re after long-term reliability, Ross’s pre assembled kitchen cupboards are built to stay strong and look sharp year after year. It’s the peace of mind you only get from choosing materials and finishes designed for real life.

Who Should Choose What? (Final Verdict)

By now, you’ve seen the clear differences between a pre assembled kitchen and a flat pack kitchen. So, which one should you choose for your DIY kitchen project? That really depends on your time, budget, confidence with tools, and how much you value convenience.

To make your decision easier, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:

As someone who’s worked in this industry for decades, I’ve seen every kind of kitchen renovation in Perth—from first-timers to seasoned flippers. And the one thing I hear most from our customers is this: “Honestly, I wish someone had told us about this earlier.”

If you want a smooth, stress-free project with cabinets that go the distance, you really can’t go past a pre assembled kitchen. You’ll save time, avoid common mistakes, and get a finish that looks like it cost three times the price. And with Ross’s, you’ll also get honest advice, personal support, and trusted products that are in stock and ready to go.

So, if you’re planning a kitchen upgrade, come see us at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. We’ve been helping Perth renovators make the right choice since 1973—and we’d love to help you do the same.