IKEA METOD and FAKTUM fronts are two different systems—they are not compatible with each other, and no adapter exists to change that. The differences are structural: different carcass dimensions, different mounting hole spacing, different hinges, and different plinth sizes. A METOD front will not fit correctly on a FAKTUM carcass—and vice versa.
Quickest test: one row of holes or two?
Open any cabinet and look at the side of the carcass from the inside. This takes 10 seconds and gives a clear answer:
- One row of holes → FAKTUM (older system, discontinued in Poland around 2013)
- Two rows of holes → METOD (current system, on sale since 2013)
This is the most unambiguous feature, visible without measuring anything. If you have one row, you have FAKTUM and need fronts made specifically for this system.
Why METOD fronts do not fit FAKTUM
The differences between the systems are deeper than what meets the eye. When designing METOD, IKEA did not maintain backward compatibility with FAKTUM—this was a conscious design decision, not an accident.
| Parameter | IKEA METOD | IKEA FAKTUM |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting holes | Two rows, first approx. 17 mm from edge | One row, first approx. 25 mm from edge |
| Plinth height | approx. 80 mm | approx. 160 mm |
| Carcass widths | 200, 300, 400, 600, 800 mm | 198, 298, 398, 598, 798 mm (2 mm less) |
| Base cabinet heights | Full hundreds: 400, 600, 800 mm | Irregular: 348, 572, 700 mm |
| Hinges | System with spacing for METOD | System with spacing for FAKTUM |
| Drawer sides | White, up to 8 drawers | Silver or grey, max. 5 |
How to identify the IKEA system - full checklist
If the one/two rows of holes test is not sufficient or you have doubts, check these additional features:
Plinth height (kick plate)
Measure the plinth from the floor to the bottom edge of the carcass. METOD is approx. 8 cm, FAKTUM is approx. 16 cm. A distinctly tall plinth almost certainly means FAKTUM.
Cabinet widths
Measure the external width of any base cabinet. METOD: full values 200, 300, 400, 600, 800 mm. FAKTUM: always 2 mm less - 198, 298, 398, 598, 798 mm. The difference is small but repeatable and unambiguous.
Drawer side color
Open a drawer and look at its sides from the inside. METOD: white sides. FAKTUM: silver or dark grey sides. This is a quick visual test that does not require measuring.
EAN number on the label
Old FAKTUM cabinets often have labels with the article number on the inner wall of the carcass or on the back. Entering the number into the IKEA search engine immediately shows which system the item belongs to.
Can new fronts still be ordered for FAKTUM?
Yes. IKEA discontinued the sale of the FAKTUM system in Poland around 2013, but external manufacturers still produce fronts for this system. Ogony.pl produces custom-sized FAKTUM fronts—lacquer and veneered, with precise dimensions matched to your cabinets. Replacing fronts in FAKTUM does not require renovation: removing old fronts and installing new ones is a one-day job.
Check out the available fronts for the IKEA FAKTUM system—lacquer and veneered (the exact price will be calculated by the configurator), delivery in 7 weeks. If you are unsure about the dimensions, read how to correctly measure IKEA FAKTUM fronts.
What if I'm still not sure what system I have?
Take three photos and send them to us: the side of the carcass from the inside (visible holes), a photo of the plinth with a measuring tape, and one photo showing a drawer from the side. Based on these photos, we can unequivocally determine the system—without guessing and without the risk of error when ordering.
Contact us via the contact form or send photos directly to our email. We respond within 24 hours on business days.
Is replacing FAKTUM fronts a big undertaking?
No. Replacing kitchen fronts—in both FAKTUM and METOD—is a dust-free job, without demolition, without involving a renovation crew. Disassembly of old fronts, assembly of new ones: one day. Carcasses, hinges, and drawers remain in place. The kitchen is usable the day after installation.
History of IKEA systems - why FAKTUM and METOD are not compatible
IKEA FAKTUM was sold in Poland from the 1990s until approximately 2013. It was replaced by the METOD system, which IKEA introduced globally with standardized modularity and new dimensions. When designing METOD, IKEA did not attempt to maintain backward compatibility with FAKTUM—it is a new system from the ground up, not an update of the old one.
Consequence: millions of FAKTUM kitchens installed in Poland before 2013 have carcasses that are still functional but require fronts specifically for this system. IKEA no longer offers FAKTUM fronts, but external manufacturers—including ogony.pl—still produce replacements with precise dimensions for old FAKTUM carcasses.
This is important information: IKEA discontinuing the sale of the FAKTUM system does not mean you cannot refresh your kitchen. New fronts for FAKTUM are available to order with a full range of materials and colors—from lacquer in 150+ Farrow & Ball colors to natural veneers. Delivery in 7 weeks, results for 10–15 years.
Common mistakes when ordering fronts for IKEA - how to avoid them
The most common mistake is ordering fronts for the wrong system. A customer sees an IKEA kitchen, assumes it's METOD (newer, more familiar), orders METOD fronts—and it turns out they don't fit because the carcasses are FAKTUM. A 2 mm difference in width plus different hinge spacing means the front either doesn't fit or the hinges don't align with the holes.
Another common mistake: measuring the external dimensions of the cabinet instead of the openings. For FAKTUM, the opening dimensions (space between cabinet sides) are given, not the external carcass width. For a cabinet with an external width of 598 mm, the front is 596 mm wide. This relationship is constant, but for certainty, it's worth measuring directly.
Third mistake: ordering fronts without checking the condition of the hinges. When replacing fronts, it's a good time to assess the hinges—an old hinge that doesn't hold well will continue to cause problems after a new front is installed. Replacing hinges costs a few tens of zlotys and can be done during the installation of new fronts.
Full compatibility table
The table shows whether an element of system A can be physically mounted in system B without modifications.
| Element | FAKTUM → METOD | METOD → FAKTUM | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door front | No | No | Different drilling for hinges |
| Drawer front | No | No | Different heights and fixings |
| Cabinet carcass | No | No | Different mounting system (legs vs rail) |
| Hinges | No | No | Metal screw-in vs plastic UTRUSTA |
| Internal drawers | No | No | Different runners and dimensions |
| Internal shelves | Partially | Partially | Some dimensions overlap, but fixings are different |
| Plinths | No | No | FAKTUM plinth 14 cm, METOD 8 cm |
| Cover panels | Partially | Partially | Can be cut, but mounting hole spacing is different |
| Cabinet handles | Yes | Yes | Universal, mounted with 4 mm screws |
| Countertops | Yes | Yes | Countertop is a separate element, independent of the system |
As you can see, the only fully compatible elements are handles and countertops, which are independent of the cabinet system. Anything that interacts with the carcass requires adaptation to a specific system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to mount a METOD front on a FAKTUM carcass?
There's no point in trying. The differences in hole spacing, dimensions, and hinge system are structural—it cannot be bypassed without modifications, which still won't guarantee proper hinge operation and front proportions. The only sensible solution is to use fronts made specifically for FAKTUM.
Are FAKTUM and METOD hinges interchangeable?
No. The spacing of holes in the hinge cup is different. METOD hinges will not correctly mount in FAKTUM carcasses and vice versa. When replacing fronts, new fronts are supplied with hinge holes adapted to your system.
Does replacing FAKTUM fronts require renovation?
No. It's a clean operation—removing old fronts, installing new ones. No drilling into walls, no dust, no moving installations. The kitchen is back in use within one day. Carcasses, drawers, countertop, and appliances remain in place.
How do I know what front dimensions to order for FAKTUM?
FAKTUM front dimensions are the cabinet opening dimensions—not the external carcass dimensions. For a typical base cabinet with an external width of 598 mm, the front is 596 mm wide. Detailed dimension tables and measurement methods can be found in the article how to measure IKEA FAKTUM fronts.
How much do new fronts for FAKTUM cost?
Lacquer and veneered fronts for FAKTUM at ogony.pl—the exact price will be calculated by the configurator. The price depends on the material, dimension, and finish. When ordering, you provide exact dimensions—the front is custom-made. Delivery in 7 weeks, shipping throughout the EU. You can first order a material sample.
Updated: March 2026
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