How to measure IKEA Faktum fronts so that the new replacements fit perfectly?

Your IKEA Faktum kitchen may be old, but its cabinets are rock solid, and there's no reason to replace the entire system. New custom-sized fronts are the simplest way to make your kitchen look new again – no demolition, no carpenter, no week-long renovation. For this to work, you just need to measure what you have correctly.

This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step – from checking if you have Faktum, to measuring each type of cabinet, to placing the final order.

Do you have a FAKTUM system? How to check

Before you start measuring, make sure your kitchen is an IKEA Faktum system, not the newer METOD – they differ in dimensions and hinge systems, so fronts for one system will not fit the other.

Two simple ways to identify:

• By year of purchase: if you bought your IKEA kitchen before 2015 – you have Faktum.
• By hinges: unscrew one front and examine the hinge. Faktum hinges are attached directly to the cabinet carcass, without a plastic runner on the side. METOD hinges have a grey plastic adapter screwed to the side of the cabinet.

Not sure? Send us a photo of the hinge – we'll reply immediately.

What you'll need for measuring?

• Tape measure – at least 3 m, with clear millimeter markings
• Pencil and paper – make sketches and number the fronts to avoid confusion
• Sticky notes – attach to measured elements to track progress
• Phone – take photos of each cabinet with the sticky note number visible in the frame

Important: we measure the front dimension, not the cabinet opening width. If the front is mounted – remove it and measure directly. If you prefer not to remove it – measure the cabinet opening and add approx. 2–4 mm to each side (standard Faktum overlay). When ordering, you can also send photos – we'll check the dimensions with you.

How to measure base cabinets?

Number all fronts in the base row from left to right.

Drawer and door fronts

1. Measure the width of the front (from left to right edge, including any hardware).
2. Measure the height – from the top to the bottom edge of the front, excluding the plinth.
3. Note whether it's a door or drawer front, and which way it opens (left/right).

Side panels and filler panels

A side panel is a panel covering the side of an end cabinet. Measure its width (cabinet depth, usually about 60 cm) and height. Note how many pieces and on which side.

How to measure wall cabinets?

The principle is the same as for base cabinets: measure the width and height of each front separately. Number from left to right.

Don't forget about:

• side panels (if the end cabinet is visible from the side)
• panels above cabinets (if you have space between the cabinet and the ceiling filled with panels)

How to measure tall cabinets (larder units)?

Tall cabinets (oven cabinets, larders, tall storage units) usually have several fronts one above the other. Measure each front separately – do not sum the heights.

• Width and height of each front separately
• Filler panel in the tall unit (if present – a narrow panel between fronts and the wall)
• Opening direction (left/right)
• For oven fronts: note that it's a top-hinged (tilt-out) front

How to measure plinths?

A plinth is a horizontal panel at the base of base cabinets. Measure:

• Length of each plinth section (most often one continuous or several connected)
• Height of the plinth (usually 8 cm in the Faktum system)

Most common measuring errors – watch out for these

• Measuring the opening instead of the front – the front is slightly larger than the opening to cover the cabinet edge.
• Including the plinth in the front height – the plinth is a separate element, not part of the bottom front.
• One measurement for "identical" fronts – even if the cabinets look identical, measure each front separately. Allowable differences are ±1 mm.
• No note about drawers – a drawer front may have a different height than a door front of the same cabinet.

Measurement verification – this step is crucial

Before placing your order, double-check every dimension – ideally after a few minutes, with a fresh mind. A mistake of a few millimeters during measurement results in a front that doesn't fit, and the cost of re-production falls on you.

If you have any doubts about a dimension – send a photo of the measured front with the tape measure in the frame. We'll check before production.

What to do after measuring? Step-by-step to ordering

1. Configure your order in the online configurator – choose material, color, dimensions.
2. Send measurements for verification or order yourself if you are confident about the measurements.
3. You will receive confirmation with details and the final price.
4. Upon acceptance – fronts go into production. Lead time: 7 weeks.
5. Finished fronts arrive by courier. You install them yourself – you only need a screwdriver.

FAQ – most common questions about Faktum front measurements

Do I have to remove old fronts to measure them?

No, you don't. You can measure a mounted front – width and height from edge to edge. If you prefer, you can also measure the opening dimension and add approx. 2–4 mm to each side (overlay). If in doubt, send a photo – we advise before ordering.

Do I provide the front dimension or the cabinet opening dimension?

You provide the front dimension – that is, what you see on the outside. The front is slightly larger than the opening. If you measure the cabinet opening, add 2–4 mm for the overlay on each side (total 4–8 mm to width and height).

What if the doors are damaged and not at their original dimensions?

Measure as carefully as you can – even if the result is distorted by 1–2 mm. You can also measure the cabinet and inform us that the front may be slightly damaged – we will quote based on standard Faktum dimensions for that cabinet size.

How long does production and delivery take?

Standard lead time is 7 weeks from order and measurement confirmation. Before ordering, we can confirm the current lead time. We ship to all of the EU.

Do the fronts fit my original Faktum hinges?

Yes. Faktum system fronts are supplied with drillings for original IKEA Faktum hinges. You install them just like the old fronts – no drilling, no cabinet modification.

Can I order just a few fronts, not a whole kitchen?

Yes, you can order any number of fronts – even one. We make each one to your specified dimensions.

Do you make custom-sized Faktum fronts?

Yes. If you have a recess, an angled wall, or another custom size – provide the exact dimensions. We will quote and produce it. Contact us before ordering so we can confirm the details.