Frequently Asked Questions

How To

How do I start the process of ordering my Arkie Kitchen?

The process is very easy. Begin by ordering your IKEA kitchen carcasses and hardware. Then simply download our Quoting Sheet where you can easily choose the doors, drawers, panels and counter-tops you need, corresponding to the IKEA carcasses and hardware you have ordered. Once completed send your Quoting Sheet to us via email. We will follow up with a quotation for shipping and lead time confirmation. Once you accept the quote and make payment your kitchen fronts will be put into production.



What about the drawer runners and hinges?

All of our fronts are pre drilled to work with the IKEA drawer runners and hinges, so be sure to order them with your carcasses.



Can I put other counter-tops with your fronts?

Certainly. You are welcome to arrange fabrication of your own counter-top to match with our fronts.



Can I order specific sizes?

Yes we can organise orders of sizes and drillings other than our standards. This enables Arkie Fronts to suit any carcasses and most drawer and hinge drillings. These special orders carry a 15% mark up. Please scroll down in our Quoting Sheet to find the custom size section. We will also need drawer and hinge program to drill your fronts ready for installation. Have an existing kitchen you want to give a face lift? Contact us or send us photos of hinges and drawer runners to info@arkiedesigns.com.au and we can let you know if we can replicate the drilling to make you some new Arkie fronts for your existing kitchen!



Do you offer installation?

No, we do not. We are commited to the model of beautiful DIY kitchens, however if you need assistance there are a network of installers of IKEA kitchens that would have no problem applying our fronts as well. Please contact us for references in your area.



Can you measure up our kitchen or counter-top?

We do not measure up any kitchens, but rely on your Quoting Sheets for the provision of Arkie Kitchens. Don’t forget measure twice, order once!



Do you do Utrusta drawer fronts for hidden drawers?

Our fronts are made to order and are about 18mm thick, which is too thick for the hidden drawers as it will most likely touch the outside door or drawer, preventing it from shutting completely.



Can I undermount a sink in your plywood bench tops?

You can undermount into a ply bench, but you will need to finish the inside edge with a robust clear finish and be willing to reapply over time as water and wood need care and a bit of love to live happily ever after. I wouldn’t recommend edging in laminate as it will eventually lift, and look terrible. The success of an undermount in a timber bench, like ply, relies on you and your care and maintenance. For that reason we would always suggest over mount as easiest long term solution. If you do undermount please be sure to check if fixings work with an 18mm or 30mm thickness bench.



Lead Time

What are your lead times?

Our typical lead time is 6 weeks for "Straight off the Saw" and 8 weeks for "Finished", though we do confirm current lead times at time of ordering (we can get very busy!). Special orders of Linoleum Surfaced Plywood fronts (colours other than ‘Nero’ or ‘Charcoal’) can have a lead time of 12 weeks, once again confirmed on ordering.



Shipping and Delivery

Where do you ship?

We ship all over Australia. Send us your completed quoting sheet with shipping address and we will let you know shipping cost. Please let us know if you live in a very narrow street or have had issues with big deliveries in the past as we might have to look for alternative solutions for you. Please also note that our fronts are shipped in big wooden crates and will be loaded off the truck near the street. Bringing it all into your house is your responsibility and you probably will have to open the crate and carry individual fronts inside as these crates usually don't fit through a normal door. Keep this in mind especially if you live in an apartment and not on the ground floor.



What is your return policy?

Arkie Kitchens are made to order especially for you. As a result they are non- refundable. To help you make the best decision about the material that is right for you we offer a sample service so you can see, touch, feel and test the material before it arrives. Go to our Sample Store here. If it is determined that a panel has been damaged in transit, we will organise a replacement for you in the quickest possible time. Panels damaged in transit need to be reported to us within 24 hours of delivery.



Do I need to be home to accept the delivery of my Arkie Kitchen?

Yes, someone will need to be home to let the driver unload the order into a safe, dry place. We do our very best to provide accurate windows for the delivery, usually a day between 8am and 5pm. We will give you a tracking number for the delivery so you can keep an eye on it yourself. If you happen to be away when they try to deliver, a note will be left and you will need to call the freight company to organise re-delivery.



Product Information

Are your products environmentally friendly?

Yes, we are very committed to ensuring our products are environmentally friendly. The plywood we use is Chain of Custody Certified, making sure it is produced using sustainable and responsible forestry practices. Our clear finish is a natural, low emission, wax based finish with longevity, easily reapplied over time. We use and recommend Osmo PolyX®-Oil Raw.



Do you have a warranty?

We offer a 3 year warranty on our fronts. The warranty does not include inflicted damage or movement of ply. Movement of ply is an inevitable consequence of it being a natural product (please refer to ‘A word about Ply’ page.)



General Info

Are you officially collaborating with IKEA?

No, we have no official relationship with IKEA. We are merely super keen fans of their kitchen carcasses so couldn’t think of a better high quality and affordable base for our products.