What Is Ikea Furniture Made Of? A Guide for Irish Homes

If you’re furnishing a home in Ireland, Ikea furniture is often one of the first options you’ll consider. It’s accessible, modern, and designed to suit a wide range of budgets.

But before buying, many homeowners ask an important question: what is Ikea furniture made of, and how does it hold up in real Irish homes?

Understanding the materials used can help you decide whether Ikea is right for your space — or whether a more tailored, long-term solution like M&I Interiors is a better fit.

Key Takeaways for Irish Homeowners

• Ikea furniture is made using particleboard, plywood, solid wood, fibreboard, metal, and upholstery fabrics
• Materials are chosen to balance cost, function, and sustainability
• Durability varies depending on range and usage
• Flat-pack materials suit short-term or budget-focused needs
• For long-lasting, fully installed furniture, many Irish homeowners turn to M&I Interiors for personalised solutions

The Main Materials Used in Ikea Furniture

Ikea furniture is designed for mass production and global distribution, so its materials are selected to be cost-effective, lightweight, and efficient to transport.

The most common materials include:

• Particleboard – lightweight and affordable
• Plywood – stronger and more stable than particleboard
• Solid wood – used in higher-end ranges
• Fibreboard (MDF) – smooth and versatile
• Metal – adds strength and structural support

These materials help keep prices accessible, particularly for renters, first-time buyers, and temporary living spaces.

Particleboard: Affordable but Limited

Particleboard is one of the most widely used materials in Ikea furniture. It’s made from compressed wood chips and fibres bonded together with adhesives.

Why Ikea uses it:

• Keeps furniture affordable
• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Works well for shelving and storage

Things to consider in Ireland:

• Less resistant to moisture and humidity
• Not ideal for long-term heavy use
• Can struggle in family homes with kids or pets

This is where many homeowners begin to look beyond flat-pack furniture. M&I Interiors focuses on better-suited materials for Irish living conditions, especially in busy family homes.

Plywood: A Stronger Alternative

Plywood is made from layers of wood veneer pressed together, making it more stable and durable than particleboard.

You’ll often find plywood used in:

• Bed frames
• Cabinets
• Structural panels

It’s a good middle-ground material, offering more strength while still keeping costs reasonable. However, quality can vary depending on thickness and finish.

Solid Wood: Where Ikea Adds Longevity

Some Ikea ranges include solid wood elements, commonly pine, birch, beech, or oak.

Benefits of solid wood:

• Greater durability
• Natural character and warmth
• Better long-term performance

That said, solid wood is usually limited to certain ranges and often combined with engineered materials elsewhere.

At M&I Interiors, solid wood and premium European craftsmanship are central to many collections — particularly for dining tables, bespoke seating, and children’s furniture designed to last for years.

Fibreboard (MDF) in Modern Furniture

Fibreboard, or MDF, is often used where smooth finishes are required, such as painted furniture or decorative panels.

Pros:

• Smooth, consistent finish
• Works well for modern designs

Cons:

• Heavy
• Sensitive to moisture if damaged

For homeowners looking for refined finishes without compromising on quality, M&I Interiors’ curated ranges offer premium alternatives that are designed specifically for long-term use in Irish homes.

Why Ikea Uses Metal Components

Metal is commonly used in Ikea furniture for:

• Frames
• Legs
• Internal supports

Metal improves stability and load-bearing strength, particularly in beds, tables, and seating. Treated finishes help resist rust, though care is still needed in damp environments.

Upholstery Materials: What to Expect

Ikea upholstery typically includes:

• Polyester blends
• Cotton fabrics
• Faux leather

These materials are chosen for affordability and ease of cleaning. While practical, they may not always offer the depth, durability, or comfort of higher-end upholstery.

M&I Interiors offers a more personalised approach here — with fabric advice, lifestyle-based recommendations (including kid-proof and pet-friendly options), and custom upholstery choices supported by free consultations and 3D visuals.

Sustainability: Ikea vs Local Irish Expertise

Ikea has made strong commitments to sustainability, including:

• Responsibly sourced wood
• Recycled materials
• Reduced waste production

This aligns well with eco-conscious buyers. However, sustainability isn’t just about materials — it’s also about longevity.

By offering quality furniture designed to last, supporting Irish jobs, and reducing replacement cycles, M&I Interiors provides a more sustainable long-term option for many homeowners.

Choosing Furniture That Works for Irish Life

When deciding between Ikea and alternatives, ask yourself:

• Is this a short-term or long-term home?
• Do I want to assemble everything myself?
• Will this furniture handle family life, moisture, and daily wear?

For quick, budget-friendly solutions, Ikea works well.
For a done-for-you experience, better materials, and furniture tailored to how you actually live, M&I Interiors stands out.

Visit M&I Interiors: See, Feel, Decide

One of the biggest differences is experience. Unlike online-only retailers, M&I Interiors’ expanded Portlaoise showroom in Kylekiproe allows you to:

• See and feel materials before buying
• Compare finishes and fabrics
• Get expert advice from a family-run team with over a decade of experience

From free delivery and expert installation nationwide to full room solutions, M&I Interiors removes the guesswork — and the flat-pack stress.

👉 Thinking beyond Ikea? Visit M&I Interiors or drop into the Portlaoise showroom to explore furniture made for Irish homes.