IKEA SEKTION vs METOD: Which Is Right for NYC Apartments?
IKEA SEKTION vs METOD: Which Is Right for NYC Apartments?
If you've been researching IKEA kitchens, you may have come across both the SEKTION and METOD names. Here's what you need to know as a New York City homeowner.
The Key Difference
- SEKTION is IKEA's kitchen cabinet system sold in North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
- METOD is the equivalent system sold in Europe, Australia, and most other markets
If you're buying from any US IKEA store — including IKEA Brooklyn, IKEA Elizabeth (NJ), or IKEA Paramus — you'll get SEKTION cabinets. They are not interchangeable with METOD.
Why This Matters for NYC Apartments
NYC apartments often have unusual dimensions that require creative solutions:
- SEKTION cabinet widths: 12", 15", 18", 21", 24", 30", 36"
- SEKTION wall cabinet heights: 15", 20", 24", 30", 40"
- SEKTION base cabinet height: 30" (plus legs)
These standard sizes work well in most NYC kitchens, but small galley kitchens (common in pre-war apartments) may need filler pieces and custom modifications.
Common NYC Challenges
- Low ceilings - Pre-war apartments often have 8' ceilings, which limits wall cabinet height options
- Pipes and soffits - Many NYC kitchens have exposed pipes or soffits that require custom bulkhead work
- Non-square walls - Older buildings rarely have perfectly straight walls, requiring scribe and filler pieces
- Weight concerns - Co-op boards may have rules about floor load capacity for heavy stone countertops
Our Recommendation
For most NYC apartments, the SEKTION system works perfectly. The key is proper planning — using the IKEA Home Planner or working with an IKEA kitchen planning specialist to ensure every cabinet fits your specific space.
We've installed SEKTION kitchens in hundreds of NYC apartments, from tiny Manhattan studios to spacious Brooklyn brownstones. Send us your IKEA plan for a free review and quote.