IKEA SEKTION vs the Old AKURUM System: What Changed and Why It Matters

IKEA SEKTION vs the Old AKURUM System: What Changed and Why It Matters

If you're looking into IKEA kitchens, you might encounter references to both SEKTION and AKURUM. SEKTION is IKEA's current kitchen cabinet system, available since February 2015. AKURUM was its predecessor, sold from 1997 to 2015. Understanding the difference matters — especially if you have an existing AKURUM kitchen you want to update, or if you're researching older IKEA kitchen reviews and tutorials.

Here's what changed and what it means for your project.

A Brief History of IKEA Kitchen Systems

IKEA has offered kitchen cabinets for decades, and the systems have evolved significantly:

• Pre-1997: Various systems that varied by country
• 1997-2015: AKURUM — IKEA's first truly global kitchen cabinet system
• 2015-present: SEKTION — the current system, a major redesign

When SEKTION launched, it was the biggest change to IKEA kitchens in nearly 20 years. It wasn't just a cosmetic update — the fundamental cabinet construction and installation method changed.

Key Differences Between SEKTION and AKURUM

1. Frame Construction

AKURUM: Cabinet frames were made with a combination of particleboard panels and a metal rail system on the bottom. The back panel was a thin fiberboard that was somewhat flimsy.

SEKTION: Thicker, sturdier particleboard construction throughout. The back panel is now an integral structural element — it's recessed into grooves in the side panels rather than just tacked on. This makes the entire cabinet more rigid.

Why it matters: SEKTION cabinets are noticeably more robust than AKURUM. They hold up better during transport, assembly, and long-term use. The improved back panel construction also means better wall mounting.

2. The Suspension Rail System

This is arguably the biggest improvement.

AKURUM: Wall cabinets were hung using a single steel rail screwed into wall studs. The rail worked, but adjustment options were limited. Leveling cabinets horizontally required shimming behind the rail.

SEKTION: Uses a completely redesigned suspension rail and bracket system. Each wall cabinet has individual metal brackets (called suspension fittings) that hook onto the rail. These brackets allow for three-axis adjustment — in/out, left/right, and up/down — using just a screwdriver. This means you can fine-tune the position of each cabinet after it's on the wall.

Why it matters: The SEKTION suspension system is dramatically easier to work with, especially in older homes where walls aren't perfectly flat or plumb. In New England homes built before 1960 — and there are a lot of them in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island — this adjustability is a game-changer. You can compensate for wavy walls and uneven surfaces without the frustration of constant shimming.

3. Cabinet Sizing

AKURUM: Available in widths of 12", 15", 18", 21", 24", 30", and 36" for base cabinets. Wall cabinet heights were 15", 24", 30", and 39".

SEKTION: Available in widths of 12", 15", 18", 21", 24", 30", and 36" for base cabinets (same). Wall cabinet heights are 15", 20", 30", and 40". Base cabinet heights changed from 30" to 30" (same). Cabinet depth for wall cabinets changed from 12" to 15".

Why it matters: The deeper wall cabinets (15" vs 12") offer significantly more storage. The 40" wall cabinet height option (vs 39") better accommodates standard 8-foot ceiling heights and allows for a cleaner look when stacking cabinets.

4. Interior Fittings

AKURUM: Used RATIONELL interior fittings — shelves, drawer inserts, pull-out trays.

SEKTION: Uses UTRUSTA interior fittings, which are a significant upgrade. UTRUSTA includes:

• Soft-close hinges standard on most options
• Improved drawer runners with better load capacity
• Push-to-open mechanisms (for handleless designs)
• Better pull-out shelf mechanisms
• LED lighting integration (OMLOPP and IRSTA systems)

Why it matters: The UTRUSTA fittings feel much more refined than the old RATIONELL system. Drawers glide smoother, doors close softer, and the overall user experience is noticeably better. These are the details that make an IKEA kitchen feel premium.

5. Assembly Method

AKURUM: Used wooden dowels, cam locks, and screws for assembly. Required a hammer for dowels and a screwdriver for cam locks.

SEKTION: Uses a similar dowel and cam lock system but with improved precision. The pre-drilled holes are more accurate, and the cam locks are larger and easier to tighten. Assembly is somewhat easier and the result is a tighter, more square cabinet.

Why it matters: SEKTION cabinets go together a bit faster and with better results, which is especially important if you're assembling 20+ cabinets for a full kitchen.

6. Door Compatibility

AKURUM: Had its own range of door fronts (ADEL, LIDINGÖ, ABSTRAKT, etc.)

SEKTION: Has a completely different door front lineup (AXSTAD, BODBYN, VOXTORP, LERHYTTAN, etc.)

Why it matters: AKURUM doors are NOT compatible with SEKTION frames and vice versa. The hinge mounting pattern is different, and the door dimensions don't match. If you have an AKURUM kitchen and want to refresh it with new doors, you need AKURUM-compatible doors — and IKEA no longer sells them. Third-party companies like Semihandmade still offer AKURUM-compatible doors, but options are increasingly limited.

Compatibility Issues: Upgrading from AKURUM to SEKTION

If you currently have an AKURUM kitchen and want to expand or partially upgrade, here's what you need to know:

Mixing Systems

You cannot easily mix AKURUM and SEKTION cabinets in the same run. The differences in depth, mounting system, and dimensions make them incompatible side by side. If you need to add cabinets, you essentially need to commit to one system or the other.

Door Replacement

As mentioned, SEKTION doors don't fit AKURUM cabinets. Your options for refreshing AKURUM cabinet fronts:

• Third-party door makers (Semihandmade, Nieu Cabinet Doors)
• Custom-made doors from a local cabinet shop
• Full replacement with SEKTION system

Keeping AKURUM

If your AKURUM cabinets are in good shape, there's no urgent need to replace them. AKURUM was a solid system, and well-installed AKURUM cabinets can easily last another decade or more. We see plenty of AKURUM kitchens in homes across Massachusetts and Rhode Island that are holding up just fine after 15-20 years.

When to Upgrade

Consider replacing AKURUM with SEKTION when:

• Cabinets are showing wear (sagging shelves, broken cam locks, water damage)
• You're doing a full kitchen remodel anyway
• You want to change the layout (this requires new cabinets regardless)
• You want deeper wall cabinets for more storage
• Door replacement alone won't give you the look you want

How Installation Differs

AKURUM Installation

• Mark level line on wall
• Install metal rail at level line
• Assemble cabinets
• Hang wall cabinets on rail
• Adjust with shimming
• Install base cabinets on adjustable legs
• Level base cabinets

SEKTION Installation

• Mark level line on wall
• Install suspension rail at level line (sturdier rail with more mounting points)
• Assemble cabinets (attach suspension brackets to wall cabinets during assembly)
• Hang wall cabinets — brackets hook onto rail
• Adjust each cabinet using the three-axis suspension fittings (no shimming needed in most cases)
• Install base cabinets on adjustable legs
• Level and connect base cabinets

The SEKTION process is faster and yields more precise results, especially for experienced installers. The adjustment capability of the suspension fittings means less time fighting with shims and more time achieving a perfect result.

Cabinet Interior Changes Worth Knowing

Beyond the structural differences, SEKTION's interior organization options are vastly superior:

• Full-extension drawers: SEKTION's MAXIMERA drawers pull out completely, giving you access to the full depth. AKURUM drawers didn't extend as far.
• Soft-close everything: Doors and drawers in SEKTION can be fitted with soft-close (and it's standard on many components). In AKURUM, soft-close was an add-on and less reliable.
• Better corner solutions: SEKTION offers improved corner cabinet options including pull-out carousel fittings that work smoother than AKURUM's versions.
• Integrated lighting: SEKTION was designed with IKEA's OMLOPP/IRSTA LED lighting system in mind. Wiring channels and junction boxes are incorporated into the cabinet design.
• Higher drawer load capacity: SEKTION drawers with MAXIMERA runners can handle more weight — important for heavy pots, pans, and dishes.

The Bottom Line

SEKTION is a better system than AKURUM in virtually every way. If you're starting a new IKEA kitchen project, you're getting a significantly improved product compared to what was available before 2015. The suspension rail alone is worth the upgrade — it makes installation faster, more precise, and more forgiving of imperfect walls.

If you have an existing AKURUM kitchen, don't panic. It's still a functional system, and well-maintained AKURUM cabinets have plenty of life left. But when it's time to renovate, the switch to SEKTION is well worth it.

Need help planning your SEKTION kitchen — or upgrading from an old AKURUM setup? Hearthstone Kitchens has experience with both systems and can guide you through the transition. Contact us for a free consultation.