Got plans to renovate your kitchen? Did you know that your kitchen cabinets alone will account for 40% of your renovation budget?
It makes sense, they do take up a good portion of your kitchen. They also set the tone for the style of the decor. This makes them quite costly between design and installation, not to mention delivery and customizations.
You want your kitchen to look it’s best. It’s a communal area for your friends and family to gather and create memorable moments. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay an arm and a leg for what suits you.
There is such a thing as affordable kitchen cabinets, you just have to know where to find them. Keep reading for tips on finding the best kitchen cabinets for your money.
Tips on How to Find Affordable Kitchen Cabinets
In order to save money on your future kitchen cabinets, you’re going to have to get a little creative. You may even have to do some of the work yourself! (maybe not, but it’s an option if you’re handy).
There’s a lot to consider when you’re choosing your new cabinets. For example, do you want stock, semi-custom or custom cabinets? Do you want framed or frameless? European style or contemporary? What color or stain do you want? What type of handles should they have? Do they still make Dove joints?
The possibilities are endless, and there are questions that you probably don’t even know to ask. Above all, you’ll want to choose economic materials and find the right supplier. After all, you want your cabinets to last.
You’ll also want to consider looking in places you haven’t thought of before. If you’re looking for the cheapest kitchen cabinets possible, you’re going to have to think out of the box.
Here are a few out-of-the-box options to consider:
Free or Bartered Pre-Owned Cabinets
People are also looking to sell or get rid of stuff, and kitchen cabinets are surprisingly among those things. It’s actually pretty expensive to dispose of your old kitchen cabinets because they amount to hundreds of pounds of plywood.
Typically the cheapest kitchen cabinets can be found on Craigslist or online local marketplaces like Facebook groups or LetGo.
Of course, with pre-owned cabinets up for grabs, you’re going to want to inspect the condition thoroughly as well as taking accurate measurements. You’ll also want to be prepared to do the heavy lifting yourself.
Ready to Assemble Cabinets
Ready to Assemble, or RTA cabinets are just as good as pre-assembled cabinets. The only difference is that you will have to assemble them yourself. They’re also limited to online retailers.
While RTA’s are inexpensive kitchen cabinets, the shipping costs are not cheap, especially if you’re committing to a large order. This would be a better option for a smaller kitchen, and for the more do-it-yourself type of people.
Take a Trip Out to IKEA
Good old IKEA is always there for you when you need furniture, isn’t it? IKEA makes high-quality, durable, not to mention, affordable kitchen cabinets.
IKEA only really offers contemporary styles, so if you’re looking for something a bit more specific, like French Colonial, you won’t find it there. But if contemporary is your thing, then this is probably the best place to buy kitchen cabinets.
You’ll also have to assemble the cabinets yourself, much like RTA cabinets. You’ll save a lot with IKEA, but you will have to pick up the cabinets yourself to keep those costs down.
IKEA also runs a kitchen sale 3-4 times a year for 6 weeks at a time. They also offer free delivery during this time. You’ll still have to assembly those cabinets yourself though.
Ever Heard of Architectural Salvage Yards?
They’re kind of like junkyards but cleaner and full of nicer things. You’ll find everything home related in an architectural salvage yard from wood panels to bathroom sinks.
Prices are often super low to keep the inventory flowing, which could work to your benefit if you find kitchen cabinets you like there. The only downside is that you may not find cabinets there at all.
You may not even have an architectural salvage yard within reach, but it’s always worth finding out.
Become a Warehouse Club Store Member
If you have a membership to Sam’s Club or Costco, you may be in luck. You may just be able to find inexpensive kitchen cabinets in one of these warehouses.
Warehouse club store memberships do pay off for average items. For larger items like kitchen cabinets, you’re not going to find the same deep discounts. You will still save money, however, compared to most kitchen and home retailers. You’re also guaranteed high-quality wood.
Why Not Buy the Display?
Ever walk through the kitchen showroom displays at home improvement stores or local independent furniture stores and thought man I could see myself in this kitchen?
Well, it might be possible with a little finesse on your end. These displays are never used and are often dressed with little kitchen amenities to appeal to homeowners looking to renovate. They’re also usually big brand names.
Not all kitchen cabinet displays are going to be “for sale”. Sometimes they’re stored for other purposes or sent elsewhere. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get relentless with the manager, or the regional managers if you’re adamant about getting your hands on the display cabinets.
If all goes well, you’ll be the proud owner of brand name kitchen cabinets!
A Happy Kitchen Is a Happy Home
Finding affordable kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be a stealth mission. Although, you are going to have to put in some legwork and have a little patience and/or persistence.
There are cabinets out there for every budget, and who knows—maybe all your cabinets need is a little sprucing up. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh coat of paint to feel brand new.
For more tips on affordable home renovations and other life hacks, you should visit our blog. We’ve got a little something for everyone.