How to Buy Cheap Kitchen Cabinets

When renovating on a budget, do not underestimate the power of the unexpected. Adding open shelves, some great lighting, and using perky colors like tangerine or lime green can make a difference at a low price tag.

Every homeowner dreams of a perfect kitchen. Unfortunately, when you are on a budget, spending huge amounts of money on kitchen decor is just not an option. So, does that mean you have to make do with shoddy quality kitchen? Not really. When decorating or redecorating your kitchen on a budget, you need to skip the nonessentials and focus on convenience.

One of the costliest renovation expenses in the kitchen are the cabinets. New, custom-made cabinets can devour a big chunk of your kitchen renovation budget. There is a dizzying array of cabinet types in the market. Available at different price points, these cabinets vary in their material and construction. If you need to cut costs, then it is essential to buy cheap yet good-quality kitchen cabinets.

Choose Stock Cabinets

There are a variety of kitchen cabinets to choose from. They are often customizable to meet specific needs and budgets. While semi-custom and custom cabinets are generally quite expensive, stock cabinets are perfect for people remodeling their kitchens on a budget.

Available in standard shapes, styles, and sizes, stock or basic cabinets are off-the-shelf cabinets that are ready for purchase and installation at stores. They are often basic boxes made with thinly veneered particleboard, having a standard height and width. If you are not too choosy about the style, accessories, or the fit, then these low-cost cabinets are your best bet. Some of the modern stock cabinets in the market have solid wood doors and better-quality drawers as well.

Choosing the Right Material

The material of the kitchen cabinet matters a lot. Real wood cabinets are expensive, especially the cabinets made of premium woods, such as cherry and walnut. If you are on a strict budget, then consider plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) cabinets with color laminates. Although people often label it as cheap and of lesser quality, MDF cabinets are smooth and durable. The high grade, composite material may not be as strong and sturdy as real wood, but it does stand better against changes in heat and humidity. Moreover, for painted cabinet doors, MDF is a better choice than real wood where wood grain and knots bleeding through the paint are common problems.

Do Not Opt for Extras

There are a number of manufacturers who add in lots of extras into the kitchen cabinets to increase the price. For example, turntables in the cabinets look extremely attractive and handy. However, instead of opting for a built-in version, purchase inexpensive and simple turntables from the local home improvement stores and place it in the cabinets. Not only are they cost-effective, but also work equally well.

Other extras on which you can save money include the cabinet hardware which is considerably expensive when purchased through the cabinet manufacturer.

Avoid Big Brand Names

Do not fall for the lure of advertising and big brand names when choosing cabinets. Not only are they considerably more expensive, you can find cheaper cabinets of the same quality and design by small manufacturers and big-box stores, such as Ikea.

Opt for Discount or Used Cabinets

One way in which you can find cheap affordable cabinets is by scouring salvage shops for secondhand cabinets. Check out thrift stores, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore where people donate cabinets for resale. You can find some cheap, secondhand cabinets that you can use. If you are not inclined to using used cabinets in your kitchen, then wait for discounts on cabinets. Most of the big-box stores, like Home Depot and Lowe's offer discounts on kitchen cabinets.

Installing the Cabinets Yourself

One way to save money is by installing it yourself. Obviously, you should have the necessary skill, level of experience, and time to assemble and install the cabinets. Moreover, the cabinets are sure to be heavy and unwieldy, and you are sure to need help when installing them.

What to Look Out For

Opting for cheap cabinets does not mean you need to compromise on quality. When buying cabinets, there are some things that you need to watch out for.

Check for cabinets that are certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.

Watch out for irregular finishes and damage.

It is good to know about cabinet construction techniques, material, finishes, and the qualities of well-designed cabinetry before buying.

Some people like mixing cheaper kitchen cabinet options in areas not as visible with high-grade kitchen cabinets in visible areas to balance their budget smartly.

With a little bit of research and lot of bargain hunting, you are sure to find the kitchen cabinets that suit your budget and make your kitchen look great.