Kitchen cabinets can be one of the most expensive parts of renovating or remodeling a kitchen. With the average cost of new cabinetry ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, it’s easy to see why finding ways to save money on this big-ticket item is a priority for many homeowners. Thankfully, with a bit of creativity and smart shopping, there are several ways to get beautiful, functional kitchen cabinets on a budget.
Shop Strategically
Being a savvy shopper is key to saving big on kitchen cabinets. Here are some tips:
- Choose stock cabinets over custom: Custom cabinets allow you to customize every detail but come at a steep premium. Opting for stock cabinetry in standard sizes can save 30% or more.
- Buy cabinets and hardware separately: Purchasing cabinets and hardware from different vendors can save up to 20% off buying a matching set. Mixing finishes can also be a way to save.
- Consider flat-pack cabinets: Cabinets that come disassembled in a flat box cost much less to ship and are passed on as savings to you. Assemble them yourself or pay a carpenter a small fee.
- Go to home improvement stores: Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer in-stock and special order cabinetry at competitive prices. Shop end of summer and year sales.
- Check out cabinet warehouses: Warehouse outlets that sell surplus and discounted stock offer significant savings but less selection and customization.
Explore Alternative Materials
Traditional kitchen cabinets are made from solid hardwoods and plywood. However, alternative materials like thermally fused melamine and metal can deliver attractive cabinets for less.
- Thermally fused melamine: This is an affordable material fused to wood substrate via heat and pressure. More scratch- and moisture-resistant than laminate.
- Metal: Stamped steel or stainless steel cabinets stand up well to moisture and offer modern appeal. Plus, they eliminate the need for cabinet doors!
- MDF: Cabinets constructed from medium density fiberboard (MDF) offer affordability, durability, and ease of installation.
- Bamboo: For eco-appeal, bamboo cabinets provide a stylish natural look for less than traditional hardwoods.
Reface or Refinish Existing Cabinets
Instead of replacing cabinets altogether, consider updating what you already have:
- Reface: Replace just the exterior like doors and drawer fronts to transform look for ~50% of new cabinet cost.
- Refinish: Paint, stain, or re-laminate existing cabinet boxes and doors to revamp for just the cost of materials if DIY.
- Replace just problem cabinets: Swap out only the most damaged or outdated cabinets for a limited but impactful update.
- Repurpose elsewhere: Move existing cabinets to other areas like the laundry or garage and update the kitchen with a few new accent cabinets.
Take Advantage of DIY Options
Installing cabinets yourself can save thousands in contractor labor fees. With some basic carpentry skills and help from YouTube tutorials, it’s feasible for many homeowners. Some options:
- Assemble stock cabinets: Like IKEA, many cabinet suppliers provide ready-to-assemble cabinet boxes to tackle yourself.
- Paint and install: Save by buying cabinets unfinished and painting them yourself before installing.
- Handle your own installation: Hire a contractor just to ensure the cabinets are level and plumb. Do the rest of the install work.
- Build your own: Heavily DIY? With the right skillset, building cabinets from scratch can provide major savings.
Shop Secondhand
Don’t rule out secondhand and salvaged cabinets. Options include:
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Find discounted new and used cabinets donated by manufacturers and retailers.
- Classified ads: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, etc often have local cabinet listings at great prices.
- Architectural salvage warehouses: These warehouses sell cabinets and other salvaged building materials at a fraction of retail price.
- Estate sales: Look for kitchen cabinetry in good shape that you can purchase from an estate sale and repurpose.
Compare Contractor Bids
Don’t go with the first bid. The more estimates you get, the better deal you can negotiate:
- Get at least 3 bids: Preferably get quotes from a mix of large home improvement companies, smaller contractors, and independent carpenters.
- Ask about cost breakdowns: Understand where costs are going—materials, labor, markup—to identify savings opportunities.
- negotiate for a discount: Use your lowest bids as leverage to negotiate the pricing down with your preferred contractor.
- Offer to supply materials yourself: Buy cabinets, hardware, and accessories to save contractor markup. Just be sure about brands and warranty.
- Time bids for sales: Have contractors bid project during seasonal sales events or clearance at cabinet suppliers.
Choose an Economical Design
Your kitchen layout can significantly impact bottom line costs. Some economical design tips:
- Keep existing cabinet footprint: Retain the same cabinet run lengths and locations to avoid plumbing and electrical modifications.
- Use standard cabinet sizes: Avoid pricey custom sizing by designing around readily available stock cabinet and hardware sizes.
- Minimize specialty cabinets: Unique angled, curved, or extra-large cabinets drive up costs substantially. Keep them to a minimum.
- Skip decorative details: Fancy inset panels, custom molding flourishes, and glass front doors add beauty but also price. Stick to simple and clean-lined.
- Integrate budget-friendly surfaces: Butcher block, concrete, and other affordable countertop materials can balance savings on cabinets.
Final Thoughts
With some savvy shopping, strategic decisions, and elbow grease, you can save thousands over buying new custom cabinetry at full market price. Focus your efforts on changes with biggest visual impact for lowest cost. Before long, you’ll have a kitchen updated just the way you want it without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I realistically save on kitchen cabinets?
On average, shopping smart and utilizing cost-saving strategies can save 30-50% off typical new custom cabinet costs. In some cases, savings of 50-75% are possible with DIY, refacing, or shopping resellers.
What are the best places to shop for affordable cabinets?
Home improvement big box stores, cabinet warehouses, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, auction sites, architectural salvage warehouses, and classified ads are all great options for finding discounted cabinets.
Is it worth it to refinish or reface cabinets instead of replacing?
For cabinets in good structural condition, refinishing or refacing just the exterior doors and drawer fronts can transform look for 50-70% less than full replacement. This makes it an economical option worth considering.
Can I really install kitchen cabinets myself as a DIY novice?
With proper research, the right tools, and help when needed, installing stock or RTA cabinets is absolutely achievable as a DIYer. Just be sure to have a contractor check that cabinets are plumb and level.
What are the most affordable countertop options to pair with budget cabinets?
Butcher block, poured concrete, tiles, laminate, and recycled glass are all budget-friendly countertops that can beautifully complement thrifty cabinet choices.
In summary, being a savvy shopper, exploring low-cost material and labor options, and making economical design choices can help you save big on your kitchen cabinet refresh. With the right strategy, you can get the stylish, functional kitchen of your dreams on a limited budget. What savings approach will you try for your next kitchen remodel?
