Wood cabinets can lend a warm, inviting look to any kitchen. Their rich tones and natural patterns create an organic, homey feel. However, solid wood cabinets can be quite expensive. Here are some tips to get the look of wood cabinets for less.

Choose Veneer Cabinets

Veneer cabinets have a thin layer of wood adhered to the front of a plywood or particleboard carcass. This allows you to get the appearance of solid wood for much less cost. Oak and maple veneers are common, affordable choices that mimic pricier woods like cherry or walnut. When shopping for veneer cabinets, opt for thicker veneers around 1/16” or more. This will provide a more realistic, dimensional wood look.

Stain for Visual Interest

Staining adds color variation to bring out the beauty of wood. Darker stains make inexpensive materials like poplar and pine look richer. For a reclaimed, timeworn aesthetic, try a driftwood or whitewashed stain. Glazing over stain with a tinted varnish produces an antiqued patina. Distressed stains with wormholes and wear add rustic character. Stain kits come with everything needed to easily transform cabinetry.

Add Wood Accents

Rather than wood cabinets throughout, use real wood in key design elements. Wood corbels, brackets, or trim boost perceived value. Insert panels of reclaimed barn wood into cabinet doors for natural contrast. Use real wood for open shelving, island countertops, or other accent areas to establish visual warmth. Focus budget on full wood doors or drawers on main cabinets with veneer sides and backs.

Paint Cabinets for an Updated Look

A fresh coat of paint gives outdated cabinets new life at a fraction of replacement cost. White and light gray painted cabinets feel clean and contemporary. Deep tones like navy or forest green create striking contrast. For a worn, chippy look, try heirloom style paint finishes. Painting existing veneer cabinets allows you to transform the color. However, avoid painting solid wood cabinets, as you can’t go back to a natural wood look.

Use Wood Flooring for Horizontal Surfaces

Self-adhesive wood flooring tiles lend rich wood tones to visible cabinet surfaces. Peel and stick tiles easily apply to cabinet floors, doors, sides, and the undersides of open shelves. Opt for sturdy vinyl tiles with wood-look finishes such as oak, cherry, or rustic hickory. Tiles with texture add realistic grain. Use wood floor tiles strategically to get a wood cabinet look for less.

Consider Laminates

Laminate cabinetry combines printable resin laminate sheets with plywood or particleboard. Manufacturers like Wilsonart offer hundreds of realistic woodgrain patterns. Matte finishes avoid a plastic-y look. New texturing technology creates embossed surfaces to mimic wood features. While not as durable as real wood, laminates allow customization to suit any style. Use laminate cabinets overall or combine with real wood accents.

Shop Discount Retailers

Big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer in-stock and custom cabinetry for less than boutique showrooms. Labor Day and Memorial Day sales can yield great deals on upgrades. Stock cabinets tend to run 20-40% less than custom. Pay attention to construction features like all-wood doors, dovetail drawers, and soft-close hinges found even at entry level pricing.

Refinish Existing Cabinets

Refinishing lets you transform what you already have into “new” wood cabinets. Sanding removes old finishes to prep for staining, painting, or clear top coats. Replace doors and hardware to refresh facades. Adding interior lighting and glass door inserts also provides a modern facelift. Refinishing often costs a fraction of full cabinet replacement. YouTube tutorials make DIY refinishing surprisingly achievable.

Shop Habitat for Humanity ReStores

Habitat for Humanity ReStores sell new surplus and gently used building materials at 50-75% off retail pricing. Inventory turnover is high, so frequent visits can yield great finds. You may score premium cabinets homeowners replaced to remodel. Carefully inspect for damage prior to purchase. Refinishing, refacing, or creatively repurposing salvaged cabinets helps cut costs.

Get the Look of Wood Cabinets for Less – FAQ

What’s the most budget-friendly way to get wood cabinets?

Opting for veneer cabinets rather than solid wood provides the look of wood for much less cost. High quality veneers with thicker plies provide the most realistic wood appearance.

Can I paint over existing cabinets to change their color?

Yes, painting outdated or existing veneer cabinets allows you to easily transform their look with a fresh coat of paint. Avoid painting over high quality solid wood cabinets though.

How difficult is it to refinish cabinets on my own?

With some research, patience, and elbow grease, DIY refinishing can produce “new” wood cabinets for a fraction of replacement cost. Sand, stain/paint, add new hardware.

What kind of discounts can I find on stock cabinets?

Big box home stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s offer stock cabinets at 20-40% less than custom. Look for sales around major holidays for biggest deals on upgrades.

Can I mix wood and other materials in my cabinetry?

Absolutely! Using real wood strategically in accent areas helps establish warmth. Combine with laminate or veneer for the bulk of the cabinets to maximize cost savings.

What should I look out for when buying used cabinets?

Carefully inspect for damage prior to purchasing used cabinets. Look for solid wood over particle board construction. Finishes can be refinished and hardware/doors replaced.

Conclusion

With some savvy shopping and strategic design, you can achieve the rich, warm look of wood cabinets without breaking the bank. Opt for wood veneer cabinets, and use staining, paint, tiles, laminates and wood accents to get the aesthetic of real wood for less. Refinish and repurpose when possible. Focus budgets on visible surfaces and accents to make the most of materials. A mix of methods allows those working with limited budgets to realize the dream of beautiful wood cabinetry. With creativity and effort, the look of high-end wood cabinets can be attainable at any budget level.