Cheap Kitchen Cabinets

What to Look For in Cheap Kitchen Cabinets

Most of the time you get what you pay for. In many cases cheap kitchen cabinets are not sturdy or long-lasting. Still, you can find good quality, inexpensive cabinets. Knowing what to look for can keep you from purchasing shoddy merchandise.

• It’s a long shot when purchasing cheap kitchen cabinets, but try to buy cabinets made of solid wood. Buying cabinets made mostly of “whacky wood” or particle board means you’ll have cabinets that won’t hold up. Make sure the cabinet frames are sturdy.

• Cabinets with turn tables, corner pieces, glass doors and other bells and whistles cost more money. Consider avoiding these special options to save money.

• Even though you’re buying cheap kitchen cabinets, it’s best to have a warranty. A warranty will offer protection in case the cabinets don’t hold up. It might even be worth it to purchase an extended warranty.

• When your cabinets arrive, examine them immediately, in the presence of the delivery people if possible. If there’s any damage, send them back.

Where to Buy Cheap Kitchen Cabinets

• Unfinished furniture shops sell quality pieces at a discount because the cabinets haven’t been stained or painted.

• Secondhand furniture shops, architectural salvage and antique stores, and even thrift shops all sell previously owned kitchen cabinets. You might not want to have another person’s kitchen cabinets, but if they’re in good condition it shouldn’t matter. A coat of paint or stain will have them looking as good as new.

• Home improvement centers often have sales. Sometimes there are great bargains, especially with older, outdated models.

Cabinet Refacing

If you don’t find quality cabinets, consider refacing the cabinets you have. Refacing allows you to change the entire appearance of your kitchen without spending as much money. The process of refacing is simple. Expert refacers change the cabinet doors to a more appealing model. To really save money, you can change and install the doors yourself or even paint your cabinets. The best part about refacing is that you don’t have to undergo months of construction to change the look of your kitchen.

Cheap Kitchen Cabinets Online

Here are some online retailers offering cheap kitchen cabinets. Before purchasing anything from an unknown retailer check with the Better Business Bureau and other watchdog services to make sure they haven’t ripped off other consumers. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to examine the cabinetry in person and the merchandise might not arrive looking as it did in a photograph. When you can, request wood samples and extra photographs, and always ask about the cost of shipping, which can quickly change your bargain into something else.

• Sears is a name you can trust. Expect quality merchandise and installation. When Sears has a sale, there are plenty of bargains to be had.

• WoodCabinetDoors.com offers a large selection of cabinet doors and hardware for refacing.

• Kitchen Cabinet Mart offers free samples so you can examine the wood before making a choice.

• Direct Kitchen Cabinets advertises quality cabinets at a discount.

• Craigslist if you don’t mind secondhand cabinets, try Craigslist. Many homeowners are selling their cabinets in anticipation of a remodel. Don’t commit before examining the merchandise and be sure you and the cabinets’ original owners sign off on any damage.

• Freecycle is great resource for finding items that are, well, free. Most of the members on this list are willing to give away no longer needed items in order to eliminate household clutter. Give it a week or two and someone is sure to have some cabinets to give away. Make sure you act quickly, these items go fast!

Written by DebNg