Corley Designs

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Forget Expensive Renovations - We Found The Best Cheap Kitchen Sinks And Cabinets

Forget Expensive Renovations - We Found The Best Cheap Kitchen Sinks And Cabinets

Giving your kitchen a makeover doesn't have to drain your bank account. With some clever shopping and design choices, you can transform your kitchen with stylish new sinks and cabinets without breaking the budget.

Get ready to unleash your inner interior designer and create a Pinterest-worthy kitchen on a dime!

Choosing an Affordable Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink sees a ton of action, so you want one that's durable and functional. Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive sink materials that check all the right boxes.

Types of Inexpensive Sink Materials

Stainless steel is a popular budget-friendly choice. It resists stains, stands up to heavy use, and has a modern, sleek look. Brands like Kraus and Ruvati offer quality stainless steel sinks for under $200.

kitchen sink with cabinet cheap

For a classic farmhouse vibe, enameled cast iron is the way to go. Materials like porcelain enamel coated steel provide the decorative appeal of cast iron at a lower cost. Sinks from brands like KOHLER and American Standard start around $100-200.

Composite granite sinks made of crushed granite and acrylic resin offer the elegance of natural stone for less. This durable material resists scratches, stains, and heat. Affordable options from Blanco and Swan start under $300.

Fireclay sinks have a glossy enamel coating fired onto the surface for easy cleaning. This material is chip and stain-resistant while providing a touch of vintage charm. Cheap fireclay sinks can be found for $250-350 from brands like KINGO HOME.

Save on Installation

Installing the sink yourself rather than hiring a plumber is one of the best ways to save. You'll need basic tools like a wrench, pipe wrench, plumber's putty, and a few specialized supplies like sink strainers and tailpieces. Expect to spend $50-100 on materials.

For a step-by-step guide to sink installation, check out this handy YouTube tutorial. While some plumbing expertise is recommended, an experienced DIYer can knock this project out in 2-3 hours and save roughly $200 on installation fees.

Budget-Friendly Sink Styles

Undermount sinks offer a seamless, built-in look for less than drop-in sinks. Since they don't require a rim, undermount sinks cost $100-200 less on average while still providing that high-end feel.

Top-mount sinks drop into a pre-cut hole and are secured from below by clamps and sealant. This versatile, affordable style works with almost any countertop material, including laminate and tile.

The farmhouse or apron-front sink is another budget-friendly option perfect for a cozy cottage kitchen. With prices starting around $200, this exposed front sink style makes a big decorative impact.

Vessel sinks sit on top of the counter rather than being installed into it, which translates to big installation savings. Unique vessel sinks in materials like glass and copper can cost as little as $100-150.

Cheap Sink Brands/Models

Here are some of our top picks for quality sinks on a budget from leading brands:

Finding Economical Kitchen Cabinets

From materials to custom versus stock designs, there are plenty of ways to get stylish cabinets without overspending.

Affordable Cabinet Materials

Thermofoil cabinets offer versatility at low cost. They feature a durable melamine laminate exterior fused to a wood substrate. This material resists chipping, scratching, and warping better than traditional laminate.

Laminate cabinets provide the best value for the money. Easy to clean and available in endless colors and patterns, laminate cabinets start around $60 per linear foot installed.

Wood veneer cabinets offer the warmth of real wood by laminating a thin slice of wood onto a plywood carcass. This provides substantial savings over solid wood. Quality veneer cabinets cost $70-120 per linear foot.

Don't rule out solid wood cabinets either. With some smart shopping at discount retailers like RTA Cabinet Store and Barker Cabinets, you can find solid wood cabinets for under $100 per linear foot.

Discount Cabinet Shopping Tips

Checking big box home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot for sales, closeouts, and clearance items can lead to major savings on stock cabinets. Expect 20-40% off retail prices.

Cabinet specialists like QualityCabinetsDirect.com and DiscountCabinets.com offer surplus inventory and overstock items at up to 65% off retail pricing.

Opting for RTA (ready-to-assemble) stock cabinets rather than custom built also provides cost savings. Assembling cabinets yourself can save $1,000 or more in typical kitchen installation costs.

Creative Storage Solutions

Making the most of every inch of space in your new kitchen is key. Optimize corner cabinets with lazy susans or specialized pull-out storage systems. Roll-out shelves and trays make hard-to-reach cabinets more functional. Drawers tend to provide better storage and accessibility than traditional cabinets in base units.

Other clever storage ideas include spice pull-outs, utensil drawers, pan organizers, and multitasking pieces like a butcher block that serves as both prep space and cabinet top.

Budget-Friendly Cabinet Brands

From basic to contemporary designs, these brands offer quality cabinets at wallet-friendly prices:

Design Ideas for Making it All Come Together

With some thoughtful design choices, you can make your eclectic mix of budget finds look cohesive and pulled-together.

Mixing and Matching Materials

Create visual interest by pairing complementary materials and finishes. For example, combine stainless steel sinks and appliances with crisp white laminate cabinets. Granite composite sinks pair beautifully with rich wood cabinetry. Don't be afraid to blend styles from modern to farmhouse.

Use accent tiles, hardware, and other decorative details to tie the look together. Add elegant drapery or floating shelves to help cheap cabinets feel more high-end.

Maximizing Small Spaces

Careful planning and multifunctional pieces help make the most of tiny kitchens. Optimize traffic flow when laying out your sink, appliances, and cabinet configuration. Consider smaller-scaled furniture and mini appliances. Look at unusual spaces for storage, like corners, walls, and under cabinets.

Items like rolling carts, butcher block islands, and banquette seating can serve many needs at once. For example, butcher block offers a space to prep meals while also functioning as a countertop and dining surface.

Adding Style Inexpensively

Freshen up existing cabinets with a coat of paint rather than replacing them. White, navy, sage green, and light gray are popular cabinet colors that give a facelift for under $100.

Update old cabinets with new knobs and handles. Chrome, matte black, brass, and nickel offer lots of affordable options starting around $2 per handle.

Choose budget-friendly countertop materials like ceramic tile, laminate, or butcher block. At $20-50 per square foot installed, these options provide major style at a fraction of the price of stone or quartz.

As you can see, there are tons of ways to cut costs without sacrificing the beauty and functionality of your kitchen. Being flexible and willing to get creative with mixes of materials, styles, and DIY installations opens up a whole range of possibilities.

Focus your budget on the elements that matter most - durable sinks and faucets, quality cabinet construction, and lassen-used storage solutions. Then accessorize with trendy hardware, accent tiles, and other touches to elevate the look. With the right strategies, it's definitely possible to achieve your dream kitchen, even on a limited budget.

↜

The Simple Secret to Converting Vertical Blinds to Curtains

Upcycle Your Outdated Red Brick Fireplace with Clever DIY Makeover Ideas

↝