Give Your Kitchen a Fresh New Look on the Cheap With Unfinished Cabinets
Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Want to give it an affordable facelift? Unfinished cabinets provide a budget-friendly solution to transform the look of your kitchen.
Unfinished cabinets arrive ready for you to add the finishing touches. With a little elbow grease and DIY skills, they can be customized to suit your style. Read on to learn all about the benefits of using unfinished cabinets for your next kitchen refresh.
What Are Unfinished Cabinets?
Unfinished cabinets are sold in a raw state, without any finishing or treatment applied to them yet. This means no paint, stain, or sealant has been added. It's up to you to put on the final finishes.
Since unfinished cabinets skip the finishing steps at the factory, they are more affordable than pre-finished options. You can save 20% or more over the cost of completed cabinets.
Unfinished vs. Refinishing Existing Cabinets
Refinishing your existing cabinets requires removing the old finishes down to bare wood. This process is labor-intensive and messy.
Unfinished new cabinets provide a less expensive alternative. You avoid the costs of stripping and redoing what's already there.
Benefits of Choosing Unfinished
From custom looks to potential cost savings, unfinished cabinets offer several advantages:
- Create a customized finish and color to match your kitchen's decor.
- Affordable solution for a kitchen upgrade.
- Easily combine with existing cabinetry.
- DIY installation further reduces costs.
- Less prep work compared to refinishing.
- Environmentally-friendly with less exposure to VOCs.
Achieve the High-End Look You Want
With unfinished cabinets, the possibilities are endless for the look you can create. Go for an airy cottage feel with a distressed painted finish. Or opt for a contemporary vibe with bold, dark stains.
Spending the time to apply just the right finishes allows you to achieve a high-end, custom look for less.
What to Consider Before Buying
While unfinished cabinets offer versatility and affordability, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Quality of materials - Check plywood thickness and joinery.
- Construction and durability. Get samples first.
- Your skill level for finishing and installation.
- Combining with existing cabinets.
Assess Your Skills
Are you experienced with finishing and installing cabinets yourself? Be realistic about your DIY skills. Finishing can be tricky for beginners.
If you're unsure, have a contractor finish and install them for a flawless result.
Finishing Unfinished Cabinets
While unfinished cabinets offer versatility and affordability, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Finishing cabinets is an art. The steps include:
- Sanding to prepare the raw wood.
- Priming all sides and edges.
- Applying your choice of stain, paint, glaze, or other finishes.
DIY vs Professional Finishing
Finishing cabinets requires patience and skill. DIY is possible for those with experience.
Pros have the right tools and expertise to achieve flawless results quickly. Consider hiring out the finishing for a hassle-free experience.
Installing Unfinished Cabinets
When it comes time for installation, unfinished cabinets go up just like finished ones. Here are some tips for a smooth process:
- Review cabinet plans and room measurements.
- Check for plumb walls and level floors.
- Lift into place carefully to avoid damage.
- Secure using nails, screws, and adhesive.
Should You DIY or Hire a Contractor?
Installing kitchen cabinets is complex. If you lack experience, having a professional install them is worth the investment.
Proper installation ensures your kitchen functions and looks its best for years to come.
Looking to upgrade your kitchen affordably? Unfinished cabinets deserve consideration.
You can achieve a custom look on a budget with skilled finishing and installation. Just weigh the options and plan thoroughly for a smooth, successful project.