Used Cabinets and Other Money-Saving Secrets for Kitchen Remodeling
Dreaming of a kitchen facelift but intimidated by the potential price tag? With some savvy planning and budget-friendly cabinet solutions, you can refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank.
From secondhand finds to subtle upgrades, there are plenty of ways to cut costs on your kitchen remodel. Read on for money-saving tips to make over your kitchen cabinets affordably.
Discover Big Savings with Used Cabinets
One of the most effective ways to save on a kitchen remodel is to purchase used cabinets. Habitat for Humanity ReStores and architectural salvage yards stock quality secondhand cabinets at a fraction of the price. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and garage sales are other places to find discounted used cabinets locally.
When shopping for used cabinets, carefully inspect them for any damage or wear and tear. Also, measure to ensure the cabinets will fit your kitchen layout. While used cabinets require some extra TLC, a bit of sanding, staining or paint can make them look brand new again.
Prepare Used Cabinets for Installation
Before installing used cabinets, thoroughly clean them to remove any grease or grime. Fill any scratches or holes with wood filler and sand smooth. Remove doors and hardware and spray paint or stain to refresh the cabinet boxes and doors.
Replace old hardware with new knobs or handles. Allow all finishes to fully cure before hanging cabinets. With a bit of elbow grease, used cabinets can provide serious savings without sacrificing style.
Refacing Offers an Affordable Alternative
If your existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound, consider refacing over replacing them. Refacing involves replacing cabinet doors, drawer fronts and hardware. New veneer is applied to visible exterior surfaces.
The average cost of refacing kitchen cabinets is $7,000-$10,000 compared to $12,000-$18,000 for cabinet replacement. Since the existing boxes are kept, it also speeds up installation time.
DIY Cabinet Refacing Tips
With some basic carpentry skills, refacing kitchen cabinets can be a DIY project. Remove doors, hardware and veneer from cabinet frames. Sand boxes smooth and apply new veneer, using adhesive and an iron to adhere. Add new doors and hardware to finish.
While refacing still requires an investment, doing the work yourself saves on installation costs. And preserving your existing cabinet boxes maximizes your budget for new doors and surfaces.
Ready-to-Assemble Cabinets Deliver Affordable Convenience
Factory direct Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinets provide an affordable and customizable option. RTA cabinets ship with all materials and hardware included. You simply assemble them onsite for significant savings over custom cabinetry.
RTA cabinets are available in a wide range of styles, finishes and storage configurations. While you won't get fully custom cabinets, RTA provides flexibility at a fraction of the investment.
Simple Upgrades for Maximum Impact
Sometimes just a few clever upgrades are all your kitchen needs. Instead of completely replacing cabinets, consider these budget-friendly updates:
- Paint or stain to transform the look of your existing cabinets
- Swap out dated hardware with modern knobs and handles
- Organize cabinets with racks, pull-outs and other accessories
- Freshen up your backsplash with new tile or peel-and-stick
Little changes like lighting and decorative accents can also make a big visual difference. Focus on easy DIY projects or inexpensive details to refresh your kitchen cost-effectively.
You can upgrade your kitchen with simple and creative approaches. Define your must-haves, research your options and set a realistic budget. With smart planning and a bit of elbow grease, you can achieve a fabulous kitchen makeover without overspending.