BEFORE You Install Kitchen Cabinets - (FAQ, Tips and More!)
If you're considering installing some new kitchen cabinets or replacing old ones, it can be a daunting task. There are so many things to think about in the planning stage alone. Often, kitchen countertops get in the way, too. Well, we've gathered some questions from the internet and assembled some kitchen cabinet ideas, as well as countertops, to help you out with your project.
What are the least expensive kitchen cabinets?
IKEA's kitchen cabinets are the cheapest on the market. They range from about $20 to $120 per frame. Lowes and Home Depot are a little pricier, but they're a viable option as well.
What are the best kitchen cabinets for the money?
IKEA's SEKTION cabinets are one of the best products out there for the money. They include base cabinets, corner cabinets, base cabinets with a built in oven, wall cabinets, and much more.
You even have some wall storage options such as open shelving, boxes, and drawers that you can purchase for extra storage.
How can I get free kitchen cabinets?
You can try browsing Craig's List for free listings of kitchen cabinets. Facebook Marketplace is a great option to find free furniture, too.
You can also check out your local Buy Nothing Project group. They operate through Facebook – you join a group and post items that you want to give away or items that you need. Learn more on their website.
Most items for sale on Craig's List and Facebook Marketplace are not free, but you might come across a good deal. FB Marketplace has a free category that you can check out. Just sort the listings by area.
I went to the link and immediately saw some free furniture available in my area like couches, shelves, and desks.
Another great way to get free or cheap cabinets is to ask general contractors about their remodeling jobs. Many contractors will remove perfectly good, functioning kitchen cabinets and are happy to have you haul them off for them for free or at discounted prices. Many contractors will also pass along a good appliance like a range hood, oven, or fridge, too.
How can I save money on new kitchen cabinets?
1) Research door styles.
You have many different door styles to choose from. Typically, raised panel cabinets and pull-out cabinets are more expensive than flat panel cabinets. Cabinet handles also vary in price, but not significantly.
2) Go with more cabinet doors and fewer drawers.
Cabinet doors are less expensive than drawer frames on average. So if you're on a tight budget, go with more doors and fewer drawers.
3) Avoid paint and stick with unfinished wood.
In today's rustic kitchens, many homeowners simply avoid paint and instead put a finish on unfinished wood. This will save you money on cabinets as you won't have to buy gallons of primer and paint.
4) Go light on the customization.
Ornate toe kicks, slide-out cabinets, pullout cabinets, fancy handles...these are a few things you can avoid to save money on your cabinets.
5) Consider open shelving instead of cabinets. Or mix shelving and cabinets.
Open shelving is significantly cheaper than cabinets, so you'll save a lot of money if you go that route. You can also mix shelving and cabinets to save some cash.
6) Avoid glass-front cabinets.
Glass-front cabinets won't break the bank, but they are more expensive than wooden cabinets. If you go with decorative glass, expect to pay even more for your cabinetry.
7) Think hard about your kitchen design. Do you need a kitchen island?
Most homes today feature a kitchen island, so you probably want one. But, if you have a lot of counter space or don't need the extra storage, you'll save some money on cabinets without a kitchen island. Not to mention that you'll save the money it would cost to install the island, too.
8) Choose the right type of wood.
Cherry, birch, and mahogany can be quite expensive, while maple, oak, and pine are on the more affordable end.
9) Invest in laminate or thermofoil for your cabinet finish.
Thermofoil and laminate finishes are durable, easy to maintain, and incredibly cost-effective. Acrylic finish is on the pricier side and should be avoided if you're on a budget.
Click here to discover the best kitchen degreaser sprays for a spotless clean.
10) Try particle board instead of hardwood.
Particleboard is an engineered wood that is paintable, pretty durable, and it doesn't warp like hardwood can. It's not quite as durable or water-resistant as solid hardwood. But it's a great option if you're looking to save money.
How do I know if my kitchen cabinets are of good quality?
1) Look for products with a lifetime warranty. This will reduce your risk of spending money on cabinets that break or wear down after just a few months of use.
2) Plywood is a reliable material for kitchen cabinets. It is much more durable and water-resistant than particleboard.
3) Cabinets assembled in a factory will last longer than ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets. Builders have the best tools, adhesives, and materials to make durable, high-quality cabinets. But, factory-assembled cabinets are much more difficult to transport than RTA cabinets. Without a large truck, it may take several trips to get all the cabinets to your home.
4) They are built with under mount drawer glides. Drawers sit on a mechanism called a drawer glide which allows the drawer to open and close smoothly. These can be mounted underneath the drawer or on the side.
Undermount drawer glides are more durable than the glides on the side of cabinet drawers.
5) The back of the cabinetry features a full-height panel. Some cabinet frames are built with thin pieces of plywood or they use a picture-frame construction that doesn't support the full cabinet. These aren't as durable as a full sheet of wood.
6) The cabinets feature high-quality adjustable hinges. This makes it easy for you to make small quick adjustments to your cabinet doors if needed. Instead of replacing the whole door, all you need to do is tweak the hinges and you're done.
Are drawers better than cabinets?
Drawers are great to store cookware, silverware, spices, and small dishware. Drawers are quite convenient because you can pull them all the way out. So nothing gets buried like it might in the back of a dark cabinet.
But for larger pots and pans, you'll probably need cabinets because of the added space. Also, drawers on average are more expensive than cabinets because they have more pieces as well as a gliding mechanism. So, if you're on a budget, stick to doors instead of drawers.
Are solid wood cabinets worth the money?
Yes, solid wood cabinets are often worth the money. Much like a range hood, solid wood cabinets can last you a lifetime. So, even though you may spend more money to buy the cabinets, they likely won't ever need to be replaced.
How many cabinets are needed in a kitchen?
The average kitchen will have around 20 to 25 cabinets. Larger kitchens may have 30 or more cabinets, while small kitchens may have less than 20 cabinets. In most kitchens, you'll have more drawers than cabinets. This can get expensive, though. So you might consider investing in open shelving which is much more cost-effective.
What is the most popular kitchen cabinet color today?
White remains one of the most popular kitchen cabinet colors today. Farmhouse kitchens are becoming more popular, the staple of these kitchens being traditional white shaker cabinets. Wood cabinets are also common in today's kitchens.
In addition to white, off-white, grey, and beige are modern options for your kitchen cabinets. Today's homeowners love neutral colors for their cabinets.
Can you install kitchen cabinets yourself?
Yes, there are two types of kitchen cabinets: ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets and pre-assembled cabinets. RTA cabinets are designed for you to install yourself. IKEA cabinets are the most popular RTA cabinets today.
What is the best time of year to buy kitchen cabinets?
There's not really a "best time" of year to buy cabinets. Whenever you want to remodel your kitchen, look into buying cabinetry. Maybe ask your local stores if they have any deals coming up. It'll save you some stress down the line if you don't have to navigate around the best deals when looking to buy cabinetry.
If you're on a tight budget, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are one of the best times of the year to buy kitchen cabinets at heavy discounts. You may also find great deals around Christmas, Fourth of July, or Easter.
Buying your cabinets isn't really a huge commitment. Don't let it keep you up at night. Once you buy cabinets, you can wait to install them until it's convenient for you. Most homeowners prefer to install their cabinets in the spring or summer due to the warm weather.
If you have kids, summer might not be the best option because they will be home often.
You could also beat the remodeling rush and install your cabinets in the winter or fall. You might be able to find better deals or get the job done faster because few people remodel around that time.
What are the best inexpensive kitchen cabinets?
Any ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets will generally be much less expensive than pre-assembled cabinets. IKEA SEKTION cabinets are one of the most inexpensive RTA cabinet brands while still maintaining great quality for the price.
When buying cabinets, it's important to strike a balance between price and quality. You want them to last for several years, but you might not have the budget for the most durable and beautiful cabinets on the market.
What goes first, the kitchen sink or countertop?
It's best to install countertops first. Before you plan for your countertops, measure out your sink and countertops on a template. Then when you get your countertops installed, the installers will cut out your sink. Just make sure you request that they do that when you book the installation.
What are the disadvantages of quartz countertops?
- Susceptible to heat (set hot pans on hot pads)
- Can discolor in direct sunlight
- Expensive, at $100 to $200 per square foot
- May have noticeable seams
What is the best kitchen countertop for your money?
The best countertop for your money depends on your budget and how much energy you want to put into maintenance. Laminate is the most affordable, low-maintenance countertop material on the market. Quartz is a low-maintenance countertop too, but it costs more money on average.
If you want something durable and affordable, you can try granite countertops. But keep in mind that granite requires some yearly maintenance.
Conclusion
Now you hopefully feel a bit better about your project. Armed with this new information about kitchen cabinet ideas and countertops, you can approach your kitchen cabinet remodel or new build with confidence. It's always better to be well-informed when speaking with a consultant or contractor, too.