When planning a kitchen renovation, cabinets often take up the biggest portion of your budget. But good news—you don’t have to sacrifice style for savings. With the right strategy, you can find affordable kitchen cabinets that are both stunning and functional.
Here’s how to upgrade your space without overspending.
1. Set a Realistic Budget First
Before shopping, know what you can afford. Most full kitchen remodels allocate 30–40% of the budget to cabinetry, so setting a price range early helps guide your choices.
Budget tip:
Keep in mind that ready-to-assemble (RTA) or semi-custom cabinets offer a cost-effective middle ground between stock and custom cabinetry.
2. Shop Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets
RTA cabinets are shipped flat-packed and are often much cheaper than pre-assembled options. They’re perfect for DIYers or anyone looking to save on labor costs.
Benefits of RTA cabinets:
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Lower prices
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Faster delivery times
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Wide variety of styles and finishes
3. Look for Stock Cabinets at Big-Box Retailers
Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and IKEA offer stock kitchen cabinets in stylish designs and popular finishes. These cabinets are pre-manufactured and ready for quick installation.
Pros:
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Immediate availability
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Affordable pricing
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Warranty options available
4. Explore Online Cabinet Retailers
The internet is full of reputable sellers offering cheap kitchen cabinet deals without sacrificing quality. Many online retailers offer free samples, design tools, and even custom configurations at low prices.
Top-rated online cabinet stores to explore:
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Cabinets.com
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RTA Cabinet Store
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Lily Ann Cabinets
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The RTA Store
5. Check Local Liquidation Centers or Habitat for Humanity ReStores
You can score deep discounts on kitchen cabinets at liquidation outlets, contractor overstock sales, or nonprofit home improvement stores like ReStore.
You’ll find:
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Gently used or new cabinets
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Scratch-and-dent discounts
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Unique vintage or luxury items for less
6. Consider Painting or Refacing Existing Cabinets
If your current cabinets are in good shape, you can dramatically transform their look with a new coat of paint or by refacing the doors.
Affordable cabinet makeover options:
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Paint them in a trendy color (like sage green or navy)
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Add new hardware for a modern touch
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Replace just the doors or drawer fronts
7. Buy in Bulk or During Seasonal Sales
Many cabinet retailers offer sales during major holidays like Labor Day, Black Friday, or Memorial Day. Buying all your cabinets at once or bundling them with countertops may unlock extra savings.
8. Mix and Match Cabinet Styles
For a modern, curated look, consider mixing cabinet types. Use premium cabinets for upper walls and more affordable options for the base—or mix open shelving with closed cabinets to cut costs.
Final Thoughts: Beautiful Cabinets on Any Budget
Finding stylish and affordable kitchen cabinets is possible with the right planning and smart sourcing. From RTA cabinets to secondhand treasures and simple refacing projects, there are endless ways to achieve a high-end look for less.
You don’t need a luxury budget to create a kitchen that feels luxurious—just a little creativity and strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What’s the cheapest way to update kitchen cabinets?
Painting, refacing, or changing hardware are the most affordable options. If you’re starting from scratch, RTA cabinets are budget-friendly and easy to customize.
Q2: Are cheap kitchen cabinets durable?
Yes, many budget-friendly cabinets are made from solid materials like plywood or MDF with durable finishes. Always check customer reviews and product specs before buying.
Q3: Where can I buy discount kitchen cabinets?
Try online retailers, liquidation centers, big-box stores, and Habitat for Humanity ReStores for the best deals.