Giving your kitchen a fresh look doesn’t have to empty your wallet. With the right plan, smart shopping, and a bit of patience, you can create a space that feels new without spending a fortune. For most people, cabinets are the first thing they think about. They take up the most room, and they set the mood for the entire design. The best part? It’s easier than ever to find cheap cabinets that look great and last for years. This guide walks you through tips, tricks, and simple strategies to help you makeover your kitchen while keeping your costs under control.
Why Start With Cabinets?
Cabinets are the backbone of your kitchen. They set the style, the layout, and the overall look. Updating them can instantly give the room a modern vibe, even if you don’t change much else. The only catch? New cabinets can also be the most expensive piece of the project. That’s why it pays to know how to shop smart and where to look when browsing a kitchen cabinet store.
Step 1: Plan Before You Shop
Set a Budget
Know your spending limit before you even step into a store. A full kitchen renovation can cost a fortune, but cabinets don’t need to. Going with cheap cabinets lets you stretch your budget further while still getting the look you want.
Measure the Space
Grab a tape measure and jot everything down. Walk into a kitchen cabinet store in Orland park with exact numbers, and you’ll save yourself from ordering the wrong size or paying extra for custom work.
List Your Priorities
Think about what you want. Is storage more important than style? Do you want a modern layout or something classic? Do you need open shelving or full doors? Having answers ahead of time helps you save money and frustration.
Step 2: Where to Hunt for Deals
Big Box Stores
Large chains often carry ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets in stock. These usually cost less and come in standard sizes you can take home the same day.
Local Shops
Don’t skip your neighborhood kitchen cabinet store. Smaller shops often have clearance sales or seasonal discounts. Sometimes, you’ll even find better quality here compared to mass-market options.
Online Retailers
Shopping online makes it easy to compare styles and prices. Many sites even have tools that let you preview how your kitchen will look.
Salvage Yards & Habitat Restores
These are hidden gems. You can sometimes score solid wood cabinets for a fraction of what you’d pay at retail.
Step 3: Know the Types of Cabinets
Stock Cabinets
- Ready-made in standard sizes
- Lowest price point
- Limited styles and colors
Semi-Custom Cabinets
- A bit more flexible in design
- Can adjust dimensions slightly
- Costs more than stock but less than custom
Custom Cabinets
- Built to fit your kitchen exactly
- Unlimited style choices
- Highest price tag
For a budget makeover, cheap cabinets from stock or semi-custom lines usually make the most sense.
Step 4: Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
Go for RTA Cabinets
Flat-packed and shipped to your door, ready-to-assemble cabinets save money on labor. If you put them together properly, they hold up well.
Mix and Match
Pair affordable stock cabinets with higher-end finishes. For instance, go budget-friendly on the bases and splurge a little on the doors or uppers.
Choose Smart Materials
Plywood and MDF with laminate can look just as good as solid wood and are easier on the budget.
Keep Your Layout
Changing plumbing or wiring adds huge costs. Stick with your current layout and just refresh the cabinets.
Look for Sales
Holiday weekends are great times to hit a kitchen cabinet store. Discounts can reach 40% or even 50%.
Step 5: Budget-Friendly Style Ideas
Paint Instead of Replace
If your cabinets are sturdy, a coat of paint can make them look brand new. White, navy, and gray are popular right now.
Swap Out Hardware
New knobs or handles can make a huge difference. Brushed gold and matte black are stylish picks.
Add Open Shelving
Replace some upper cabinets with open shelves. It gives an airy feel and cuts down on costs.
Use Glass Inserts
Adding glass to a few cabinet doors can instantly make cheap cabinets look higher-end.
Step 6: DIY vs. Hiring Pros
When DIY Works
If you’re handy with tools, you can install RTA cabinets yourself. Many guides online make it easier.
When to Call Pros
If you’re touching plumbing, electrical, or making structural changes, get a professional. It’s safer and often cheaper in the long run.
Step 7: Sample Budget Breakdown
Here’s what a small kitchen project might look like:
- Cheap cabinets (RTA or stock): $1,200 – $2,500
- Hardware (knobs, handles): $100 – $250
- Paint and supplies: $200 – $400
- New countertop (laminate or butcher block): $500 – $1,000
- Professional labor (optional): $1,000 – $2,000
Step 8: Mistakes to Avoid
- Picking style over function
- Forgetting about storage
- Skipping measurements
- Ignoring return policies at a kitchen cabinet store
- Underestimating installation costs
Step 9: Extra Smart Shopping Tips
- Check multiple stores before you buy
- Ask if they’re selling display cabinets at a discount
- Visit wholesale outlets for factory-direct prices on cheap cabinets
- Look for online promo codes to shave off extra costs
Step 10: Make Your Cabinets Last
- Clean spills right away with mild soap
- Add liners under sinks to protect from moisture
- Replace cabinets in stages if a full set isn’t in the budget right now
Final Thoughts
Redoing your kitchen doesn’t mean spending a fortune. With the right strategy, you can give your space a fresh new look while sticking to your budget. From checking out cheap cabinets in Orland park to visiting a local kitchen cabinet store for sales, there are endless ways to save money. Focus on the essentials—function, durability, and style—and your kitchen will feel brand new without the big price tag.
FAQs
Q1: Where can I find the best deals on cheap cabinets in Orland park?
You’ll find great prices at local kitchen cabinet stores, salvage shops, and even big box retailers during seasonal sales.
Q2: Are RTA cabinets good quality?
Yes, when assembled correctly, RTA cabinets can last for years. They’re budget-friendly and sturdy.
Q3: Should I buy cabinets online or in-store?
Both have pros. Online shopping gives you variety and price comparisons, while a kitchen cabinet store lets you see the quality up close.
Q4: How much should I budget for a small kitchen makeover?
On average, you can refresh a small kitchen for around $3,000 to $6,000, depending on materials and labor.
Q5: Can I mix stock and custom cabinets?
Absolutely. Mixing lower-cost bases with custom doors or uppers is a great way to balance budget and style.
