Skip to main content

5 amazing ways to replace kitchen cabinets on a tight budget

If you need to replace kitchen cabinets on a tight budget, we understand your pain. Kitchen remodels are expensive, and there are so many hidden costs involved. Whether you’re hiring a pro or doing the project on your own, one of the biggest expenses of any kitchen update is the cabinets. In fact, cabinets typically account for a significant portion of your renovating budget.

If you’re looking for an affordable kitchen design, one option is to simply repaint your existing kitchen cabinets. But if they’re well past their prime and you’re due for an upgrade, the good news is that it is actually possible to find and customize kitchen cabinets on a tight budget. By doing some of the work yourself and choosing lower-cost materials, you can greatly reduce your kitchen renovation costs. Still not convinced? Read on for our tips.

Recommended Videos

person painting cabinet

Shop secondhand

If you’re DIYing a kitchen renovation or you simply want the experience of crafting your own shelving units, a good place to start is with used cabinets. While buying anything used is a bit of a gamble, it’s more likely than not you’re going to wind up with a great set of cabinets that you can customize without worrying about accidentally damaging thousands of dollars’ worth of hardware.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores Shops

With over 800 locations across the U.S., ReStores is a great place to find used kitchen cabinets at drastically reduced prices. As a bonus, your purchase will help support local Habitat for Humanity programs.

Facebook Marketplace

You can geo-target an area when searching for used kitchen cabinets or other items you might need for your renovation project. Although Facebook Marketplace items usually are being sold, rather than given away for free, the prices are often very reduced, and you always have the option to negotiate pricing. 

Architectural salvage yards

While not the cheapest option for finding used kitchen cabinets, architectural salvage yards often have quality castoffs from high-end renovation projects. In addition to kitchen cabinets, you may also find sinks, flooring tiles, and other items you might be able to use in your affordable kitchen redesign. 

Scandinavian Domestic Kitchen

Buy new for less

If you’re set on new cabinets for your kitchen renovation project, there are still ways to find affordable options. While solid wood cabinets may not be in your budget, you can still find aesthetically pleasing styles that will give your kitchen the updated look you’re hoping to achieve.

Order online

There are literally thousands of ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets that can be shipped to you flat-packed. Assembly is relatively easy, but be mindful that although you might save money on the cabinets themselves, shipping costs tend to be high. If you don’t like the cabinets once they arrive, shipping them back will add even more cost, so make sure you know what you’re getting yourself in for before you click “add to cart.”

RTA cabinet stores

Like the idea of finding affordable RTA cabinets, but not the hefty shipping costs or buying without seeing the cabinets in person? There are retail stores around the nation selling RTA cabinets onsite. Check online for stores and locations near you.

IKEA kitchen cabinets are all RTA, but they offer more sophistication and quality than most RTA cabinets sold online. IKEA cabinets may give you the upscale kitchen redo you are searching for at a surprisingly low price.

Showroom display cabinets

Eventually, kitchen displays in home renovation stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s will be taken down to make room for new displays. Speak with floor managers and ask about the possibility of buying the kitchen displays directly from the floor. There may be a little wear and tear on the cabinets, and your contractor may need to do a little retrofitting to accommodate your kitchen’s dimensions, but you’ll end up with top-of-the-line cabinets at greatly reduced pricing.

Finding inexpensive kitchen cabinets, either used or new, will have a huge impact on the total cost of your kitchen renovation. Whether you use those cost savings to spend more of your budget on upgrading appliances or hiring a professional to handle cabinet installation, spending less on cabinets will definitely expand your options. It may require a bit more legwork to find great deals, but if you’re searching for kitchen cabinets on a tight budget, you have more options available today than ever before. 

Kim Renta
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kim has written for Bloomingdales, Movado, and various e-commerce wine sites. When she's not writing about wine and…
How much does it cost to finish a basement and add value to your home?
A finished basement is an investment in your home. Here are our tips for getting started on this project
Finished basement seating area with white walls and carpet

If you're looking at home improvement projects that will give you a return on your investment when you sell your home, consider remodeling your basement. If you don't have a finished basement, finishing it will not only increase the livable space in your home but give you confidence that your money will come back to you when you sell. The first question you're probably asking yourself is, "How much does it cost to finish a basement?" Unfortunately, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but we break down the possibilities below.

Before you get too far ahead of yourself dreaming about all the ways you're going to decorate your new basement, it's important to think about its functionality. Adding spaces like a bedroom or bathroom in your basement will increase the price of the renovation, as will a basement bar or movie room. But these usable spaces will also increase your resale value. You'll want to know your plan before getting quotes because not only will additional electrical, plumbing, and sheetrock be needed for these spaces, but you'll also want to be sure any contractors you use have the requisite expertise to get the job done.
What is the cost to finish a basement?

Read more
How to organize kitchen cabinets: Top tips to declutter and more
Turn your kitchen into a functional and aesthetic space
Organized kitchen with sage green cabinets

When it comes to keeping your kitchen functional and aesthetically pleasing, knowing how to organize kitchen cabinets is essential. An organized kitchen not only makes meal preparation easier, but it also helps create a welcoming environment for family and guests. That's why we're going to explore effective strategies for decluttering, creating cabinet zones, and using smart products to maximize every inch of your kitchen cabinets.
Declutter first

Before diving into the organization process, the first and most important step is to declutter your kitchen. Cabinet space is often limited, so it’s crucial to ensure that only the items you use regularly are taking up valuable space.

Read more
How to paint your kitchen cabinets in 9 simple steps
A simple and low-cost way to refresh your space
Man holding paint rolling after painting kitchen cabinets

Kitchen renovation is one of the most impactful and cost-effective home remodel projects, with returns on investment of about 87 percent. While it’s no wonder that kitchen remodels are popular, but they’re also very expensive — cabinetry alone runs $5,000 to $6,000 on average. If money is tight, or your kitchen only needs a minor update, painting the cabinetry, rather than replacing it, will save you thousands of dollars while giving the room a completely new look. Plus, you can do it yourself in a couple of days.
Tools and supplies you'll need for the job

Rosin paper
Painter’s tape
Plastic sheeting
Screwdriver 
Household cleanser or trisodium phosphate commercial degreaser
Abrasive pad
Liquid deglosser
Wood filler
Putty knife
100-grit sandpaper
220-grit sandpaper 
Tack cloth 
Latex caulk 
Paint scraper
Primer paint
Trim or enamel paint with a durable, high-sheen finish
4- or 6-inch roller, with foam cover
3- or 4-inch square brush
2 ½- or 3-inch angle brush

Read more