Is It Cheaper to Buy Cabinets or Have Them Built? A Guide for Homeowners

If you’re dreaming of a kitchen makeover, you’re probably wondering about kitchen cabinets. They can change the look of your kitchen! But here’s the big question: is it cheaper to head to a cabinet store or get them custom-made? It’s a tough decision because everyone wants a beautiful kitchen without spending too much money.

There are two main choices, buying cabinets that are already made or hiring someone or making them yourself. Both ways have good and bad sides, and what’s best depends on you. This article will help you figure out what’s right for you.

Key Things to Think About

There’s no easy answer to whether buying or building is cheaper. It all boils down to what matters most to you. Think about these things:

• Money: How much can you spend?
• Time: How fast do you need it done?
• Skills: Are you good at DIY projects?
• Customisation: Do you want something special?
• Quality: How long do you want them to last?

Cost: Let’s Crunch Some Numbers

What Stuff Costs:

• Cabinets can be made from different things like plywood, MDF, or real wood.
• Plywood is like layers of wood glued together. It can be cheap, but better plywood (like maple or birch) costs more.
• MDF is like pressed wood. It’s cheap but not great if it gets wet.
• Real wood, like maple, oak, or cherry, looks great but costs the most.
• At cabinet shops, Vietnamese birch costs around $40 a sheet, while a sheet of baltic birch might be around $160.
• Don’t forget about other costs like hinges, handles, screws, glue, and paint.

Paying Someone to Build:

• If you hire a cabinet maker, they’ll charge for designing, building, and putting the cabinets in. This can cost more upfront.
• If you build them yourself, remember your time is valuable too!

Hidden Costs:

• If you mess up while building, you might waste wood and money.
• You might need special tools. If you don’t have them, that’s more money to spend.

Think Long Term:

• Well-built cabinets last longer. Cheap ones might need to be replaced sooner, costing you more in the long run.
• Nice cabinets can also make your house worth more if you sell it.

Ways to Save Money:

• Buy wood and hardware in large amounts for a discount.
• Fix up cheap, ready-made cabinets instead of building from scratch.
• Buy doors or drawer fronts instead of making them.

Time: How Long Will It Take?

DIY Time:

• Building cabinets yourself takes time! It could be weeks or even months.
• Cutting, sanding, and painting takes a lot of effort!

What Affects Time:

• If you’re good at woodworking, it’ll be faster.
• Having the right tools helps a lot too.
• If you make mistakes, it’ll take longer.

A Messy Kitchen:

• Remember, your kitchen might be a mess while you’re working!
• Try to build the cabinets before you take the old ones out. This way, your kitchen isn’t out of action for too long.

Skills and Tools: Are You Ready to Build?

• What You Need to Know:
  • You’ll need to be good at measuring, cutting, and putting wood together.
  • Making drawers and doors can be tricky.
• Tools You’ll Need:
  • A table saw (or a track saw) helps cut wood straight.
  • You’ll need a drill, a sander, and maybe a router.
  • A sliding miter saw and pocket hole jig can also be helpful.
• Don’t Start Big:
  • Making a whole kitchen is hard for beginners.
  • Try building cabinets for your garage or laundry room first.

What Wood to Use?

• MDF:
  • Cheap, but it gets ruined if it gets wet.
  • Not the best for kitchens.
• Plywood:
  • Stronger than MDF and works well for cabinet boxes.
• Real Wood:
  • Looks the best and lasts a long time.
• Where to Buy:
  • Ask someone who works with wood for advice on where to buy.
  • Check out local cabinet shops, cabinet stores, and wholesalers.
• Painting or Staining:
  • Pre-finished plywood saves time!

Do You Want Something Special?

• Odd Kitchen Shapes:
  • Custom cabinets are a great option if your kitchen is not a normal shape.
• Special Storage:
  • Want a spice rack or pull-out shelves? Custom cabinets can do that.
• Make It Your Own:
  • You get to pick the colours, style, and handles.
• Framed or Not Framed:
  • Framed cabinets have a frame on the front.
  • Frameless cabinets look simpler.

Buying Cabinets: How to Get a Good Deal

• Big Stores:
  • Big stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s have lots of cabinets.
  • You can use their online tools to design your kitchen!
• Semi-Custom:
  • You can buy cabinet boxes from IKEA and add custom doors.
• Buy in Bulk:
  • If you buy many cabinets at once, ask for a discount.
• Local Cabinet Shop:
  • Look for local cabinet stores or door makers.

If You Build, Make It Easier

• Start Small:
  • Try a small project first to get better at building.
• Buy Some Parts:
  • Buy doors, drawer fronts, or even drawer boxes to save time.
• Plan Carefully:
  • Make a detailed plan with all the measurements.
• Use Patterns:
  • Use patterns to help you cut wood.
• Do Things One Step at a Time:
  • Cut all the wood first, then put all the cabinets together.

Is It Hard to Put Them In?

• Tricky Parts:
  • Putting cabinets in can be hard, especially in old houses.
  • Walls and floors might not be straight!
• Get a Pro:
  • Paying someone to put them in ensures they fit right.

Will It Make Your House Worth More?

• Nice Cabinets:
  • Well-built, custom cabinets can make your house worth more.
  • Cheap cabinets might not have the same effect.

What Matters Most to You?

Here’s a way to think about what’s most important:

• Saving Money: Building might be the way to go if you just want to save money, but it’s a lot of work.
• Building Something: If you like building and learning, then go for it!
• Time: Buying might be better if you don’t have much time.

Your Kitchen, Your Choice

Deciding whether to buy or build kitchen cabinets depends on you! Think about your budget, how much time you have, your skills, and if you want something special. Both choices have good and bad sides. Talk to local cabinet stores and cabinet shops. Pick what works best for you.

No matter what you choose, remember that your kitchen is where you cook and spend time with your family. Make it a place you love!

Glendale Cabinet Store – Cabinets 4 Less

Choosing new kitchen cabinets can feel overwhelming, but Cabinets 4 Less Glendale makes it easy to achieve your dream kitchen without breaking the bank. You don’t need to be stuck wondering whether to DIY your cabinets or buy them because we offer a huge selection of high-quality cabinets to suit every style and budget.

Located in Glendale, we are your local cabinet store offering everything from classic styles to modern designs. Our expert team can guide you through the options, helping you find the perfect cabinet solution.

Why struggle with a DIY project that could take weeks? At Cabinets 4 Less, you can get professionally designed cabinets at prices that truly are less. Plus, you’ll be supporting a local cabinet shop that cares about quality and customer satisfaction. Give us a ring at (623) 335-3558 or pop in for a visit at our cabinet showroom and let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams!

Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Cabinets vs. Custom Built

How Much Do Cabinets Cost for a 12×12 Kitchen?

The cost of kitchen cabinets for a 12×12 kitchen varies depending on whether you choose pre-made cabinets, semi-custom cabinets, or custom-built options. The total kitchen renovation cost also depends on material costs, cabinet styles, and whether you opt for affordable options or expensive kitchen cabinets.

Here’s a breakdown of cost ranges:

• Pre-made kitchen cabinets (Store-bought and flat-pack cabinets) – $4,000 to $10,000
• Semi-custom cabinets – $8,000 to $20,000
• Custom-built cabinets – $15,000 to $30,000+

Factors affecting cost:

1. Types of wood – Solid wood and premium materials cost more than unfinished cabinets or metal cabinetry.
2. Cabinet styles – Shaker style, flat panel cabinet doors have different price points.
3. Feet of cabinets – More storage means a higher upfront cost.
4. Installation – Hiring a kitchen designer or experienced woodworker adds to the additional cost.

To save money, consider thrift stores, job-built cabinets, or store-bought cabinets for cost savings. Using nonspecific cabinets and lighter options for upper kitchen cabinets and upper wall cabinets can also help reduce expenses.

What is a Good Budget for Kitchen Cabinets?

Setting a budget for kitchen base cabinets, upper cabinets, and deep cabinets depends on your overall kitchen remodel goals. A good rule of thumb is that cabinets should take up 30-50% of the total kitchen renovation cost.

Budget breakdown for cabinets:

• Low-end budget ($3,000–$8,000) – Pre-made ones, unfinished cabinets, and cabinet shops.
• Mid-range budget ($8,000–$15,000) – Semi-custom cabinets with custom-built options.
• High-end budget ($15,000–$30,000+) – Custom cabinetry, shop cabinetry, and expensive kitchen cabinets.

Ways to maximize your budget:

1. Buy from thrift stores or cabinet stores for affordable options.
2. Use shop-built cabinets or woodworker shop cabinets instead of commercial cabinets.
3. Choose panel doors instead of shaker style for a more budget-friendly option.
4. Reface instead of replacing cabinet frames to cut costs.
5. Look for cost savings by purchasing limited sizes or single cabinets.

How Can I Save Money on Built-In Cabinets?

Built-in cabinets add great storage space but can be costly. Here are ways to reduce the upfront cost:

1. Use pre-made kitchen cabinets – These are cheaper than fully custom cabinetry and are available in box stores.
2. Opt for job-built cabinets – An experienced woodworker can build shop cabinetry at a lower cost wise than buying from high-end kitchen designers.
3. Buy unfinished cabinets – Sanding and staining pieces of plywood yourself saves on the cost of tools and cost of wood.
4. Mix and match store-bought and flat-pack cabinets – Use semi-custom cabinets for kitchen layouts and commercial cabinets for bathroom cabinets.
5. Refurbish thrift store finds – Curbside cabinets and store-bought cabinets can be upgraded with new drawer slides and drawer pulls.

For additional cost savings, consider metal cabinetry for upper cabinets and wall cabinets, as they tend to be lighter options and cost less.

Are Built-In Cabinets Cheaper?

Not always. The cost of built-in cabinets depends on the actual kitchen remodel, materials, and installation.

Built-in vs. Store-Bought Cabinets:

• Built-in cabinets
  • More expensive due to custom-built options
  • Higher material costs (often solid wood)
  • Greater storage space and personal style flexibility
  • Requires an experienced woodworker

• Store-bought cabinets
  • Affordable options from box stores
  • Limited sizes like 30 inches wide, 36 inches wide, etc.
  • Can be installed as upper kitchen cabinets or upper wall cabinets
  • Comes in shaker style, flat panel, or panel doors

To save money, consider unfinished cabinets or woodworker shop cabinets instead of high-end custom cabinetry.

Are Cabinets the Most Expensive Part of a Kitchen Remodel?

Yes, in most cases, kitchen base cabinets, deep cabinets, and upper cabinets are among the most expensive parts of a kitchen remodel.

Cost Breakdown of a Kitchen Remodel:

1. Cabinets (30-50%) – Kitchen layouts often require wide cabinets, square cabinets, and larger cabinets, increasing costs.
2. Counter tops (10-20%) – Quartz, granite, and solid wood are common choices.
3. Appliances (15-25%) – Refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers add to the kitchen renovation cost.
4. Labor and installation (10-20%) – Hiring an experienced woodworker or kitchen designers increases the upfront cost.

How to Cut Cabinet Costs:

• Choose pre-made cabinets instead of custom-built options.
• Use thrift stores for cost savings on hardware.
• Install unfinished cabinets and paint them yourself.

By selecting store-bought and flat-pack cabinets, you can significantly lower the actual kitchen remodel cost.

How Can You Tell If Cabinets Are High Quality?

High-quality cabinets last longer and improve the value of a kitchen remodel. Here’s how to identify strong wood cabinets:

Key Features of High-Quality Cabinets:

1. Material Quality
   • Solid wood or high-quality materials like plywood (not particleboard).
   • Cabinet carcass is sturdy with thick pieces of plywood.
2. Construction
   • Dovetail joints instead of glue or staples.
   • Cabinet frames should be strong and durable.
3. Hardware
   • Soft-close drawer slides and smooth drawer pulls.
   • Upper cabinets and deep cabinets should have reinforced shelving.
4. Finish
   • Even stain or paint with no bubbling.
   • Flat panel or shaker style should be smooth and seamless.
5. Customization & Storage
   • Larger cabinets and kitchen base cabinets should maximize storage space.
   • Shop-built cabinets often have better craftsmanship than cabinet stores.

To get high-quality cabinets, consider an experienced woodworker or kitchen designers who understand woodworker shop cabinets and can guide you in choosing durable pre-made cabinets or custom cabinetry.

Read more: How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost for a 12×12 Kitchen?