How I saved on our kitchen renovation by buying unassembled kitchen cupboards.
I am breaking down the variations in high quality and pricing among the many 4 forms of cupboards accessible from most huge field {hardware} shops.
I’ve used three of the 4 choices for my DIY initiatives through the years and have provide you with a favourite!
After a lot analysis on what kind of cupboard to make use of for our basement kitchenette mission, I made a decision to go along with unassembled kitchen cupboards for the primary time ever, and I am so glad I did! I will be sharing the advantages of those easy-to-assemble cupboards.
One factor that shocked me was the worth of high quality assembled cupboards. It appeared they have been growing in worth by the day! 😬
I did not contemplate customized cupboards simply because I can add so lots of the fancy particulars myself.
I’ve at all times utilized in inventory unfinished cupboards for my DIY builds, partly as a result of I am often impatient and wish to go get them after I need them, however principally as a result of the worth is unbelievable and so they can simply be up to date numerous methods.
However I needed somewhat increased high quality for this area, so after choices for our new kitchen, I made a decision on unassembled cupboards:
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I arrange my cupboard meeting on our lengthy eating desk within the basement with an enormous drop fabric and scrap cardboard from the cupboards on prime.
The one arduous a part of this cupboard constructing was getting them down the steps. The packing containers have been HEAVY (these are made with plywood as a substitute of the cheaper furnishings board the inexpensive variations are product of).
For the bigger cupboards, we opened them up and took the elements down in journeys.
As soon as down there although, the method was pleasantly straightforward and fast. I am a type of weirdos who does not thoughts furnishings meeting, so this was nearly enjoyable for me…like a puzzle.
After a pair I had the method down by coronary heart. I used to be totally impressed with the standard — the drawers have dovetail joints:
You do not want any fancy instruments for this cupboard meeting. A mallet and drill or screwdriver is all you will want.
The perimeters slide collectively after which are simply joined with the supplied nook braces and screws:
And the cupboards include all the pieces you will want — together with delicate shut drawer and door {hardware}:
Once I received going, the method went fast! I assembled 9 cupboards in a pair days — the smaller ones solely took about half-hour every. The extra advanced drawer items took about 45 minutes to an hour.
Let’s look nearer on the totally different cupboard choices.
I am breaking down the three forms of cupboards I’ve used and their worth, plus throwing in particulars of extra customized choices as effectively.
(These are primarily based on Residence Depot’s pricing simply because that is the place I’ve bought from most frequently.)
1. First up, the unfinished cupboards.
They arrive unfinished and are very fundamental. No frills, no delicate shut, no paint.
The items are usually product of particle board, which isn’t nice, however I’ve discovered it holds up simply nice for DIY initiatives like these constructed ins.
They’re cheap and really straightforward to replace your self!
I like utilizing these for bookcases like this as a result of I haven’t got to fret about priming and portray over a paint end. I can end them nonetheless I would like.
2. The second choice are assembled and painted in inventory cupboards.
These value greater than the unfinished variations, however come assembled and painted. They usually are available in just a few extra configurations (sizes and choices) as effectively.
This feature does not include delicate shut drawers or something like that, and are additionally made with cheaper supplies.
General I wasn’t thrilled with the standard on these and need I’d have gone with the variations I used within the basement. The pantry cupboards are holding up simply nice, however the basement kitchen ones have all of the bells and whistles!
3. Unassembled cupboards (what I used for our kitchenette).
These are by far my favourite of the three I’ve utilized in our residence, due to the standard and excessive finish particulars which might be included.
It is the little issues — the drawers are FULLY extendable. It is a element on our kitchen cupboards that I like! You’ll be able to entry all the pieces within the drawer simply:
The meeting wasn’t arduous in any respect — a newbie DIYer may simply do it. It might take extra time for those who’ve by no means assembled furnishings.
Residence Depot offers nice directions and how-to movies for these as effectively.
4. Particular order customized cupboards.
I’ve by no means used customized cupboards in our houses, so I am unable to converse to them personally. However they are often made to suit your room specs and the drawer and door design choices are countless!
Customized cupboards can be constructed with helpful organizational additions like pull out cabinets, spice racks, and many others.
As anticipated, these are often the most costly of the 4 choices.
Evaluating the worth of those cupboard choices.
Let’s discuss pricing, because it varies fairly a bit relying on what you decide!
I gathered costs for 2 cupboards (a base cupboard with drawers and a 36″ sink base) to match the pricing for every. (Once more, these are all Residence Depot cupboards.)
Thirty-six inch huge sink base:
- unfinished sink base/$189
- assembled in inventory sink base/$200
- unassembled completed sink base/ $339
- customized sink base choice/$658
Thirty-six inch drawer base cupboard:
- unfinished (largest dimension I may discover is 24″)/$215
- assembled in inventory drawer base/$462
- unassembled completed drawer base/$360
- customized drawer base/$1073
For probably the most half, the unassembled cabinetry goes waaaay additional for the cash.
I extremely advocate going with the unassembled cupboards for those who’re in search of a deal and do not thoughts the additional time and work they entail.
I made a useful graph so you may see the professionals and cons in a single spot:
I ought to point out, IKEA is at all times an ideal choice for cupboards, however I am overwhelmed each time I look into them. There are such a lot of choices and elements, it freezes my mind. 🙂
To not point out they often find yourself costing greater than the ironmongery store choices I’ve used.
We had our cupboards put in by contractors and I am so glad we did. I’ve put in many cupboards, however not with the variety of corners and spacers we wanted for this area.
This is a peek at how they got here collectively:
My little in-built cabinets work so effectively for us! We had some awkward area accessible so I made a decision to make use of it for baskets.
As a substitute of utilizing the fridge enclosure elements accessible on this cupboard assortment, we used plywood ripped all the way down to dimension to border it out:
You’ll be able to see a little bit of the flooring in these pics. I lastly received that put in over the vacations and I am unable to wait to indicate you.
A lot to catch you up on! I will be sharing extra progress quickly!
Have you ever used any of those cupboard choices in your house? I might love to listen to your expertise.