FeastHome – Once you planned to replace glass cabinet doors or remodel your kitchen completely, calculating the cost would be the best way to get started. At this point, you may end up getting interested in used kitchen cabinets instead of brand new ones.
Many homeowners who intend a complete kitchen redesign would know that cabinets cost higher than other things. The kitchen cabinet takes up to a third or even half of the total cost.
For a good reason, you may want to add exceptional fixtures and accessories, such as organizers, slide-outs, and lazy susans. After that, you will figure out the cost climbs even higher. That is why buying or bartering secondhand kitchen cabinets is ideal for cutting down the high cost.
If you want to save some more money by obtaining a used cabinet for your kitchen, the following information will help you find the best choice.
Used Cabinets – Materials and Quality
Most of the time, used cabinets were already used in some other home and repainted or refinished. This means you might get a cabinet with a little bit of scratch, but they can be touched up or repainted if necessary.
Before you even start to buy, you must have a detailed list of kitchen cabinet dimensions so that you can get the right size cabinets for your kitchen.
Once you go hunting for used cabinets, try to look for the ones with solid wood like oak or maple hardwood. Since hardwood is durable and sturdy, it should last for a long time. Softwood, such as pine or bamboo, is not recommended because they are prone to rotting.
Kitchen cabinet face frames are also important to look into. If the frame is made of a good grade of wood, then it will last longer. Also, notice the type of joints and nails in the frames to make sure they are sturdy.
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Benefits of Buying Used Cabinets
Purchasing a used cabinet is a cost-effective way to get the kitchen cabinets you need. You can save as much as 50 percent or maybe more compared to buying brand new cabinets.
Most of the time, used cabinets are refinished and cleaned by a professional. You don’t have to worry about quality since good cabinetmakers can refinish the cabinets to look new.
Another benefit of buying used cabinets is you can save space in your home. If you plan to move shortly, you may want to consider using secondhand cabinets. Since they are repainted and refinished, they should be ready for a new owner to use.
Tips for Fixing Up Used Cabinets
If you want to buy used cabinets, then go ahead and get them. You don’t have to do anything with it at this point.
But if you plan on using the kitchen cabinets, you should consider repainting and refinishing them first. You can do this in the store or at home.
To check the condition of the cabinets and evaluate whether they are sturdy, you can measure and compare them with new cabinets. You want to make sure that the size is not too small or too big for your kitchen.
You can also buy new kitchen cabinet hardware to replace the old ones. Even though the cabinets were used to hold your other kitchen items, they will not last indefinitely. So you should replace them with brand new stainless steel hardware.
Used Kitchen Cabinets Ideas and Tips
Now that you have decided to buy used cabinets, here are some ideas you can try:
Craigslist Used Kitchen Cabinets
Craigslist can be one of the best sites to visit when you are looking for any used items. This advertising site allows you to find other homeowners or shops that sell secondhand kitchen cabinets.
This is one of the kitchen cabinets found on Craigslist. As you can see, this cabinet still looks great and reliable for years to come. Both upper and lower cabinets use the same wooden material and get similar finishes.
This cabinet would be easy to fit in any kitchen style with natural brown color, especially rustic and farmhouse. It can make a great option for modern kitchens as well. However, you may want to change the finish for a more contemporary feeling.
To find the best deal on Craigslist, consider visiting the site based on your region. For example, if you are now living in Miami, check Craigslist Miami first. Here, you can discover the nearest deals around you.
Consider asking detailed questions about the kitchen cabinet via calls or emails. Make sure you have checked the price, too, before meeting the seller in person.
Used Kitchen Cabinets by Owner
A secondhand cabinet would be a good choice for a modern kitchen. This wooden cabinet has a light and modern-style finish, making it suitable for a contemporary kitchen.
This used cabinet is for sale by an owner. This is a used working cabinet, which means the previous owner has used it in a home for kitchen work. This type of previously owned cabinet is typically sold because the owner wants to remove it from his/her kitchen remodel project.
Unlike functioning, expensive, and clean new cabinets, this previously owned cabinet can be beaten up, dirty, and unattractive. Typically, this kind of used cabinet is extremely cheap or even free.
However, if you find the one, which still looks good, like shown in the picture, there should be a price to pay. You can find this used cabinet for sale on Craigslist Vancouver.
Used Display Kitchen Cabinets
Aside from used working cabinets, there are also display cabinets. Used display cabinets are previously displayed in a kitchen remodeling showroom or home improvement store.
When you visit a local home improvement store, it is possible to locate several cabinet displays installed to appear like real kitchens. When the store needs extra space, wants to remove a discontinued line, or goes out of business, it would eliminate the display cabinet.
This kind of cabinet falls in between new and used. They tend to be beaten up, but not as much as used cabinets from real kitchens. They are probably dirty, as well, but never dirtied by food residue and cooking grease.
As shown in the picture, this display cabinet still has that ‘new’ feeling and look. This is because a home improvement store will keep the display looking great. However, they are still not fresh. They are probably still a little dirty, dingy, or even slightly damaged.
Comes in black, this kitchen cabinet will work in any kitchen style. It also comes with some open shelves to store a collection of plates and display cookbooks.
Used Kitchen Display Cabinets for Sale
This is another example of used kitchen display cabinets. It has a sleek, modern design with a light brown color. The upper cabinets even have a built-in lighting hood. It features a simple yet elegant design, making it ideal for any modern kitchens.
When it comes to used display kitchen cabinets like this, you have a great chance to find a big-name or high-end product at a discount. More interestingly, it is possible to get the whole setup, including the lighting, faucets, sinks, etc.
Besides, the display also has some add-on features like glass door inserts, cabinet pullouts, and other kitchen appliances. Likely, you would pay a little more than used working cabinets. However, they can be worth the value.
Due to their wear-and-tear, used kitchen display cabinets will typically be deeply discounted from the cost of their new products. The discount can be around 50% to 75%.
2nd Hand Kitchen Cabinets
For a secondhand kitchen cabinet, this one looks a bit new. It comes with a traditional kitchen cabinet style with usual knobs or pulls. It will be a perfect choice if you need an update for your traditional or rustic kitchen.
Keep in mind that this secondhand kitchen cabinet is originally designed for the previous owner’s kitchen. Its height and width are particularly designed to fit this kitchen. Thus, you may need to check whether the cabinet suits your kitchen.
This kind of floor-to-ceiling cabinet would work best in a narrow kitchen. By taking advantage of its vertical design, you can make your kitchen feels higher and more spacious.
However, if your home is not a carbon copy of this kitchen, the cabinet may appear different once installed. At this point, you need to be creative in making this secondhand kitchen cabinet look flawless in your space.
If you find a kind of like-new secondhand kitchen cabinet like this, just install it carefully. You may come to witness the process yourself to take care of it.
Discontinued Kitchen Cabinets
Since kitchen showrooms and home improvement stores continuously update their products, there will be discontinued kitchen cabinets available. At this point, they will typically sell these kitchen cabinets at a considerable discount.
This beautiful kitchen cabinet is a great example of a discontinued product previously displayed in the kitchen showroom. It features a unique carved wood surface, making it more interesting. Another appealing part would be the black pulls, which match the countertop.
These discontinued kitchen cabinets may look like new, but they are not. Since they have been displayed before, they might be dirty or mildly damaged. However, they will not be as bad as old cabinets, which are previously used in actual kitchens.
For a discontinued kitchen cabinet, the price would be discounted up to 75% off depending on its quality when being sold. The good news is that the model is relatively trendy. This means your kitchen will not feel outdated.
IKEA Kitchen Cabinets
It is no secret that Ikea has a range of excellent kitchen cabinets. However, the new ones would cost considerably high. For this reason, you may consider buying secondhand products to save some money.
These Ikea kitchen cabinets stand out. Combining natural wood and sleek white color, these cabinets would make a good addition to any modern kitchens—search for one in used condition to cut some budget for buying the new ones.
Note that the whole process of effectively finding Ikea kitchen cabinets in used condition would take much time and effort. It applies to other brands as well. There would be some factors to consider aside from finding the cheap alternative.
Since particular cabinets are designed to meet certain kitchen sizes and shapes, finding the one that meets your need will take time. Sometimes, the process of seeking the perfect set of used cabinets can take months, especially if you are on a strict kitchen redesign timeline.
Free Used Kitchen Cabinets
While used cabinets are typically lower in price than those, there are even some of them that are offered free. You can browse on the internet to find free used cabinets with various styles and shapes.
Homeowners who plan to update their kitchen completely often offer free used cabinets. Since uninstall the cabinets would take time and sometimes money, offering them free to others becomes a good option.
As a potential recipient, you would need to uninstall and load the cabinets by yourself. When you find a nice free kitchen cabinet offered out there, you should respond quickly because the previous owners usually reward the person who comes first.
The picture above shown a free-used kitchen cabinet, which is still in good condition. This cabinet is used as a kitchen island which roles as a cooking area instead of additional prep space. It features white drawers, which beautifully contrast the natural brown cooktop.
eBay Used Kitchen Cabinets
eBay is another good place to find secondhand kitchen cabinets. There are plenty of kitchen cabinets available on eBay. Indeed, they also come at various styles, shapes, and prices.
This is one of the kitchen cabinet sets available on eBay. This shaker oak kitchen cabinet has a round edge, making it a great option for a family with small kids. Moreover, its round edge is also ideal in small kitchens with a narrow walkway.
It comes in sleek, light-colored wooden material, which looks good in any kitchen style. You can use it to complete both a modern and rustic kitchen. The black countertop here would make a nice accent in the overall design.
Cheap Used Kitchen Cabinets
If you are looking for cheap kitchen cabinets, buying used ones is a good solution. However, you should know the pros and cons of buying either new or used cabinets.
This kitchen cabinet would be sold at a low price when it is already worn. This is a simple yet practical cabinet, which is ideal for a small kitchen.
Different from the lower ones, the upper cabinets feature glass doors. These features can help the kitchen feels airier at some points. It would be a good option if you were planning to create a mini kitchen in the basement.
For a cheaper deal, consider finding a local group, which homes people who offer inexpensive or even free furniture. Here, you can find those who offer kitchen cabinets easily. More importantly, the competition will not be fierce since the cabinets are only offered to a particular region.
However, local groups may offer limited products as well. You may find it hard to find a perfect kitchen cabinet quickly.
Used Oak Kitchen Cabinets for Sale
Oak is one of the most popular materials for kitchen cabinets. This wood is versatile and works well in many types of finishes. If you seek a used oak kitchen cabinet, the picture above should give you a sight of what to expect.
This secondhand oak kitchen cabinet features ample storage for your kitchen. Both lower and upper cabinets are made of similar oak, but the design is slightly different in its carving style.
Besides, the bold grain of oak delivers a more woody appearance in this kitchen. That is why it is often used for a transitional or even traditional kitchen design.
If you are buying this kind of oak kitchen cabinet on the market, it can be sold along with the countertop. However, it is possible that the seller only put up some part of the cabinets only for sale. At this point, you may only get the upper or the lower cabinets.
FAQs
Where to buy or find used kitchen cabinets?
You can buy used cabinets through websites like Craigslist or eBay. If you do this, then the price may be lower than purchasing them from stores.
Alternatively, you can ask your neighbor or relatives if they have any secondhand kitchen cabinets that they don’t use anymore.
Where to sell used kitchen cabinets?
You may want to sell your used cabinets in the store or a yard sale. To do this, you must post signs on the outside of the house or put up fliers so that people can come.
You can also put up a listing on Facebook or Craigslist. If you do this, then you must make sure that the venue is secure and safe. Make sure that they are clean and properly maintained also. You don’t want anything to happen as an accident or leakage on the property.
Who buys used kitchen cabinets?
Two common people buy used cabinets. First, some are remodeling their kitchen and need to save money on cabinet costs. Second, some people purchase cabinets for the value of the wood they contain or as a hobby.
If you want to sell your used kitchen cabinets, then you definitely want to make sure that the person who buys them is someone who can keep them in good condition.
Most people who purchase secondhand kitchen cabinets usually are contractors or individuals doing remodeling projects in their homes. They can carry the cabinets from house to house or use them in their own homes.
How do you safely buy kitchen cabinets from Craigslist?
The good rule of thumb is to meet with the sellers in a public place. Then, come with a friend when meeting the sellers. Do not forget to ask detailed questions about the cabinets before making the final decision.
Check the price as well. Make sure it does not exceed the standard price for a used cabinet. Moreover, it is also recommended never to give out your personal information.
How much do used kitchen cabinets cost?
The average cost of kitchen cabinets ranges between $160 and $380. This cost is per linear foot for stock or semi-custom cabinets. Meanwhile, the total cost may range between $3,200 and $8,500.
Secondhand kitchen cabinets can cost lower than this. For example, an oak kitchen cabinet along with its countertop is sold around $2,500 only.
Moreover, a simple free used standing cabinet may only cost $29. Thus, depending on the models you are seeking, the price can be lower or higher.
Why are cabinets so expensive?
There are some reasons why the cabinets are considerably expensive. Aside from the material costs, cabinets are expensive because they are passed through dealers and intermediaries. Thus, the price increases each time they are passed.
That is why it is often recommended to look in your region for independent kitchen cabinet shops. They typically offer a better product at a lower price.
Can you reuse kitchen cabinets?
Mostly yes. When a used kitchen cabinet is still in good condition and uninstalled successfully, chances are you can reuse it right away. However, if it is already worn out, you may need to consider repainting the cabinet.
If the doors are already damaged, you may consider removing them and create open storage. You can also use the old cabinets to create a workstation or a desk.
How do you make your kitchen cabinets look new again?
Used kitchen cabinets can look new again when treated well. Give your old cabinets a comprehensive cleaning and polishing so they can look shiny and new again. Besides, you can also repaint the kitchen cabinets to update the look.
Are Thermofil cabinets worth buying?
In general, Thermofil cabinets are praised for their superior moisture resistance. Nevertheless, while they are resistant to moisture better than other materials like wood and plain MDF, they are not waterproof.
Are Wellborn Cabinets good quality?
Wellborn Premier cabinets offer a combination of fashion, style, art, and quality. They are considered some of the most expensive products. However, their quality, durability, and reliability are unquestionably top-notch.
How can I save money on new kitchen cabinets?
You can do it by comparing door styles, selecting an affordable wood material, considering laminate or thermofoil, and customizing less.
To save more, you should consider skipping a glaze addition to your stain or paint as well. However, the price might still be higher than secondhand kitchen cabinets.
To sum up, buying a used cabinet is ideal for saving more money when remodeling a kitchen. With some time and effort, you can successfully find a perfect cabinet in used condition.
There are some good places to find used kitchen cabinets. They are either previously working cabinets or displayed products; make sure you choose the one that suits your existing kitchen space and design. Happy shopping!
