Sourcing quality cabinet doors doesn’t have to strain your project budget. Learn effective strategies here.
Key Considerations for Selecting Cost-Effective Cabinet Doors
Cabinets play an important role in defining a room’s aesthetics and functionality. However, a simple online search for where to buy cabinet doors can quickly reveal how costly it can be to achieve your and your client’s desired remodel.
At Conestoga Wood Specialties, we don’t believe that budget alone should determine whether you get the results you want. Below, we explore cost-effective strategies for sourcing quality cabinet doors so that you can help your clients enjoy the home makeovers they want at a more affordable price.
Your Needs
Before starting any budget cabinet door project, it’s essential to carefully assess your needs. This will help you understand what you can compromise on and what you can’t, as well as everything you need to be happy with the project’s outcome. There are three main factors to consider when assessing your needs.
Your Budget
It is essential to establish a realistic budget for your cabinet door project. Consider the materials you’ll use, installation, labor and any additional expenses needed to complete the project. As you budget, consider allocating reasonable percentages for each phase of the project. For example, you could allocate 60% of your budget for the doors themselves and the remaining 40% for accessories, such as hardware, and other installation necessities.
Cabinet Door Types and Materials
For budget-friendly bathroom or kitchen cabinets, knowing the available cabinet door styles is key. Fortunately, there are a variety of styles to choose from, including:
- Laminate cabinet doors: These doors can resemble natural wood and are resistant to scratches and stains.
- Particle wood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) doors: These options are effective alternatives to solid wood and look good with painted finishes.
- Stock cabinet doors: Stock cabinet doors are mass-produced in standard sizes.
Client Style Preferences
When choosing new or replacement cabinet doors, it’s important to consider your client’s style preferences. Do they prefer a traditional look, something modern or something eclectic? Answering these critical questions will help you stay within budget while ensuring that the final project is aesthetically pleasing.
3 Cost-Effective Strategies for Sourcing Quality Cabinet Doors for Kitchens and Baths
From kitchen remodels to pantry, closet and bathroom cabinet cases and doors, here are a few tips on how to save money while creating storage solutions for homeowners.
1. Consider Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets
RTA cabinets are premanufactured and come in flat-pack boxes for easy assembly. They’re easy to transport, and as long as you have basic tools and can follow instructions, they’re straightforward to put together.
The RTA route is a popular choice for anyone looking for a cost-effective option for upgrading cabinetry. They typically cost less than preassembled cabinet doors due to reduced shipping costs.
If you choose this route, it’s essential to look for a supplier who’s open to customization and offers a variety of finishes, styles and designs. For example, Conestoga Wood Specialties provides more than 1,500 customizable SKUs to choose from, allowing you to achieve your desired project aesthetics. In addition, our high-quality RTA cabinets and cabinet doors can help reduce shipping and labor costs and increase overall profits.
2. Repurpose or Reuse Older Materials
Before purchasing new cabinet doors, it’s worth evaluating whether you can repurpose materials. For example:
- Old cabinet doors: Consider refinishing or refurbishing cabinet doors from previous projects — as long as they are still in good condition. The doors must fit the cabinet boxes, which might require modifications.
- Excess material: If you have excess material from previous jobs and can build your own doors, you may be able to use these materials for an upcoming project.
- Unused display models: If you have display models that you no longer use, consider whether they can be repurposed to suit your new project’s needs.
3. Lean Into Referrals
According to a global survey published in 2021, 89% of respondents trusted recommendations from people they knew. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering how many people tend to distrust ads and other forms of traditional advertising. With home renovations, in addition to family and friends, you can also get reliable referrals from other contractors in your network. They may be able to recommend a supplier they trust and have worked with who is more affordable.
Current Industry Trends
Understanding kitchen cabinet door trends can help you make informed decisions on where to buy kitchen cabinet doors only. Some of the latest trends to be aware of include:
- Sustainable and eco-friendly materials: This eco-friendly option reduces environmental impact while maintaining quality and aesthetics.
- Minimalist and streamlined designs: There’s a shift toward minimalist designs emphasizing clean lines and simplicity. This can appeal to clients who seek a modern aesthetic without clutter.
- Affordable luxury finishes: Quality cabinetry is becoming more accessible to clients on a budget. Advances in technology and manufacturing have made it possible to achieve a particular look without exceeding budgets.
- Modular cabinets: These have predesigned components you can assemble for different spaces. They come in different styles, which you can mix and match to fit your project needs.
- DIY options: DIY cabinetry has become increasingly popular, catering to budget-conscious consumers. A good example is RTA cabinets, which come flat-packed and ready to be assembled, allowing homeowners and contractors to reduce labor costs.
- Efficient storage: Corner carousels, pull-out shelves and flexible shelving are all innovative examples of efficient storage solutions. They are created to help maximize space and reduce custom work while considering budget constraints.
- Budget-friendly customization: Semi-custom solutions offer clients who want more flexibility in designs with more options. With this route, contractors or builders can provide clients with more personalized design solutions without sacrificing their budget.
Cost-Effective Cabinet Door FAQ
Finding budget-friendly solutions for cabinetry can be challenging, especially when you have a lot of questions.
1. Is It Cost-Effective to Replace Cabinet Doors?
Yes. Replacement cabinet doors and drawers can transform the look of a kitchen or bathroom without an extensive remodel. It is often much more cost-effective to replace cabinet doors than entire cabinet units. However, if your client is looking for entirely new cabinets, RTA models can help keep costs more affordable while providing a fresh look.
2. What Is a Cost-Effective Cabinet Door Material?
Alternative materials, such as MDF and particle board, are budget-friendly and great for cabinet doors.
3. How Do You Make Cheap Cabinets Look Expensive on a Budget?
Swapping out outdated hardware with modern knobs and handles can help elevate the look of basic cabinets. In addition, painting cabinets in deep and rich colors and adding decorative molding can make cabinets look more luxurious. You can also upgrade lighting by adding LED strip lights underneath cabinets.
4. Where Can You Buy Cabinet Doors Only?
You can source cabinet doors only from Conestoga Wood Specialties. We offer various cabinet door styles, including traditional, farmhouse, transitional and contemporary.
Source Your Quality Cabinet Needs From Conestoga Wood Specialties
Opting for RTA cabinets, repurposing old stock and seeking referrals from trusted sources are some of the best cost-effective strategies for sourcing quality cabinet doors. If you go the RTA route, you can get a customized solution from Conestoga Wood Specialties.
Our cabinets are custom-made in the United States, and we follow the highest standards to ensure quality for our customers while also being budget-conscious. Contact Conestoga Wood Specialties today to learn more about our RTA cabinet systems.
