Top Reasons to Buy Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets

When remodeling a kitchen, installing new cabinets can be one of the most exciting yet challenging parts of the process. With so many options on the market, from ready-to-assemble to custom built-ins, the choices may seem endless. Recently, unfinished kitchen cabinets have been gaining popularity among homeowners looking to put their creative stamp on a kitchen refresh without breaking the bank.

Advantages of Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets

So what exactly are unfinished kitchen cabinets, and what are the benefits of choosing them? As the name suggests, these cabinet boxes come without any factory-applied finishes, meaning no stains, paints, glazes, or protective top coats. Instead, they arrive raw and ready for the homeowner to customize. This leads to several key advantages.

Creative Customization

With unfinished cabinets, the design possibilities are nearly limitless. Homeowners can stain or paint them any color imaginable to match their unique style vision for the kitchen. Whether aiming for a contemporary gray and white scheme or a more traditional cherry wood look, unfinished cabinets offer blank canvases to work with.

Beyond colors, homeowners can also customize finishes by choosing smooth, brushed, or cracked paint techniques. The doors and drawers can also be swapped out for ones with glass fronts, intricate details, or inlaid panels to take the design even further.

Cost Savings

Because unfinished cabinets skip the finishing steps at the factory, they come with a more budget-friendly price tag versus pre-finished options. Since you take care of customizing them at home, you save on both materials and labor. This makes unfinished cabinets ideal for cost-conscious renovations.

Rather than replacing your existing kitchen cabinetry, you may also use unfinished cabinets to supplement what you already have. Adding a pantry cabinet, island, or shelving using unfinished pieces is much more affordable than buying all new matching cabinetry.

Quality Materials

Just because they aren't finished does not mean unfinished cabinets skimp on materials and construction. They are typically made from durable plywood boxes and solid wood doors and drawers. Unfinished cabinets also come fully assembled with mounting hardware, hinges, and drawer glides included.

With many options from stock to semi-custom, you choose the quality and features important to your kitchen's needs and budget. Opt for solid wood doors or affordable veneers, soft-close hinges, full extension drawers, and adjustable shelves to customize both the style and function.

Evaluating Your Needs

While the creative possibilities may seem exciting, undertaking an unfinished cabinet project requires some planning and skill. Before committing, honestly evaluate your budget, timeline, and abilities to avoid getting in over your head.

Available Space

First, examine your kitchen layout and storage needs. Make sure to measure your existing cabinet footprint as well as available wall space to determine sizes and configuration options. Think about how much storage you require for dishes, appliances, pantry items, and more when deciding on interior organization features.

Pairing Materials

You'll also want to consider what other materials are already in your kitchen, like countertops, backsplashes, and floors. Matching new unfinished cabinets to existing elements creates a cohesive look. For example, you may want a stain color similar to current wood floors.

However, sometimes contrasting finishes can make things stand out. A dark navy island can pop against white quartz counters and open shelving. Just be sure to pick up sample chips at the hardware store to visualize combinations.

Installation Factors

While unfinished cabinets come fully constructed, you will need to install them properly yourself. Depending on your skill level, this may require hiring a contractor. Be sure to account for added costs of tools, materials, and labor if you cannot handle this solo.

The installation process itself also takes time and access to the kitchen area. Plan for potential delays or living without a functional cooking space if you only have one.

Sourcing Unfinished Cabinets

Once you decide unfinished cabinets fit your kitchen plans, it's time to start shopping. You may be surprised at the number of options that exist both locally and online. Here are some of the best places to browse:

Big Box Stores

Home improvement warehouse stores like Home Depot and Lowe's offer a decent selection of RTA and unfinished stock cabinets typically made from particle board or plywood. They also have stains and paints to finish them.

While very budget-friendly, the quality and selection tend to be limited. However, this can be a good option for small projects like adding a pantry cabinet to match existing ones bought at these retailers.

Online Retailers

For more sizes, styles, and customization possibilities, browse websites that specialize in unfinished cabinets. Retailers like Barker Cabinets, Kitchen Cabinet Kings, and Ready To Finish Cabinets offer everything from modern shaker to traditional inset cabinetry.

Ordering online provides all the sizing, storage, material, and add-on options you could want. Just be prepared to pay a bit more for higher quality solid wood pieces with unique organizational elements like spice racks and wine glass holders.

Local Shops

Lastly, visit cabinet showrooms or woodworking shops in your area. Custom unfinished cabinet makers can provide the greatest flexibility if you have an unusual kitchen layout or very specific design preferences. Supporting local artisans also appeals to many homeowners.

This option does typically come at a premium cost, however, customization allows you to make every functional detail perfect for your cooking and storage habits.

Preparing and Customizing Cabinets

Once your unfinished cabinets arrive safely, the fun part begins! Here are some tips to guide you through choosing finishes and making them your own:

Choosing Stain vs. Paint

The first decision involves choosing either stain or paint. Stains allow the natural wood grain to show through, bringing out unique patterns and depth. Paints, on the other hand, provide opaque coverage for bold, uniform colors uninhibited by differences in wood species.

Make sure to pick the right products for whichever route you select. Using paint over stain (or vice versa) without proper prep may lead to peeling or yellowing down the road. Consult an expert at a home improvement store for the best primers, conditioners, and topcoats.

Sanding and Cleaning

Whichever finishing method you select, properly prepping the existing cabinet surfaces is a must. Use fine grit sandpaper to scuff up the unfinished wood, which helps finishes adhere properly. Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust before beginning.

Most unfinished cabinets just have machine edging, so sanding also softens those marks for a more even, smooth appearance. Be sure to hit corners and crevices too for thorough coverage.

Personalizing with Paint or Stain

This is where homeowners can really flex their design skills. From selecting a universal stain or color for all cabinets to mix-and-match looks, anything goes. Try glass front doors in one color with solid side panels in another. Or opt for an ombre look using progressively darker shades.

Look to existing kitchen elements like flooring, wall paints, and metals for inspiration. For resale value, more subdued neutrals and wood tones tend to appeal to buyers. But if you want to go bold with navy blue or evergreen for your own enjoyment, why not?

Adding Hardware

After paint or stain comes choosing knobs, pulls, or handles to update your once-unfinished cabinets' look even further. Matte black, brass, and satin nickel remain popular. Consider a mix of metals for variety: copper shelves with bronze pulls and stainless steel fixtures.

Placement is also key for both form and function. Pull position affects access and leverage when opening doors and drawers. Play around to find what works ergonomically. Then tweak spacing for visual appeal. Repeat hardware down a long run of cabinets creates uniformity.