When renovating your kitchen on a tight budget, updating the cabinets can dramatically change the look of your space without the need to invest heavily. However, planning is essential to ensure you don’t overspend or miss out on opportunities to save.
A poorly executed kitchen renovation, especially by hiring an inexperienced installer, can leave you dissatisfied with the final result, no matter how much you spend on materials. Below, we’ll explore various cost-effective options for updating your kitchen cabinets, allowing you to create a fresh, modern space without breaking the bank.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Updating your kitchen cabinets on a budget can dramatically transform your space without needing a full renovation. Key cost-effective strategies include keeping your existing layout, opting for DIY or flat-packed cabinets, and focusing on small changes like replacing hardware, sanding, restaining, or painting.
Inspect cabinet quality to ensure durability and consider upgrading materials wisely. Simple updates like adding splashbacks, open shelving, or new benchtops can greatly impact.
Smart planning and shopping can help you achieve a refreshed kitchen without breaking the bank.
Evaluate What You Can Keep
Before purchasing brand-new kitchen cabinets, consider the current layout of your kitchen. It may not be necessary to rip everything out and start again.
By retaining your existing kitchen layout, you avoid the additional costs of relocating plumbing or electrical wiring. If your layout already works well for your needs, upgrading elements rather than replacing everything can save substantial money.
Enhance Your Existing Layout
Look closely at your kitchen setup and consider how small changes could enhance the functionality. Are there ways to save space that you haven’t explored yet? Modern kitchen designs often incorporate more efficient storage solutions, and tweaking your existing kitchen could offer similar benefits without the hefty price tag.
Consider consulting a professional if you need more clarification about what changes to make. They can offer guidance on updating your space without blowing your budget.
DIY Vs Ready-Assembled Cabinets
One of your most significant decisions is whether to opt for DIY flat-packed cabinets or pre-assembled ones. Flat-packed cabinets are often much cheaper and widely available from home improvement stores.
Many offer internal designers or external consultants to assist with the design and measurements for your kitchen. This approach is particularly appealing if you’re comfortable assembling the cabinets yourself.
Consider Professional Design Services
Even if you’re confident about measuring your kitchen space, some stores offer the option of having a representative come to your home for an accurate measurement. They can provide advice on the best layout for your space, and this service is often relatively inexpensive.
Professional input can prevent costly mistakes and ensure you get the best value from your renovation.
Inspect Cabinet Quality
While appearance is crucial, you must also consider the construction quality of the cabinets you’re purchasing. The strength and durability of the cabinets largely depend on the materials used, so don’t judge solely by the exterior finish.
Check The Back Panel And Side Thickness
Focus on the thickness of the panels, especially the back panel, which supports the structure. Some cabinets use back panels as thin as 3mm, which can easily warp and contribute to mould growth, especially in areas prone to temperature changes.
Choose cabinets with a minimum side panel thickness of 18mm, offering more durability and long-term value.
Choose High-Quality Materials
The most common material used in prefabricated kitchen cabinets is melamine-covered particleboard. Although some might think this material is of low quality, it is often durable enough if you opt for high-density particleboard.
If you’re unsure about the quality, ask the supplier for details on where they source their materials.
Update Instead Of Replace
If your kitchen cabinets are in good condition, particularly those made from solid wood, you may not need to replace them entirely. With a few strategic updates, you can give your kitchen a refreshed look at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation.
Cabinet Pulls And Handles
One of the simplest and most affordable ways to update your kitchen cabinets is by replacing the knobs, pulls, and hinges with modern hardware. This small change can bring your kitchen up to date with minimal effort.
Sanding And Restaining
If your wooden cabinets are scratched or outdated, consider sanding and restaining them. This process removes wear and tear and gives the wood a new lease on life.
It’s a cost-effective way to revitalise your kitchen without replacing the cabinetry entirely.
A Fresh Coat Of Paint
If you’re not a fan of stained wood, another option is to paint the cabinets. White kitchen cabinets, for instance, can give your space a bright and modern appearance. Other colour schemes can create a customised look that aligns with your design preferences.
Sand the cabinets, apply a coat of primer, and paint them in the colour of your choice for an entirely new look.
Small Changes, Big Impact
You don’t need a full kitchen renovation to see a transformation. Here are some simple, cost-effective updates that can refresh the appearance of your kitchen without a complete overhaul:
Cabinet Doors And Base Cabinets
Replacing just the cabinet doors or the base cabinets can give your kitchen an updated appearance without replacing the entire structure. Swapping out old doors for modern, sleek designs will immediately impact the kitchen’s overall look.
Open Shelving
Another popular trend is to incorporate open shelving into the kitchen. Not only is this an affordable option, but it can also create a more open and airy feel.
It allows you to display dishes and other kitchen essentials while breaking up the monotony of traditional closed cabinets.
Splashbacks And Feature Walls
Installing a splashback or a feature wall is a great way to add personality and style to your kitchen. Whether you choose tiles, glass, or another material, splashbacks protect the walls from spills and stains while giving your kitchen a new design element.
New Benchtop
If the budget allows, replacing the benchtop can significantly improve the visual appeal of the kitchen. A new benchtop in granite, wood, or even laminate can dramatically change the look and feel of your cooking space.
Updated Flooring And Tapware
Don’t overlook the effect new flooring and tapware can have on your kitchen. Even a modest change, such as installing new vinyl or laminate flooring, can modernise the space and complement your updated cabinets.
New tapware can also provide a stylish touch that ties the design together.
Tips For Budget-Friendly Updates
When you’re looking to renovate your kitchen on a budget, a few key strategies can help you achieve a refreshed look without overspending:
- Focus on cabinet doors and hardware: Instead of replacing entire cabinets, consider just the doors and hardware. This simple change can transform the look of your kitchen.
- Opt for open shelves: Remove a few upper cabinets and replace them with open shelves to create an airy, modern look.
- Repaint existing cabinets: A fresh coat of paint is one of the most budget-friendly updates you can make.
- Add splashbacks: Choose affordable tile or glass splashbacks for a pop of colour or texture.
- Shop around for materials: Explore multiple stores to compare cabinets, hardware, and other materials prices. You might find significant savings by shopping around.
Conclusion
You don’t have to sacrifice quality or style when updating your kitchen cabinets on a budget. You can refresh your kitchen without overspending by focusing on what you can keep, considering DIY options, choosing durable materials, and exploring small but impactful changes like painting or updating hardware.
Simple upgrades such as open shelves, splashbacks, and new tapware can also give your kitchen a new look while saving you money. Planning and making thoughtful decisions can result in a kitchen transformation that looks expensive but is achieved at a fraction of the cost.
FAQs
What Is The Best Month To Buy Kitchen Cabinets?
Christmas Sales: In the weeks before Christmas, there will be a high chance of finding some kitchen cabinets prices will be discounted. The reason for the discounted prices is because most people do not remodel over the holiday season. Therefore, manufacturers lower prices to help sell their products.
Which Kitchen Cabinets Are Most Durable?
Arguably the most durable material for kitchen cabinets, hardwood is solid wood. Some hardwood types, such as hickory or maple, will resist scratching and denting more than softwood species like walnut and mahogany. However, the former will cost more due to durability and overall quality.
Which Wood Is Better For Kitchen Cabinets?
The 5 best and most popular woods for kitchen cabinets are pine, oak, hickory, cherry, and maple. Pine, oak, and hickory are cheaper and easier to get. Cherry and maple look luxurious and cost more than the others. All 5 work well in the kitchen’s hot and humid environment.
What Are Cheap Kitchen Cabinets Made Of?
Of the three materials, Plywood is the best option for cheap kitchen cabinets. While you can still get nice MDF or particleboard cabinets, we would say to look for plywood. Our least expensive cabinets are plywood boxes with solid wood doors. They are quality construction for a cheap price.
Is It Cheaper To Buy Or Build Kitchen Cabinets?
Building your own kitchen cabinets is only a feasible plan if you have plenty of time, a shop full of tools, and intermediate woodworking skills. While building your own cabinets saves about 66%, the cost of tools and time eats into this significantly for someone who is not an experienced woodworker.
