Kitchen Cabinets for the Budget Conscious
Home Depot's and Lowes' stock kitchen cabinets are really worth a look if you are on a tight budget. We're impressed with the color selection of Home Depot's new Distinctions line. Lowes' stock cabinets are still a good choice if you want to stain or paint your kitchen cabinets.
We previously reported using Lowes stock kitchen cabinets in our basement kitchen. They are holding up very well and are a good choice. However, the color choices are limited to white, oak and maple. On a recent visit to Lowes, the maple cabinets appeared on the yellow side. This happens with maple wood and is no fault of Lowes. If you are interested in maple, you should visit you local Lowes and see it for yourself.
Home Depot's Distinctions Cabinets
Home Depot's new Distinctions stock kitchen cabinets have a wider color selection. We really liked the Glendale Burgundy. Despite the name, this is really a Cherry color and was very attractive. (The photo above does not do it justice.) So if you have your heart set on a darker, richer, cherry colored cabinet, then take a look at Glendale Burgundy.
We found the following styles and colors for the Distinctions Line at our local Home Depot:
- Wickford in Arctic White,
- Glendale in Champagne Oak,
- Wadsworth in Bay, and
- Glendale Burgundy.
Other colors are available, but they have to be special ordered. You can buy these cabinets already assembled from your local Home Depot. The cabinets can also be purchased unassembled if transportation is an issue for you. Our Home Depot did not have unassembled cabinets, so call them before you go to the store.
Our research showed that the Masco Retail Cabinet Group manufactures the Distinctions Line. They also make Kraft Maid Cabinetry, Venicia by KraftMaid, Ascentia by KraftMaid, Cross Creek by KraftMaid, KraftLine and Mill's Pride.
Kitchen remodeling can range from simple tasks to more complex tasks. Even if you're considering doing a lot of work yourself, you might need help or want to talk to someone about:
- Refacing your existing cabinets,
- Installing new cabinets, or
- A full kitchen remodel that included design, cabinets, appliances, etc.
You can talk with a pre-screened kitchen expert in your area about the above subjects. Please visit our Guide to Kitchen Remodeling. You are under no obligation and your information will be protected.
Designing your Kitchen
Stock kitchen cabinets only come in certain sizes. This means you will have to spend a little more time designing your kitchen. Use the kitchen design tool to get started.
We played around with the tool and believe it can really help you. We also suggest that you lay out your space with masking tape to help you visualize how things will look.
Home Depot's Distinction cabinetry also has decorative crown molding. We've never seen crown molding offered in the Lowes stock kitchen cabinetry though.
Lowes stock cabinet still a good option
Lowes offers two kinds of stock cabinetry. The first is their Kitchen Classics Pre-Assembled in Stock Cabinets (click the Product Demo icon on the left side of page). We used this in our basement kitchen.
Lowes also offers an unfinished oak cabinet in their Continental Cabinet line. Use these cabinets if you want to paint or stain your cabinets a different color. Better yet, sand and paint your existing cabinets and save even more. Even if you do replace them, consider using them for storage in your garage or work shop instead of sending them to the landfill.
Dress up your cabinets
Just because you opt for Home Depot's Distinctions or Lowes Stock cabinets doesn't mean they have to look cheap. Dress them up with some nice cabinet knobs and pulls and most people will not know the difference.
Also choose a nice Formica or granite top. The Formica tops that we used in our basement kitchen cost about $1,200. Comparable prices at the Home Depot and Lowes were much higher.
Granite does not have to be so expensive either. Watch for sales and choose less expensive stones like Ubatuba Verde, Baltic Brown and Peach Blossom. You can find deals for $35-$45 a lineal foot with a pencil edge. If the price is too good to be true, use caution. See our article for tips on selecting granite.
If this article helped you, please Buy Us a Latte.
Comments
If these cabinets you're
If these cabinets you're talking about are the same as a customer of ours just got, they're awful. It was mostly the out of square piece that made it difficult; he got his countertop from us and while I believe the nightmare is over (haven't heard from the contractor since the final install) it was a real pain getting the things lined up and square enough to take a countertop.
wholesale apparel
Caveat emptor on in-stock Lowes or Home Depot Cabinets
I don't think these are exactly the same cabinets since ours were installed years ago. We did not experience the problems you experienced.
Totally agree that out of square pieces can be a problem so make sure you inspect the cabinets at the store. I wouldn't take any cabinets that are out of the box or in a torn up box. Also, if the cabinet is broken, out of square, etc. take it back to the store.
Bottom line--- still believe these are a good value
Don't forget the Green Cookware
I like to moderate with new designs of tiles and all and the kitchen shown in the above article .... green cookware
Low prices on Kitchen Cabinets
http://www.kitchencabinetdepot.com consistently offers low prices over the internet for high quality, real wood kitchen cabinets that are sure to last- plus, they've been in business since 1977, which to me adds to their reliability.
Is it safe to install a glass
Is it safe to install a glass frameless shower screens unto a plaster wall?
Kitchen Cabinet Hardware - Beautiful Savings for Designers
Anyone that seriously wants big box retail cabinets to look good needs to invest in some expensive hardware. Forget dropping a few bux at the local big box stores. Head on down to Restoration Hardware or another store that specializes in making things beautiful!
Budget Kitchen Cabinets
I think the style and color chosen for the kitchen cabinets is probably one of the most important part of designing any kitchen.
that was plain and simple!
that was plain and simple! thats what i like.
i will use it soon
The most elegant kitchen cabinets
Beautiful elegant and fabulous kitchen cabinets ever!
Getting a good deal that fits
Getting a good deal that fits your budget is always a pleasant experience. Investing in cheap kitchen cabinets, however, will cost you more money in the end than they saved you in the beginning. They will begin to fall apart in short order, and you will either have to get them repaired or replace them entirely, far sooner than you thought you would have to do so.
The following article offers some alternatives to cheap kitchen cabinets. They are inexpensive, so they will save you some money, but they also won’t fall apart on you within a few months.
http://www.helpful-kitchen-tips.com/kitchen-blog/2010/04/02/cheap-kitche...
Lowes Unfinished Oak
If these cabinets you're talking about are the same as a customer of ours just got, they're awful. It was mostly the out of square piece that made it difficult; he got his countertop from us and while I believe the nightmare is over (haven't heard from the contractor since the final install) it was a real pain getting the things lined up and square enough to take a countertop.
No, they were finished maple cabinets
The cabinets in the picture were all finished and came in a natural oak. Unfortunately, they are no longer available in the exact finish. The ones currently at Lowes have a hint of yellow in them.
We have never worked with the unfinished Lowes cabinets but I know they are dirt cheap. In fact have seen them used on a HGTV program as a base cabinet. Nevertheless, I will take your word for it. If anyone is going to use the Lowes unfinished cabinets, be sure to inspect each before you take them home. They get thrown around the warehouse and damaged. Also be careful loading them yourself.
There are many low cost
There are many low cost options for kitchen cabinets today that really look fabulous. For the most part imitation surfaces and doors are hard to pick from the real thing and come at a fraction of the price. Also think about ways to revamp what you have to cut down on costs.
Cabinet Model # 309498 (D)
This cabinet comes with instructions for putting together, but none for installation. Could you help me?
Thanks a lot for sharing
Thanks a lot for sharing these information.The plan picture has also helped a lot.Look forward to your next post.
Ideas for modern kitchen design
Check out the Neff Kitchen Appliances http://www.ebstonekitchens.co.uk/
custom closets and kitchen
custom closets and kitchen cabinets are the most important part of the kitchen. This is so because you tend to put and organize kitchen utensils including plates and glasses for a cleaner view and of a spacious kitchen room.
Distinctions Brand a big hassle
Hello all! Two months ago we went to Home Depot, designed, and ordered our cabinets from Distinctions Brand. Although the assembly and installations are quite easy and straight forward, the quality is substandard.
When it came time to assemble and install the base cabinets, particularly the blind base cabinet (SB30), we ran into our first problem. I noticed right away that even the package the cabinet was shipped in was completely crushed on one end. Upon opening the box and further inspection, the bottom panel was busted and the majority of the hardware was missing.
I notified Home Depot, returned the product and was told that it will take another 2-3 weeks for a replacement to arrive. Need I remind you that I had just removed all of my existing Kitchen. Now the "eating out" really began. Alas, two weeks later the replacement arrived. The box appeared to be in good condition and I took the cabinet home for assembly. Again, after opening it up, the bottom panel was found to be busted into pieces again.
This time, the representative from Home Depot conferenced a rep from Distinctions, myself and her. The rep from Distinctions offered her apologies but, ended with "well, you shouldn't have torn your kitchen completely apart yet!" After much debate and possible solutions, the Distinctions rep finally agreed with Home Depot and myself. She would ship the bottom panel directly to my residence, wrapped in protective bubble wrap and in a secure box.
So, here I am, two more weeks later and the bottom panel has arrived. With much anticipation, we opened the box only to discover that panel was only covered with other card board panels being taped directly to the panel and put into a larger box. Needless to say, the corner of the bottom panel was busted again and the glue from the tape relentlessly sticking to the panel.
Kitchen cabinet installation tip
I'm sorry that you are having so much trouble. One has to wonder what the h---- they are doing at Distinctions. Did you ever get this resolved? Let us know.
For the rest of us who are thinking of installing a "assemble yourself" kitchen cabinet, the lesson learned here is "don't tear out your old cabinets until the new cabinets arrive and you have assembled them."
refacing cabinets
Refacing cabinets is a good idea only if the cabinet cases are still in good condition, still well attached to the wall, and were hung properly. New facings are sometimes heavier and/or the process of removing and installing facings can cause the cases, especially wall hung cabinets, to move further out of square and plum.
If your cabinets' cases are not strong and well constructed or are showing signs of weakness, you are probably better off buying new cabinets all together.
Just food for thought.
durability
Cabinet that are not solid wood do not hold up as well
Lowe's Wadsworth Maple Cabinets Appear Yellow
I noticed that also. The sales associate told me the Wadsworth Maple cabinets are yellowish because they have a stain on them. They are not natural maple which will darken over time.
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