Introduction
Upgrading your kitchen with new cabinetry can be an expensive endeavor, with the average cost of new kitchen cabinets ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. For homeowners on a tight budget, purchasing used kitchen cabinets can be a more affordable option to refresh the look of your kitchen without breaking the bank. But how much do used kitchen cabinets really cost?
The cost of used kitchen cabinets can vary greatly depending on several factors: where you purchase them, their condition, materials, size, and any modifications needed. Generally speaking, used cabinets tend to cost 25-60% less than brand new cabinets. With some savvy shopping at second-hand stores, auctions, or online marketplaces, you can find quality used cabinets for $50-100 per linear foot installed.
Below we’ll explore the ins and outs of buying used kitchen cabinets to help you determine realistic budget expectations. We’ll look at typical costs based on where you source them, their style and condition, any repairs or modifications needed, and the cost of professional installation. Read on for a comprehensive overview of how much you can expect to pay for pre-owned kitchen cabinets for your next remodel.
Where to Buy Used Kitchen Cabinets
The first thing to consider when budgeting for used kitchen cabinets is where you plan to source them. Some of the most common places to purchase second-hand cabinets include:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores that sell new and used building materials, appliances, furniture, home accessories, and more at 50-75% off retail pricing. Their inventory of used kitchen cabinets comes from donations or transforming old cabinets removed from Habitat construction projects.
Cost: Approximately $20 – $100 per cabinet
Considerations: Selection varies greatly by location and timing. Quantities, sizes, styles limited. May require repairs or refinishing.
Auctions
Live and online auctions like eBay can be great sources for discount kitchen cabinets, often selling at 30-60% off retail costs. Auctions allow you to bid on job lots of used cabinets from contractors, retailers, or suppliers.
Cost: $50 – $150 per cabinet
Considerations: Limited ability to see cabinets in person before bidding. Must remove and transport cabinets yourself.
Classified Listings
Websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace allow sellers to list used kitchen cabinets for sale by private owners. These tend to be homeowners selling during renovations or downsizing.
Cost: $25 – $100 per cabinet
Considerations: Limited availability. Must coordinate pick-up/delivery yourself. Harder to verify condition.
Cabinet Dealers
Some cabinet dealers specialize in selling used or discontinued kitchen cabinets. Their inventory comes from customer returns, cancelled orders, or upgrading display models.
Cost: $75 – $400 per cabinet
Considerations: Offer wider selection of styles and sizes. Higher cost but may include installation.
Architectural Salvage Stores
These specialty vintage and antique stores often have a selection of reclaimed kitchen cabinets, usually removed from old homes during renovations or demolitions.
Cost: $100 – $300 per cabinet
Considerations: Unique vintage styles. Patina and wear adds character. Supply limited based on salvaged goods.
Factors Affecting Used Cabinet Costs
Once you’ve determined the best places to source used kitchen cabinets for your needs, the next step is budgeting accurately based on other cost factors:
Quality and Condition
The condition of used kitchen cabinets can vary greatly, from near-perfect to totally unsalvageable. Inspect cabinets carefully before purchase for flaws like water damage, rot, broken joints, missing hardware, etc. The higher the quality and better shape it’s in, the more it will cost.
Well-maintained used cabinets in like-new condition can cost nearly as much as new stock cabinets. Heavily damaged cabinets may need so much work it’s not worth the investment. Evaluate condition to determine true value.
Materials
Kitchen cabinet materials also significantly impact cost. Solid hardwood cabinets tend to be the most expensive, while particleboard is the most budget friendly. Other materials like plywood, bamboo, and metal fall somewhere in between.
Finishes also affect cost, with high-end options like stain-grade wood or lacquered finishes being more costly than painted cabinets. Materials contribute greatly to durability and longevity as well.
Size
Larger used cabinets generally cost more than smaller ones. Full-height pantry cabinets, large sink base cabinets, and longer span upper cabinets command higher prices than standard 24-30” base cabinets with uppers. Evaluate based on size and storage capacity needed.
Style
Simple shaker-style cabinets tend to be the most affordable used cabinet option. More complex cabinet styles like inset or beaded face frames require precise joinery, making used versions more valuable.
Ornate cabinet doors with custom inlays, carvings, or intricate distressing effects will be pricier as well. Overall door style impacts cost.
Modifications Needed
Sometimes used kitchen cabinets require repairs, refinishing, or modifications to work within your new kitchen layout. Custom cut-downs, added shelves, new hardware, paint or stain touch ups, and re-facing will add to your total project cost.
Factor in labor and materials for such modifications when creating your used cabinet budget. The more alterations needed, the higher your overall expense.
Installation Cost
You’ll also need to account for the cost of hiring a professional installer if you don’t plan to DIY it. Typical cabinet installation fees range from $50-100 per hour. Complex layouts, modifications, or difficult access may increase rates. Get quotes from experienced installers before purchasing.
Used Kitchen Cabinet Costs by Condition
To give you a better idea of real price ranges, here’s an overview of approximate costs for used kitchen cabinets based on their overall condition:
Like-New Cabinets
Near perfect cabinets with barely any signs of previous use, no damage or flaws. Original doors, hardware and finishes are intact. Equivalent to new quality with substantial savings.
- Total Installed Cost: $125 – $300 per linear foot
Good Quality Used Cabinets
Gently used cabinets in good shape overall. May have minor scratches or dings. Hardware/doors original. Little restoration needed beyond basic cleaning or touch-ups.
- Total Installed Cost: $100 – $200 per linear foot
Fair Condition Used Cabinets
Moderately worn cabinets showing more signs of use. Some scratches, stains or paint wear. May need new doors, shelves, or hardware. Requires minor repairs and refinishing.
- Total Installed Cost: $75 – $150 per linear foot
Poor Condition Used Cabinets
Heavily worn cabinets with damage like peeling veneers, water stains, rotting, or structural damage. Will require extensive repairs, modifications, refacing or replacements.
- Total Installed Cost: $50 – $100 per linear foot
Used Semi-Custom vs Stock Cabinets
Another factor in used kitchen cabinet costs is whether they are basic stock or higher-end semi-custom. Here’s an overview:
Used Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets are pre-fabricated in standard widths and heights. They typically have limited options for finishes, door styles, and modifications. Basic plywood construction and melamine or thermofoil finishes help keep costs low. Used stock cabinets typically range from $50-150 per linear foot.
Used Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets are made-to-order within a range of sizes and options. They offer more door styles, wood species, finishes, and hardware choices. More adjustable shelves and greater storage versatility. Used semi-custom cabinets range from $150-300+ per linear foot.
Semi-custom used cabinets offer a more custom look and feel while remaining generally more affordable than full custom cabinetry. They help maximize value.
Estimating Your Used Cabinet Budget
When creating an estimated budget for used kitchen cabinets, follow these steps:
- Measure your existing cabinet layout and determine total linear feet of cabinets needed.
- Research pricing based on where you’ll source cabinets and their anticipated condition.
- Add estimated costs for any necessary modifications, repairs, or refacing.
- Factor in projected costs for professional installation if needed.
- Pad budget by 10-15% to allow for unforeseen issues or expenses.
This will provide an approximation of total project cost. Adjust as needed once you source and purchase specific used cabinets. Being flexible on cabinet style and configuration can also help lower costs substantially if needed.
With smart shopping at the right venues, quality used cabinets can cost a fraction of brand new while still transforming the look and function of your kitchen beautifully. Just be sure to inspect thoroughly and budget accordingly.
FAQs About Used Kitchen Cabinet Costs
How much do used kitchen cabinets cost compared to new?
Used kitchen cabinets typically cost 25-60% less than brand new cabinets. New stock cabinets range from $100-250 per linear foot. Comparable good quality used stock cabinets cost approximately $50-150 per linear foot installed.
Are Habitat for Humanity cabinets cheap?
Yes, Habitat ReStore locations offer very affordable used cabinets, usually priced between $20-100 per cabinet. Selection is limited but big savings can be found on cabinets removed from Habitat projects.
Is it worth it to buy used kitchen cabinets?
Buying used cabinets can be a smart way to save substantially on a kitchen remodel if you shop carefully for cabinets in good salvageable condition. Used cabinets offer quality and customization at a fraction of the price.
Can you mix new and used kitchen cabinets?
It is possible to incorporate some new cabinets purchased to match existing used cabinets. Careful measurements and coordinating finish treatments are needed to blend seamlessly. Best for small accent sections versus entire runs.
How much does it cost to refinish old kitchen cabinets?
Refinishing worn or damaged used cabinets adds $30-100 per cabinet depending on process. Staining averages $45-75 per cabinet. Repainting costs $30-50 per cabinet. Complete refacing runs $100-200 each.
Conclusion
In summary, used kitchen cabinets offer an affordable solution to transform the style and function of your kitchen without the high price tag of brand new cabinetry. With realistic budgeting for the purchase, transport, modifications, and professional installation based on total linear footage, you can determine approximate costs for your project.
Carefully sourcing quality used cabinets combined with some savvy DIY repairs and refinishing allows you to maximize savings on your kitchen remodel. Typical costs of $50-300 per linear foot installed can add up to 60% or more in savings over buying new. With a bit of creativity and patience finding the right used cabinets for your needs, you can achieve a customized, upscale new kitchen at a fraction of the price.