You can find kitchen cabinets at many different places, including big box home improvement stores, specialized kitchen cabinet retailers, local cabinet shops, directly from online kitchen cabinet stores, and through kitchen cabinet wholesalers. The best place for you depends on your budget, timeline, and how much customization you need for your new kitchen.
Choosing new kitchen cabinets is a big step for any home remodel. Cabinets set the look and feel of your kitchen. They also need to be strong to hold dishes and food for years. Knowing where to buy kitchen cabinets makes the whole process much smoother. This guide will explore all the main options available today.
Deciphering Your Cabinet Needs First
Before you look at any store, know what you want. This step saves time and money later. Ask yourself these simple questions:
- What is my budget for just the cabinets?
- Do I need standard sizes, or do I need special fits (custom)?
- Do I want to assemble them myself, or should they come ready to hang?
- What style—modern, traditional, or something else?
Knowing these answers helps narrow down the best places for kitchen cabinets to focus your search.
Big Box Home Improvement Stores: Convenience and Variety
Large chain stores are often the first stop for many homeowners. They offer easy access and a wide range of products.
What These Stores Offer
These massive stores stock many different cabinet lines. You can usually find options from basic stock cabinets to semi-custom lines. They often have display models you can touch and see in person.
- Pros: Easy to visit multiple options in one trip. Often have good sales events. You can often buy stock sizes right off the shelf for quick projects.
- Cons: Selection might be limited compared to specialized shops. Design help quality can vary greatly between locations.
These stores carry cabinets that fit into many common budget levels, making them a good starting point when looking for discount kitchen cabinets or mid-range options.
Comparing Stock vs. Semi-Custom at Big Box Stores
| Cabinet Type | Assembly Required | Customization Level | Typical Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | Usually Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) or Pre-assembled | Very little; only standard sizes | Lowest |
| Semi-Custom | Mostly Pre-assembled | Some options for depth, finish, and door styles | Mid-range |
Specialized Kitchen Cabinet Retailers and Showrooms
If you want more guidance or higher quality, visiting dedicated kitchen cabinet showrooms is the next logical step. These stores focus only on kitchens.
The Benefit of Expert Design Help
These kitchen cabinet retailers employ designers whose main job is helping you plan your space. They use special software to show you exactly what your new kitchen will look like before you order.
These places often work with specialized kitchen cabinet suppliers that offer unique materials or finishes not found in general stores.
Key Advantages of Showrooms:
- Personalized design service is usually included in the process.
- Access to high-end or unique product lines.
- Better quality control checks on orders before they arrive at your home.
While the initial price might seem higher here, the level of service and guaranteed fit often saves headaches—and money—down the road.
Connecting with Custom Kitchen Cabinet Makers
For unique spaces, oddly shaped rooms, or very specific aesthetic goals, you need custom kitchen cabinet makers. These are skilled artisans and builders.
When Customization is Key
Custom means they build the cabinets just for your space. They measure everything precisely. This is ideal if you have non-standard wall lengths or need specific built-in features, like spice racks hidden inside drawers or unique appliance housings.
Finding a Good Custom Maker:
- Portfolio Review: Look closely at photos of their past work. Does the finish quality look high?
- Material Knowledge: Ask them about the wood types, joinery techniques (like dovetail drawers), and hardware they use.
- Local Reputation: Check local reviews and ask for references. A good custom maker relies heavily on word-of-mouth.
Custom work takes longer. You must plan several weeks, or even months, for design, construction, and finishing. It is usually the priciest option, but it delivers a truly unique and perfect fit.
Exploring Kitchen Cabinet Wholesalers and Dealers
If you are a contractor, a skilled DIYer, or buying for a large project, dealing with kitchen cabinet wholesalers can offer big savings.
Buying in Bulk for Lower Prices
Wholesalers sell cabinets in large quantities directly from the manufacturer. They bypass the retail markup. However, they often have minimum order requirements. You might not be able to walk in and buy just one or two cabinets.
Local kitchen cabinet dealers often bridge the gap between retail and wholesale. They might offer better pricing than big box stores because they keep overhead lower, but they still sell direct to homeowners. They often specialize in one or two brands, meaning they know those lines very well.
Tips for Working with Wholesalers/Dealers:
- Always ask about shipping costs if you are not picking up the order yourself.
- Confirm the warranty details; sometimes, the manufacturer’s warranty is different when buying through a third-party dealer.
- Be prepared to handle your own installation unless the dealer offers it as an add-on service.
The Rise of Online Kitchen Cabinet Stores
The internet has made buying cabinets easier than ever. Online kitchen cabinet stores offer a vast selection delivered right to your door.
Benefits and Challenges of Buying Online
Online purchasing is excellent for RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets, which are often significantly cheaper because you pay for shipping flat boxes instead of assembled units.
The Major Advantages:
- Price Comparison: It is easy to compare prices across many brands quickly.
- Huge Selection: Online shops are not limited by showroom floor space, so they offer endless door styles and colors.
- Accessibility: You can shop 24/7 from home.
The Major Drawbacks:
- Can’t Touch the Product: Color and wood grain can look different on your screen than in real life. Always order a sample door first!
- Shipping Damage Risk: Even with good packaging, items can get damaged in transit. Inspect everything immediately upon arrival.
- Installation Support: Support is usually phone or email based, not in-person.
Many online stores now offer free design tools or low-cost professional design reviews to help compensate for the lack of in-person consultation.
Comparing Purchase Paths: A Summary Table
To help you decide, here is a quick look at what you gain and what you might sacrifice at different sources:
| Source Type | Best For | Average Lead Time | Price Range | Design Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Box Stores | Quick projects, budget shoppers | Varies (Immediate to 6 weeks) | Low to Mid | Basic |
| Kitchen Cabinet Showrooms | Mid-to-high quality, detailed planning | 4 to 10 weeks | Mid to High | Excellent |
| Custom Makers | Unique spaces, specific designs | 8 to 16+ weeks | Highest | Very Detailed |
| Online Stores | RTA savings, large selection | 2 to 8 weeks | Low to Mid | Digital Tools/Email |
| Wholesalers/Dealers | Bulk purchases, trade professionals | Varies by stock | Lowest (for large orders) | Minimal |
Tips for Saving Money Without Sacrificing Quality
Everyone wants a beautiful kitchen but few want to overpay. Here is how to find great deals while working with various kitchen cabinet suppliers.
Focus on Standard Sizes
The most expensive cabinets are the ones that require extra cutting or specialized modification. Stick to standard width cabinets (e.g., 12″, 15″, 18″, 21″, 24″, 30″, 33″, 36″) whenever possible. This is especially true when shopping for discount kitchen cabinets.
Choose Simpler Door Styles
Ornate, detailed door designs (like heavily carved raised panels) cost more because they take longer to manufacture and finish. Simple shaker style or flat-panel doors are often less expensive and remain timeless.
Look for Cabinet Sales
Many reputable kitchen cabinet retailers run seasonal sales, especially around major holidays or at the end of the fiscal quarter. Ask a salesperson when their next big promotion is scheduled.
Consider Thermofoil or Laminate Finishes
While natural wood is beautiful, high-quality engineered finishes like thermofoil or laminate can look fantastic, resist moisture better in humid areas (like under sinks), and cost significantly less than solid wood construction.
Quality Indicators to Check Anywhere You Shop
No matter where you look—be it a local dealer or an online kitchen cabinet store—you must check the quality.
Examining Construction Methods
Look closely at how the cabinet boxes are put together.
- Joinery: The best boxes use dovetail joints for drawers. Screws and glue are acceptable for the main box construction, but avoid staples alone.
- Cabinet Box Material: Plywood is superior to particleboard (MDF) because it resists water damage better. If particleboard is used, ensure it is high-density and fully covered with a quality veneer or laminate.
Inspecting the Finishes and Doors
The finish is the first thing people see.
- Smoothness: Run your hand over painted or stained surfaces. Are there drips, bumps, or thin spots? A quality finish should feel smooth and even.
- Door Alignment: If the cabinets are assembled, check that all doors hang straight and close evenly. Poor alignment suggests cheap hinges or sloppy installation practices by the kitchen cabinet suppliers.
Hardware Matters
The hinges and drawer slides are what you use every single day. Ask what brand is used. Reputable European-style concealed hinges (soft-close is a huge bonus) are a sign of quality, even on moderately priced semi-custom lines. Cheap plastic slides will fail quickly.
Finalizing Your Decision: The Role of Reviews and Contracts
Once you have narrowed down your choices among kitchen cabinet retailers and makers, two final steps are crucial before spending money.
Researching the Company Reputation
For custom kitchen cabinet makers or smaller local kitchen cabinet dealers, testimonials are gold. Look beyond the store’s website. Check Google Reviews, Yelp, and local neighborhood forums. A pattern of late deliveries or poor cleanup often shows up in public reviews.
Reading the Fine Print
When signing a contract with any vendor, be meticulous about these points:
- Lead Time Guarantee: Get the estimated delivery date in writing. Ask what happens if they are severely delayed.
- Damage Policy: Clearly document who is responsible for inspecting and replacing any damaged items upon delivery.
- Installation Warranty: If they install the cabinets, what warranty do they offer on the labor?
Making an informed choice about where to buy kitchen cabinets involves balancing cost, quality, and service. Whether you choose the convenience of a big box store or the personalized touch of a custom kitchen cabinet maker, careful research ensures your investment lasts for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Finding Kitchen Cabinets
Q: Are RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets always cheaper?
A: Generally, yes. RTA cabinets are cheaper because the customer does the assembly, which saves the manufacturer and seller labor costs. You save money on the cabinet itself, but you must factor in the time and tools needed for assembly.
Q: What is the difference between a kitchen cabinet supplier and a dealer?
A: A kitchen cabinet supplier usually manufactures or imports the cabinets in bulk. A local kitchen cabinet dealer buys from suppliers (or directly from the manufacturer) and sells the finished product to the public, often adding design and installation services.
Q: How far in advance should I order my cabinets?
A: For stock cabinets, you might get them in a week or two. For semi-custom or custom orders, you should plan for 4 to 12 weeks minimum, especially if they come from overseas sources. Always order cabinets before any plumbing or electrical work starts, as timing is critical.
Q: Can I get the same quality from an online store as a showroom?
A: Yes, many high-quality online kitchen cabinet stores source their products from the same kitchen cabinet suppliers that supply local showrooms. The main difference is service and the ability to physically inspect the product before purchase. Always order a sample door first!
Q: What is the benefit of going to a kitchen cabinet showroom over a home center?
A: Showrooms usually offer better, more specialized design consultation focused solely on kitchens. They often carry higher-grade product lines than what a general home center stocks.
Q: How do I find good discount kitchen cabinets without buying poor quality?
A: Look for cabinet lines that are “overstock” or previous year’s models sold by kitchen cabinet wholesalers or dealers. They often carry excellent quality brands at a lower price point because they are moving older inventory. Inspect the construction quality (plywood box, soft-close hardware) even if the price is low.