The Complete Guide to Affordable Unfinished Cabinets

With the rising costs of kitchen remodeling, many homeowners are seeking ways to cut expenses without sacrificing quality. One smart solution is choosing unfinished cabinetry - also known as RTA (ready-to-assemble). Unfinished cabinets provide the same premium materials and construction as finished cabinets, at a fraction of the price. Read on to learn all about the money-saving benefits of unfinished cabinets, where to buy them, how to finish and install them yourself, and tips for achieving flawless results.

Gone are the days when unfinished meant low quality. Today's unfinished cabinetry combines durability, style and affordability for the perfect DIY-friendly option. Let's explore what exactly unfinished cabinets are and how they can transform your kitchen beautifully on a budget.

What Are Unfinished Cabinets?

Definition

Unfinished cabinets are cabinet boxes shipped without final outer finishes, doors, or hardware. The buyer must apply their own stain, paint or other finishes. Unfinished cabinets are also known as RTA (ready-to-assemble) since some assembly is required after delivery.

Many top cabinet brands like KraftMaid, Shenandoah Cabinetry and Wellborn Cabinetry offer unfinished cabinet lines. This allows for total customization compared to prefinished cabinets with set finishes and door styles.

Differences from Prefinished Cabinets

The main differences between unfinished and prefinished cabinets are:

• Customization - Unfinished cabinets are a blank canvas, allowing you to choose any finish, door style, and hardware. Prefinished come with set finishes and options.
• Cost - Unfinished cabinets cost 30-50% less than comparable quality prefinished cabinets since you aren't paying for finishing labor and set options.
• Assembly - Unfinished cabinets require some assembly of doors, shelves and hardware. Prefinished come fully constructed.

With unfinished RTA cabinets, you get premium materials and construction for maximum quality and value.

Benefits of Unfinished Cabinets

Cost Savings

The main benefit of choosing unfinished cabinets is significant cost savings. Unfinished cabinets range from 30-50% less than comparable finished cabinets. Since finishes aren't applied in a factory, you avoid those finishing costs. Unfinished RTA cabinets provide an affordable way to get stylish, durable kitchen cabinets on a budget.

For the same quality of materials and construction, you'll spend far less on unfinished cabinets. With the extra savings, you can splurge for solid wood doors or upgraded storage features.

Customization

With unfinished cabinets, you have total control over the final look. Choose your own cabinet style, door design, color, hardware and more. Prefinished cabinets only offer set finish and door options. The customization of unfinished cabinetry allows you to perfectly achieve your dream kitchen vision.

Unfinished cabinets open up limitless possibilities for your kitchen aesthetic. Go for an ultra-modern vibe with bold painted cabinets or embrace classic warmth with natural stained wood cabinetry.

Quality Materials

Contrary to popular belief, unfinished does not equate to low quality. Unfinished cabinets from top brands use the same plywood boxes and solid wood doors as finished cabinetry - far superior to cheap particleboard options.

Opt for sturdy plywood construction and solid hardwood doors to get long-lasting cabinets that stand the test of time. With unfinished cabinets, you don't have to sacrifice quality to get a great price.

Ability to Self-Install

Since unfinished cabinets come disassembled, an experienced DIYer can install their own kitchen cabinets, saving thousands in labor costs. If you're up for the challenge, unfinished cabinets are the perfect choice.

With proper planning, tools and patience, you can hang and assemble unfinished cabinets for a seamless finished look. Just be prepared for the time commitment and learning curve of a major DIY undertaking.

Things to Consider

Additional Time/Work

The tradeoff for the customization and cost savings of unfinished cabinets is the extra time, work and mess of the finishing process. You'll need to allot time for sanding, priming, painting or staining cabinets. The finishing steps also require space and the right safety setup.

Factor in the extra steps when deciding if unfinished cabinets are right for your kitchen project, skills and timeline. Hiring a contractor to finish the cabinets on site helps reduce the work for an added cost.

Site Prep

To finish cabinets on site, your space needs proper lighting, ventilation, dust containment and floor protection. Turn off HVAC systems during finishing to prevent dust circulation. The right precautionary setup keeps your home clean and safe.

Skill Level

Some DIY experience is recommended before tackling unfinished cabinets. Patience and attention to detail are musts. The more skilled you are, the more money you'll save on labor. If you're a beginner DIYer, finishing and installing cabinets yourself can be a frustrating process.

Measure Carefully

Since unfinished cabinets are made-to-order, accurate measurements are crucial. A kitchen designer can provide the exact cabinet measurements needed. Before purchasing, triple check your measurements against the kitchen space so unfinished cabinets fit perfectly.

Where to Buy Unfinished Cabinets

Big Box Stores

Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's have a limited selection of low-priced unfinished cabinets. Material quality tends to be lower than cabinet brand options. Big box stores offer basic unfinished styles for smaller kitchens and budgets.

Cabinet Brand Websites

Purchasing unfinished cabinets directly from a brand's website allows access to the full range of styles and materials. KraftMaid, Shenandoah Cabinetry, Wellborn Cabinetry, and more have unfinished collections with solid wood doors and durable plywood boxes.

Kitchen Designers

For the best selection and customization options, work with an experienced kitchen designer. They have connections with multiple cabinet brands and lines to mix and match for your perfect kitchen. A designer provides valuable guidance throughout the process.

Choosing Materials

Plywood vs. Particleboard vs. MDF

Plywood offers the most durability and stability for cabinet boxes, while particleboard and MDF are lower-cost options. Opt for plywood over particleboard or MDF if budget allows. Solid wood doors add beauty but cost more than laminate.

Solid Wood Doors

Knotty alder, oak, hickory and maple make gorgeous cabinet doors that stain well. The unique wood grain provides character. Soft maple works for painted cabinets too. Expect to pay 30-50% more than laminate.

Drawer Box Materials

Look for plywood drawer boxes with dovetail joinery for strength. Undermount soft-close glides provide stability. Opt for side mount rather than center mount for easiest access to drawer contents.

Finish Options

Staining

Penetrating stains add rich color while allowing the natural wood grain to show through. Gel stains go on thicker for extra color saturation. Use a pre-stain conditioner for evenly absorbed color. Top off with a clear polyurethane for protection.

Painting

Painted finishes offer limitless color options. Primers ensure optimal paint adhesion. High-quality cabinet paints provide a smooth, durable finish. Paint allows for more beginner-friendly finishing but offers less wood character.

Glazing/Antiquing

Glazing involves applying a translucent colored paint over stain for an aged, layered effect. Wipe off glaze in crevices for rub-through accents. Antiquing involves purposeful distressing for a timeworn look.

Leave Natural

Penetrating oils and waxes enhance and protect wood while leaving its natural color. This low-maintenance finish highlights the wood grain's beauty. Regular reapplication is needed for optimal protection.

DIY Assembly and Installation

Tools Needed

Assembling cabinets requires basic tools like a power drill, driver bit set, table saw, clamps, measuring tape, level, stud finder and carpenter's square. Have fasteners like screws, nails, brackets and hangers on hand. Safety gear like gloves and eye protection is a must.

Cabinet Layout Planning

Map out your cabinet plans including accurate measurements, spacing, installation order, plumb and level. Mark stud locations for drilling into wall studs later. Plan your kitchen work triangle to optimize functionality.

Step-by-Step Assembly

Follow included instructions to safely assemble cabinet frames, doors, shelves and drawers. Use clamps to hold pieces flush and a drill with driver bit to pre-drill screw holes. Take care not to split wood. Attach hinges and pulls once finished.

Hanging and Securing Cabinets

Use a ledger board attached to wall studs to support cabinet weight. Shim cabinets to ensure plumb and level. Drill pilot holes and drive screws through cabinet back into studs and bottom into floor or supporting rails. Adhere to manufacturer instructions.

Finishing Cabinets Yourself

Prep Work

Proper prep prevents imperfections in your finished cabinets. Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler. Sand surfaces smooth. Clean thoroughly and remove dust. Mask off adjacent surfaces you don't want stained or painted.

Staining

Conditioner helps absorb stain evenly. Apply stain according to manufacturer instructions, wiping in direction of wood grain. Edges soak up more stain, so apply lighter coats. Allow proper drying time between stain coats.

Painting

Prime with an oil-based or shellac-based primer for best adhesion on bare wood. Opt for high-quality brush or paint sprayer for a smooth finish. Allow proper drying time between coats for a durable finish.

Distressing Techniques

Achieve a timeworn look with glazing, physical distressing using hammers or chisels, rasping, sanding or purposefully mismatched finishes. Work slowly to avoid over-distressing.

Topcoats

Polyurethanes provide a protective seal against moisture and everyday wear-and-tear. Wax topcoats add shine and mild protection. Follow manufacturer instructions for drying time between topcoat layers.

Achieving a Flawless DIY Kitchen

With proper planning and patience, you can install and finish unfinished cabinets to look like you hired pros. Carefully measure for a seamless fit. Prefinish cabinetry before installing for easier finishing. Use filler strips and caulk for clean transitions between old and existing cabinets.

Take your time, follow instructions closely and don't be afraid to get creative with your design. With unfinished cabinetry, you can personalize your kitchen while staying on budget.

Unfinished ready-to-assemble cabinetry combines cost savings with high-end design flexibility. With quality plywood boxes and solid wood doors, unfinished cabinets offer durability and style for far less. Put your own creative stamp on your kitchen with customized finishing touches.

While unfinished cabinets do require some DIY effort, you get to control the final look while avoiding the premium price of prefinished cabinetry. For thrifty yet discriminating homeowners, unfinished cabinetry delivers exceptional quality and affordability.