How to Source Cheap Kitchen Cabinets Online
by Kenneth Newel on Feb 26, 2014
If you're looking to remodel your kitchen on a limited budget then RTA (ready to assemble) kitchen cabinets make sense. You buy kitchen cabinets online and they are delivered directly to your door. All you need to do is assemble them and they're ready for installation. You don't have to pay for someone else to do the easy task of assembly and because the items are sent to you flat packed, you also save on shipping costs, so it's a winning solution all around.
The ready to assemble market is one that is highly competitive with plenty of potential for profits, and if you do your homework you can reap some of the benefits too. Here's how the business operates:
Same cabinets, a different dealer
Once you've looked at several RTA dealer websites you'll soon start noticing that many sell the same products, with the same name and product code. Naturally, there's nothing wrong with this, after all, you can buy your iPad from any number of different retailers. The only problem with this is that RTA cabinets aren't by nature recognized by brand names and the only way to compare prices is by carefully comparing the features.
Some dealers are simply a man with a laptop
Whilst you could be forgiven for imagining a factory scenario with a team of workers, it might just be one guy sitting in a bedroom with his laptop. If purchasing from brick-and-mortar stores is mostly what you feel comfortable with, then best to avoid online shopping.
However, this is where using your powers of comparison comes into its own. It might well be that the bricks-and-mortar company selling RTA kitchen cabinets with a large warehouse and production facilities offers lousy customer service and higher prices than the guy with his laptop.
How to know you're comparing the same products
Okay, so how do you know you're comparing the same cabinets? Well firstly dealers tend to re-cycle names and often you'll come across Sienna Rope and Hampton which are generally the same product. Generic styles such as Shaker may be different products from one dealer to the next but tend to look the same anyway. You may even find that some dealers have retained the same product number. Secondly, compare every single feature of the cabinet. Ensure that the dimensions are the same, box and door construction materials are identical, door styles match, as do the type of door hinge mechanisms and drawer slides.
Don't get caught out by the shipping costs
Most important of all, you may find cabinet prices vary by just a few dollars whereas shipping costs can vary enormously. Make sure that you're comparing the shipping costs for a whole kitchen and not per item. The pricing can be a little deceptive and what seems an extortionate price per individual item, is reduced considerably when several cabinets are being shipped in one hit.
Customer service
If you like the sound of the dealer and how they operate and they have glowing testimonials on their site, but their prices are higher than another site, then don't be afraid to ask whether they will price match. Most reputable companies would rather price match and have you recommend them to others than lose the business.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
92137 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
73047 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71213 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
51614 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30127 Views
Latest Articles
5 Reasons to Use Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutters protect your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation. However, they often required regular...
on Nov 14, 2024
Before You Sign: How Home Inspections Identify Hidden Hazards in Your Future Home
Buying a home is exciting, but hidden dangers can turn that dream into a nightmare if not addressed early on. Beyond what is visible during a...
on Oct 18, 2024
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Places to Consider Anti-Slip Matting
There are five main locations around a commercial building where an anti-slip mat would be highly recommended; stairways, slippery areas, wet...
Save Water by Using Drip Irrigation
The term drip irrigation describes the application of water not only by drip emitters but also by micro sprays. Both of these have two traits in...
Save Money on Air Conditioning Repairs
There is nothing like coming inside after a day out in the hot summer sun and being able to relax and cool off in an air-conditioned house. ...
Types of Kitchen Sinks
One of the most essential elements that have to be taken into consideration when remodeling or building a kitchen is the kitchen sink. A sink can...
Planning for Spring
Somewhere in these short daylight hours, hiding perhaps behind the coming storm is a seed destined to become the fruit of a new garden season. This...