A beautiful kitchen remodel doesn’t have to break the bank. Buying direct from a local cabinet maker through suppliers like iCabinetry Direct can help you get exceptional cabinets at an affordable price. In this article, we’ll explore how to save money buying kitchen cabinets direct from a supplier, including the advantages of this approach and practical considerations for getting the best products.
Why Buying Kitchen Cabinets Can Be Expensive
There are typically two ways to buy cabinets: from a retail outlet or a direct purchase from a supplier.
Retailers, such as online distributors and home improvement stores, will receive products from manufacturers, then sell them to consumers. To make a profit, the retailer adds a 20 to 40% markup, meaning you’re paying a higher cost for the same product.
Direct purchase offers more competitive prices because there’s no retail markup. As such, you could pay 20 to 50% less than you would if you bought from a showroom. Generally, these are ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets shipped in flat-pack form and assembled on site.
Many homeowners assume that only contractors can buy and install cabinets. Still, you can get the same customization options without the high cost by buying directly from suppliers like iCabinetry Direct.
Keeping the Costs Low for Your Kitchen Cabinet Project
You can completely revitalize your kitchen cabinet style without spending thousands of dollars if you plan carefully.
If you have a very small budget, one of the best options is to install new cabinet doors and drawer fronts on your old cabinets, especially if you have high-quality cabinet boxes like solid wood, plywood, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
This allows you to make smart design changes and upgrade to more premium materials for your doors, such as switching from laminate to MDF. This is a good choice if you’ve had problems like water seepage and expect to have the same issues in the future. Even a simple paint job on the walls or cabinets could do the trick if you already have premium furniture.
However, if you want completely new cabinets, there are still ways to lower your costs. First, compare quotes from a few suppliers. Discuss your building plans and the customization options you want, such as deep shelves or frameless cabinets.
If you’re not in a hurry, pay attention to manufacturer deals. Check when they’ve had sales in the past year and what the price reductions were, so you can plan to order around those times. In the meantime, you can look at other items that might need an upgrade—like sinks, countertops, and appliances—and plan to revitalize your whole room on a budget.
Lastly, authorized online dealers like iCabinetry Direct can be a fantastic way to save money, as we work directly with manufacturers and ship them right to your door. You’re not paying for our showroom or salespeople: just for your cabinets.
Buying Kitchen Cabinets Direct From iCabinetry
The direct-buy model has significant benefits for homeowners nationwide. Firstly, you have a far wider range of customization options than may be possible in a showroom. Because we work directly with manufacturers, we can ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for in terms of door styles, materials, and finishes. Because it’s shipped right to your door, you’ll get the product faster – and with no sneaky retailer fees.
Our cabinet catalog lets you browse thousands of styles from trusted cabinetmakers located right here in the United States. With our virtual design tools, you can see how the product would look in your home.
If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for yet, our inspiration gallery can help you visualize how other homeowners have used our cabinetry. You can then talk to one of our helpful cabinetry experts to explore your options.
Feel free to browse our catalog, get a free quote, or simply give iCabinetry a call.
The Benefits of Buying Kitchen Cabinets Online
iCabinetry Direct partners with the best manufacturers in the business, known for their strict quality control. We carry a wide selection of functional yet beautiful styles, whether that’s flat-panel doors or Shaker-style kitchen cabinets.
With our many customization options, you’re more likely to find exactly what you want than if you stopped by a showroom. Plus, we’re available 24/7 to answer questions or provide a free quote, so you’re not restricted to regular business hours.
Not only do we strive for total transparency in our pricing, but we also ship directly to you, significantly reducing your shipping costs. You can breathe easy with our secure, encrypted purchase process, all done from the comfort of your home.
How to Compare Prices and Quality Before You Buy?
Kitchen cabinets are an expensive investment, so you want to ensure you’re getting the best. Use these steps to check whether you’re working with a reputable company.
First, learn more about the brand by reviewing both consumer and business association reviews. For example, see if they have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau, Angie, and Houzz.
Explore what materials they provide and whether these align with your needs. Some have a very limited selection, like only laminate, while others have premium and custom materials like veneer and Thermafoil.
You should also examine their warranty and shipping policies. Do they have a limited lifetime policy or none? Will they replace the cabinets if the product is damaged during transit?
Finally, request free online quotes from a few suppliers to see what the average rate is for the product you want. This helps you compare your options without committing to any supplier so you can be sure you’re getting the best price.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Cabinets Direct
A kitchen remodel is a big project, and there are numerous ways it can go wrong. These are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when purchasing kitchen cabinets, as well as how to avoid them.
- Focusing Only on Price: While you also want to get the best deal, you also want to ensure that your new cabinets last a long time. Going for the lowest quote may also mean that you’re getting a poor product that will need to be replaced in a few years. Get multiple quotes and focus on the ones in the middle of the range.
- Ignoring Material Quality: High-quality cabinets are meant to last for years, so they need to be made of the best materials for your needs. Certain options, like wood, may not work well in a very humid environment, while others might not look good with the finish you prefer. iCabinetry Direct’s experts can help guide you to the right material for your specific needs.
- Skipping Measurements: Your kitchen cabinets will not fit correctly without the right measurements. Take your time to measure your whole kitchen, including any irregularities like a dip in the floor. You should also consider painting the walls and adding new flooring before you begin measuring.
- Not Vetting the Supplier: Unfortunately, the cabinetry world is also full of scammy or low-quality suppliers who overinflate their prices while delivering low-quality products. Explore reviews and check the supplier’s credentials before you sign a contract.
Our team at iCabinetry Direct wants to ensure you have a seamless and stress-free purchasing experience, which is why we provide comprehensive support and transparent pricing. You can always contact us with any questions you might have, or request a no-obligation quote about your dream kitchen cabinets.
How Much Can You Really Save Buying Cabinets Direct?
Buying direct can save you 20-50%, depending on the product you order and the customization you need. There are fewer markup layers, especially because the product is only shipped once. Your cabinet comes straight to you from the manufacturer, rather than from the manufacturer to the retailer and then to you.
Because cabinetry is a major investment, this can translate to thousands of dollars. For example, a retail kitchen might be $10,000. By purchasing directly from the supplier, you could spend only $8,000.
Why Homeowners Choose iCabinetry
Thousands of homeowners and professionals trust iCabinetry Direct because of our perfect balance of value and quality. You benefit from our direct pricing, with no intermediaries like showrooms and big-box stores.
We have collaborated with America’s most trusted cabinetmakers, including Matinno Living, Ultracraft, and Starmark, to curate product lines that match almost any design preference or need. Our expert designers will guide you through the many customization options so that you get exactly what you need at a price you’ll love.
Lastly, we provide transparent pricing and nationwide delivery. No matter where you are, we can help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams.
Final Thoughts
Buying kitchen cabinets direct helps you save money, streamline the buying process, and get premium cabinetry without the retail markups. By partnering with a trusted supplier like iCabinetry Direct, you can get the best cabinets on the market shipped right to your door.
Browse our catalog of premium cabinetry, or request a free quote from any product page to get started. If you need extra support, our team of passionate cabinetry experts is always here to answer your questions. Take the next step in your remodeling journey with confidence by partnering with iCabinetry Direct.
FAQs About Buying Kitchen Cabinets Direct
The advantages of buying direct from a distributor include faster delivery, lower prices, and a wider array of customization options.
You can save 20-50% by buying from a distributor rather than a showroom. This is because there are fewer intermediaries, and the product is shipped directly to you from the supplier.
Yes. In fact, they are often higher quality than those in retail showrooms. Because we do not have to pay for certain operational expenses, such as a showroom and salespeople, you can buy higher-quality products at a lower price. We also offer premium materials, such as solid wood, that may not be available at your local store.
You can generally expect to get your products within 4-8 weeks. However, manufacturing lead times and certain customization options may take longer. We will keep you updated throughout the process so you’re ready for your cabinets to arrive.
Yes. This is one of the greatest benefits of ordering from iCabinetry. Our iEuro Custom by Ultracraft line offers over 10,000 door style/finish combinations, so you can perfectly tailor your cabinets to your unique tastes. Our team is also available to walk you through all your options so that you order the perfect product.
Before ordering, request free quotes from a few suppliers and compare them. Avoid choosing the lowest quote, as this may also mean you’re getting the lowest quality. Look at the supplier’s reviews and examine their warranty policies.
Yes, it’s safe to order cabinets online. However, we understand that many may be hesitant to make such a big decision without seeing it in person. That’s why we allow you to order door samples so that you can see how the product will look in your home before you commit to a full order. You can also use our design tools to get a better idea of how your cabinets will look in your home.
