Cabinets are one of the most important features of a kitchen. They serve an essential function and also contribute to the kitchen's overall design scheme. If you're preparing for a new cabinet installation, you may be overwhelmed by the cost. However, there are a few tricks to the process that will save you money. Knowing those tricks could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on your project. Here are tips to help you save money during the cabinet installation process.

Consider Open Shelves

Closed cabinets provide safety for the items you store in your kitchen. However, they can be a bit costly compared to open shelves. Opting for an open-shelf layout could save you a considerable amount of money. These shelves require fewer materials and installation fees. Because traditional closed cabinets are a more complex design, they'll run you a higher bill. When installing open shelves, you won't need to choose a design for the door. Therefore, you'll also save on the costs that could've been incurred while designing and installing the doors of regular cabinets.

Choose a Finish

The finish used for cabinet installation plays a big role in the price tag of the project. The market has a wide array of finishes to choose from. White finishes are all the rage right now. According to Houzz, 47% of millennials are likely to choose white kitchen cabinets. However, the cost of these finishes can drastically vary from cost-effective to outrageously expensive. If you're looking for cost-friendly finishes, consider thermofoil or laminate materials. These finishes are among the least expensive options, but they still create an elegant look that rivals their costlier counterparts.

Thermofoil and laminate finishes come in different types, so you can choose one that suits your style. For instance, laminate can be high-gloss or matte. If you seek a finish that will give shine to your cabinets, the high-gloss laminate type is an ideal option. Matte is ideal for people that prefer non-shiny surfaces to match their kitchen decor. You can have fun exploring the different options for low-cost materials.

Consider Affordable Wood

Most cabinets are made of wood because it's a highly durable material. When it comes to cabinets, your choices for wood are virtually endless. Therefore, you must shop for the best wood type that suits your budget. You should ask a professional to help you with the process to ensure you buy materials that are worth your money.

Oak and hickory are two of the most affordable woods you can use for your cabinets. On the other hand, cherry is a type of wood with a loftier price tag. However, you could buy the more expensive wood and save money on other aspects of the project such as labor cost or the type of finish used. You just need to be strategic and allocate your finances wisely.

Minimize Customization

People have different preferences when it comes to the design of their cabinets. Most professionals will recommend standard designs for people looking to save money. These readymade designs are accessible and affordable. They come with a standard fee that will likely be much lower than the cost of a customized cabinet.

Customized cabinets might sound appealing, but they'll cost a lot more money. You should try to avoid customization in all areas of your project. If you insist on a particular style, consider standard designs closely related to your preferences. That way, you can save some money.

Consider the Drawers

For a cohesive kitchen, you'll want your drawers to complement your cabinets. If you're getting new drawers, they'll require professional installation. The specific cost of this, however, will depend on the type of drawers you've chosen. For instance, full-extension drawers are more expensive compared to standard ones. Therefore, you should consider the less expensive options to lower the overall cost of your project.

Another way to save money is to skip drawer installation altogether. You can either stick with your kitchen's existing drawers or opt for a drawer-free kitchen. The absence of drawers doesn't necessarily mean you'll have limited space. You might consider large cabinets that offer a lot of storage space without using too many materials. Cabinet installation professionals know how to organize a large space without necessarily using a lot of materials.

Avoid Glaze

A glaze is used to protect the cabinets from stains and scratches. It's applied on the surface of cabinets to give them an attractive appearance. Glaze comes in different types that you can use to customize your cabinets. For example, depending on your preferences, you can choose between matte or high-gloss finishes.

If you're looking to save money during the cabinet installation process, you can skip glazes. A glaze's purpose is to offer a beautiful finish; however, there are other methods to achieve this. A professional can achieve a similar appearance with just paint. In turn, you'll save the cost of the glaze and reduce your project's overall bill.

Compare Labor Costs

Cabinet installation includes much more than just the cabinets themselves. It also includes labor costs. You must factor these labor costs into your budget for new cabinets. Labor costs vary from one professional to another. Therefore, you should shop around to choose one that matches your budget.

When choosing a cabinet installation expert, consider other factors such as their reputation and previous work. This consideration will prevent you from choosing a cheap service that provides poor quality work. Inferior work can even cost you more in repairs in the long run. For quality work at a great value, you can rely on Cabinets46.

Consider Other Factors

There are a few miscellaneous factors to consider in your cabinet installation decision. What's the main purpose these cabinets will serve? How many cabinets do you plan to install? By answering these questions, you can draft a clearer idea of your cabinet installation project and how much it'll likely cost.

As you've seen here, there are a few tricks to the installation process that could save you time and money. A cost-effective but high-quality cabinet installation requires careful planning, thought, and consideration. These are not decisions that you should rush. Instead, you should be very mindful of every choice you make.

If you're ready to begin the cabinet installation process, give Cabinets46 a call today. We'll meet your budget needs while also helping you to create the kitchen of your dreams. Get in touch with us and learn how we can make it all happen.