Forum
« Funny photo from rental listing Low Interest Rates Are Teasing Me »
December 4, 2008
need recommendation on inexpensive kitchen cabinets and counter please
Got a big kitchen that is in very poor condition in my grandmothers house. It has ugly formica cabinets and countertop from the early 1970s. Getting a whole new kitchen is terrifyingly expensive from what I see so I have been thinking maybe I could get away with replacing all the cabinet doors and the counter top and paint the inside of the cabinets and keep the basic structure. Big job and I have no skills in this dept. Any suggestions on a vendor or individual who can do this on a very tight budget would be appreciated greatly.
Comments
I think that with the right person doing the work, changing the cabinet doors, pulls and countertop would do wonders. Paint the rest and you have a cheap makeover.
I've used handymen to do this sort of work, but, sorry, they all seem to vanish after a year or two so no recommendations.
Posted by: cmu at December 4, 2008 2:00 PM
Do you have a photo you could post? Is this in a brownstone or is the kitchen original to the house? Was it properly installed in the first place or did someone do a crummy job?
Could be you might be able to spruce up the kitchen just using paint and maybe some other tricks such as your lighting fixture or new handles.
I know people recommend removing the doors of the cupboards to change a look, but I think it depends on the type of cupboards you have. When I have seen this actually done in person it looks bad. Instead of ugly cabinets now you have ugly cabinets with no doors!
Ideas of costs:
*I used to live in a coop, and they replaced all the old linoleum countertops with a piece of plastic with a fake granite pattern that wrapped around the sub-countertop and was glued on. Personally, I would have preferred new linoleum, but I'm sure it's very cheap, like probably only a few hundred bucks. You can also get new linoleum or formica countertops. Actually, it's becoming kind of fashionable in a certain kind of kitchen. I think there was one in the October (?) Domino, and New York decorator Tom Scherrer often uses formica in his kitchens (when he's not using marble).
*I know someone who redid their entire kitchen with Ikea and GE appliances and spent only $5,000. They did the installation themselves, however. Literally. Because the contractor walked off the job in a huff.
*Consider selvedge cupboards. Sometimes people give away old cupboards for free, also. If it's a brownstone, you can replace things piecemeal with what used to be there: Wall-hung sink ($500), old stove ($200 and up Craiglist and this site), wooden table. The really expensive part is putting in an old-style built-in dish cupboard if you don't have the old one. I would guess that would cost $5,000 to $10,000. Or again, you can find one selvedge. Prob run you about $3000, not sure. Or an old freestanding one.
*Fancy top of the line granite kitchen with custom cabinets prob cost you $20,000-$50,000, depending on how big the kitchen is.
Posted by: mopar at December 4, 2008 2:03 PM
If you are still considering new cabinets, I would recommend Ikea. Much cheaper than lesser quality stuff from HD and Lowe's.
It may also be worth looking into whether you can buy doors, hinges and hardware without the cabinets from Ikea as well, although I don't know about compatibility. In general, the doors-only replacement route might not save you money. Lots of kitchen vendors overcharge for doors if you go the doors-only route. They want to sell you the whole thing.
Posted by: slopefarm at December 4, 2008 2:04 PM
I got all cabinetry for both my rental renovations at Atlantic Kitchen on Atlantic Ave between Nostrand & New York Aves. I paid roughly 2.5 grand for 16 LF of cabinetry (top and bottom cabs) "filler", pulls, hinges, ss sink, formica counter, etc. It was priced per piece btw, not by LF -- just trying to give you an idea of the space (medium-sized kitchens in other words). I found the quality and style of the cabinets I chose (a simple, beech shaker style) comparable to IKEA and you don't have to assemble anything. Delivery was free. They also came to the house and measured the space so I didn't have to worry whether the cabs would fit or not. I used my contractor to install them, but they have their own guy who charges, if I recall correctly, about $1500 for installation (my contractor was roughly half that). I did the kitchens as inexpensively as I could without going totally cheapo and they turned out really nice. Good luck.
Posted by: herkimermaid at December 4, 2008 2:22 PM
herkimermaid, this is really helpful. I have always wondered what that kind of kitchen would cost.
Posted by: mopar at December 4, 2008 3:03 PM
I just "restored" the original kitchen in my limestone with intent for use as a rental kitchen. For cabinetry, I relocated "gently used" Ikea cabs from my own kitchen that is currently undergoing major renovation (brand new only 2 years ago, these cabs cost me less than 2k and included 2 runs of uppers with both glass and solid doors, 2 30" base drawer units, a pull-out pantry and a broom closet.) I also installed a brand new Ikea Domsjo sink (farmhouse style) and a Wilson HD Laminate countertop (cheap, sturdy and gorgeous!) The appliances include a brand new Hotpoint gas range (a CU best buy); F&P dish drawers (a greatly discounted floor model I picked up at a Home Expo sale); and a perfectly functional, good-looking,also "gently used" Maytag fridge from my kitchen.
I didn't need a backsplash because the original kitchen has white subway tiles going 3/4 of the way up the wall. I had the painted wood window casings and door frames stripped which substantially enhanced their beauty and further highlighted another bonus of the old kitchen -- white marble window sills! With a good paint job, plants and some art work, I think this semi-restored/semi-renovated, low budget kitchen looks rather sensational!
BTW, my contractor was Rick Ladd, a regular contributor to these pages. I am pleased with the job Rick and his crew did for me. To reach Rick, check out his website at: www.rickladdbrooklyn.com. The wood stripper was Joe Salem of Wood Zone (another frequently mentioned contractor here on this Forum and a great choice in my book.) He can be reached at 718-755-6527.
If you want more details, feel free to contact me at brooklynista at yahoo dot com.
Good luck!
Posted by: Brooklynista at December 4, 2008 5:15 PM
Thirding or fourthing the Ikea kitchen!
I spent $1400 on an Ikea kitchen (including sink, dishwasher and countertop) and am really impressed so far. I've been using it heavily for the better part of a year and it still looks fantastic. I chose the cheapest white enamel door and drawer fronts and they wipe clean and look bland enough to make sense in a not-modern scenario.
They are also really easy to install yourself if you are handy. We are doing most of the reno work around here ourselves. I wouldn't attempt it if putting together Ikea furniture flummoxes you... but in reasonably skilled hands installation is childs' play.
Posted by: vanburenproud at December 4, 2008 9:05 PM
Hi Streaker
Go to www.gardenweb.com and look for the kitchen forum. Post your inquiry there and you will get a great deal of responses from all over from people who have done it.
People are knowledgeable and friendly especially to newcomers.
I use it for all kinds of information.
You can also try www.ikeafans.com
Plenty of friendly knowledgeable people on the ikea kitchen cabinet subject.
Posted by: Ysabelle at December 4, 2008 9:17 PM
If you need someone to help with the kitchen call Freddy. 347-952-5889. He is licensed and insured.
Freddy is reliable, easy to get along with reasonable prices. He will come out and give a free estimate.
He will be doing similar work for me and I'm not rich!
Tell him susan reccommended him.
Posted by: Ysabelle at December 4, 2008 9:27 PM
I would second the recommendation for gardenweb for info on kitchens. There are lots of people with great information there whether your kitchen is plain or high end.
Posted by: mimi at December 4, 2008 10:42 PM
for cabinet knobs & pulls, you can buy directly from us at www.granitehardware.com.
Hilly
Posted by: hilly105 at December 4, 2008 10:46 PM
ikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikeaikea
Posted by: nybk01 at December 5, 2008 12:28 AM
Hi
We recently finished a job in Park Slope where the owners replaced their kitchen cabinets with ones from Ikea...if you would like, I can send you a pic. Email me at newarrowconstructionllc@gmail.com and I will send you some pics.
If you ever need a contractor, we can definitly give you a free estimate.
Looking forward to your email.
Thanks
Christine Stephen
New Arrow Construction LLC
(347) 227-5834
Posted by: nightingale at December 5, 2008 10:47 AM
DONT GET IKEA KITCHEN!!!!!
I'll post a bigger piece about my experiences in a few weeks and maybe this was just me because i was getting a large kitchen with large hallway cupboards (12 cupboards in the hallway alone (almost like a wall of cupboards), but my experience with IKEA is DONT DO IT.
Basically the money you save you will spend in time and energy getting missing parts, damaged in delivery parts, arguing with the Traemand people (thats the installation company they have) about what is and isn't included in their installation quote etc.
Like i said keep an eye out for my post in a few weeks after we move in but I wished we looked elsewhere for a custom cabinet that all i had to do was sign a check.
Cheers,
Dean
Posted by: deanc at December 5, 2008 1:14 PM
I ordered new cherry cabinets from williamsburg plumbing 485 Flushing Ave. wpskinfo@aol.com, 718.596.1500 ext. 205 - top quality & great price. You can get the best deal if you pay in cash. I used c.foss handy service for installation c.foss@hotmail.com, 347.789.9132. I did my own painting and flooring but had a new kitchen for under $4K.
Posted by: momo284 at December 5, 2008 3:39 PM
When purchasing kitchen cabinets from Ikea, HD or Lowe's, all of whom have both good and crappy cabinets, you want to be mindful of how the cabinets are constructed and the material used to construct them. The worst cabinets are made of particle board covered with a photo finish of maple, mahoghany or oak covering the cabinet. Although very inexpensive they won't last long. You then have particle board covered with a wood veneer. The veneer will make the cabinets appear as though they are "solid wood" but don't be fooled. I would recommend a plywood cabinet contruction covered with a veneer which is mostly what they sell in Ikea, Lowe's and HD. The doors can be solid woods or plywoods covered with veneer. The stiles of the doors are usually solid so inspect the sample cabinet carefully to see what you are getting. Unless you have your cabinets custom made, they will not be solid wood. Plywood is much more stable than solid anyway. The next thing to look at are drawer glides and drawer construction. You will pay a premium for all of the fancy options like bread drawers, cutlery trays, etc... These things are nice to have but can be added on later. Not wanting to take out an equity loan (remember those,) I put off my remodel until I saved up enough for the highest quality in cabinet and drawer construction that I could afford. Paint what you have until you have the budget to remodel.
Posted by: Bailmeout2 at December 5, 2008 3:53 PM
Oops, sorry, now I see you said "replacing" the cabinet doors. Yes, this makes more sense. :) Sorry though I don't have a recommendation for someone who does this. Just watch out they don't charge you nearly the same as all new cabinets.
Posted by: mopar at December 5, 2008 4:11 PM
We would be delighted to take a look at your kitchen, we can provide & install low cost solid wood cabintets.
Al Rosario
ACR Contracting
(917) 573-3304
acrcontracting@optonline.net
Posted by: alrosariojr at December 5, 2008 5:38 PM
I love IKEA and used them in my own kitchen, but I do think the cabinet boxes are indeed MDF and *not* plywood.
If you do go IKEA, I would get one of the wood doors. My cabs have been in for 5 years now. They are Adel Cream - a color which has been discontinued. They're thermofoil (I think) and it's starting to peel away from the MDF door that they were adhered to. Not a huge deal, but makes me uneasy I guess.
Posted by: HmmWhichNeighborhood at December 5, 2008 6:08 PM
we do good work at reasonable rates. we can source knock-down cabinets from HD along with counter. or we can make counter for not much more.
check out the photos on our website
www.thetinkerswgaon.com
steve
Posted by: thetinkerswagon at December 8, 2008 9:52 AM
Check out http://thecheapreport.com for a buying guide to cheap/inexpensive kitchen appliances. The buying guides lets you know what you get, what you are missing and whether you should consider an inexpensive/cheap product. They have cheap guides to dishwashers, blenders, toasters, & refrigerators.
Posted by: brm23 at August 13, 2009 8:43 AM
I suggest you the site about kitchen cabinets.Please check this site it giving Discount Kitchen Cabinets & Bathroom Vanity by Cabinet Giant - All Wood Cabinets at Wholesale Prices.I think it will help.
Thanks
Chord Cabinet
Cabinetgiant.com
Posted by: chordcabinet at August 19, 2009 6:40 AM
I suggest you the site about kitchen cabinets.Please check this site it giving Discount Kitchen Cabinets & Bathroom Vanity by Cabinet Giant - All Wood Cabinets at Wholesale Prices.I think it will help.
Thanks
Chord Cabinet
Cabinetgiant.com
Posted by: chordcabinet at August 19, 2009 6:41 AM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.