Is it Cheaper to Build or Buy a Cabinet Online?

When it comes to home improvement projects, whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or upgrading your bathroom, cabinets play a pivotal role in functionality and aesthetics. But with so many options available, homeowners often face a common dilemma: Should you build or buy a cabinet online?

The process of selecting the perfect cabinet can be overwhelming. If you’re like most people, you’ve likely spent hours researching different styles and comparing prices. Building cabinets from scratch can seem appealing because of customization options, but the complexities and potential hidden costs may leave you wondering if it’s really worth it. What if the time and effort to build cabinets on your own outweigh the cost savings?

That’s where purchasing a cabinet online comes in as a viable solution. Companies offer high-quality, ready-to-assemble cabinets that are competitively priced and easy to install. However, determining whether to go custom or buy can still feel complicated. This article will guide you through the factors that influence cost and help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Costs of Building a Cabinet

Materials and Tools Needed for Building Cabinets

If you choose to build a cabinet yourself, you’ll need to factor in the cost of materials and the tools required. Building cabinets requires precision, and the cost can vary significantly depending on the type of cabinet—whether it’s a kitchen cabinet or a bathroom cabinet.

Common materials needed:

Plywood or MDF for the body
Hardwood for the face frame
Hinges, screws, and other hardware
Paint or stain for finishing

Tools you’ll need:

Table saw or circular saw
Router for edge detailing
Sander and sanding blocks
Measuring tools like a square and tape measure

Materials alone can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on quality and type. While building might give you more control over the design, these upfront costs can add up quickly.

Time Investment and Expertise Required

The time investment is one of the biggest hidden costs of building a cabinet. Many homeowners underestimate how much work goes into building something that looks good and functions well. For someone with minimal woodworking experience, this could take weeks, if not months. For comparison, purchasing a cabinet online means you get a professionally made product without needing to learn these skills or spend hours laboring over precise measurements and cuts.

Buying Cabinets Online: Is It Worth It?

The Appeal of Ready-to-Assemble Cabinets

Buying a cabinet online offers convenience and consistency. Most companies selling cabinets online allow you to pick your style, finish, and size while offering competitive pricing. Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are shipped directly to your home, typically with instructions on how to put them together.

Advantages of buying cabinets online include:

Cost-effective options: Online retailers often have fewer overhead costs, allowing them to price their products lower.
Variety of styles: Whether you’re looking for a rustic bathroom cabinet or a sleek modern kitchen cabinet, the options online are vast.
Convenience: No need to source materials or worry about measurements.
Faster project completion: Since RTA cabinets are designed for easy assembly, most people can install them over a weekend.

Customization and Flexibility of Online Cabinets

While building cabinets yourself allows for full customization, many online retailers now offer semi-custom cabinets. This means you can choose specific finishes, add decorative features, or opt for soft-close drawers without the hassle of building the entire cabinet from scratch.

Quality Concerns with Buying Cabinets Online

Some people may be concerned about the quality of cabinets bought online. However, reputable companies use durable materials like plywood and solid wood for their products, which can compete with the quality of custom-built cabinets. Many online companies also offer warranties, ensuring that your investment is protected.

Cost Breakdown: Build vs. Buy

Material Costs

Building cabinets requires an investment in raw materials. The costs can vary depending on the wood type, hardware, and finishes. On average, the materials to build a single kitchen cabinet can range from $300 to $600.

Buying a cabinet online, however, offers more predictable pricing. For example, a high-quality RTA kitchen cabinet can cost between $200 to $500 per unit, making it a competitive option in terms of cost.

Labor and Assembly Time

When calculating whether it’s cheaper to build or buy, you have to consider the value of your time. Building a cabinet yourself is labor-intensive. On the other hand, purchasing RTA cabinets online only requires assembly, which takes a fraction of the time. Labor is a significant cost savings in the long run if you buy cabinets online.

The Environmental Impact: Which is More Sustainable?

Sustainable Materials in Building Cabinets

If sustainability is important to you, you can choose eco-friendly materials when building a cabinet. Using reclaimed wood or FSC-certified materials is a way to reduce your environmental footprint. However, the sourcing of these materials can be time-consuming and expensive.

Eco-Friendly Options for Online Cabinets

Many online retailers offer eco-friendly bathroom cabinets and kitchen cabinets made from sustainable materials or featuring low-VOC finishes. These products often come with certifications that ensure they meet environmental standards.

Additional Factors to Consider

Warranty and Customer Support

Building cabinets yourself comes with the risk of mistakes, which may result in extra costs. When you buy a cabinet online from a reputable company, you often receive a warranty covering damages or manufacturing defects. Customer support can also assist with assembly issues, making it a more secure option for many homeowners.

Shipping Costs and Delivery Time

When buying cabinets online, shipping costs can sometimes surprise buyers. However, many online retailers offer free or discounted shipping, especially for bulk orders. The shipping time is another factor—while building a cabinet can take weeks, purchasing one online typically involves a few days or weeks of delivery time.

In summary, while building a cabinet offers customization and control, buying a cabinet online tends to be more cost-effective and time-saving for most homeowners. When weighing the pros and cons, consider factors such as materials, time, and labor before making your decision.

Phoenix Cabinet Online – VIP Cabinets

If you’re in Phoenix and looking for a reliable and affordable option for purchasing cabinets online, look no further than VIP Cabinets – Cabinets 4 Less. Our business is committed to providing high-quality kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets that meet your unique needs. Whether you need a sleek modern design or something more traditional, our extensive collection has something for every taste.

Why choose VIP Cabinets – Cabinets 4 Less? We offer competitive pricing, fast shipping, and superior customer service. Our team is always available to answer your questions and help you find the perfect cabinets for your home. With our easy-to-navigate online store, you can browse and select your desired cabinets from the comfort of your home.

For more information, call us at (602) 428-4840 today and start your journey toward creating your dream kitchen or bathroom with VIP Cabinets.

FAQs About Building vs. Buying Cabinets Online

Can I Get Custom-Made Cabinets Online?

Yes, you can order custom kitchen cabinets online. Many custom cabinet makers and cabinet businesses offer online ordering, allowing you to choose from a wide range of materials, styles of cabinets, and finishes.

What to Expect When Ordering Custom Cabinets Online:

Customization Options: Choose from solid doors, plywood boxes, custom cabinet doors, and a range of styles like simple shaker style doors or cabinets made from exotic woods.
Exact Size: Many online retailers allow you to input the exact size of your cabinets to fit your kitchen layout perfectly.
Quality Products: Some offer premium quality options like high-end custom cabinets, while others focus on more affordable choices like semi-custom cabinets or stock cabinets.
Pricing Cabinets: Prices vary based on materials, labor costs, and design complexity. Expect higher costs for expensive materials like plywood cabinets and lower costs for particle board options.

Potential Downsides:

Shipping Costs & Delays: Custom cabinets take time to build and ship.
Assembly Required: Some cabinets arrive as modular cabinets or ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets, which means you’ll need to put them together.
Limited Hands-on Experience: You can’t inspect the smooth finish or feel the drawer pulls before purchase.

Ordering custom cabinetry online is a great way for business owners and homeowners to get nice cabinets that fit their space without visiting box stores.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Cabinet Yourself?

The time required to build a basic cabinet depends on your skill level, tools, and whether you’re making custom cabinetry or using a modular cabinet approach.

General Time Estimates:

Stock Cabinets (Pre-Made, Assembly Required):

1. - 1 to 3 hours per cabinet if using ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets.

Semi-Custom Cabinets (Modifications to Standard Sizes):

1. - 1 to 2 days per cabinet, depending on complexity.

Custom Kitchen Cabinets (From Scratch):

- 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your experience, materials, and kitchen layout.

Factors That Affect Build Time:

Material Choice: Plywood cabinets take longer than particle board due to sanding and finishing.
Joinery Methods: Using drawer slides and cabinet doors with hidden hinges adds time.
Experience Level: A skilled carpenter may complete a custom cabinet box in hours, while a beginner may take days.
Tools Available: Having the right tools for drawer pulls, smooth finishes, and cutting board feet of wood speeds up the process.

Building cabinets yourself can be cost-effective, but labor costs, tools, and expensive materials may outweigh savings compared to purchasing stock cabinets.

Are Online Cabinets Durable?

Yes, but the durability of kitchen cabinets ordered online depends on the materials and construction quality.

Factors That Affect Durability:

Material: Plywood cabinets are more durable than particle board.
Construction: Custom cabinetry with solid doors and premium quality hinges lasts longer than modular kitchen cabinets.
Finish: A smooth finish protects against moisture and wear.

Best Online Cabinet Options for Durability:

High-End Custom Cabinets:

1. - Made from exotic woods or expensive materials.
  - Feature pull-out trash cans, soft-close drawer slides, and premium quality finishes.

Semi-Custom Cabinets:

1. - Offer plenty of options for cabinet doors, drawer pulls, and counter tops.

Can be made from plywood boxes or solid doors.

Stock Cabinets:

- Found at box stores, often using particle board.
- More affordable but less durable than custom cabinetry.

Overall, custom kitchen cabinets and semi-custom cabinets from reputable online retailers are just as durable as those from a custom cabinet maker if you select quality products.

What Are the Benefits of Ready-to-Assemble Cabinets?

Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets offer affordability, convenience, and a wide variety of styles of cabinets.

Key Benefits:

Lower Cost: Avoids labor costs from professional installation.
Custom Cabinet Doors & Styles: Options include simple shaker style doors, solid doors, and custom cabinet doors.
Easy Shipping: Arrives flat-packed for easier transport than custom cabinetry.
Efficient Layout: Works well for many kitchen designs and kitchen renovations.

Drawbacks:

Assembly Required: If you’re not handy, it may take extra time.
Quality Varies: Some modular cabinets use particle board, which isn’t as durable as plywood cabinets.

For homeowners and business owners on a budget, RTA cabinets offer a balance between affordability and customization.

Is It Cheaper to Order Kitchen Cabinets Online?

Yes, ordering cabinets online is often cheaper than purchasing from local showrooms due to reduced labor costs and direct-to-consumer pricing.

Cost Breakdown:

Stock Cabinets: $100–$300 per linear foot
Semi-Custom Cabinets: $150–$600 per linear foot
Custom Kitchen Cabinets: $500–$1,200+ per linear foot

Why Online Cabinets Are More Affordable:

Lower Overhead: Online retailers don’t have expensive showroom costs.
Wide Range of Options: Choose from standard cabinets, semi-custom cabinets, and high-end custom
cabinets without showroom markups.
Direct Shipping: Cuts out middlemen, making premium quality cabinets more accessible.While ordering online saves money, expensive cabinets made from exotic woods or expensive materials will still cost more.

How Can I Save Money on Built-In Cabinets?

To reduce cost of custom cabinets, consider:

Using stock cabinets instead of custom cabinetry.
Choosing plywood boxes over expensive materials.
Buying semi-custom cabinets for customization without full custom cabinet maker costs.
Installing yourself to avoid labor costs.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Do Kitchen Cabinets?

Buy Stock Cabinets from Box Stores
Use RTA Cabinets for an Efficient Layout
Refinish Existing Cabinets with new cabinet doors and drawer pulls
Mix Modular Cabinets with Custom Pieces

Is It Worth Getting Custom Cabinets?

If you need an exact size, high-end custom cabinets, or a specific kitchen layout, then custom cabinetry is worth the investment. However, if cost is a concern, semi-custom cabinets or stock cabinets offer great alternatives at a lower cost of kitchen cabinets.

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