Choosing the right cabinets for sale can make or break your kitchen or bathroom’s functionality. The challenge is finding stylish, high-quality options without overspending. Many assume affordability means poor quality, but that’s not the case.
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets offer a balance of durability, design, and cost. This guide covers what affects cabinet pricing, how to stay within budget, and why Ready To Ship Cabinets is the best choice for affordable style and quality.
Understanding Cabinet Prices: Why Are Some Cabinets More Expensive?
Cabinets range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. The price difference depends on various aspects. If you want affordable kitchen cabinets without hidden surprises, understanding what drives the cost is the first step.
Material Quality Makes the Biggest Difference
The material used to build your cabinets determines price and longevity. Some materials hold up for decades, while others deteriorate quickly.
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Solid wood: The gold standard. Strong, durable, and beautiful, but it’s also the most expensive option. Oak, maple, and cherry are commonly used.
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Plywood: A solid mid-range choice. Sturdy, moisture-resistant, and a great alternative to solid wood without the hefty price tag.
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Medium-density fiberboard (MDF): Less expensive but still a good option if properly sealed. Works well for painted finishes.
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Particleboard: The cheapest option, but it swells when exposed to moisture and doesn’t hold screws well. Avoid it in high-traffic areas.
Custom vs. Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets
Customization adds cost quickly. If you order custom-built cabinets, you’re paying for labor, design work, and unique dimensions. That’s great if you have an irregular space, but for most homes, RTA cabinets provide the same visual appeal and durability at a fraction of the cost.
What makes RTA cabinets cost-effective?
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They arrive flat-packed, reducing shipping costs.
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You handle the assembly, saving on labor.
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They’re pre-designed, so you don’t pay for custom sizing or features.
Expensive Doesn’t Always Mean Better
Paying more does not always guarantee better quality. Many expensive cabinets use particleboard with a fancy veneer, while some affordable options feature solid wood doors and plywood construction.

How to Buy Affordable Kitchen Cabinets Without Sacrificing Style
Finding cabinets for sale at a price that fits your budget isn’t just about hunting for discounts. It’s about making smart choices that give you the best value for your money.
Stick to RTA Cabinets for Maximum Savings
A custom-built kitchen can drain your wallet fast. RTA cabinets give you the same professional look but at a much lower cost. They’re designed to be assembled quickly, and with a little effort, they look just as good as high-end options.
Choose Timeless Styles Over Trends
Trendy cabinets might look great today, but will they still look good in five years? Stick to classic kitchen cabinet styles like:
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Shaker cabinets: Clean lines, versatile, and always in style.
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Flat-panel cabinets: Modern and minimalistic, perfect for a sleek look.
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White and light gray finishes: Brighten up the space and match almost any decor.
Buy Direct from a Supplier
Retailers mark up prices significantly. Buying directly from a cabinet supplier instead of a home improvement store helps reduce costs by removing extra fees from resellers.
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Suppliers offer better materials for the same price.
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Fewer markups mean better deals.
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More variety in colors, finishes, and styles.
Prioritize Quality Over Extras
It’s easy to get distracted by fancy cabinet add-ons, but some features add unnecessary cost without much value.
Worth the investment:
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Soft-close hinges: Prevents slamming and extends cabinet life.
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Plywood boxes: Holds up better than particleboard.
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Full-extension drawers: Maximizes storage space.
Not necessary if you’re on a budget:
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Custom-built organizers: You can buy these separately.
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Glass doors: Looks great, but adds to the price without improving function.
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Over-the-top molding: It can double the cost without adding much benefit.
What Is a Good Budget for Kitchen Cabinets?
Setting a budget for kitchen cabinets depends on several factors, including the size of your kitchen and the materials you prefer. Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs:
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Stock cabinets: $100–$300 (Pre-made, limited customization)
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Semi-custom cabinets: $150–$650 (More design flexibility, some modifications)
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Custom cabinets: $500–$1,200 (Fully customized, handcrafted)
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RTA cabinets: $120–$400 (Affordable, stylish, ships flat-packed)
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinets With Affordability in Mind
Buying cabinets for sale isn't just about getting the lowest price. It’s about making a smart investment. Here’s what to look for:
Durability and Materials
Opt for plywood or solid wood construction if you want cabinets that last. Avoid particleboard, as it tends to deteriorate faster.
Functional Design
Consider storage space, soft-close hinges, and drawer slides to enhance usability. Wall cabinets, base cabinets, and pantry cabinets should be chosen based on how you use your kitchen space.
Style and Aesthetic Appeal
A kitchen remodel costs time and money, so it’s important to make lasting choices. For example, shaker cabinets in classic colors stay stylish for years.
Where to Buy Affordable Yet Stylish Cabinets for Sale
Not all cabinet suppliers are created equal. You need a place that offers a balance of quality, affordability, and style. That’s where Ready To Ship Cabinets comes in.
Why Ready To Ship Cabinets Is the Best Choice
Most suppliers either overcharge for high-end cabinets or cut corners on quality. RTS Cabinets delivers:
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A wide selection of kitchen cabinets: From base cabinets to wall cabinets and pantry cabinets, they have everything needed to complete your space.
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Stylish bathroom cabinets: Designed for smaller spaces while still offering storage and durability.
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Premium construction: Made from quality plywood and MDF, ensuring durability without the high cost.
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Fast, reliable shipping: No waiting months for custom orders. Everything is ready to ship.
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Variety of colors and finishes: Choose from classic white, deep espresso, soft gray, and modern navy.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Buying Cabinets for Sale
Buying kitchen cabinets is a long-term investment, and the wrong choice can lead to wasted money and poor durability. Some mistakes are obvious, while others become clear too late. Here’s how to avoid them.
Relying on Guesswork Instead of Precise Measurements
Incorrect measurements can ruin a cabinet purchase. Many homeowners assume standard sizes will fit, only to discover misalignments later.
How to avoid it:
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Measure twice, order once: Get the width, height, and depth of your space and double-check everything.
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Account for trim and molding: If your cabinets need to fit around crown molding or baseboards, factor those into your measurements.
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Plan for appliance clearance: Make sure there’s enough room for your refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher to open properly without hitting cabinet doors.
Choosing Style Over Function
Sleek cabinet designs may look great in photos but aren’t always practical for your kitchen.
How to avoid it:
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Think about storage needs: Deep drawers, pull-out shelves, and pantry cabinets can save you from cluttered countertops.
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Make sure doors won’t block each other: If a drawer and a cabinet door open at the same time, will they collide?
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Consider daily use: Do you want high-gloss finishes if they show fingerprints and smudges every time you cook?
Focusing Only on the Lowest Price
Choosing the cheapest cabinets for sale without considering quality often leads to low-quality products.
How to avoid it:
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Compare materials: Cabinets made from solid wood or plywood last longer than those made from particleboard.
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Check for soft-close hinges: Cheap hardware wears out fast, leading to slamming doors and drawers that won’t stay shut properly.
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Buy from a trusted supplier: A lower price means nothing if the cabinets arrive damaged or poorly constructed.
What You Need to Know About Assembling RTA Cabinets
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets save money without sacrificing style or durability. They arrive flat-packed and require proper assembly.
Don’t Rush the Process
RTA cabinets are easy to assemble, but rushing can compromise durability.
How to avoid it:
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Lay out all the parts first. Make sure nothing is missing before you start.
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Follow the instructions. Skipping ahead or assuming you know how to assemble the cabinets can result in errors.
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Use wood glue sparingly. Some joints might need extra reinforcement, but too much glue can cause messy seams.
Make Sure You Have the Right Tools
Using the wrong tools can cause frustration and poorly secured components.
Essentials:
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Power drill with screwdriver bits: Hand-tightening every screw will take too long.
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Rubber mallet: Helps to gently tap pieces into place without damaging them.
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Clamps: Keeps sections stable while assembling.
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Level: Ensures that cabinets sit evenly once installed.
Check for Stability Before Installation
The last thing you want is to finish assembling a cabinet only to find out it’s wobbly once installed.
How to avoid it:
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Tighten all screws properly. Loose screws lead to unstable cabinets.
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Square everything up before securing. If panels aren’t aligned, the entire cabinet can be off-balance.
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Test drawers and doors before mounting. It’s easier to make adjustments before cabinets are installed.
Ready to Upgrade Your Kitchen or Bathroom?
Finding affordable yet stylish cabinets for sale doesn’t have to be a challenge. Ready To Ship Cabinets provides high-quality, ready-to-assemble kitchen and bathroom cabinets at prices that make sense for homeowners.
With a variety of styles, durable materials, and excellent customer service, RTS Cabinets is the go-to source for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on style. Want to find the perfect cabinets for your home?
Complete an online contact form today and get started on your dream kitchen or bathroom with Ready To Ship Cabinets.