Building kitchen cabinets can be a lot easier than most people think, depending on your existing skills in woodworking, and the approach you take. Building kitchen cabinets is a do-it-your-selfer’s dream, and could be the best way for you to get that dream kitchen look without going to great expense.

In this article, we’ll take a quick look at the main things to consider before you start a kitchen remodeling project.
This should help you explore options, clarify and organize your ideas for your kitchen cabinets and how to install them.

Planning

Of course, building kitchen cabinets requires a good deal of… planning. Before starting, there are several steps that need to be taken care of:

• finding styles you like
• designing your kitchen layout
• deciding whether to build from scratch, use ready to assemble kits, or buy pre-built units
• deciding what to do yourself

While space utilization and functionality are key to effective kitchen remodeling, I’m sure you are well aware that the kitchen is probably the most expensive room in your home to remodel. And along with counter top selection, kitchen cabinets are likely to be the most costly part of your kitchen redesign project.

What Sort of Costs?

Let’s put some numbers on this…

You could start from scratch… draw your own plans, get the lumber, cut it, sand it, fix the pieces together and then paint or stain it.

However, choosing custom kitchen cabinets would be the most expensive approach, with costs ranging from $10,000-$100,000 according to the specification chosen – types of wood, brand, and the size of kitchen to be refitted.

On the other hand, buying RTA cabinets (ready to assemble) could reduce the entry-level cost of cabinets to $2500 or less, while still providing you the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

Somewhere in the middle, you could purchase pre-built or designer cabinets, and build them into the available space.

Even if cost is not your first concern, the differences in time to install, and required woodworking skill levels mean that you should consider the implications carefully before committing yourself to anyone’s sales pitch!

So with this huge range in kitchen cabinet costs and installation implications, here is the right place to start when you are looking for your dream kitchen design at the best value for money.

Why Consider Building Your Own Cabinets?

Back-tracking a little, let’s re-visit why you are considering a kitchen re-design, and the question of whether to build your own kitchen cabinets or not?

• Do you mainly want to get a kitchen of your own design, and the satisfaction of doing it yourself?

No,  this  job is not easy if you plan on building kitchen cabinets from scratch,  but if you do it and pull it off, every time you walk into your kitchen door you can have the satisfaction of knowing it has the design it does because of  your  efforts.

• Do you need to make better use of the available space in your kitchen?
• Have you a limited budget, but the time a skills to do it yourself?

While the housing market is in a slump, many people welcome cost-efficient ideas which could increase the resale value of their home. They want to be sure to get back their investment when they sell their house.

What About Skills?

Cost and installation time are important factors, but for those considering the DIY from scratch approach, woodworking skills, tools and a suitable workshop space are likely to be go/no-go factors.

You’ve probably already assessed the potential or limitations of your existing space, what could be added, or removed. You’ve taken into account your family size and cooking style, as well as the everyday role that your dream kitchen should fulfil. Now you’ve defined your requirements, the main decisions are how to arrive at the best design, then how to make it happen!

Installation Tip:

When you are building kitchen cabinets, make sure you install all the carcasses first, then add doors and interior fittings.

Recommended Reading:

Someone recently asked for a simple do-it-yourself guide to building kitchen cabinets. You could try Building kitchen cabinets by Udo Schmidt 2003, paperback, illustrated. Probably available on Amazon or Ebay.