Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets: The Why, What and Where

Unfinished kitchen cabinets are a great choice in several situations:

• you want the best value for money and are prepared to put in your time and labor
• you want a unique finish or super high-end look to the cabinets, without paying an arm and leg to get it.
• you want the lowest possible price while still getting decent quality

What do you get when you buy unfinished kitchen cabinets?

These cabinets in general are face-frame construction, with hardwood face frames and plywood or MDF panels. They are intended for you to finish them yourself with paint or stain and clear coating. Generally, they come fully assembled.

What’s the difference between “unfinished” and “RTA” or “Ready to Assemble” cabinets?

Unfinished cabinets are fully assembled, but the wood used in the construction is raw and ready for you to paint or stain. Often, the interior is already finished with clear finish (not paint or stain) and you just have to do your own custom finishing to the outside. Unfinished cabinets are usually of face-frame construction.

RTA cabinets are normally completely finished, but they come in pieces, flat-packed in a box so they are easy to pack into your vehicle or have shipped. All the pieces are cut to exact size and shape and pre-drilled for fasteners, and normally the special fasteners are included in the package. RTA cabinets are usually of frameless construction.

Where can I buy unfinished cabinets?

• Lowes carries a range of unfinished cabinets which you can order online or through their stores.
• There are several independent companies which carry unfinished cabinets as part of their line, or which produce unfinished cabinets.
• Your local kitchen cabinet maker might also be willing to build cabinets for you to finish yourself.