Setting up an AirBnB that stands out from the crowd while keeping costs in check is no small feat. One of the biggest challenges? Finding quality cabinets that won’t drain your budget. Whether you’re outfitting a kitchen, bathroom, or storage areas, cabinets play a huge role in both the look and functionality of your space. They’re often one of the first things guests notice, and they need to withstand frequent use. But here’s the good news: with some smart shopping strategies, you can find great cabinets without overspending. Let’s discuss seven practical ways to get affordable cabinets that will impress your guests and keep money in your wallet.
Buy Cabinets Wholesale
Purchasing cabinets wholesale is often the most cost-effective route for AirBnB owners. By cutting out the middleman, you can access high-quality products at significantly lower prices. Many wholesalers offer a wide range of styles and finishes, allowing you to find options that match your AirBnB’s aesthetic.
To find top-quality wholesale cabinets in San Diego or your local area, start by researching reputable suppliers online. Many wholesalers now cater to individual buyers as well as contractors. Don’t be afraid to reach out and inquire about minimum order quantities and delivery options. Remember, buying in bulk can lead to even greater savings, which is perfect if you’re managing multiple properties.
Shop Secondhand and Salvage Stores
If you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and do a bit of treasure hunting, secondhand and salvage stores can be incredible resources for affordable cabinets. These places often have hidden gems waiting to be discovered. You might find vintage pieces with character that can give your AirBnB a unique, homey feel, or barely-used modern cabinets at steep discounts.
Start by checking out local thrift stores, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, and architectural salvage yards. Don’t forget online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist either. When shopping secondhand, look for cabinets made of solid wood – they’re usually higher quality and can be easily refinished if needed. Keep in mind that you might need to visit these places regularly to snag the best deals, as inventory changes frequently.
Before making a purchase, carefully inspect the cabinets for any damage or signs of wear. Check that drawers slide smoothly and doors hang straight. Minor issues can often be fixed easily, but major structural problems might not be worth the hassle. With a bit of patience and some elbow grease, you can find fantastic cabinets that will give your AirBnB a stylish look without the high-end price tag.
Consider Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets have come a long way in recent years. They’re no longer the flimsy, obviously cheap options they once were. Today’s RTA cabinets can offer impressive quality and style at budget-friendly prices.
The main advantage of RTA cabinets is cost savings. Because they’re shipped flat-packed, transportation costs are lower, and these savings are passed on to you. Many RTA cabinet companies offer a wide range of styles, from sleek and modern to traditional and rustic, so you’re likely to find something that fits your AirBnB’s aesthetic.
Of course, there’s a trade-off: you’ll need to assemble the cabinets yourself. This requires some time and basic DIY skills. However, many hosts find that the substantial savings make it worth the effort. If you’re not confident in your assembly skills, you could hire a handyperson to put them together for you – even with this added cost, RTA cabinets often come out cheaper than pre-assembled options.
When shopping for RTA cabinets, pay attention to the materials and construction methods. Look for cabinets made with solid wood frames and doors, and plywood (not particleboard) for the box construction. These will stand up better to the wear and tear of frequent guest use.
Explore Big Box Store Options
Home improvement chains like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and IKEA can be excellent sources for budget-friendly cabinets. While they may not offer the uniqueness of custom cabinetry, they can be a solid choice for AirBnBs aiming for a clean, modern look.
These stores often have display kitchens set up, allowing you to see and touch the cabinets before you buy. This can be incredibly helpful in assessing quality and visualizing how the cabinets might look in your space. Many also offer design services to help you plan your layout, which can be a big help if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process.
One of the biggest advantages of buying from big box stores is the predictability. You know what you’re getting, and if you need to add or replace a cabinet down the line, you can usually find matching pieces easily. They also often have good warranties and return policies, which can provide peace of mind.
To get the best deals, keep an eye out for seasonal sales. Many home improvement stores offer significant discounts around major holidays. You might also check out their ‘scratch and dent’ sections for even deeper discounts on cabinets with minor imperfections.
Look for Cabinet Overstock Sales
Cabinet overstock sales can be a goldmine for budget-conscious AirBnB hosts. These sales happen when retailers or manufacturers need to clear out excess inventory, often due to overproduction, discontinued lines, or slight imperfections that don’t affect functionality.
The discounts during overstock sales can be substantial – sometimes up to 80% off retail prices. This means you could potentially get high-end cabinets for the price of budget options. However, these sales often require quick decision-making, as the best deals tend to go fast.
To stay informed about upcoming overstock sales, sign up for newsletters from local cabinet shops and manufacturers. Follow them on social media too, as many businesses announce flash sales through these channels. Some online retailers specialize in overstock cabinets, so it’s worth checking these regularly.
When shopping overstock sales, be prepared with your measurements and requirements. Know exactly what you need before you start browsing, as you may not have the luxury of time to mull over your decisions. It’s also a good idea to have a flexible design plan. You might not find exactly what you had in mind, but you could discover something even better at a fraction of the cost.
Remember, while overstock items are often in perfect condition, some may have minor flaws or be missing pieces like handles. Always check the condition description carefully and factor in any additional costs for missing hardware or minor repairs.
Refinish or Reface Existing Cabinets
If your AirBnB already has structurally sound cabinets, giving them a facelift could be your most cost-effective option. Refinishing or refacing can dramatically change the look of your kitchen or bathroom without the hefty price tag of full replacement.
Refinishing involves stripping the old finish from your cabinets and applying a new stain or paint. This works well if you like the overall style of your cabinets but want to change their color. It’s a great way to brighten up a space or give it a more modern feel. Refinishing is typically the most budget-friendly option and can be a manageable DIY project if you’re handy.
Refacing is a step up from refinishing. It involves keeping the existing cabinet boxes but replacing the doors and drawer fronts. This allows for a more significant style change. You can go from traditional raised-panel doors to sleek, modern slab doors, for instance. Refacing also usually includes applying a new veneer to the face frames and side panels of the cabinets to ensure everything matches.
Both of these options can give your AirBnB a fresh, updated look at a fraction of the cost of new cabinets. They’re also quicker and less disruptive than a full cabinet replacement, which means less downtime for your rental.
If you decide to go this route, consider hiring a professional for the best results. While it’s more expensive than DIY, professional refinishing or refacing still usually costs less than half of what you’d pay for new cabinets, and the results can be stunning.
Mix and Match Cabinet Styles
Creating a designer look doesn’t mean you have to buy an entire set of high-end cabinets. By strategically mixing and matching different cabinet styles and price points, you can achieve a custom, high-end look without the premium price tag.
Start by identifying the focal points in your kitchen or bathroom. These are the areas that immediately draw the eye when someone enters the room. In a kitchen, this might be the island or the range area. In a bathroom, it’s often the vanity. Invest in higher-quality, possibly more expensive cabinets for these areas.
For less prominent areas, like upper cabinets or storage areas, you can use more budget-friendly options. The key is to ensure that these less expensive cabinets complement the focal point cabinets in terms of color and style.
This approach allows you to splurge where it counts and save where it doesn’t. You might pair a custom-built island with stock cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen, for instance. Or in a bathroom, you could use a beautiful, statement vanity cabinet and more basic cabinets for additional storage.
To pull this look together, use consistent hardware throughout. High-quality knobs and pulls can elevate the look of even the most basic cabinets, and they’re a relatively inexpensive way to add a touch of luxury.
Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive look that appears intentional, not pieced together. With some creativity and an eye for design, you can create a space that looks custom-designed without the custom price tag.
By employing these strategies, you can outfit your AirBnB with attractive, durable cabinets that will impress your guests without emptying your wallet. The key is to approach your cabinet search with creativity and flexibility. Whether you’re starting from scratch or working with existing cabinets, there are always ways to achieve a great look on a budget. Your future guests (and your profit margins) will thank you for the effort. And don’t forget to check out our tips on how to organize your kitchen cabinets!