Decorating the inside of your cabinets with sheet metal can give them a modern, industrial look. But where exactly can you find sheet metal for this purpose? Here’s an in-depth guide on the best places to get sheet metal for cabinet interiors.
Introduction
Installing sheet metal on the inside of kitchen, bathroom, or other cabinets is a popular way to achieve a sleek, contemporary style. The reflective surface makes the space feel more open and light. Sheet metal comes in various metals like aluminum, steel, copper, and more, each with their own look. When shopping for sheet metal for cabinets, you’ll need to decide:
- Which type of sheet metal you want based on aesthetics, weight, cost, etc.
- What thickness you need based on the cabinet application.
- Where to conveniently purchase it from in the size you need.
This article will overview the best places to source quality sheet metal for cabinet interiors. By the end, you’ll know where to go whether you want light and affordable aluminum, strong steel, shiny copper, or other metal options.
Home Improvement Stores
Home improvement mega-stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer sheet metal in small quantities convenient for most home DIY projects. Here are some things to know when buying sheet metal at these stores:
Selection
While selection is more limited than metal suppliers, home stores still offer various common types of sheet metal suitable for cabinets:
- Aluminum: Affordable, lightweight, and available in different finishes like brushed or mirrored. Easy for DIY installation.
- Galvanized steel: Durable and economical option. Has a silver-gray color.
- Stainless steel: More expensive but has an attractive modern look. Often used for cabinets.
- Copper: Higher cost but adds warmth and value. Needs to be sealed due to oxidation.
Thickness is typically between 28 gauge and 16 gauge for the small sheets sold.
Cutting Service
Major benefit is that home centers can cut the sheets to your desired cabinet size right in store. This makes transport and installation easier.
Availability
As a retail shop, inventory isn’t as extensive as industrial suppliers. Call ahead to check availability of the specific metal, gauge, and size you need. Be aware that unusual metals or thicknesses may have to be special ordered.
Cost
Prices are reasonable at home stores and you only have to buy what you need. Per-sheet cost is higher than buying large orders from a metals supplier.
Metal Suppliers
For the largest selection and lowest prices, purchasing sheet metal from an industrial metals supplier is the best option, especially for large projects.
Selection
Metal suppliers offer the widest inventory of sheet metal choices:
- Common metals like aluminum, steel, copper
- Specialty metals like zinc, nickel, tin
- Various metal alloys and finishes
- All available gauges from thin foils to 12 gauge and up
- Standard sheet sizes up to 4′ x 10′
You’re sure to find the exact sheet metal you want.
Custom Cutting
Metal suppliers have high-capacity automated machines to cut metal with precision. Most will cut sheets to your required cabinet sizes at little to no extra cost.
Cost Savings
Buying full sheets in bulk from a metal supplier provides the highest cost savings, typically 40-50% less than home stores. The more you purchase, the lower the per-sheet cost.
Minimum Orders
One downside is that most metal suppliers have minimum order requirements of $100-$200. However, many are willing to waive this for retail customers doing small cabinet jobs. Call and inquire.
Material Grades
Be aware that commercial suppliers stock industrial-grade metals versus higher polished and finished metals meant for consumer products. The saving grace is that the inside of cabinets don’t require a perfect finish.
Online Metals Retailers
A newer option is purchasing sheet metals online through metals e-commerce sites.
Convenience
You can browse inventory, compare prices, and place orders online 24/7. No need to drive to a metals warehouse or wait in line at Home Depot.
Cut-to-Size
Just input your custom cabinet sizes during checkout. Your sheets will ship pre-cut and ready for install.
Selection
Decent range of metals and finishes, gauges, and sheet sizes, though still less than full-service suppliers.
No Minimums
Order any quantity you need, even single sheets. Great for small DIY jobs.
Cost
Better bulk pricing than home stores but not as economical as traditional metal suppliers. Pay a premium for the web convenience.
Shipping Costs
Doesn’t include free delivery like going to the store yourself. Factor $10-$30 for home delivery.
Metal Fabrication Shops
If you want fully custom fabricated sheet metal, local fabrication shops can cut and form metal to your exact cabinet design using precision equipment like brake presses and laser cutters.
Custom Work
Fabricators can make complex cabinet inserts with bends, edge treatments, precision holes for shelves and hardware, etc. Completely customized metal interiors.
Finishing Options
From sanding and polishing to powder coating services if you want a colored interior finish.
Assistance with Design
Experienced metal fabricators can help design the ideal sheet metal insert for your cabinets. A great option if you want completely custom interiors.
Cost
The highest cost option but may be warranted for high-end cabinetry and intricate metalwork.
Places to Avoid
Now that we’ve covered all the best places to buy quality sheet metal, here are some sources it’s best to avoid:
- Big box stores – Lack selection, sizes, sell thin tin panels unsuitable for cabinets.
- Salvage yards – Risky quality, safety hazards from rust and sharp edges.
- Scrap metal dealers – No sizes and unregulated quality. Not worth the discount.
Stick to reputable traditional or online metals retailers for the best experience purchasing sheet metal for cabinets.
Choosing the Best Place to Buy Sheet Metal for Your Project
With so many options available, how do you choose where to get your sheet metal for cabinets? Here are the key factors to consider:
- Type of metal – More variety at metal suppliers. Check first if you want something uncommon.
- Sheet size – Home stores for smaller cuts, metal supplier or fabricator for large pieces.
- Gauge/thickness – Suppliers and fabricators offer the full range.
- Quantity – Online metals for very small amounts. Suppliers for bulk orders.
- Custom fabrication – Metal shops have the capabilities to make custom inserts.
- Project budget – Home stores for smaller budgets. Bulk from suppliers to save money.
- Skill level – Home improvement stores if you’re uncomfortable around industrial metal suppliers.
Keep these criteria in mind when deciding where to source the sheet metal for your next cabinet refresh.
Tips for Purchasing and Preparing Sheet Metal for Cabinets
Follow these handy tips when buying and prepping sheet metal to end up with perfectly installed cabinet interiors:
- Accurately measure your cabinets so you get sheets cut to the right size. Don’t forget cabinet depth!
- Use a thickness like 20-22 gauge so the metal is rigid enough. Go thinner for aluminum or thicker for steel.
- Have edges smoothed if needed so they don’t pose a cutting hazard. Safety first!
- Wear heavy work gloves when handling sheet metal to avoid painful cuts from sharp edges and snips.
- Use clamps, helpers, and support beams to install large cabinet sheets safely and avoid bending.
- Attach with self-tapping metal screws, proper adhesives or welding depending on the material and your skill level.
- Consider pre-painting or sealing metals like steel and copper before installation for easier finishing.
Follow these tips when sourcing and prepping sheet metals to make your cabinet installation process smoother.
Sheet Metal Types for Cabinet Interiors
Now that you know where to buy sheet metal, let’s overview the specific metal options so you can select the best one for your cabinet refresh.
Aluminum
Benefits
- Very affordable, lightweight, and easy to work with
- Available in attractive brushed, mirrored, or patterned finishes
- Won’t rust and requires minimal maintenance
Considerations
- Prone to scratching and denting
- Lower durability than steel
Best for: Cost-conscious projects, modern interiors
Stainless Steel
Benefits
- Extremely durable and withstands heavy use
- Bright, modern, trendy look
- Resists corrosion and requires little maintenance
Considerations
- More expensive than other metals
- Can show fingerprints
- Challenging for amateur installation
Best for: Sleek, contemporary kitchens and bathrooms
Galvanized Steel
Benefits
- Inexpensive and easy to source
- Strong, hardy, and corrosion resistant
- Industrial aesthetic
Considerations
- Heavier than aluminum and harder to work with
- Prone to scratches altering the finish
Best for: Cost-savvy projects wanting an industrial look
Copper
Benefits
- Warm, inviting visual appeal
- Naturally germ and mold resistant
- The most pliable sheet metal option
Considerations
- Expensive compared to other metals
- Oxidizes and changes color over time
- Requires sealing for best results
Best for: High-end projects where budget allows
Additional Metals
Beyond the most common options above, specialty metals available via suppliers include:
- Brass – Gold-toned and sophisticated but expensive
- Nickel silver – Affordable and resembles stainless
- Tin – Extremely malleable and rust resistant
- Titanium – Hard-wearing and visually striking
The possibilities are vast! Select the best sheet metal type for your cabinets based on the benefits that matter most to your project.
Sheet Metal Gauge/Thickness for Cabinets
Sheet metal gauge (or thickness) for cabinet interiors can range quite a bit based on the metal type, size of the cabinets, and your budget. Here are some common gauges and how they correlate to inches of thickness:
- 24 gauge – 0.0239″ (thin and lightweight)
- 22 gauge – 0.0299” (medium thickness)
- 20 gauge – 0.0359” (thicker and more durable)
- 18 gauge – 0.0478″ (heavy duty)
- 16 gauge – 0.0598” (extremely rigid)
In most cases, 20, 22 or 24 gauge is suitable for smaller cabinets, while thicker 18 or 20 gauge works better for larger cabinet sections to prevent bending. Know that thinner metal is cheaper and easier to cut and install yourself.
If unsure, it’s smart to order sheet metal samples from a supplier in different gauges first. Test how they hold up when inserted into cabinets to determine the ideal thickness for your project.
Safety Tips for Working with Sheet Metal
While beautiful when installed, sheet metal requires safe handling and cutting to avoid injury. Here are some key safety tips:
- Wear heavy work gloves at all times to protect hands from sharp edges. Leather gloves won’t cut it!
- Use eye protection when cutting sheet metal to prevent flying shards.
- Work slowly and carefully when cutting metal with snips or blades. Rushing leads to accidents.
- Make small cuts rather than long unguided snips to stay in control.
- Store cut sheet metal out of reach and sight to prevent gashes from poking edges.
- Deburr all cut edges smooth so they don’t pose a slicing hazard.
- Install rounded corner protectors on cabinet inserts if small children will be around.
Follow these safety measures when working with sheet metal to keep your DIY metal project safe as well as stylish.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about purchasing sheet metal for cabinet interiors:
Where can I get sheet metal cut to custom sizes for my cabinets?
The best options for custom sheet metal cuts are metal suppliers, online metal retailers, or metal fabrication shops. They have the machinery to precisely cut metal to your measurements.
What thickness of sheet metal should I use for small cabinet interiors?
For typical cabinets under 36 inches, 22 or 24 gauge aluminum or steel is ideal. 20 gauge offers more rigidity for wider spans but is harder to cut and install.
Is it ok to buy cheaper sheet metal from a salvage yard for cabinets?
It’s not recommended due to questionable quality and safety from rust, grit, and jagged edges. Opt for new sheet metals from reputable vendors.
How should I attach the sheet metal panels to the cabinet frame?
Self-tapping metal screws are easy and secure. Adhesives like liquid nails also work for certain metals and cabinet materials. Riveting is another option.
Can I get sheet metal with patterns or designs instead of a plain finish?
Yes, many metals suppliers offer decorative sheet metal with various embossed textures and patterns like diamond plate. Great for adding visual interest.
How do I keep stainless steel or chrome sheet metal from showing fingerprints inside cabinets?
Using a brushed finish over mirror finish helps minimize fingerprints. Occasional wiping with a microfiber cloth also helps keep shiny metals smudge-free.
Conclusion
Installing sheet metal on cabinet interiors is an on-trend way to instantly update your space with an industrial vibe. Now that you know where to buy quality sheet metals from home stores to metal suppliers to fabricators, you can take on this project yourself.
Focus on sourcing the right metal, gauge, size sheets and safely prepping and installing them. With this knowledge in hand, you can achieve striking metal cabinet interiors that reflect your personal style. Just be cautious during handling and cutting – looking stylish shouldn’t come at the cost of safety.