Used metal cabinets can be a great option for adding storage or display space to your home, office, or other property. Finding high-quality used metal cabinets at an affordable price takes some work, but there are many routes you can take to locate the perfect cabinets for your needs. This comprehensive guide covers where and how to find the best deals on previously owned metal cabinets.

Check Classified Listings

One of the best places to find used metal cabinets is right in your local classified ads. Check listings on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Nextdoor in your area. You can search using keywords like “used metal cabinets” or “metal storage cabinets” to see what’s available nearby.

The great thing about finding local listings is that you can often inspect the cabinets in person before purchasing. Examine them closely for dents, rust, broken hinges or handles, and other damage. Test the doors and drawers to make sure they open and close smoothly. Buying locally also saves you the hassle of arranging delivery.

Ask sellers questions about the cabinets’ origins and age. Many quality metal cabinets were made decades ago and may even be vintage or antique. The seller should be able to tell you if the cabinets came out of a building renovation, office cleaning, or storage unit auction. This can help you determine their condition and value.

When browsing classifieds, don’t limit yourself to platform-specific sites. Check community bulletin boards, free ad newspapers, and neighborhood email listservs. Someone in your local area may be looking to get rid of just the cabinets you need.

Contact Businesses and Builders

Companies that use metal storage cabinets regularly are a great resource for finding used cabinets for resale. Manufacturers, auto garages, construction companies, schools, and warehouses often replace their old metal cabinets during renovations or upgrades.

Reach out to local businesses that may have surplus metal cabinets and ask if they have old ones available for sale. They will often let go of quality used cabinets for a reasonable price. This prevents them from having to go through the trouble of disposing of them. Make sure to ask about the cabinets’ age and condition.

Construction and contracting companies can also be an excellent source of secondhand metal cabinets. Builders amass products like cabinets while working on projects for clients and may be looking to sell surplus items they no longer need. They may even have salvaged metal cabinets and other items from job sites.

Check Surplus and Salvage Stores

Stores that specialize in surplus, overstock, and salvaged items often carry a wide selection of used metal cabinets. These retailers acquire merchandise like cabinets in bulk quantities from warehouses, retailers, schools, and other sources. They then resell these pre-owned products to consumers at discounted prices.

Search for terms like “surplus building materials” or “salvage store” in your area to find local retailers. Visit their websites and social media pages to get an idea of their current cabinet inventory. Stores like these typically organize their products by category, with metal cabinets grouped together for easy browsing.

The benefit of shopping at these types of resale stores is the volume of cabinets available in one place. You can evaluate multiple options for size, style, and color all under one roof. Take time inspecting each cabinet for damage prior to purchasing.

Check Habitat for Humanity ReStores

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores that accept donated furniture, home goods, cabinets, appliances, tools, and building materials. They also acquire overstock goods and gently used cabinets from big box stores, manufacturers, contractors, and individuals.

Shopping at a ReStore is a win-win – you find used metal cabinets at a bargain price while supporting a good cause. One caveat is that you may not know the exact origins or age of their cabinets since they come from various sources. Be diligent in inspecting the cabinets for any flaws or needed repairs before purchasing.

Look on Government and Contractor Resale Sites

Federal, state, and local governments as well as government contractors occasionally auction off used office furnishings and equipment. This can include metal cabinets and shelving units from facilities that have closed or undergone renovations.

Search for government liquidation sales and contractor resale sites in your state or region. For example, you can find state surplus property auctions online through sites like GovDeals.com. Read all sale terms closely and preview any cabinets prior to bidding if possible.

School districts, universities, hospitals, and other public institutions also sometimes sell metal cabinets and other surplus supplies through online auctions. Sign up for email alerts from liquidators in your area to stay on top of upcoming sales.

Check Secondhand Retailers

Used furniture and home decor retailers can be great spots to uncover metal cabinets at discounted prices. Stores like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity ReStores (see above) often have a selection of used metal storage cabinets.

Visit the stores in person to inspect available cabinets. Check for damage, rust, broken handles, and other issues. Test doors and drawers for smooth opening and closing. If the cabinets are in good structural shape but need some cosmetic upgrades, they can likely be sanded down, primed, painted, or refinished.

Ask employees when they typically put new used merchandise on the retail floor. Try to visit frequently to have the best chance of finding metal cabinets in good condition. You may even find vintage or antique cabinets that have a unique style and lots of character.

Search Online Auctions and Marketplaces

Online auctions, resale marketplaces, and used goods websites are great resources for finding deals on metal cabinets. Sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist (see above) allow users to buy and sell used items through bidding, classified ads, and direct sales.

When browsing for cabinets:

Search using targeted terms like “used metal storage cabinet,” “vintage metal cabinet,” etc.
Narrow your search by cabinet size, style, color, location, price, and condition.
Vet sellers by reading reviews and ratings. Stick to sellers with satisfied past customers.
Ask questions and request additional photos of the actual cabinet for sale if needed.
Inspect cabinets upon delivery before accepting them.

Shipping costs can be high for metal cabinets, so try to find ones located near you for local pickup. If you do opt for shipping, choose ground shipping and inspect thoroughly upon arrival before accepting delivery.

Check Moving and Estate Sales

When individuals and families undergo a move or have an estate sale to liquidate belongings, they often sell furniture and household items that are in good shape but simply no longer fit their needs. Metal cabinets and shelving units are commonly sold through moving and estate sales.

Search for upcoming sales in your area through websites that aggregate sales listings, through social media groups focused on estate sales, and by driving around neighborhoods to spot posted signs. Well-organized estate sales will have photo previews and lists of items being sold.

Arrive early at moving and estate sales to have the best selection. Be prepared to inspect items for quality and function. Negotiate a fair price for metal cabinets that appeal to you – sellers expect haggling.

Consider Cabinet Refurbishing Companies

Companies that specialize in refurbishing used cabinets purchase old and damaged cabinets in bulk, repair them, and resell them. Buying refurbished metal cabinets is a more affordable alternative to purchasing brand new at full retail pricing.

Search for terms like “used cabinets” or “refurbished metal cabinets” in your region. Reputable companies thoroughly clean, sand, prime, and paint old cabinets to improve their appearance and function. Many also replace broken hardware and make other repairs. Be sure to ask about their refurbishing process.

Purchasing refurbished allows you to skip the steps of finding and rehabbing used metal cabinets yourself. Just verify that the company offers a reasonable warranty on their refurbished cabinets before purchasing.

How to Inspect Used Metal Cabinets Before Buying

Once you locate used metal cabinets for sale, it’s important to thoroughly inspect them before making a purchase. Check for damage, wear and tear, quality of construction, and functionality. Here are the steps to take to evaluate the condition of metal cabinets:

Examine the Exterior

Stand back and look at the overall appearance of the metal cabinet. Is it badly dented or rusted? Are there scratches, discoloration, or flaking paint? Make notes on any noticeable exterior damage.

Check that the cabinet sits flat on the floor without rocking from corner to corner. Try sliding the doors and drawers open. Do they move smoothly or are they sticky and resistant? Faulty drawer glides should be repaired or replaced.

Knock gently on the sides, top, back, and bottom of the cabinet. It should have a uniform hollow sound, not cracking or thudding that indicates interior damage.

Examine the level of rust, if any. Surface rust that can be sanded down and repainted is acceptable. But deep rust that has damaged the structural integrity of the metal is a warning sign.

Inspect Door Hinges and Handles

Open and close the cabinet doors, watching for any loose hinges or sagging. Door hinges can be tightened or replaced if need be.

Make sure cabinet and drawer handles are present, attached securely, and functioning properly. Loose handles will need reattachment. Broken handles will need replacing.

Check for locking mechanisms on cabinets and verify they work properly with included keys. Damaged locks may need to be changed.

Test Drawers, Shelves, and Interior

Slide all drawers out fully and push them back in. Drawer glides should be straight and sturdy. Remove drawers and inspect drawer bottoms for damage. Check drawer sides for dents or peeling laminate.

Verify shelves are intact, sturdy, and adjustable. Shelves should fit securely in shelf channels and stay put at varied heights.

The cabinet interior should be clean with no major scrapes, scuffs, discoloration, or stains. Look for nails, hooks, or other attachments that were added. Check for damage like mold or rust inside the cabinet.

For used desks and workstations, test keyboard drawers, cabinet locks, and any other functional components. Make sure everything operates properly.

Assess Overall Construction

Durability and quality construction are key when purchasing used metal cabinets. Look for indications of high quality like:

Thick, heavy-gauge metal rather than thin, flimsy metal
Smooth, uniform paint coverage
Sturdy welds at seams
Reinforced cabinet backs and drawer bottoms
Solid, securely attached hinges
Hard, durable finishes

High-end metal cabinets are worth the investment since they will last for decades with proper care.

Have Realistic Expectations

Keep in mind used metal cabinets will show signs of wear like minor scratches and scuffs. Signs of use do not necessarily indicate damage. Focus more on structural integrity rather than cosmetic issues that can be remedied with cleaning or refinishing.

Prior owners may have customized cabinets with additions like shelving, hooks, or racks. These can usually be removed to restore the cabinet to its original state if desired.

Assess Repair Needs

Make note of any repairs the used metal cabinets may require, such as:

Sanding, priming, and repainting
Refinishing scratched surfaces
Replacing broken/missing handles or hinges
Filing down rough edges
Adjusting/tightening doors and drawers
Attaching new drawer glides or shelf channels
Removing unwanted hooks, shelving, etc.

Minor repairs are inexpensive. But major repairs like dent removal or full cabinet rebuilding may not be worth the cost compared to buying different used cabinets.

Questions to Ask the Seller

When evaluating used metal cabinets, be sure to ask the seller key questions:

How old are the cabinets?
Where did the cabinets come from originally?
Why are the cabinets being sold?
Have the cabinets sustained any damage?
Have there been any repairs or modifications to the cabinets?

The seller’s answers will help you determine the condition, quality, and value of the used metal cabinets.

Decide If the Cabinets Are a Good Value

Based on your inspection and the seller’s answers, decide if the asking price is fair. High-quality metal cabinets in good functional shape are typically worth paying more for since they will last. Heavily damaged cabinets requiring major repairs may not justify the cost.

Factor in the expenses of any repairs needed and decide if purchasing the used metal cabinets still makes financial sense. Aim to pay no more than 50-75% of the cost of brand new metal cabinets.

Tips for Cleaning and Refurbishing Used Metal Cabinets

Once you get your used metal cabinets home, some refurbishing is likely needed to restore them to their best look and function. Here are tips for cleaning and refurbishing used metal cabinets.

Cleaning Used Metal Cabinets

Thorough cleaning is the first step with used metal cabinets. Follow these tips:

Remove all doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware. Clean all surfaces separately.
Wipe down exterior cabinet surfaces with a mild detergent and water solution. Use degreaser for oily areas.
Use a multi-surface cleaner for the cabinet interior. Scrub out any stains with an abrasive sponge.
Clean the inside of drawers with a multi-surface spray cleaner and rinse with a damp cloth.
Wipe down shelves separately. Let them air dry fully before replacing.
Use metal polishing paste to make exterior handles, knobs, and hinges shine.
Allow all cabinet parts to dry fully before reassembling.

Sanding Metal Cabinets

After cleaning, use 220-400 grit sandpaper to sand cabinets down to bare metal:

Always sand in the direction of the metal grain for best results.
Use a palm sander for large flat surfaces. Hand sand smaller areas.
Sand evenly until you expose the original metal beneath any paint/finish.
Sand out any scratches, pits, and discoloration as desired.
Clean sanding dust off periodically and after finished.

Filling Holes and Gouges

Use auto body filler putty to fill any holes, gouges, or dents:

Scoop putty onto a putty knife and press it into the hole firmly. Allow putty to cure per package directions.
Once cured, sand the area smooth and blend edges into the surrounding surface.
Apply metal primer to filled areas before painting.

Priming and Painting

Prime and paint provides protection and a fresh appearance:

Wipe sanded cabinets with a tack cloth before priming or painting.
Apply 1-2 coats of metal primer allowing proper dry time between coats.
Lightly sand primed cabinets to ensure a smooth finish.
Apply at least 2 coats of quality metal enamel spray paint. Allow full drying between coats.
Replace cabinet hardware once paint is fully cured, typically 2-3 weeks.

Repairing Drawers and Hinges

Get cabinets functioning like new again with these fixes:

Replace damaged drawer glides so drawers slide smoothly. Check drawer alignment.
Tighten loose hinge screws. Replace hinges that are damaged or misaligned.
Adjust doors and drawers so they open, close, and align properly.

Finishing Touches

Additional repairs and upgrades to make cabinets look great:

Install new handles/knobs to replace any that are missing or damaged.
Replace damaged shelves or shelf brackets.
Attach felt pads to bottom cabinet corners to prevent floor scratches.
Upgrade lighting with battery operated puck lights inside cabinets.

With some elbow grease, used metal cabinets can be restored to excellent shape for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets. Just allow plenty of time for proper cleaning, repairs, priming, and painting. The end result will be beautiful, fully-functional metal cabinets.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts for Metal Cabinets

To complete refurbishing used metal cabinets, you may need to replace certain hardware and components that are broken or missing. Here are some top places to purchase replacement metal cabinet parts affordably:

Hardware and Home Improvement Stores

Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware and similar home improvement retailers stock various replacement parts for metal cabinets and shelving units including:

Hinges: Look for heavy duty, full overlay, and half overlay hinges in finishes like brushed nickel or brass.
Knobs and handles: Choose from modern or classic styles in round, rectangular, or curved shapes.
Locks: Keyed cabinet locks, child safety locks, and magnetic locks are available. Match finish to other hardware.
Drawer glides and slides: Look for side-mounted, full extension glides rated for heavier drawers.
Shelf brackets and supports: Choose adjustable ones that work with cabinet shelf channels.
Casters: Caster wheels make cabinets mobile. Look for swivel and/or locking casters.

Online Hardware Stores

Online retailers like HardwareAndTools.com, Rockler.com, and HardwareSource.com offer a huge selection of cabinet hardware and parts beyond what local stores inventory. Shop specialty hinges, drawer slides, shelf supports, and more based on your specific cabinet’s dimensions and requirements.

Used and Salvaged Building Supply Stores

Used building supply stores are great for finding discounted salvaged metal cabinet parts. Stores like Habitat for Humanity ReStores sell donated and used hardware items in quantities. Visit frequently for the best selection.

Cabinet Manufacturer Parts Stores

Some cabinet brands like Raab Metals, Lyon Workspace, and Tennsco sell replacement parts for their own cabinets through their websites and phone orders. Search “[Brand Name] replacement parts” to find contact info and parts listings. Provide your cabinet model details.

Used Furniture Refurbishers

Companies that refurbish used cabinets and furniture sometimes sell their surplus hardware like hinges, casters, drawer glides, and locks for much less than retail pricing. These parts are often still new or gently used.

Garage Sales and Estate Sales

Peruse garage, yard, estate, and moving sales in your area to look for boxes of random hardware containing usable metal cabinet parts. Sort through to uncover knobs, hinges, locks, casters, and other usable pieces.

Online Marketplaces

eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, and Craigslist sellers

Where to Find Used Metal Cabinets