Buying affordable metal cabinets can seem daunting, but with some research and planning, you can find great deals. Here is an in-depth guide on where to buy metal cabinets cheap.
Introduction
Metal cabinets are a popular choice for storage in garages, basements, workshops, and even kitchens due to their durability and versatility. While metal cabinets are often more expensive than options like particle board, there are ways to get quality metal cabinets without breaking the bank.
When searching for discount metal cabinets, consider shopping online, checking auction sites, visiting warehouse stores, buying used, looking for sales, and comparing prices. With some savvy shopping, you can outfit your space with sturdy metal storage cabinets at bargain prices.
Look for Sales at Home Improvement Stores
Big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s frequently run promotions and place items on clearance. Check their websites and visit local stores to look for discounted metal storage cabinets. You may find flash sales, holiday weekend specials, or clearance items discounted 30-50%.
Sign up for email alerts and loyalty programs to receive notifications about upcoming sales events. Hitting up the home improvement stores during major sales holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day is prime time to score deals on metal cabinets.
Shop Online for Better Selection
Online retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, and Walmart offer a wider selection of metal storage cabinets than you will find locally. With more options, you can easily compare different brands, sizes, styles and prices. Look for items with free shipping to avoid hidden costs.
Always check the measurements and capacity to ensure the cabinet will properly fit your space. Read customer reviews to get feedback on the quality and value. Online shopping makes it fast and easy to find well-priced metal cabinets delivered right to your door.
Check Auction Sites for Used Cabinets
Sites like eBay and Craigslist can be great resources for secondhand metal cabinets at discount prices. Many sellers liquidate surplus office furniture and warehouse equipment. With some searching, you can find high quality used metal cabinets for pennies on the dollar compared to buying new.
Make sure to factor in the cost of renting a vehicle and getting help loading larger used cabinets. Thoroughly inspect cabinets before purchasing to check for damage. Refinishing or repainting used cabinets can give you the look you want at a fraction of retail cost.
Visit Warehouse Stores
Warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale sell a variety of metal storage cabinets and shelving units at bulk pricing. Their buying power means big savings passed on to members. Warehouse stores get new inventory shipments weekly, so visit often to check for new cabinet arrivals.
The selection tends to be limited, but the prices can’t be beat. If you have the flexibility on size and style, shopping warehouse stores is a smart way to get inexpensive metal cabinets. Don’t forget to factor in membership fees to determine the true net cost.
Buy Discounted Display Models
Check with local cabinet dealers to see if they have any floor models or customer returns available at reduced prices. Since these units can’t be sold as new, dealers will often sell display and scratch-and-dent models at a steep discount just to move the inventory.
As long as the damage is purely cosmetic, display and returned metal cabinets can represent huge savings. Take measurements to ensure discounted display models will work for your intended purpose. A few dings or scratches could mean 25-50% off retail pricing.
Compare Prices and Brands
When researching options, take notes on the prices and features of different metal cabinet brands. Compare quality, sizes, styles, and prices across retailers. Sort from low to high price when searching online to spot the best values.
Avoid assuming name brand or Made in USA products are automatically higher quality. Lesser known brands often offer comparable cabinets at lower price points. Steer clear of dirt cheap cabinets that seem too good to be true, as they will likely warp or wear out quickly.
Consider DIY and Refurbished Cabinets
If you’re handy and have tools, you can save substantially by constructing your own metal cabinets from scratch. Kits and plans are available to build cabinets to your exact specifications for a fraction of off-the-shelf costs.
Another option is to try refurbishing old worn-out metal cabinets. Cleaning, sanding, priming and repainting can revive damaged old cabinets. Replace broken parts to end up with customized metal cabinets on a tight budget.
Buy Unfinished Cabinets
Some retailers sell unfinished metal cabinet shells at greatly reduced prices. While you’ll need to finish the cabinets yourself, the cost savings are significant. The prep work and painting is manageable for those with basic DIY skills.
Unfinished cabinets may have minor cosmetic defects that are unnoticeable once you finish them. Take accurate measurements and read reviews before purchasing so you know exactly what to expect with unfinished metal cabinet deals.
Be Flexible
Limiting yourself to a rigid set of requirements for style and size reduces your ability to save money.Remaining open-minded and flexible not only opens up more buying options, but also increases your chances of spotting the perfect cabinet at a bargain basement price.
Consider different sizes, colors, styles, conditions, and brands when bargain hunting. Setting a firm maximum budget and sticking to it helps balance flexibility with restraint. Take measurements of your space and sketch out some layout options to determine ideal cabinet sizes before starting your search.
Inspect Cabinets Carefully Before Buying
Whether shopping online or in person, scrutinize metal cabinets closely prior to purchasing. Check for:
- Dents, scratches or cracks in the body
- Doors and drawers that open and close smoothly
- Sturdy, straight hinges with no play or sagging
- Secure welds at all seams with no gaps or leakage
- Level surfaces with no major warping or damage
Minor cosmetic issues may not be a dealbreaker if you plan to refinish the cabinet. But major dents, broken parts, and structural damage are good reasons to keep looking. When buying used or display models, examine them even more thoroughly.
Consider Delivery Costs
When selecting metal cabinets online or at warehouse stores, factor the cost of delivery into your budget, especially for large, heavy units. Compare options like:
- Free store pickup
- Free shipping promotions
- Third party delivery services
- Renting a truck
A great bargain turns into a bust if you wind up paying more in delivery costs than you saved on the cabinet purchase price. Read the fine print and measure doorways to avoid unexpected fees or issues fitting large cabinets into your space.
Conclusion
With an understanding of where to find discounts and what to look out for when buying, you can successfully outfit your garage, laundry room, pantry, or workshop with durable metal cabinets without overspending. A mix of clever shopping strategies, flexibility, inspection, and comparison shopping will allow you to buy quality metal cabinets cheap. Utilize these tips to save big on your next metal cabinet purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Metal Cabinets Cheap
Where is the best place to buy discounted metal cabinets?
The best places to find discounted metal cabinets are large home improvement chains during major sales, online retailers with free shipping, auction sites for used cabinets, warehouse clubs with bulk pricing, and buying refurbished or unfinished cabinets.
What are some tips for getting the lowest price?
Sign up for promotional emails and loyalty programs, compare prices across multiple retailers, consider different sizes/brands, buy display models or customer returns, shop during big sales weekends, and keep an eye out for coupons and clearance deals.
How much can I expect to save?
Savings vary, but you can typically save 25-50% off full retail prices by shopping sales, buying online, purchasing used or unfinished cabinets, and avoiding paying MSRP.
What are signs of a poorly made cabinet I should avoid?
Avoid cabinets with major dents, sagging doors/drawers, gaps in welds, warping, rust, and broken or missing hardware. Also steer clear of cabinets that seem dangerously cheap or flimsy.
Should I pay for professional delivery?
Unless you have a large vehicle and helpers, paying for delivery is usually worthwhile, especially for large cabinets. Compare delivery costs from the retailer, rental truck fees, and third party delivery services.
What should I inspect before purchasing a metal cabinet?
Carefully inspect for damage, smooth operation of doors/drawers, sturdy welds, level surfaces, and proper hardware. Check measurements to ensure the cabinet will fit your space.
Final Tips
- Set a maximum budget and stick to it
- Measure available space carefully before shopping
- Being flexible on style, size, etc can lead to better deals
- Take advantage of online price comparison tools
- Don’t assume name brand means better quality
- Examine cabinets closely before purchasing
- Consider DIY options to save substantially
With smart comparison shopping at the right retailers, you can find durable and functional metal cabinets at affordable prices to organize your home. Happy bargain hunting!