Wondering whether it’s possible to get a cheap kitchen that’s still great quality? The answer to this question is: of course! It’s easier than you might think to achieve the kitchen of your dreams at a fraction of the cost you were expecting, allowing you to refurbish your kitchen on a tight budget.
As experts in everything kitchen design, this Kitchen Warehouse blog is here to help you improve your kitchen’s appearance without breaking the bank. We understand that you might be wary about wasting money on cheap kitchen units that don’t last very long, which is why we’ve put together a guide on cheap ways to update your kitchen and where to find high-quality cheap kitchen units.
Should I buy cheap kitchen units?
The most important part of renovating your kitchen is setting an initial budget. There’s no point going shopping for new units and setting your heart on a specific design just to discover that everything’s too expensive. It’s best to set a limit first and browse only within your price range.
Not only does this avoid disappointment and heartbreak down the line, but it also lets you see which options are available to you upfront. This will help you to choose an aesthetic you like that’s within your means. That said, don’t just settle for a kitchen because you like the price – sadly, lots of these products are so cheap because they’re made with poor materials that aren’t very durable.
This type of cheap kitchen won’t stand the test of time, which isn’t ideal when you’ll be using the room every day. Kitchen units that won’t hold up against the rigours of constant use aren’t going to save you money in the long run. You need materials that are affordable now, but will still last into the future. Otherwise, small issues can become big struggles, and sources of frustration.
You might consider looking for cheap second-hand kitchen units – unlike many new units at lower prices, they’re likely to be well-made. However, their longevity of a pre-owned kitchen depends on how old it is, and how much wear and tear it’s already experienced. There’s also the problem of finding a second-hand kitchen with the exact same measurements as yours, so it will fit properly.
Buying a cheap kitchen direct from the manufacturer
An alternative way to get new kitchen units at a lower price without compromising on quality is to order them directly from the manufacturer. This gives you the opportunity to buy kitchen units at wholesale prices, rather than buying from a high street showroom that probably adds a markup.
While many people prefer to trust recognisable high street brands, automatically associating bigger names with quality and value for money, this isn’t always true. The more people between you and the manufacturer in the supply chain, the more you’re likely to pay. This is because every person or company in the chain that handles the product is trying to increase their own profit.
When you cut out the middlemen and go straight to an independent supplier, such as Kitchen Warehouse, you’ll find hidden gems. You might even come across the exact same kitchen at a much lower cost. It makes more financial sense to look for an independent manufacturer with a great reputation for transparent pricing and guaranteeing customer satisfaction – again, like ourselves!
We have a massive range of kitchens to choose from here at Kitchen Warehouse, from complete units to replacement doors and fittings. Made with durable yet affordable materials and available in a variety of classic and contemporary finishes, there’s something for everyone in our online store. With final touches like German soft-closing hinges, our products look good and are built to last.
How much does kitchen design cost?
Another way that kitchen renovation costs can add up is if you need to pay someone to design or install your new kitchen. Unless you’ve hired an interior designer as part of a wider project – like an extension or full home remodelling – you generally shouldn’t need to pay for a kitchen designer.
Many companies tempt customers by offering a ‘free’ design service, when they actually recoup the costs of their design staff coming to your home by pushing up the price of the products themselves. These ‘kitchen designers’ are often salespeople in disguise, who will try to get you to spend more.
We do offer a measure and design service at Kitchen Warehouse, but only within a 20-mile radius of our base in Ripon (HG4 5LZ). Outside of this area, it’s best to look for a local company offering free measuring services, then bring the plans to us. With these accurate measurements, we can give you an honest manufacturer’s quotation – rather than an overpriced retail quote.
As kitchen traders, we understand the logistics of modern kitchen layouts and installations, so we’re well-placed to make minor adjustments to your plans so you can benefit from more savings. We’ve recently put together a ‘plan your own kitchen’ pack with printable graph paper and a ‘how to measure your kitchen’ video to make it even easier for you to design your kitchen layout yourself.
How much does kitchen installation cost?
When it comes to kitchen installation, the cost of hiring a tradesperson can vary, depending on factors like the size of your kitchen, the number of units, the complexity of the project, and often the location itself – for example, costs in the south of England tend to be higher than in the north.
Many high street kitchen retailers include an installation service in the higher cost of their units and accessories, but when you buy straight from a supplier to keep costs down, you’ll be free to shop around for the best local kitchen installer. Whoever you choose to install your new units for you, be sure to check whether their service includes removing the old units and connecting the plumbing.
The cheapest alternative is to simply install the units yourself. Of course, ripping out old cupboards and fitting new ones is far more complicated than repainting or refacing an existing kitchen, but it’s doable. We have plenty of ‘How To’ video guides you can watch to help you with your DIY journey!
How to update your kitchen on a budget
If even our competitively-priced complete kitchen units aren’t suitable for your limited budget, don’t worry. This doesn’t mean you’re stuck with your old and uninspiring kitchen until you can save up for a new one. There are actually lots of things you can do to achieve a fresh look without it costing a fortune – why not give it a facelift rather than ripping everything out and starting over?
Transforming your kitchen doesn’t have to be extremely expensive, complicated, or disruptive to your household. While kitchens are one of the costliest areas to remodel due to containing several ‘big ticket’ items, an effective budget kitchen makeover is entirely possible. These little DIY tips we’ve gathered are ideal, as you won’t need to pay other parties like contractors to get involved.
Here are six ways to update your kitchen design while sticking to a budget, ensuring that you’ll get maximum impact from minimal expense. Get ready to achieve a high-end look for a low price!
1) Replacement kitchen doors
It’s likely that your existing kitchen cabinets have plenty of life left in them, but the doors and drawers have seen better days after several years of wear and tear. So, why spend more on replacing the units when you could just remove the fronts and buy replacement kitchen doors?
This is a fantastic alternative if you’re happy with the current layout and the actual cabinets are still in good condition. Since a full room’s worth of cabinetry can run into the thousands of pounds, it’s far more budget-friendly to purchase new kitchen doors only and reface existing cupboards.
Replacing kitchen unit doors is one of the best ways to achieve a brand new look without having to overhaul the entire kitchen suite. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it can make to have new frontages in a different colour or finish, especially if you dress them up with high-end kitchen handles. That said, you must measure your current doors carefully to order the exact size.
Another option, which is admittedly messier and requires more effort, is to change the appearance of your kitchen doors and drawer fronts with paint and/or varnish. You could sand and stain them, paint them a bold colour, or choose a matt or gloss top coat. This should help you to buff out any small scratches and give the surfaces a brighter and cleaner look, with a brand new colour scheme.
2) New fittings and accessories
Maybe there’s nothing wrong at all with your cabinets and their doors, you’re just bored of the décor. This can be even cheaper to rectify, because you can change up an outdated look by just adding new kitchen hardware. Swapping the handles on your doors and drawers makes a big visual impact without costing much, whether you choose traditional handles or modern handles.
However, you shouldn’t just order the first set of doorknobs and drawer pulls you like the look of. Make sure they have the same installation pattern and measurements as your current ones, so they’ll line up easily. Otherwise, you’ll be creating more work for yourself with drilling new holes.
Much like new handles, except hidden as a behind-the-scenes hero, new soft-closing kitchen door hinges can really change the game. Quieter, smoother, and more durable, they’ll make a noticeable difference in the everyday performance of your kitchen units and keep the space feeling peaceful.
Similarly, replacing your sink and faucets can revamp the entire area. A stylish new kitchen sink can tie a new aesthetic together, whether that’s a ceramic sink with copper taps for a farmhouse kitchen or a stainless steel sink with chrome mixer taps for a touch of modernity or industrialism.
Like switching out hinges, fitting a new kitchen faucet is a subtle tweak that has a huge impact on the atmosphere and functionality of your kitchen. You won’t necessarily need the help of a plumber for this, as the pipework is already there – but if you’re a complete amateur, maybe don’t risk it.
3) Updated kitchen lighting
Lighting is often overlooked when it comes to elements of a room makeover, but it’s one of the most crucial aspects for the practicality of a kitchen. When you’re in and out of the kitchen multiple times a day, you may not notice the quality of your lights degrading until they’re suddenly too dim.
The same goes for the tone of the lights, as harsh white LEDs can make the kitchen look clinical, but warmer lights can sometimes feel weak and too yellow. You need appropriately placed lighting for each area of the kitchen, as well as considering the aesthetic appeal of the fixtures themselves.
Luckily, we have an entire blog dedicated to lighting in kitchen design, so you can read through it for more information and ideas. If you aren’t using them already, it’s a smart idea to switch older bulbs to energy-efficient LEDs, which are a cost-effective investment that will save you money on your bills in the long-term. Ways to give your kitchen a new look with your lighting choices include:
- Replacing one big overhead light with a multi-light fixture or multiple lights
- Adding under-cabinet lighting or plinth lighting to create an ambient glow
- Installing recessed spotlights to make the room feel bigger and brighter
- Incorporating feature lighting such as pendant lamps over an island
- Adding wall sconces or uplighters that match the aesthetic of your kitchen fittings
Opting for multiple sources of light with varying intensities is much better than relying on one super-bright ceiling light – which often isn’t the most flattering way to view your cabinetry, either. If you already have a few hanging lights that you don’t want to change, even swapping the bulbs and adding new lampshades or lamp cages can drastically change the room’s feel and visual flair.
4) New kitchen counters
One of the most expensive parts of a kitchen fit-out is the countertops – but it doesn’t have to be. Luxurious marble, granite, and quartz may not be within budget for most people, but there are cheaper alternatives that imitate the look surprisingly well. Why spend a fortune on solid stone worktops when you could replicate their style for a fraction of the price with quartz composites?
In the same vein, solid wood worktops can have a hefty price tag, but there are lighter laminate options that recreate the appearance of natural wood well enough. Plastic-topped counters come in a massive variety of textures, finishes, and colours, so you’re sure to find something that suits your kitchen design scheme. You could even protect a more expensive counter with a plastic top.
If you’re into the modern industrial look, you’re in luck – cement worktops are often much cheaper than solid stone counters. You can still add touches of warmth and natural wood with oversized chopping boards or trays, without having to invest in solid wood counters. Alternatively, you could reface the sides of your kitchen island or peninsula to match or contrast the work surfaces on top.
Replacing your countertops yourself does take a bit more effort, as the slabs can be heavy and removing the old ones and fitting the new ones can be a laborious process. However, as long as you have a few pairs of hands to help, you shouldn’t need to pay for assistance from an expert.
5) Fresh coats of paint
Sometimes the simplest steps make the biggest changes – and so it is with a fresh coat of paint of the walls. Whether you opt for a brighter version of the same shade or try something entirely new, painting the walls can make your kitchen cabinets and worktops pop as if they were just installed.
Kitchen walls will inevitably accumulate scuffs, smudges, and marks over time, as well as fading slightly in the sunlight. Topping up the paint lets you cover these unsightly blemishes and restore your walls to a smooth surface once again. Don’t forget to fill in holes and sand away scuffs first.
You’ll also need to choose a type of paint that’s practical for that part of the kitchen – for example, durable waterproof paint near the sink and oven, that won’t peel when exposed to moisture. Gloss or satin finishes are also easier to keep clean, so consider these if you want them to be wipeable.
When it comes to the colour, going for something drastically different will definitely change the entire room’s aesthetic. If your kitchen is white or a light neutral shade, try a darker and bolder hue, or vice versa. Dark colours provide depth, while light colours increase the brightness and sense of spaciousness. Accent walls with a pop of colour are also a good choice for making a statement.
Alternatively, a kitchen splashback is a great way to incorporate more colours or patterns into your décor. You don’t need to splash out on expensive tiling and mess around with grout to achieve this, either. Modern kitchen backsplashes are often made of toughened glass, ideal for running behind sinks and ovens and filling the space between base and wall units with digitally printed textures.
6) Declutter and organise
Perhaps the simplest tip of all is to declutter your whole kitchen and reorganise your storage. This obviously takes some elbow grease, and you might need to buy some kitchen storage accessories, such as kitchen drawer inserts and pull-out storage mechanisms, but the final result is an open, cheerful, and clean space that feels like a whole new room when you’ve barely spent any money.
The minimalist approach is always in vogue in modern life, as the easiest way to improve your kitchen’s visual presentation and practicality at the same time is to get rid of anything that doesn’t need to be there. This might seem harsh, but piles of equipment on the side, messy cupboards that you can never find what you’re looking for in, and mismatched ornaments just aren’t helping you.
Anything that you can store neatly out of view should be grouped in your cupboards and drawers, from pots and pans to plates and utensils. Get creative with solutions like hidden spice racks and built-in Lazy Susans, which make kitchen hygiene easier to manage while boosting convenience.
Keeping your surfaces clutter-free automatically makes the kitchen feel bigger because there isn’t so much bric-a-brac battling for your eye’s attention. However, if this showroom-sleek minimalism is too stripped-back for your tastes, you could meet in the middle with some open shelving. Either add floating shelves to display your cookbooks and plants, or remove the doors from some of your wall cabinets to display nicely arranged crockery and glassware or condiment bottles in easy reach.
Where to buy a cheap kitchen?
If you’ve weighed up your options and you’re on the hunt for cheap kitchen units or cheap kitchen doors, we’ve got you covered at Kitchen Warehouse. As a leading kitchen manufacturer dealing directly with the public as well as trade partners, we offer high-quality kitchens to homeowners at affordable prices – along with superior customer service that you won’t find on the high street.
We manufacture our products ourselves and keep overhead costs low by primarily selling online, allowing us to pass on savings to our customers. Our family-run business is based in Yorkshire, where we have a kitchen showroom that anyone is welcome to visit to view our kitchens in person.
If you’re unable to speak to our expert staff onsite, you can still benefit from our advice by calling us on 01765 640 000 or writing to us at contact@kitchenwarehouseltd.com. Or simply browse our selection of kitchen units on our website to find your favourite design today. We have a wealth of options to suit all budgets and style preferences, guaranteeing high quality kitchens at low prices.