Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets

Unfinished Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas

Unfinished kitchen cabinets offer an excellent canvas for homeowners and designers to unleash their creativity and bring unique design ideas to life. With a bit of imagination and some finishing touches, these raw cabinets can transform any kitchen into a stunning, personalized space.

Not sure how to complete the look of your unfinished cabinets? Here are a few unique cabinet design ideas:

• Distressed farmhouse charm: Sand and distress the unfinished cabinets to achieve a rustic farmhouse look, perfect for a cozy and welcoming kitchen ambiance.
• Trendy two-tone: Paint the unfinished base cabinets in a color that contrasts the upper ones to create a stylish and eye-catching two-tone effect.
• Natural wood beauty: Enhance the natural beauty of the wood by applying a clear varnish or sealant, allowing the grain and texture to shine through.
• Pop of color: Add a splash of personality to your kitchen by painting the cabinets in a bold, vibrant color that complements your overall design scheme.
• Industrial fusion: Combine unfinished cabinets with metal accents or mesh panels to create an industrial-inspired kitchen.
• Glass inserts: Replace some cabinet doors with glass inserts to display your glassware or decorative items, adding a touch of sophistication to your kitchen.

RTA Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets

If budget is a top concern, RTA kitchen cabinets are a great cost-efficient option for your kitchen redesign. Since there is no outside assembly involved and the raw cabinets are shipped in a flat box, you’ll save big on shipping costs and time. Each unfinished kitchen cabinet takes just 10-20 minutes to assemble, and you’ll only need basic tools like a screwdriver and a hammer.

Need an expert take on your kitchen redesign? Submit your kitchen measurements and get 3D kitchen design advice from our NKBA-certified designers.

Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets FAQ

Is it cheaper to buy unfinished kitchen cabinets?

Yes, buying unfinished kitchen cabinets is generally cheaper than pre-finished ones since the finishing process adds additional material and labor costs. On average, you can expect to save anywhere from 15% to 30% by purchasing unfinished cabinets compared to finished cabinets.

Should I paint the inside of my unfinished cabinets?

Painting the inside of your unfinished cabinets is not necessary. Because cabinet manufacturers already know the purpose of the cabinet, most use a melamine finish on the inside of the cabinet to protect the wood shelves from water and stains. However, painting the inside of your unfinished cabinets can be a good idea if you want to create a more polished, finished look.

Do I need to seal unfinished cabinets?

Sealing unfinished cabinets is not necessary but is highly recommended, as it helps protect the wood from moisture, stains, and wear, ensuring the cabinets' longevity and preserving their natural beauty. If you plan to leave your unfinished cabinets as is, apply a wood sealant at minimum to protect your new investment.

Do you have to prime unfinished kitchen cabinets before you paint them?

Yes, it’s essential to prime unfinished kitchen cabinets before painting them to create a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere properly and to achieve the best results in terms of color and finish. To prime unfinished kitchen cabinets, clean the surfaces to remove any dust or debris. Then, apply a coat of primer designed for wood surfaces using a brush or roller, ensuring even coverage. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding with the painting process.