Where to Buy Used Metal Cabinets
Finding quality used metal cabinets for your home, office, or workspace can be a challenging endeavor. Used metal cabinets come in a variety of styles, sizes, colors, and conditions—determining where to locate ones that fit your specific needs and budget takes some savvy shopping skills. With so many options spanning online marketplaces, antique stores, salvage yards, and more, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each venue to make the best choice for your situation. This detailed guide provides insider tips on the optimum places to buy pre-owned metal cabinets.
Online Marketplaces
Online platforms provide the widest selection and easiest access when searching for used metal cabinets. Giant marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist allow you to browse inventory from all over the world without leaving your home. Lesser-known niche sites also offer curated vintage and used cabinetry options.
Pros
- Huge inventory to browse—eBay alone has over 20,000 listings for used metal cabinets any given day
- Listings contain photos and descriptions to assess condition before purchase
- Competitive pricing due to high volume of sellers
- Established sites have buyer protection guarantees
- Convenient shipping options available for large items
Cons
- No ability to inspect cabinets in person before purchasing
- Potential for damage during shipping
- Some sellers misrepresent item condition in listings
- Shipping large metal cabinets can be very expensive
- Returns tend to be a hassle
Tips for Buying Used Cabinets Online
- Vet seller feedback and ratings—look for long history of satisfied customers
- Ask for additional photos of any scratches, dents, rust etc. if not supplied
- Factor in shipping costs before committing to buy
- See if seller offers lower shipping rates for local pickup
- Only buy from sites with buyer protection guarantees
- Use escrow services for very expensive items
- Carefully inspect immediately upon delivery before accepting
Best Online Sources
- eBay: Massive selection across styles, sizes, and prices
- Facebook Marketplace: Good for finding local sellers to avoid shipping
- Etsy: Unique vintage and antique cabinet options
- Craigslist: Budget-friendly local pickup opportunities
- Webstaurant Store: Commercial-grade cabinets and shelving
Local Classifieds Sites
Community classifieds platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace connect you with used metal cabinet sellers in your own area. This allows you to find great local deals and avoid expensive shipping costs.
Pros
- Provides local pickup opportunities to avoid shipping costs
- Lets you inspect cabinets in person before purchasing
- Owners often motivated to sell for bargain prices
- Listings typically include photos
- Potential to negotiate prices directly with sellers
Cons
- More limited inventory than huge online marketplaces
- Need reliable transportation to pickup large items
- Coordination required to arrange pickup times
- Risk of flaky sellers who back out of transactions
- Lack of buyer protection compared to reputable online sites
Tips for Buying Locally
- Search new listings daily as best deals go fast
- Make sure to test doors, drawers, hinges when inspecting item
- Bring help for loading very heavy cabinets into a vehicle
- Ask sellers to hold or deliver item after purchase if needed
- Be prepared to pay in cash upon local pickup
- Check for signs of damage prior to finalizing a transaction
Best Local Sources
- Craigslist: Broad used merchandise selection including cabinets
- Facebook Marketplace: Home to many local cabinet listings
- OfferUp: Popular for finding furniture and home goods locally
- Nextdoor: Users often post cabinets and shelving for sale
Antique Stores
For shoppers looking for vintage, retro, or antique metal cabinets, local antique shops and vintage stores can be a great source. These eclectic retailers offer a unique selection of older cabinetry.
Pros
- One-of-a-kind retro and antique finds
- Vintage options unlikely to be found elsewhere
- Ability to inspect items up close prior to purchase
- Skilled appraisers on staff at some antique shops
- Styles not found at big box stores
Cons
- More expensive than general used cabinets
- Limited selection—not a source for bulk purchases
- Items may require restoration work
- Difficult to locate exact cabinet styles needed
Tips for Antique Cabinet Shopping
- Have a flexible mindset—be open to different eras and styles
- Closely examine for any structural damage
- Ask about repair policies for any issues found post purchase
- Negotiate prices for cabinets needing repairs or restoration work
- Inquire about delivery help getting large pieces home
Best Antique Sources
- Locally owned antique malls with dozens of dealer stalls
- Antique shops specializing in architectural salvage items
- Auctions selling estate furniture and collectibles
- Flea markets and vintage markets
Architectural Salvage Yards
For shoppers looking for commercial grade metal cabinets on a budget, salvage yards can be a great resource. These warehouses sell quality used cabinets removed from buildings during demolitions and renovations.
Pros
- Commercial-grade metal cabinets built to last
- Much more affordable than buying new
- Structurally sound items with durable builds
- Often similar cabinetry available in bulk
- Some yards offer delivery services
Cons
- Inconsistent inventory—selection varies day to day
- May require repairs or cosmetic work
- Difficult to find cohesive matching sets
- Need a large vehicle to transport purchases
- Quantities limited for popular cabinet styles
Tips for Shopping Salvage Yards
- Prepare for an expansive warehouse experience
- Bring work gloves to safely handle items
- Inspect carefully—test doors and drawers
- Be ready to transport purchases immediately
- Call ahead to check on specific cabinet stock
- Ask about any bulk pricing options
Best Architectural Salvage Sources
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations
- Locally owned salvage warehouses
- Public surplus auction houses
- Classified ads from cabinet installers and remodelers
Second Hand Retail Stores
Major national thrift store chains like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity are an accessible source for used metal cabinetry. Visit multiple locations frequently to find the best deals.
Pros
- Established retailers with frequent new inventory
- Ability to inspect cabinets onsite
- Often low pricing with student or senior discounts
- Some offer delivery services for large items
- Quantity of cabinet styles typically available
Cons
- Inconsistent quality and selection
- Frequent cosmetic defects like scratches or dents
- Competition with other buyers for best pieces
- May require repairs or restoration work
- Need to transport large purchases
Tips for Second Hand Store Shopping
- Learn daily restocking schedule to get first pick of new items
- Thoroughly inspect for damage prior to purchasing
- Be ready to act quickly on quality pieces
- Ask about any delivery assistance services
- Negotiate pricing for cabinets with cosmetic flaws
Best Sources
- Goodwill: Broad selection including cabinets and shelving
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Affordable used building supplies
- Salvation Army: Numerous furniture pieces including cabinets
- Local thrift chain stores: Better quality than national retailers
Cabinet Refurbishers
For shoppers looking for a balance of quality and affordability, cabinet refurbishing companies are a great source for restored used cabinets. These businesses specialize in sourcing, repairing, and reselling secondhand cabinetry.
Pros
- Fully restored and repaired cabinets
- Cohesive sets and custom batch orders available
- Often cost a fraction of custom cabinet builds
- Refinished exteriors and interiors
- Structurally reinforced cabinet boxes
Cons
- Limited cabinet selection depending on stock
- Quantities limited for extra popular styles
- Can still be pricey for premium cabinet brands
- Lead times required for custom batches
- Delivery fees for large bulk orders
Tips for Buying Refurbished
- Ask about new replacement parts like hinges or glides
- Look for any warranty on labor and materials
- Request photos of previous refurbishment projects
- Inquire about sourcing specific cabinet boxes or faces
- Make sure to get quotes for any customization needs
Best Sources
- Local used cabinet refurbishing companies
- Cabinet resellers on eBay and Etsy
- Classified ads from cabinet makers and restorers
- Architectural salvage yards with refurbishment services
Cabinet Installers and Remodelers
Skilled cabinet installers and remodelers who routinely handle cabinet installs are a key source for quality secondhand cabinets. Developing relationships with these tradespeople in your area can lead to access to great reusable cabinetry as it is removed from remodeling jobs.
Pros
- Trade connections provide access to unlisted inventory
- Cabinets often removed are newer and more modern styles
- Reasonable pricing since cabinets would otherwise be discarded
- Installers know which pieces are higher quality
- Can get matching cabinets from same original sets
Cons
- Need storage space for cabinets until needed for your project
- May require repairs prior to installation
- Limited selection based on installers’ cabinet removal jobs
- Need manpower to transport bulky cabinets
- Quantities limited to cabinets coming out of other homes
Tips for Sourcing from Trades
- Talk to contacts at local kitchen and bath companies
- Check industry job boards for leads on installers and remodelers
- Ask for photos of cabinets soon after removal from other jobs
- Offer reasonable cash prices to make it worth their effort
- Develop relationships with installers for repeat sourcing opportunities
Best Cabinet Trade Sources
- Kitchen and bath remodeling companies
- Independent installers and carpenters
- Construction salvage crews
- Classified ads from contractors and tradespeople
- Materials reuse stores and nonprofit deconstruction crews
Auctions and Liquidations
Government, business, and estate auctions provide opportunities to acquire quality used metal cabinets sold in bulk quantities. Auction sourcing takes legwork but yields high returns for savvy bidders.
Pros
- Large bulk quantities of similar cabinetry
- Commercial grade quality from government and businesses
- Competitive bidding can result in best pricing
- Details on cabinet conditions typically provided
- Often sold as whole removed sets
Cons
- Need manpower and vehicle to transport large volumes
- Inspection typically limited prior to bidding
- Unexpected competition can drive up bidding
- Poor documentation of cabinet dimensions
- Need available storage space for purchases
Tips for Auction Sourcing
- Vet auction houses and read reviews before participating
- Learn their storage removal timelines before bidding
- Send inspectors to preview cabinets prior to bidding
- Provide accurate cabinet measurements to calculate bids
- Factor in costs for loading crews and storage space
Best Auction Sources
- GovLiquidation.com – Government surplus and seized assets
- PublicSurplus.com – Municipal equipment auctions
- LiquidityServices.com – Large catalog of corporate asset auctions
- CWSAMS.com – USDA and federal food service auctions
- Bidspotter.com – Extensive auction aggregation site
Final Takeaway
Used metal cabinets provide an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing brand new cabinetry. Finding the ideal sources for quality pre-owned cabinets requires thorough research into venues ranging from online marketplaces to antique shops and architectural salvage yards. Utilize this guide to pinpoint the specific pros, cons, and expert tips for navigating each venue in your search for the perfect cabinet style, condition, quantity, and pricing. With persistence and savvy sourcing skills, you can successfully furnish your space with fantastic reused metal cabinets.
What should I consider when buying a used metal cabinet?
Purchasing a pre-owned metal cabinet comes with a different set of considerations than buying a brand new cabinet. Follow this advice to ensure you select a sound, functional used cabinet that fits your needs:
- Carefully inspect for rust or corrosion – Look along the bottom and back for any signs of moisture damage or rust formation. Knock on paint to check for hidden corrosion underneath.
- Test doors, drawers, and shelves – Slide doors and shelves in and out. Open and close drawers and doors to ensure proper alignment and closure.
- Check for dents or damage – Small dents may be purely cosmetic but deep dents can affect structural integrity. Repair or reinforce significantly damaged areas.
- Assess paint and finish – Chipped or damaged paint not only looks bad but can lead to eventual rust formation. Refinish any problem paint areas.
- Evaluate cabinet structure – Shelves, doors, and drawer fronts should be firmly screwed into cabinet boxes. Reinforce any loose areas.
- Clean thoroughly – Scrub interior and exterior surfaces to remove grime, grease, or chemical residues from previous use.
- Weigh cost of repairs – Factor in labor and material costs for any repairs needed to determine true cost. Repairs can get expensive.
- Compare to new cabinet prices – Even with needed repairs, used cabinets can represent huge savings over new. But price compare.
- Assemble matching sets – Mixing and matching different used cabinets can work with some effort. Similar cabinets are easier.
Where are the best places to find inexpensive used metal cabinets?
Used metal cabinets can often be found for reasonable prices if you frequent the right venues. Here are some of the top spots to search for budget-friendly pre-owned cabinetry:
Habitat for Humanity ReStores
ReStore locations frequently have a large selection of good quality used metal cabinets at around half off normal prices. They source cabinets from remodeling tear outs and building salvage jobs.
Classified Ads Sites
Sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace provide direct access to local sellers often willing to unload used cabinets quick and cheap if picked up.
Commercial Auctions
Auctions selling off equipment from schools, hospitals, businesses etc. can yield huge lots of similar metal cabinets for low winning bid prices.
Remodeling Company Warehouse Sales
Many remodeling companies host periodic warehouse sales to sell off used cabinets and building materials accumulated from job sites for reasonable prices.
Architectural Salvage Warehouses
These warehouses sell quality used cabinets salvaged from commercial demolitions and renovations for a fraction of retail pricing.
Estate Sales
Estate sales liquidating the belongings of a newly vacated home will often price used cabinets low just to move inventory quickly.
Moving Sales
Families preparing to move into a new home will price used metal cabinets attractively low on classifieds sites just to avoid moving them.
foreclosure Homes
Purchasing an auctioned foreclosure home can include decent quality used metal cabinets left behind by previous owners.
What are the benefits of buying used metal cabinets?
Purchasing quality previously owned metal cabinets provides many helpful advantages:
Cost Savings
Used metal cabinets typically sell for a fraction of brand new cabinet costs, providing 50% or more in savings.
Quick Availability
In stock used cabinets available for immediate pickup or delivery avoid long lead times for custom ordered cabinetry.
Range of Styles
A broader range of cabinet styles, materials, colors etc. exist on the used market than when custom ordering new.
Quality Construction
Older metal cabinets were often over-built with thicker steel than today’s economy models.
Environmentally Friendly
Reusing quality cabinets keeps them out of landfills and reduces demand for new cabinet manufacturing.
Shared Patina
Older cabinets develop a nostalgic worn patina that creates a cohesive look when blended with other weathered materials.
Unique Options
One-of-a-kind antique and vintage cabinet options simply don’t exist with new cabinetry.
Minimized Investment
Lower upfront costs make used cabinets ideal when project budgets are tight.
What are the main types of metal cabinets?
Metal cabinets come in a diverse range of configurations, but generally fall into several basic engineering types:
File Cabinets
Vertical drawers sized for hanging files and documents. Commonly made of steel.
Storage Cabinets
Cubby style compartments accessed via doors or roll fronts. Used widely in workshops.
Wardrobe Cabinets
Tall storage units with doors well-suited for tools, equipment, uniforms etc.
Locker Cabinets
Compact Cubbies with individual lockable doors for securing contents. Popular in schools.
Freestanding Shelving
Open or closed cabinets with adjustable shelves rather than drawers or compartments.
Kitchen Base/Wall Cabinets
Standard kitchen configurations designed for food storage, pans, and dishware.
Lab/Science Cabinets
Specialized cabinetry for lab gear, chemicals, microscopes and tech equipment.
Data/Network Cabinets
Designed to house computer network infrastructure like servers and switches.
What are important cabinet features to evaluate?
When selecting the best used metal cabinets for your needs, take time to carefully evaluate these key structural and functional features:
Construction
Assess all-welded joints, reinforced doors, and sturdy case construction. Avoid cabinets with subpar craftsmanship.
Door/Drawer Alignment
Make sure doors close flush and drawers slide smoothly without binding or sticking.
Adjustable Shelving
Look for shelves with multiple adjustment slots for flexible configurations.
Caster Wheels
Wheels make cabinets portable. Swivel casters enable easy maneuverability.
Locking Mechanisms
Cabinets with locks or locking bars provide security for contents.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation prevents moisture accumulation. Look for louvered vents.
Leveling Feet
Feet that adjust up or down are essential for leveling cabinets on uneven floors.
Hardware
Sturdy handles, hinges, latches, and pulls withstand daily wear and tear.
Paint/Finish
A quality baked industrial finish resists dents, chemicals, and environmental damage.
