Freestanding Cabinets

Our advice Buying Guide

Freestanding cabinets are making a comeback and how. From the kitchen to the bathroom, they are slowly replacing in-built cabinetry and why not.

They are cheaper, can be moved around, don’t need to be professionally installed, can be painted, and reconfigured as many times as you’d want to.

That’s a kitchen/bathroom makeover on a shoestring budget folks. But because they have only recently regained their popularity, (they went out of fashion in the United States in the 1940s), there’s very little information available about them.

Here are a few key factors to consider before you press on that trigger.

The intended use

Where do you intend to use the freestanding cabinet? Is it in the kitchen, the bathroom, the study or the hallway? Pick a cabinet style that suits the destination.

An integrated bookshelf would be a great feature for a freestanding cabinet for the study.
One for the kitchen might need a table top for prepping food (island cabinet) or a nested sink with a countertop.
Cabinets for the bathroom resemble a vanity and usually feature integrated drawers for storage.

The design

The general consensus is that a stock freestyle cabinet bought off-the-shelf cannot match the aesthetics of a custom made one. That’s no longer the case. Manufacturers are now offering premade cabinets that can be attached to the back wall and mimic custom made cabinetry. Framed, frameless, you can take your pick.

There are elevated ones with visible legs as well as base cabinets with concealed legs that make it impossible to make out whether it’s a freestanding unit or a permanent fixture.

Elevated legs make your room appear bigger and are easier to clean as well because you can mop under them. But hidden legs or skirting boards provide a sleeker and uniform appearance.

Irrespective of what style you pick, always try to strike a balance with the rest of the furniture pieces.

Pre-assembled vs. Semi-custom models

Pre-assembled cabinets are your best bet if you are shopping within a stringent budget. They are cheaper but may be limited in their sizes and designs and cannot be customized beyond an extent.
Semi-custom models can be customized to a great extent. You can select the dimensions and the type of wood that will be used for manufacturing it. However, it will require some amount of assembly at home. It’s usually pretty straightforward and manufacturers include detailed instructions.

Material

Your budget will determine the type of wood that you can select for your freestanding cabinet. The commonest and cheapest types are Plywood, MDF, and particleboard. Plywood is the most expensive of the three but also the most durable. Particleboard is the cheapest but also the least durable.

MDF hits the sweet spot between price and durability.

There is, of course, the option to pick solid wood cabinets if you have deeper pockets. Some manufacturers offer a plywood cabinet with a solid wood door. That’s a great way to keep your budgets tight without compromising too much on quality.

Apart from the wood, pay attention to the hardware. Handles, dovetail joints, spring loaded shelves, drawers, handles, and hinges are of utmost importance, especially if the installation is in a busy household.

Final thoughts

With some research, there is no reason why you cannot achieve a successful kitchen remodel on a shoestring budget with freestanding cabinets.