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If you’re itching for a kitchen remodel but concerned about the cost, you don’t have to bust through your budget by purchasing everything new. An alternative approach is to choose secondhand kitchen renovation materials that help maximize your budget while incorporating authentic charm into the heart of your home. Eric Goranson, an interior designer in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and host of The Around the House Show says you can save up to 50 to 80 percent on pre-owned materials compared to retail prices, while simultaneously reducing waste.
The key to success lies in choosing solid, durable items that you can personally inspect and refresh, says Goranson. By carefully verifying that your vintage finds are in decent shape, you can steer clear of creating a cookie-cutter look everyone else has and curate a custom kitchen that fits best with your priorities and design preferences.
Here are some of the best types of materials that work well as secondhand finds for a kitchen renovation.
1. Freestanding Furniture for Cabinetry or Islands
New cabinetry can get expensive, so consider using old dressers, sideboards, buffets, worktables, or sturdy farmhouse tables instead. They can be transformed into lovely base cabinets or islands, says Goranson. “Solid wood pieces like these often outlast modern items and give the kitchen instant warmth,” he says. He suggests adding a top made from granite, marble, or butcher block and refinishing or painting these pieces to breathe new life into them.
Where should you shop? Look for these cabinet alternatives at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, antique shops, estate sales, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and architectural salvage yards.
2. Cabinet Hardware
Secondhand cabinet hardware can also save you money, says Andrew Pho, a home renovation and improvement expert at Mister Baluster in Ontario, Canada. “Hardware such as brass doorknobs, cast iron pull bars, antique hinges, and entire sets of hardware typically have superior craftsmanship when compared to low-cost, modern options,” Pho explains.
“It’s common for sellers to list multiple hardware sets at significantly less cost than what it would cost to purchase them brand-new,” he says. Plus, he thinks patina adds a touch of warmth and character to any kitchen.
Where should you shop? Pho recommends searching for cabinet hardware at architectural salvage stores, flea markets, antique malls, and online resale websites like eBay.
3. Salvaged Tile and Backsplash Materials
Choosing the right tile can shift the entire look and feel of your kitchen, whether you have a small kitchen or a spacious one. You may also be able to find boxes or partial lots of ceramic, porcelain, subway, or stone tile to spice up your kitchen. “You can do herringbone patterns or accents that would cost a fortune new,” says Goranson.
Where should you shop? Find these secondhand kitchen remodel items at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, salvage yards, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and building supply closeouts.
4. Lighting Fixtures
Secondhand shopping can be very beneficial when it comes to lighting fixtures, says Pho. Brighten up your kitchen and set the mood with new-to-you lighting fixtures at bargain prices. “Pendants, sconces, chandeliers, and even under cabinet light fixtures are often removed due to changes in personal taste rather than damage or wear,” notes Pho.
Always look for a UL listed sticker on lights for safety reasons. “If it’s too old for one, get it checked and fixed by a qualified UL-certified lighting repair shop, or you could fail your final building inspection,” warns Goranson.
Where should you shop? Find secondhand lights at antique lighting dealers, online vintage lighting vendors, estate sales, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist.
5. Salvaged Wood Slabs or Butcher Block
Reclaimed wood slabs or butcher blocks make attractive countertops or island tops, says Goranson. Simply sand them down and finish them so they look like new. “Always inspect pieces for damage and ask about the source, such as old barns, factories, or homes, so you know the wood is clean and hasn’t been treated with anything you don’t want in your kitchen,” suggests Goranson.
Where should you shop? Check reclamation yards, demolition companies, and lumberyards for wood remnants that will match your kitchen.
6. Paint and Wallpaper Castoffs
By grabbing some leftover paint and wallpaper remnants, you can decorate your kitchen in style without the hefty price tag. While you might have to sift through some unattractive colors and patterns, try to stay flexible and patient until you come across a gem.
Where should you shop? You can find these deals (or freebies) at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, eBay, estate sales, resale and design shops, local reuse centers, upcycling online groups, and neighborhood community pages. Also, visit your local The Home Depot or Lowe’s stores and ask a staffer to point you to the “oops” paint section where you can find returned paint and stain for as low as 25 cents a pint.
