Looking to upgrade your mobile home with a brand new kitchen? Finding the right cabinets can take some work, but have no fear – this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect cabinets for your manufactured home. Whether you want to refresh your existing kitchen or do a full remodel, we’ll cover the different types of mobile home cabinets, where to shop, how much you can expect to spend, installation tips, and the benefits of investing in new cabinets tailored to your style and space. Let’s get started!
Types of Mobile Home Kitchen Cabinets
Modular/Pre-fabricated Cabinets
One of the most budget-friendly options for mobile home kitchen cabinets are modular or pre-fab cabinets. These units come already assembled and in standard sizes from the manufacturer, making them quicker and easier to install. Many home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s carry affordable modular cabinet lines designed specifically for manufactured homes. The downside is less customization, but you can likely find a prefabricated style that fits your kitchen’s layout and aesthetic.
Custom Built Cabinets
For a fully customized look, many local cabinet makers can build made-to-order cabinets tailored exactly to your mobile home kitchen’s dimensions and your style preferences. While pricier than pre-fabs, you’ll get cabinets designed to maximize your unique storage needs. This is a great option if you want specialty features like pull-out shelves, spice racks, or custom cabinet fronts. Just be prepared to pay more for the custom work.
Refurbished/Used Cabinets
If you’re really looking to save, used and refurbished mobile home cabinets can be a great budget find. Check classified ads, auctions, and salvage yards for quality secondhand cabinets you can repurpose. With a good cleaning and new hardware, used cabinets can give you that updated kitchen look for much less. Just be sure to carefully inspect any used cabinets for damage before purchasing.
Factors to Consider When Buying Mobile Home Kitchen Cabinets
Budget
The first thing to figure out is how much you can realistically spend on new mobile home kitchen cabinets. Modular cabinets can cost $50-$150 per linear foot installed, while custom cabinets run $200+ per linear foot. Get quotes from a few cabinet suppliers once you settle on a style to determine the total project cost.
Design/Style
Consider the look you’re going for – do you want modern and sleek? Traditional? Farmhouse? Painted or stained wood? Opt for door styles and finishes that will give you the aesthetic you’re aiming for. Shaker cabinets offer a versatile classic look. For a budget option, go with thermofoil or laminate doors over pricier solid wood.
Materials
Mobile home cabinets need to be lightweight but durable. Particle board is a popular budget option, while plywood offers more strength for heavier use. Look for moisture-resistant materials to handle potential leaks. For cabinet fronts, thermofoil and laminate hold up better over time versus painted finishes which can chip easily.
Installation Needs
Since walls in mobile homes are thinner, cabinets usually need extra reinforcement. Look for cabinets designed for manufactured housing with back panels that attach directly to walls. If renovating existing cabinets, replacement rollout shelves, hinges, and hardware can often be used to avoid complex removal.
Where to Buy New Mobile Home Kitchen Cabinets
Big Box Stores
For ease and affordability, big home improvement retailers like Home Depot and Lowes offer modular cabinet lines specifically made for manufactured homes, with sizes and hardware to fit narrower spaces. Brands like Hampton Bay, Design House, and Cambridge provide quality and selection.
Mobile Home Parts Suppliers
Online retailers who specialize in mobile home parts and upgrades will have the best selection of cabinets tailored to manufactured housing dimensions. Wilson’s Supplies, Mobile Home Parts Depot, and Mobile Home Parts Store all offer cabinets, countertops and hardware designed for quick and easy installation.
Online Retailers
In addition to mobile home specialty sites, online retailers like Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon have a wide variety of standard, modular cabinet options at various price points. Just be sure to filter for the correct cabinet widths and depths.
Where to Buy Used/Refurbished Mobile Home Kitchen Cabinets
Classified Listings
Check Craiglist, Facebook Marketplace and local classifieds for mobile homeowners or renovators selling quality used cabinets. With some freshening up, budget-friendly secondhand cabinets can give your kitchen a brand new look.
Auctions/Estate Sales
Keep an eye out for mobile home kitchen cabinet sets being auctioned off from park foreclosures or estate sales. With a thorough cleaning, minor repairs, and new knobs or hinges, you can score nearly new cabinets for a fraction of retail.
Salvage Yards
specialty salvage yards acquire cabinets from mobile home demolitions and resell at deep discounts. Be prepared to trim cabinets down to fit your specific layout. With a little DIY work, salvaged mobile home cabinets can add up to major savings.
How to Install Mobile Home Kitchen Cabinets
Preparing the Space
Remove existing cabinets, countertops and flooring. Repair any water damage or soft spots. Install new plywood subfloor secured to floor joists, as needed. Mark plumbing and electrical. Cover walls with moisture-resistant drywall or paneling.
Hanging the Cabinets
Position corner cabinet first and level. Pre-drill holes through the cabinet back panels into wall studs. Attach with 3” screws. Continue installing cabinets in order per your layout, screwing backs into studs. Use filler panels to cover gaps.
Finishing Touches
Add countertops, backsplash, trim, and new hardware like knobs and pulls. Seal any gaps with caulk. Prime and paint cabinet fronts if needed. Install lighting, sink, faucet and appliances to complete your refreshed mobile home kitchen.
The Key Benefits of Mobile Home Kitchen Cabinets
Affordability
Prefab and modular mobile home cabinets provide an budget-friendly option versus full custom cabinetry. Used and salvaged cabinets can also yield big savings for the handy DIYer. Even higher end options are less than typical site-built homes.
Easy Maintenance
The right cabinet materials like thermofoil and heavy-duty laminate are built to handle the moisture, wear and tear common in manufactured housing. Their dense surfaces resist scratches and wipe clean easily.
Customization Options
While not fully bespoke, many modular cabinet lines offer customizable sizing, storage accessories, and different style door fronts to fit your taste. Or go full custom with a local cabinet maker for a truly one-of-a-kind look.
Conclusion
With the right shopping approach, you can find affordable, durable and stylish new kitchen cabinets perfect for sprucing up your mobile home. Focus on smart design suited for manufactured spaces, quality materials, and adaptable sizing and hardware to make installation a breeze. Investing in new mobile home cabinets is an easy and effective way to upgrade your living space and increase the value of your investment over the long term.
