Home Depot's and Lowes' stock kitchen cabinets are really worth a look if you are on a tight budget. We're impressed with the color selection of Home Depot's new Distinctions line. Lowes' stock cabinets are still a good choice if you want to stain or paint your kitchen cabinets.

We previously reported using Lowes stock kitchen cabinets in our basement kitchen. They are holding up very well and are a good choice. However, the color choices are limited to white, oak and maple. On a recent visit to Lowes, the maple cabinets appeared on the yellow side. This happens with maple wood and is no fault of Lowes. If you are interested in maple, you should visit you local Lowes and see it for yourself.

Home Depot's Distinctions Cabinets
Home Depot's new Distinctions stock kitchen cabinets have a wider color selection. We really liked the Glendale Burgundy. Despite the name, this is really a Cherry color and was very attractive. (The photo above does not do it justice.) So if you have your heart set on a darker, richer, cherry colored cabinet, then take a look at Glendale Burgundy.

We found the following styles and colors for the Distinctions Line at our local Home Depot:

• Wickford in Arctic White,
• Glendale in Champagne Oak,
• Wadsworth in Bay, and
• Glendale Burgundy.

Other colors are available, but they have to be special ordered. You can buy these cabinets already assembled from your local Home Depot. The cabinets can also be purchased unassembled if transportation is an issue for you. Our Home Depot did not have unassembled cabinets, so call them before you go to the store.

Our research showed that the Masco Retail Cabinet Group manufactures the Distinctions Line. They also make Kraft Maid Cabinetry, Venicia by KraftMaid, Ascentia by KraftMaid, Cross Creek by KraftMaid, KraftLine and Mill's Pride.

Designing your Kitchen
Stock kitchen cabinets only come in certain sizes. This means you will have to spend a little more time designing your kitchen. Use the kitchen design tool to get started.

We played around with the tool and believe it can really help you. We also suggest that you lay out your space with masking tape to help you visualize how things will look.

Home Depot's Distinction cabinetry also has decorative crown molding. We've never seen crown molding offered in the Lowes stock kitchen cabinetry though.

Lowes stock cabinet still a good option
Lowes offers two kinds of stock cabinetry. The first is their Kitchen Classics Pre-Assembled in Stock Cabinets (click the Product Demo icon on the left side of page). We used this in our basement kitchen.

Lowes also offers an unfinished oak cabinet in their Continental Cabinet line. Use these cabinets if you want to paint or stain your cabinets a different color. Better yet, sand and paint your existing cabinets and save even more. Even if you do replace them, consider using them for storage in your garage or work shop instead of sending them to the landfill.

Dress up your cabinets
Just because you opt for Home Depot's Distinctions or Lowes Stock cabinets doesn't mean they have to look cheap. Dress them up with some nice cabinet knobs and pulls and most people will not know the difference.

Also choose a nice Formica or granite top. The Formica tops that we used in our basement kitchen cost about $1,200. Comparable prices at the Home Depot and Lowes were much higher.

Granite does not have to be so expensive either. Watch for sales and choose less expensive stones like Ubatuba Verde, Baltic Brown and Peach Blossom. You can find deals for $35-$45 a lineal foot with a pencil edge. If the price is too good to be true, use caution. See our article for tips on selecting granite.