Are you pinching your pennies this season and holding off for a little reno project in the new year? We have plenty of budget-friendly sources in our Marketplace for home re-do's. Who needs new earrings when you could have these cost-efficient sinks and overheads as stocking stuffers?
Inexpensive Kitchen Cabinets
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IKEA:
All built-in IKEA kitchens start with the AKURUM/RATIONELL system, which can be semi-customized according to your needs and comes with a 25-year limited warranty. Prices range between $50 and $150 for a base cabinet.
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Habitat for Humanity ReStore:
One of the greenest and least expensive places to shop is your local ReStore, where second-hand cabinets can be found for ultra-cheap prices. If you don't have a ReStore nearby, check our guide to the best salvage shops across the country for other sources.
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Martha Stewart at Home Depot:
Martha debuted her new line of cabinets for Home Depot last year. There are 11 special-order cabinet types, 32 styles of hardware, and cabinet prices run from about $96 to $184 per linear foot.
Discount Appliances
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Sears Outlet:
A leading name in appliances, Sears is known for its affordable prices, deep selection, and its online and brick-and-mortar outlets, where you can find good deals on mark-downs. Shown: Kenmore Refrigerator, starting at $819.
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Overstock.com:
Shipping is only $2.95, and their appliance selection includes some good deals on ranges, hoods, and refrigerators. (Be sure to price-check other sites, though, since Overstock's not always cheaper.) Shown: Broan Range Hood, $309.
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Craigslist:
It's a surprisingly good resource for used appliances. For inspiration, check out Matt and Blair's Sunny Retro Kitchen, which was furnished with a combination of craigslist finds and family hand-me-downs.
Affordable Countertops
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Lumber Liquidators:
This nationwide retailer is a no-frills resource for butcher block wood countertops. The selection is large, and their inventory is posted online. Shown: Williamsburg Maple Butcher Block, $259 for 8 feet.
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Formica:
Their laminate lines are cheap, relatively durable, and available in a bunch of different colors and textures (some tacky, some tasteful). Expect to pay $10 - $30 per square foot. Shown: Laminate in Graphite 837.
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IKEA:
They have affordable countertops in solid wood and laminate, each available in a variety of depths and finishes. As long as the wood is properly treated and oiled, it holds up well. Shown: Numerar Counters, about $90 for 4 feet.
Flooring on the Cheap
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Linoleum City:
Based in Los Angeles, Linoleum City obviously carries linoleum (natural and vinyl), but don't let the name fool you — they also stock ceramic tile, wood flooring, cork, and carpet.
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CorkStore.com:
Renewable and relatively simple to install, cork is an affordable option for a modern kitchen. This website's headquarters are based in Niagara Falls, with distribution in the US and Canada.
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Home Depot:
Sold through Home Depot, TrafficMaster Allure Vinyl Flooring is waterproof, comes with a 25-year warranty, and installs with a pre-ready adhesive interlocking GripStrip system. Prices for these vinyl planks start around $2 per sf.
Sinks and Fixtures
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HomeClick.com:
This online retailer is well-known for stocking a huge inventory of discounted designer items for kitchens and bathrooms. Their outlet section is the best place to find good deals. Shown: Blanco Undermount Kitchen Sink, $214 .
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Advance Tabco:
When you're looking for chef's quality at good value, it helps to check out restaurant supply stores. Many of them carry stainless steel counters and specialty faucets and taps for modern kitchens.
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PlumberSurplus.com:
Based in Riverside, California, this online retailer has a big range of discounted sinks, faucets, toilets, tubs, and other items for kitchen and bathroom renovators. Shown: Moen Single Bowl Stainless Steel Sink, $45 with free shipping (list price $68).
Tile on a Budget
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Lowe's:
Subway tile is accessible, affordable, and classic — especially when you buy it in basic cream or white. Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's sell several colors and styles. Shown: American Olean White Ceramic Tile, 27 cents per tile.
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Hakatai Glass Tile:
This company specializes in glass tile, has a large online inventory, and carries lots of recycled glass options. Their Economy Series retails for less than $10 per sheet and comes in a wide range of colors.
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CoolTiles:
Their webshop stocks a huge range of tile in glass, stone, metal, and blends. Although there's a lot of ugly stuff in the mix, there are good basics to be found for less, including several mesh-backed sheets of glass tile under $5.
Top Photo: Martha Stewart Ox Hill Kitchen at Home Depot


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