One of the best ways to buy kitchen cabinets and furniture for the kitchen (freestanding items) is by finding those previously used for display, or intended to be mounted for display in a showroom or similar area.

There is a variety of legitimate reasons why the cabinets might be placed for sale. Possible reasons include that the kitchen display was installed in a model home that has been sold or updated, a dealer of cabinets is discontinuing them for newer floor models of the furniture, or, acquired the cabinets under a special incentive program with the manufacturer and now the timing is right. Yet another reason is that the manufacturer went out of business, so be weary -- parts and spare pieces like mouldings and spacers might not be available if this is what you encounter. Make sure its really not a scratch and dent sale in hiding! Another distinct possibility is that the kitchen showroom closed their business operations, which is understandable given the winding down of the U.S. economy in recent years.

Surpassing the savings these deals represent, is the way they will fit into and are integrated within your open kitchen area. Factors to consider:

• Design services - will the party selling the cabinets help layout the cabinets for the dimensions your kitchen and make suggestions? If buying from a pro this normally has teeth -- most have software applications just for this. Don't underestimate the value of fit when the display won't probably be returnable.
  
  
• Receiving installation - normally this is available from kitchen shops and home centers when buying local only. Some carpenters don't want to fool with recycled kitchens, however.
  
  
• For previously mounted displays, mounting holes that are mostly internal to the cabinets won't always line up with your existing support studs. Spaced on the backside and sidewalls, these might show themsleves on opening the doors on occasion.
  
  
• When rearranging the layout, to meet your configuration, since the side-by-side cabinets are screw attached at meeting points, this can leave open holes in the end panels when being installed the second time around. This being the case, white laminates are among the easiest to deal with since white panels can be cut and re-attached to conceal this, though not an exact match. Examples of typcial white are melamine and thermofoil. Check with a cabinet supplier/shop for details prior to buying.
  
  
• Verify the types of cabinet hardware; knobs and pulls. Buyers having their own already should verify for fit -- that the holes align, for depth of door/drawer slab, and that both wall cabinets, base cabinets, hardware and plumbing fixtures compliment each other within your kitchen scheme. Note: hand painted knobs picked up out-of-the-country such as Mexico are commonly made of different sizes, despite their appeal.
  
  
• The counter is traditionally installed seperate from wall and base cabinets, as is the sink, fixture and plumbing and then connected with the dishwasher. Re-use of a countertop is stretch, and rarely attempted.
  
  
• Freight/Delivery/Taxes - can add up quick based on the total bill. Know what's figured in the proposal and then negotiate for the best total package deal.