Is it cheaper to build or buy garage cabinets? You’re not the only one trying to do that math while avoiding a messy garage and scrolling through DIY videos. On paper, building your own cabinets can look like the cheaper option. In real life, the answer’s a little more complicated once you factor in materials, tools, time, and how long you want those cabinets to last.
In this guide, we’ll break down what it really costs to build versus buy, how to choose the right option for your garage, and which types of cabinets hold up best. We’ll also share a few practical garage storage ideas because…why not? Let’s go!
If you’re curious, while you’re planning and pricing garage cabinets, you can plug your measurements into Armadillo Tough’s free Design Studio and test out some layout options before you commit.
The Short Answer: Is It Cheaper To Build or Buy Garage Cabinets?
If you only look at raw material costs, it may be cheaper to build your own basic wooden garage cabinets. You buy plywood, hardware, and paint, do all the cutting and assembly yourself, and skip the initial price tag.
But here’s the catch:
- Quality plywood and hardware are not cheap.
- You need at least a basic shop setup (saw, drill, clamps, etc.).
- Your time has value.
- DIY mistakes and re-dos add hidden costs.
For a lot of homeowners, once you add up materials, tools, and weekends in the garage, you land in the same neighborhood as a well-built steel cabinet system. The difference is that a heavy-duty system gives you tested weight capacity, garage-friendly cabinet dimensions, faster assembly, a clean finish, and a warranty.
So, if you already own tools, love carpentry, and want a custom wood look, building can make sense. If you want something strong, consistent, and quick to set up, buying high-quality steel garage cabinets often wins on “all-in” value.
What It Really Costs To Build Your Own Garage Cabinets
Is it cheaper to build your own garage cabinets? Let’s take a look.
Materials, Tools & Time You’ll Need
A DIY cabinet project usually includes:
- Sheet goods (like ¾-inch plywood or MDF) for cabinet boxes & shelves
- Hardware (hinges, pulls, screws, brackets)
- Finish (paint, primer, or clear coat)
- Fasteners & glue
On top of that, you need:
- A table saw or circular saw with a good guide
- A drill/driver & bits
- Clamps, square, sander, safety gear
- Space to cut, sand & paint
Even if you’re comfortable with tools, cutting and assembling a full run of cabinets can eat up multiple weekends. And that’s before you hang doors, install pulls, and touch up paint.
Hidden DIY Costs People Forget
DIY projects have a way of ballooning:
- Miscuts & Waste: One wrong measurement and a whole sheet of plywood turns into scrap.
- Tool Upgrades: That “one extra tool” can erase the savings you thought you had.
- Finish Quality: Getting a smooth, durable finish that withstands dust, spills, and dings is harder than it looks.
- Durability Limits: Most DIY wood cabinets aren’t designed with weight ratings or long-term garage abuse in mind.
If you love building, these trade-offs can be worth it. If you just want a clean, organized garage that works straightaway, the DIY route can start to look less “cheap” and more “complicated.”
How Much Does It Cost To Buy Garage Cabinets & Have Them Installed?
Off-the-Shelf vs Heavy-Duty Steel Systems
When you buy garage cabinets, you’re usually looking at two main options:
- Particleboard/MDF Cabinets: Lower upfront cost, but not terribly strong or durable. These can start to sag or swell in a humid garage over time.
- Steel Cabinet Systems: Higher upfront cost, but much better strength and longevity. You get sturdy cabinet boxes, reinforced shelves for serious weight capacity, and powder-coated finishes that resist scratches, stains, and rust.
Installation: Pro vs DIY Assembly
Buying cabinets doesn’t automatically mean hiring a contractor to install them.
Many modern steel systems are engineered so you can assemble them yourself with simple hand tools. Armadillo Tough garage cabinets are designed to go together quickly without power tools. Panels lock into place, shelves adjust easily, and you can have a full set of cabinets standing in hours, not weeks.
Instead of paying for installation, your “labor cost” is a free afternoon and maybe a friend to help move the heavier pieces.
Build vs Buy: How To Decide What’s Right for You
When you’re deciding whether it’s cheaper to build or buy garage cabinets, don’t just compare line items on a receipt. Ask yourself:
- What’s my skill level?
- Do I already own the tools?
- How much time do I realistically have?
- What do I need to store?
- How long do I want these cabinets to last?
If your answers tilt toward “I want strong, simple, and long‑lasting,” buying is probably the better value.
What Type of Cabinet Is Best for a Garage?
Technically, you can use almost any cabinet in a garage. The real question is what holds up best in a space that deals with dust, moisture, temperature swings, and heavy gear.
Here’s the short version:
- Plastic cabinets are light and inexpensive, but they don’t love heavy tools and can break down faster in a harsh garage environment.
- Wood/MDF cabinets can offer a nice, bespoke look, and they are stronger than plastic, but they’re more sensitive to moisture and may warp or sag under heavy weight over time.
- Heavy‑duty steel garage cabinets are built for exactly this environment. They handle heavy loads and everyday abuse and hold up for years without warping or falling apart.
Armadillo Tough recommends steel cabinets for the garage, and not just because we make them. High-quality steel garage cabinets can do all of the following:
- Handle serious weight from tools, paint & bulky totes
- Resist rust, stains & scratches with durable powder‑coated finishes
- Offer garage-friendly depths so doors open fully without hitting your car
- Often include lockable doors so you can safely store chemicals & expensive gear
Armadillo Tough cabinets have a fully welded internal steel skeleton. You won’t find that kind of strength in typical DIY or thin sheet-metal cabinets. This internal frame keeps the cabinet square, increases load capacity, and helps every unit hold up year after year.
Garage Storage Ideas
Whether you build or buy, try these simple garage storage ideas:
- Use tall gear lockers in corners to store sports gear, camping equipment, and seasonal bins.
- Run base cabinets and a workbench along a main wall, then add wall cabinets above for paints, car care, and smaller tools.
- Pair cabinets with freestanding and mounted wall racks and overhead storage to keep floors clear and use your vertical space.
- Plan around your car and door swings so cabinet depth and clearances work with you, not against you.
Design Your Garage Layout in Our Free Design Studio
Still unsure whether it’s cheaper to build or buy garage cabinets? Start by seeing how your options fit your space. With Armadillo Tough’s free Design Studio, you can plug in your wall measurements, drop in the gear lockers, base cabinets, wall cabinets, and/or workbench you're thinking you'd like, and preview how your layout fits your garage and your budget.
Armadillo Tough cabinets are built from heavy-duty steel, designed to hold serious weight, and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. They’re engineered to assemble quickly without power tools, so you spend more time enjoying your workspace, not wrestling with your storage. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help. Contact us today.