Hello, I am a long time lurker with a puddle under my sink. This is not so surprising since we knew the 1980's kitchen needed an overhaul when we bought the house 4 years ago. We've been living with the smallfoot print (approx 10.5 foot long, 9 foot wide U shape ... aka a one-butt kitchen), drawers that don't work, and a not so lovely pink accent on the cabinet doors and pink laminate counter, all the while planning for a replacement. I actually priced layouts a year or so ago through the big-box stores, but was very disappointed by the high quotes.

I will be checking the Habitat for Humanity Restore tomorrow, but barring finding a miracle, does anyone have recommendations for durable/quality cabinets on a budget in the Omaha, Nebraska area?

I would love to DIY this to save, but hubby is in the Air Force and is away almost as much as he is home. DIY is not totally out of the picture if it saves us a lot.

After all my lurking and researching, you would think I wouldn't have questions, but I still don't know if I should be looking at plywood versus particle board? I do know I am looking at getting white/cream in order to keep the small kitchen from looking dark and 39" wall cabs so I can reclaim the dusty area above our current 30" cabs. If I shop for 39" cabinets, am I simply driving the price up?

Ugh... a part of me feels that this should be a joyous process, but instead I am stressed out just thinking about this. I don't have a budget yet. We live in an almost middle class neighborhood and probably will be here at least 7 more years and maybe 11 years. I am literally looking for help in making choices that maximize quality so we still have a half decent kitchen when we do need to sell, while minimizing the cost.