Vintage Metal kitchen cabinets, once all the rage among kitchen designers in the 1940’s and 50’s, are again emerging from the long, dark shadow cast by particle board cabinetry. Manufacturers have tooled up and are again producing these units, this time with the benefit of improved metal alloys and coating technologies.
Many people, however, are interested in obtaining and restoring to service vintage metal cabinets produced decades ago. These sturdy units remain in service, or at least in place, in many older houses throughout the country. While it takes a good deal more effort to find and have delivered such antiques, the reward may be a bargain as well as the satisfaction of making a strong statement in favor of recycling, which is important to many people in this green age.
In light of the fact that a set of metal kitchen cabinets is not only awkward and heavy for shipping purposes, the marketplace for them tends to be primarily local. Probably the most likely source for locating them is on Craigslist or in the newspaper classified section, but don’t rule out the Pennysaver or some other local classified advertising specialty publication.
In some parts of the country, entire older neighborhoods that were once very nice have been abandoned as our industrial base has fled overseas. Such areas can provide rich pickings. Absentee owners or buyers at tax sales may be willing to part with the cabinetry for a reasonable sum, and unless such properties have become vacant and vandalized, the metal kitchen cabinets are often in quite good condition.
In other cases, some people who have had their metal cabinets in place for a long time may want to remodel with a different look. A ‘wanted’ ad in Craigslist may lead to a connection with someone who would be happy to get some return on the units they are removing.
Be aware that it may be necessary to locate and buy units from several different buildings in order to acquire a set that will fit neatly into your available space. You also may have to spend a bit of time refinishing your kitchen cabinets once you get them. If you’re at all handy, an afternoon spent with screwdrivers and wrenches can yield you a treasure in recycled vintage metal cabinets.