Walking into a big-box store for kitchen cabinets often means dealing with salespeople, waiting weeks for delivery, and paying premium prices. There’s a better option right in Orange County. Builders Surplus Kitchen & Bath Cabinets has been providing DIYers and professional contractors with quality materials, superior service, and dependable advice for more than 48 years.
What makes this Santa Ana warehouse different? You can walk in, touch the cabinets, check the quality yourself, and take them home the same day. No guesswork. No waiting. Just honest pricing and products you can see before buying.
What This Article Covers: We’ll explore everything you need to know about shopping at Builders Surplus in Santa Ana, from their product selection and pricing to expert tips for planning your kitchen or bathroom remodel. You’ll learn how to save money without sacrificing quality and why thousands of homeowners and contractors choose this Orange County warehouse for their cabinet needs.
What Is Builders Surplus Kitchen & Bath Cabinets?
Builders Surplus offers pre-assembled kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, countertops, and related fixtures at their Santa Ana warehouse. Unlike traditional retailers, they focus on cash-and-carry sales. This business model cuts out middlemen and keeps prices lower.
The company shifted to specializing in kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, vanity tops, and kitchen countertops in 1992 to better meet the growing construction and remodeling market in Orange County. Today, they serve Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
Why Homeowners Choose This Warehouse
The main draw is simple: see it, buy it, take it home. Builders Surplus currently offers 17 kitchen cabinet styles, with cabinets coming fully assembled in both unfinished and prefinished options. Most styles use hardwood and plywood construction, which matters for durability in humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms.
Their showroom approach lets you open drawers, check hinges, and compare finishes side by side. This hands-on experience helps you make confident decisions about products you’ll use every day for years.
Product Selection at Builders Surplus Santa Ana
Kitchen Cabinets
The warehouse stocks a variety of wall units and base units with 75 or more different variations of each style. Five of these styles feature solid wood raised panel doors, while others offer different door configurations and finishes.
Available wood species include:
- Oak
- Maple
- Cherry
- Birch
- Alder
Colors range from natural wood tones to white, gray, espresso, and custom stains. Both light and dark finishes are available to match your design vision.
Bathroom Vanities and Tops
The vanity and cabinet warehouse carries 65 vanity top styles in 14 sizes, all made with granite, marble, quartz, and cultured marble countertops. This selection gives you flexibility to create a cohesive bathroom design.
Vanities typically don’t include countertops, which allows you to mix and match. You can personalize your space with your preferred sink, faucet, and vanity top combination.
Kitchen Countertops
Builders Surplus kitchen countertops come in a variety of designs, all crafted with high-quality Formica laminate. Bring your measurements and their staff will cut a custom countertop to fit your space. This service ensures a proper fit without paying for custom fabrication from other retailers.
Additional Products
The warehouse also stocks:
- Kitchen sinks
- Shower doors
- Bathtubs
- Linen cabinets
- Entertainment centers
Having everything under one roof simplifies the shopping process and helps you coordinate your entire project.
Location and Hours
Address: 1800 E. Dyer Rd. Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: (888) 632-5081
Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, with Monday closures. The warehouse is closed on Sundays as well.
The location sits in Orange County with easy access from major Southern California areas. Customers regularly drive from Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Inland Empire to access their selection and pricing.
Pricing and Cost Comparison
Let’s talk numbers. Cabinet pricing varies widely across the market. Kitchen cabinets can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $30,000, with cabinets typically accounting for about 41% of total kitchen renovation costs.
How Builders Surplus Pricing Works
Pre-assembled cabinets at warehouses like Builders Surplus typically fall in the stock to semi-custom range. Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets average around $150 per linear foot, while semi-custom cabinets now average $350 per linear foot.
Builders Surplus offers pre-assembled options, which saves you assembly time and labor. Prices vary by style, material, and finish, but the cash-and-carry model eliminates delivery fees and reduces markup.
Cost Breakdown Table
| Cabinet Type | Price Per Linear Foot | Total Kitchen Cost (10×10) |
|---|---|---|
| Stock/Pre-assembled | $100-$250 | $3,000-$7,500 |
| Semi-custom | $250-$500 | $7,500-$15,000 |
| Custom | $500-$1,200 | $15,000-$36,000 |
Note: A standard 10×10 kitchen has approximately 30 linear feet of cabinets
Why Pre-Assembled Saves Money
Pre-assembled cabinets from Builders Surplus offer several financial advantages:
No Assembly Labor: You skip hours of assembly work or paying someone else to do it. The cabinets arrive ready to install.
Same-Day Pickup: Eliminating delivery charges saves $200-$500 depending on your location and order size.
Lower Overhead: The warehouse model means fewer expenses passed to customers compared to traditional showrooms with commissioned sales staff.
See Before Buying: Reducing returns and exchanges saves both time and money since you know exactly what you’re getting.
Current Cabinet Market Trends for 2025
Understanding market trends helps you make informed decisions about your purchase timing and style choices.
Popular Styles Right Now
Minimalist slab doors, two-tone designs, and sustainable materials are trending in 2025. These styles offer contemporary looks that appeal to modern homeowners while maintaining broad appeal for resale value.
Two-tone cabinets, where upper and lower cabinets feature different colors, create visual interest. Many designers pair light upper cabinets with darker base cabinets for a balanced look.
Material Preferences
Natural wood finishes are making a strong comeback, with warmth and texture creating an organic and relaxed feel in kitchens. Oak, walnut, and maple remain popular wood species for their durability and timeless appearance.
Price Considerations
In December 2024, the Consumer Price Index for all items increased by 0.4%, bringing the 12-month index to 2.7%. This inflation affects cabinet pricing across the industry. Material costs, particularly timber, have risen sharply.
Buying sooner rather than later may save money as prices continue climbing. Economic forecasts suggest inflation rates will stabilize around 2% by 2027, but prices rarely decrease once they’ve increased.
How to Shop Smart at Builders Surplus
Before You Visit
Measure Your Space: Bring accurate measurements of your kitchen or bathroom. Measure wall lengths, ceiling height, and any obstacles like windows or appliances.
Know Your Style: Browse photos online to identify styles you like. This helps narrow down options when you arrive at the large showroom.
Set a Budget: Determine your maximum spend per linear foot. This keeps you focused on options within your price range.
Check Stock: Call ahead to confirm the styles you’re interested in are currently in stock. Inventory changes as items sell.
During Your Visit
At the showroom, you can explore displays, open drawers, feel finishes, and compare colors up close to get a true sense of quality and materials before making your decision.
Take your time examining:
- Door and drawer construction
- Hinge quality and operation
- Interior finish and shelf adjustability
- Wood grain and color consistency
The staff has years of experience with home renovations. They can help with layout planning and answer questions about installation requirements.
Questions to Ask
Are these cabinets solid wood or plywood construction?
Water-resistant materials matter in humid environments. Hardwood and plywood cabinets last longer in kitchens and bathrooms because they resist moisture better than particleboard.
What’s included with each cabinet?
Confirm whether shelves, hardware, and hinges are included or sold separately.
Can you help with layout design?
Many showrooms offer basic layout assistance to ensure your cabinets fit properly.
What’s your return policy?
Understand the terms before purchasing, especially for custom-cut countertops.
Installation: DIY vs. Professional
DIY Installation
The easiest way to save money on renovations is to do installations yourself, skipping professional installation to save on labor costs.
Pre-assembled cabinets simplify DIY installation because you don’t need to put the cabinet boxes together. You still need basic tools and skills:
- Level and measuring tape
- Drill and screwdriver
- Shims for leveling
- Stud finder
- Helper for lifting and positioning
Online tutorials and manufacturer instructions guide you through the process. Expect to spend a full weekend or more on a typical kitchen installation.
Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a contractor to install pre-assembled cabinetry can save time and lead to a more polished final product.
Professional installation costs vary but typically range from $50 to $150 per cabinet depending on complexity. Benefits include:
- Proper leveling and alignment
- Secure mounting to wall studs
- Professional finish and trim work
- Warranty on installation work
- Faster completion time
For bathroom vanities, professional plumbing connections may be necessary depending on your skill level and local code requirements.
Builders Surplus vs. Big-Box Stores
Selection Differences
Big-box stores typically show sample displays with most cabinets available by special order. This means waiting 2-8 weeks for delivery. Almost every product displayed at Builders Surplus showroom is in stock and ready for immediate purchase and pickup.
Price Comparison
Warehouse pricing at Builders Surplus often beats big-box stores by 20-40% on comparable products. The savings come from:
- No delivery fees
- Lower overhead costs
- Cash-and-carry business model
- Direct relationships with manufacturers
Customer Service
Builders Surplus staff has years of expertise in home renovation, and customers appreciate the opportunity to browse and inspect the wide selection of high-quality kitchen cabinets and bath vanities in person.
Big-box stores rotate staff frequently and may lack specialized cabinet knowledge. At Builders Surplus, you work with experienced professionals who understand the products and installation requirements.
Customer Experience and Reviews
Builders Surplus has received 505 reviews on Yelp, indicating substantial customer feedback and engagement. Reviews frequently mention:
Positive Aspects:
- Wide selection visible in one location
- Competitive pricing compared to other retailers
- Knowledgeable staff assistance
- Quality products at affordable prices
- Same-day pickup convenience
Customer Tips: Visit during weekday mornings for the best staff availability and less crowding. Bring measurements and a basic floor plan to maximize your consultation time.
Planning Your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel
Step 1: Define Your Goals
What problems are you solving? Common goals include:
- Increasing storage space
- Updating outdated appearance
- Improving functionality
- Preparing home for sale
Clear goals guide your style and budget decisions.
Step 2: Create a Realistic Budget
Cabinets account for about 40% of kitchen renovation costs. Factor in:
- Cabinet costs
- Countertops
- Installation labor
- Plumbing or electrical work
- Paint and finishing
- Unexpected repairs (common in older homes)
Add 10-20% contingency for surprises during demolition or installation.
Step 3: Choose Your Style Carefully
Consider both current preferences and future resale value. Neutral styles appeal to broader audiences. Bold color choices can look dated quickly.
Natural wood finishes offer timeless appeal and flexibility for future updates through paint or stain changes.
Step 4: Prioritize Quality Where It Matters
Invest in:
- Solid wood or plywood construction
- Quality hinges and drawer slides
- Water-resistant finishes
- Proper cabinet depth and height
Save on:
- Decorative elements you can add later
- Upper cabinets in less-visible areas
- Open shelving instead of upper cabinets
Step 5: Time Your Purchase
Material costs have risen sharply with inflation, particularly timber costs affecting wooden cabinetry production. Prices typically don’t decrease once they’ve increased, making sooner better than later for major purchases.
Watch for:
- Manufacturer closeouts on discontinued styles
- Overstock inventory deals
- Seasonal promotions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order online from Builders Surplus?
All sales are completed at their physical Santa Ana location. You cannot place orders through their website. This in-person requirement ensures you see and approve products before purchasing.
Do they offer delivery?
Builders Surplus operates on a cash-and-carry model. You’ll need to arrange pickup and transportation. Bring an appropriate vehicle or rent a truck for larger orders.
Are the cabinets returnable?
Contact the store directly about their return policy before purchasing. Custom-cut items like countertops typically cannot be returned.
How long do pre-assembled cabinets last?
Properly installed hardwood or plywood cabinets can last 15-20 years or more with normal use. Quality hinges and drawer slides impact longevity significantly.
Can they help with kitchen layout design?
Yes, staff members provide layout assistance using your measurements. Bring detailed dimensions and a rough floor plan for best results.
Making the Most of Your Builders Surplus Visit
Visiting builders surplus kitchen & bath cabinets santa ana ca offers a unique opportunity to see, touch, and compare cabinets before buying. This hands-on experience removes uncertainty and builds confidence in your purchase decision.
With over 54 years of serving contractors and property owners, the team knows exactly what customers need to achieve their kitchen vision while staying within budget. Their extensive inventory of pre-built kitchen cabinets at the fully stocked Orange County warehouse gives you options other retailers can’t match.
The combination of selection, pricing, and immediate availability makes this Santa Ana location worth the drive for homeowners across Southern California. Whether you’re tackling a DIY bathroom update or planning a complete kitchen transformation, starting your project with quality cabinets at fair prices sets the foundation for success. Visit the showroom at 1800 E. Dyer Road to explore your options and talk with knowledgeable staff who understand both the products and the remodeling process.
