Cabinets are sold primarily through kitchen cabinet dealers and showrooms, home improvement centers, lumberyards and some kitchen appliance stores. Some companies sell cabinetry only through a controlled network of studios or retail outlets.

You can locate stock cabinet dealers by contacting manufacturers (see Resources) and asking for referrals. Or consult your telephone directory or the National Kitchen & Bath Association (800-THE-NKBA or www.nkba.org) for help in locating kitchen cabinet showrooms and other sources near you.

If you happen to have an Ikea discount retail outlet in your area, be sure to check its offerings. These cash-and-carry stores sell a wide range of knock-down European-style stock cabinets with several door styles at very affordable prices. There you can make an appointment with a store design person who will help you configure your kitchen and put together your order.

You can choose from a dozen or more door styles and several different pulls and accessories. Goods are sold on a cash-and-carry basis, knocked down in flat boxes. You can assemble and mount them yourself to save money or you can arrange for delivery and installation with a contractor.

With any system, it's often a good idea to get design help in specifying your needs. Unless you know exactly what you need, it pays to purchase through cabinet dealers who can offer some assistance.

In addition to normal services, some dealers offer a computerized design service; they'll plot your kitchen on a computer and print out drawings and a materials list. These are great for helping you visualize your finished kitchen.