We renovated several kitchens at this point and one thing is certain, it is usually the most expensive budget item in the project! There are several reasons for this, like new countertops, new flooring, appliances, but we wanted to spend time talking about cabinets and specifically custom cabinets.
Even though stock cabinets are convenient, we repeatedly choose to invest in ready-to-assemble semi-custom kitchen cabinets to fit our space, style, and functionality needs.
So we’re sharing all you need to know about the average cost of custom kitchen cabinets and how to choose the right cabinets for your home to fit your budget!
What is the average cost of kitchen cabinets in the US?
Average US kitchen cabinets costs can range widely depending on the size of the kitchen and linear feet of the space.
By the way, a linear foot is the measurement of the length of a straight line, typically one foot long. And for cabinets, linear feet are used to measure the length of cabinets on walls or sections where they will be installed.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical costs associated with different types of kitchen cabinets based on recent data from HomeAdvisor – Average Kitchen Cabinet Costs:
Stock cabinets are the cheapest option that you will encounter at around $100 to $300 per linear foot installed. Semi-custom cabinets are usually around $200 to $650 per linear foot installed and custom cabinets range from $500 and $1,200 per linear foot installed.
For reference, we chose GHI’s Nantucket Linen White semi-custom cabinets for our current kitchen renovation. As of this post, they start at $158 per linear foot without assembly, installation or hardware.
What is the average cost of custom kitchen cabinets?
If you are specifically looking for custom cabinets, there is also a range of costs based on the type of custom cabinets you are looking for. According to HomeAdvisor – Custom Cabinets Cost, this is the recent data related to custom kitchen cabinet prices by type:
Basic custom cabinets that feature standard finishes and mid-range materials can cost around $500 – $1200 per linear foot while mid-range custom cabinets can range from $1200 to $2500 per linear foot. If you prefer top-of-the-line finishes, premium materials and designs, you can expect to pay from $2500 to $5k depending on the high-end cabinets that you customize.
What are the cost differences between Ready-to-Assemble, Semi-Custom and Custom Cabinets?
As we’ve mentioned, we usually purchase (semi-)custom cabinets, but the ones we chose are typically “Ready-to-Assemble” or RTA. We’ll explain the cost differences, characteristics, pros, and cons of each here.
In a nutshell, RTA cabinets are the most affordable and fastest to get your hands on, but you’ll be limited in how you customize it. Semi-custom cabinets can strike a balance between cost and personalization. Custom cabinets have a practically unlimited flexibility and quality but it also comes at a higher price point and will take much longer to arrive.
Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets:
RTA cabinets are pre-manufactured, shipped in boxes and ready to be assembled after purchase. They usually come in standard sizes but you can choose different configurations and designs to customize specifically for your kitchen.
Pros:
RTA cabinets are often the most budget-friendly option
RTA cabinets are usually shipped quickly since it is pre-fabricated, which reduces your project timeline
RTA cabinets are (relatively) straightforward to assemble and perfect for DIY enthusiasts
Cons:
RTA cabinets are the least customizable option. Usually you are only choosing a color, size and door style.
Assembling RTA cabinets requires time, patience, and basic carpentry skills so it is definitely not ideal for everyone
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets come in standard sizes but allow for some personalization to dimensions, finishes, and features.
Pros:
With semi-custom cabinets, you can choose from several finishes, hardware, and accessories compared to RTA cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets are cheaper than custom cabinets. So you are able to choose custom elements without paying as much as you would if you choose custom cabinets
Cons:
Semi-custom cabinets are made to order, so they may have longer lead times compared to RTA cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets options are limited in design and features compared to custom cabinet options
Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets are tailor-made to fit your kitchen’s exact specifications. They are also usually constructed by skilled professionals using high-quality materials.
Pros:
There is practically no limit in how to customize custom cabinets
Custom cabinets are created using premium materials, so these cabinets are most durable
Custom cabinets are made to order and tailored to fit any space, no matter how unusual or challenging
Cons:
Custom cabinets come with a premium price tag due to the level of customization involved
The craftsman construction of custom cabinets means longer lead times
Custom cabinets should be installed by professionals to ensure proper fit and functionality, which add to the overall cost
What factors influence the cost of custom kitchen cabinets?
Cabinet Material
The material you choose significantly impacts the total cost. For example, although medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a cheaper option, it is less durable than hardwoods. If you are looking for exotic woods, it will definitely increase your costs, although it is rare to find custom cabinet installs that are 100% solid wood.
Nicer semi-custom or custom installs use a combination of plywood and solid wood. The GHI Nantucket Linen White semi-custom cabinets we chose are made of plywood with real wood veneers for the boxes and solid wood for doors and drawer faces.
Size and Complexity
Larger kitchens with intricate designs or features like built-in spice racks or pull-out shelves will naturally cost more due to increased material and labor. It’s possible with large kitchens or complex designs to pay upwards of $15,000 to $30,000 for custom cabinetry.
Hardware and Accessories
Upgrading to premium hardware on custom cabinet doors such as soft-close hinges or drawer glides adds to the price tag. Similarly, custom accessories like integrated lighting or organizational inserts contribute as well.
Finish and Detailing
Even the finish you choose can up the price. For example, you could go with a standard stain which wouldn’t cost as much as a custom paint color. Also intricate detailing like crown molding or raised panel designs elevates the look but adds to the cost.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost Calculators:
Need some help estimating the cost of your kitchen cabinet makeover? Here are 3 cabinet cost calculators where you can enter details for your project, including kitchen size, cabinet type, materials, and other features to get a quick idea of project costs.
What is the return on investment for custom kitchen cabinets?
Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report compares average costs for remodeling projects with the value of those projects retain at resale in the US, which is the return on investment (ROI) that a homeowner would get after the project is complete.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s, a major kitchen remodel typically yields a high ROI, with mid-scale kitchen remodels recouping around 47.9% of the project cost at resale.
What are some trends in custom cabinetry that might impact costs?
Some trendy custom cabinetry choices include sustainable materials, smart storage solutions, and custom organizational features like these:
Soft-Close Hinges
Pull-Out Shelves
Drawer Organizers
Integrated Lighting
Lazy Susans
Built-in; Pull-out Spice Racks
Wine Racks
Glass Fronts
Under-Cabinet Lighting
Decorative Molding
Custom Cabinet Door Options
Cabinet door styles can be customized further with different materials, finishes, and hardware options like these:
Raised Panel – Classic style featuring a raised center panel surrounded by a decorative frame
Recessed Panel – Similar to raised panel doors but with the center panel inset into the frame for a sleeker, modern look
Shaker – Clean and simple design characterized by a flat center panel and square edges, popular for modern kitchens
Slab – Flat, solid door without any frame or panel details, a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic
Glass Front – Doors featuring glass panels, so you can see the cabinet’s contents
Louvered – Doors with horizontal slats that provide ventilation while adding texture and visual interest to cabinets
Mullion – Doors with decorative dividers or mullions that create segmented sections, often used for a vintage or cottage-style look
The type of door style we like for the flip and rental properties are shaker, and the style we chose for our most recent kitchen cabinets in our home is raised panel.
Should I build DIY custom cabinets or buy custom cabinets?
From this chart, you can compare the approach of DIY/building your own custom cabinets versus buying custom cabinets. In summary, if you are confident in your Do-It-Yourself skills, have a variety of tools and have a knack for woodworking, you could potentially build your own custom kitchen cabinets. This would save you plenty of money. However if you aren’t as skilled or have the patience, you may certainly purchase them instead for a higher cost.
How can homeowners save money on custom kitchen cabinets?
Kitchen cabinets are usually the most expensive part of this type of renovation project, so honestly the easiest way to save money is to refinish/paint the cabinets yourself. However if your cabinets are damaged, too out-of-style or you aren’t confident in your DIY skills at the moment, you’ll likely need new cabinets instead. If you are specifically looking for custom cabinets, here are a few ways to save money:
Choose Cost-Effective Materials
As we mentioned before, choosing plywood instead of solid wood for the cabinet boxes can save money. According to HomeAdvisor, plywood cabinets typically cost 25% to 50% less than solid wood cabinets. It is normal to see semi-custom or custom installs use a combination of plywood and solid wood.
The GHI Nantucket Linen White semi-custom cabinets we chose are made of plywood with real wood veneers for the boxes and solid wood for doors and drawer faces.
Consider Semi-Custom Cabinets
Even though you would have unlimited flexibility with custom cabinets, semi-custom cabinets are a budget-friendly alternative with plenty of options. In fact, you can expect to save about 20% to 30% by choosing semi-custom cabinets over fully customized ones.
Stick to Standard Sizes
Customizing cabinet sizes to fit your kitchen’s exact dimensions can increase costs due to additional labor and materials. But if you stick to standard cabinet sizes, homeowners can avoid customization fees and potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, choosing standard-sized base cabinets (typically 24 inches deep) instead of custom depths can save around $100 to $200 per custom cabinet installation.
Limit Special Features and Upgrades
It can be tempting to include every possible feature and upgrade in your custom cabinets, until you see that each addition comes with a price tag. So save money and prioritize essential features and upgrades (although we really love soft-close cabinet hinges!)
Shop Around and Compare Quotes
Don’t settle for the first cabinet maker you come across. Shop around and get quotes from several contractors and/or cabinet manufacturers. Only by comparing prices and negotiating can you secure the best deal (but don’t compromise too much on quality!)
What additional costs should I consider beyond the cabinet purchase price?
Even though you’ve budgeted for new custom cabinets, the expenses usually don’t stop there. Here are the other potential costs associated:
Installation – Budget for installation costs, which can range from 50% to 100% of the cabinet’s purchase price. Professional installation ensures the cabinets will fit properly in the space and function as intended.
Timeline – Custom cabinets typically take longer to manufacture than pre-made options, so factor in the extended lead time when planning your project.
Warranties and Guarantees – Check with your cabinet maker about warranties and guarantees on craftsmanship and materials. This is both for peace of mind and protecting your investment in the long run.
Consultation and Design Fees – The custom cabinet maker you choose may charge consultation or design fees, especially for complex projects. However, these costs are often deducted from the final invoice if you proceed with the order.
We hope this comprehensive Q&A post helps you understand the costs associated with custom kitchen cabinets in 2024. If you are in the market for cabinets, don’t forget to shop around, compare quotes, and communicate openly with everyone involved so you can have a successful and satisfying renovation experience!
