The Cost of Custom Cabinets – Budgeting Tips and Options

Cabinets are a major home improvement investment. The cost of your cabinets will depend on several factors, including construction style and materials.

To keep your costs low, try to limit the number of customized options, like corbels or matching end panels, says Klassen. Your final supply and installation price will climb with the more details you add.

Design

Cabinets are designed, measured, and built to fit a specific room. They come in three options: stock and ready-to-assemble (RTA), semi-custom, and custom cabinets. Prices and design options vary between the different cabinet types.

RTA and stock cabinets offer the lowest price points. They are pre-made in standard sizes and typically use economical materials. In some cases, the quality could be better. Semi-custom cabinets offer more customization, costing $150 to $650 per linear foot installed. They are based on standard sizes and provide additional options like door styles, finishes, and hardware.

A popular option for homeowners on a budget is MDF and melamine cabinetry. While these options are less high-end than natural wood, they provide a beautiful look and are much cheaper.

A professional designer can help you choose a cabinet manufacturer that offers the most options at the best value. Ask about their product catalog and how they differentiate between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinetry. Also, ask if they build Frameless or Face Frame construction. This will determine their level of quality and price.

Materials

Custom cabinets Seattle can be made from a variety of materials. The most budget-friendly choice is particle board, which is created by compressing resin, sawdust, and wood chips into rigid sheets or panels. It is inexpensive but should not be used in places where you plan to bang or slam your cabinets, as it can warp or break over time.

Other cheaper options include melamine and laminate, less expensive than natural wood materials such as birch or maple. However, they are less durable.

When you request quotes for new cabinets, ask companies what type of cabinetry they offer – Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom. If they offer only Semi-Custom or Stock, chances are that the quality is not as high as a true Custom project. Ask about their manufacturer’s list of options and if they build frameless or face frame cabinets. It will make a huge difference in the final cost. You also want to ensure they use solid or engineered wood (such as MDF or plywood) instead of particle board or fiberboard.

Finishes

As with any cabinet project, there are a variety of factors that can affect pricing and options. The most obvious are the materials and finishes you select. However, many of these other decisions can also significantly impact price.

Stains and glazes can add color and texture to cabinetry and be durable. The cost of these options can vary between manufacturers, so it is always worth getting a quote from two companies when possible.

Another option that can drive costs is the addition of accessories. For example, pullout spice racks are popular in modern kitchens and can be very convenient, but they can also increase the project’s overall cost.

Finally, finishing touches can make a huge difference in the overall look of your cabinets. Cere molding and trim can run $70 per 8-foot section, while finished ends for exposed cabinets cost $150-$200.

Installation

When it comes to cabinetry, many different providers sell products of similar quality. Whether mass-produced in a factory or handcrafted in a woodworker’s garage, the biggest factor in pricing is labor. Labor prices are typically tied to changes in raw material costs. This means that if the price of a specific type of wood goes up, then the cost of that type of cabinetry will also go up.

The design process can also heavily influence total cabinet costs. For example, a 200 sq. ft. cherry cabinet kitchen will be more expensive than a 75 sq. ft. thermofoil kitchen.

Semi-custom cabinetry is another option that can offer some customization and cost less than custom cabinets. This is a good choice for homeowners who want a unique aesthetic but need more time to be ready to pay for fully customized cabinetry.

Other cabinet costs include a permit, old cabinet removal, and installation. Most custom cabinet builders will include these fees in their estimates, but stock or semi-custom companies may not. Also, don’t forget to budget for new hardware – this can add up quickly!