If you’re in the process of upgrading or completely remodeling your kitchen, finding out the cost of custom kitchen cabinets is probably high on your to-do list. Especially when you consider they typically account for 30 to 50% of the total costs. In general, custom cabinet pricing depends on several factors. These factors include the number of cabinets you need, type of cabinet material you want, and how difficult they are to install. The price of custom kitchen cabinets will also vary based on where you live and the availability of the style and material you choose. Do you need upper and lower cabinets? Are you adding on custom features like Glide-Out shelving for your kitchen? On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $200 per linear square foot for standard kitchen cabinets. Semi-custom cabinets range from $100 to $650 square feet. Custom-built kitchen cabinets usually cost between $500 and $1,200 per square foot.
Starting the Process
Whether you’ve just started or are in the process of updating your kitchen, there are some important questions you need to ask if you’re considering custom cabinets. First, cabinet prices can vary widely between companies and geographic locations (which can impact labor costs). Therefore, it’s important to do your homework before choosing a cabinet maker. Once you’ve narrowed down the choices, speak to each company and ask questions like where they source their material, how long it will take to complete your order, do they provide installation (if not, ask about installation requirements), is hardware included (pulls and knobs), shipping details, return policy (if items arrived damaged), and any references they can provide.
The Cost of Kitchen Cabinets Made Custom for You
Now that you know the right questions to ask, let’s get into some specifics that impact custom cabinet costs and the different types of custom cabinet material you can choose from.
Cost of Custom Kitchen Cabinets Per Linear Square Foot
The price of custom-built kitchen cabinets ranges from $500 on the low end to $1,200 per linear foot for custom built-in cabinetry. This cost can vary based on material, hardware, accessories, labor, and maintenance. The price also varies based on stock cabinets, semi-custom, and fully custom cabinets.
Cabinet material cost
When choosing a material for your custom kitchen cabinets, there are several types of materials to choose from, including:
- Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
- Plywood
- Bamboo
- Laminate
- Wood (in a variety of choices)
- Particleboard
- Thermofoil
- Stainless steel
- Hardwood and metal are more expensive options than laminate, particleboard, and MDF. Cabinets made from natural wood are more expensive than plywood and wood veneer cabinets.
Custom Maple Cabinet Cost
Maple wood is a popular material for people who prefer light-colored cabinets. Color ranges from light to golden brown and honey color. Cabinets made of maple are durable and strong, and typically range from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.
Custom White Oak Cabinet Cost
Cabinets made from this wood can have a natural blue or gray undertone. Most cabinet makers prefer using white oak because it is easier to work with. Similar to maple cabinets, on average, custom white oak cabinets range from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.
Custom Cherry Wood Cabinet Cost
Cherry wood is one of the most popular choices for custom kitchen cabinets, especially if you prefer darker-colored cabinets. These cabinets have a reddish color that gets darker over time. Humidity and sunlight can also affect their color. The cost of custom cherry cabinets ranges from $600 to $1,400 per linear foot installed.
MDF Custom Cabinet Cost
The cost of a custom medium-density fiberboard (MDF) ranges from $100 to $280 per linear foot, which is more affordable than solid wood or plywood. MDF is a mixture of resins and wood pulp. It is also known as laminate cabinets. MDF is the least expensive way to get custom-built kitchen cabinets. The material requires paint, so MDF cabinets are a good option if you want to paint your cabinets a specific color. The disadvantage is that MDF cabinets are difficult to repair if they are damaged.
Custom Kitchen Cabinet Add-Ons
While custom kitchen cabinet add-ons will increase the overall costs of your project, they can also help improve the functionality of your kitchen and personalize it to match your desired style. Here are some of the extra features and add-ons available for custom-built kitchen cabinets:
- Crown molding
- Glass doors
- Interior lighting
- Decorative wood inlays
- Pull-out spice racks
- Knife block
- Stemware rack
Book a Consultation for a Custom Kitchen Cabinet Estimate with ShelfGenie®
Depending on your budget and preference, there are several custom kitchen cabinet options to choose from. Whether you’re trying to decide between wood, laminate, or MDF, the best way to get an accurate estimate for customized kitchen cabinets is to schedule an appointment with a kitchen design professional. Your local Shelf Genie offers free consultations, with no obligation.
Discuss your kitchen storage or pick our brain for ideas. We’re happy to help you design and construct the kitchen of your dreams. Plus, all our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which ensures your satisfaction. Don’t wait. Get started on your new kitchen design today!
