Kitchen
Cabinet Costs
Whether
you choose unassembled, stock, built-to-order or custom
cabinets, cabinets will comprise about 50% of the material
costs for a new kitchen.
Choices
that impact cabinet prices
Floor
plan
The more cabinets the higher the cost. (One 48"
wide is less than two 24" wide cabinets.
Door
Style
Solid wood styles usually cost more than flat or veneer
panel styles. Wood species and complexity of style also
impact cost.
Finish
Specialty finishes such as glazes, complex colors or
distressing may cost more. Heat catalyzed varnish finishes
cost more than lacquers, but are longer lasting. Hand
rubbed stains may cost more, but penetrate more thoroughly
than machine applied stains.
Options
Companies offering a greater variety of features
may charge more, but allow more customization. Installed
options cost more than kits you install, but the contractor
may charge more to install them for you. Choosing options
that you want helps you set priorities for the entire
project, control cost and assure a satisfactory result.
See Storage Planning.
Modifications
Built-to-order and Custom cabinets allow certain dimensional
modifications to standard products that stock cabinets
do not.
Ask
the salesperson where you shop for your cabinets about
the availability of each of these before you select
your cabinetry. You may want to make a list of options
or dimensional modifications so you won't forget to
inquire about each one, then compare, based on your
own needs and budget.
| Construction
Type |
Relative
Cost |
Advantages/Disadvantages |
|
| Custom
(manufactured) |
High |
Close
attention to detail, exclusive styling, generally
high quality finishes. Custom sizes and special
applications. Manufacturer backed warranty. |
|
| Custom
(job or small shop built) |
Medium
high |
No
restriction on wood species, style, finish color
(except for more complex glazes, two dimension colors,
etc.) or cabinet sizes.. High-solids conversion
varnish finishes unavailable. Warranty may depend
on a single individual or small firm. |
|
| Built-to-order
or semi-custom |
Generally
high quality finishes are available |
Numerous
choices in wood, finish color, options, decorative
details. Some modifications in sizes available,
cabinets are manufactured when ordered, as ordered,
completely assembled, usually including options.
Manufacturer backed warranty. |
|
| Stock |
Low
to medium |
Immediate
availability. Available in most popular styles and
finishes only. Some assembly of options required.
Limited cabinet and detail selection. Backed by
manufacturer warranty. |
|
| Ready
to Assemble |
Low |
Immediate
availability. Certain popular styles and finishes
only. Assembly required, including all optional
features. Limited cabinet and detail selection.
Backed by manufacturer warranty. |
