If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, one of the first questions on your mind is probably “what will the cabinets cost?” It’s a fair question, and unfortunately, the answer is never as simple as a single number. Custom kitchen cabinets can range from around $10,000 on the modest end to well over $50,000 for a large, high-end project. Where your project lands on that spectrum depends on a handful of key factors, including the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, your location, and how complex the design gets.
This guide breaks down the real numbers behind custom kitchen cabinetry in 2026 so you can budget with confidence and avoid unpleasant surprises along the way.
Key Takeaways
- Custom kitchen cabinets typically cost between $500 and $1,500 per linear foot, with most homeowners spending $15,000 to $35,000 total.
- Material choice is the single biggest cost driver. Maple and cherry run 30 to 50 percent more than oak or birch.
- Labor and installation usually add 20 to 35 percent on top of the cabinet cost itself.
- Prices vary significantly by region. Kitchens in major metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco tend to run 15 to 30 percent higher than the national average.
- Custom cabinets add more resale value to a home than stock alternatives, often recovering 60 to 80 percent of the investment at sale.
Custom vs. Semi-Custom vs. Stock: Understanding the Price Tiers
Before diving into the numbers, it helps to understand where custom cabinets sit in the broader market. There are three main categories of kitchen cabinets, and the price differences between them are significant.
Stock cabinets are mass-produced in standard sizes and finishes. They’re available off the shelf at big box stores and typically cost between $75 and $400 per linear foot. What you gain in affordability, you sacrifice in fit and personalization. If your kitchen has unusual dimensions or you want a specific look, stock cabinets will limit your options.
Semi-custom cabinets start with a stock base but allow you to modify certain elements like door styles, finishes, and internal accessories. They typically run $150 to $700 per linear foot and represent a middle ground that works well for many homeowners.
Custom cabinets are built from scratch to your exact specifications. Every dimension, material, finish, and detail is chosen by you. This is the category we’ll focus on throughout this guide, and it’s where you’ll find the widest price range: roughly $500 to $1,500 per linear foot, depending on the choices you make.
If you’re not sure which type is right for your project, our guide on Custom vs. Semi-Custom vs. Stock Cabinets goes deeper into the pros and cons of each.
Average Custom Kitchen Cabinet Costs in 2026
Here’s what homeowners are actually paying for custom kitchen cabinets this year, broken down by kitchen size. These figures include the cabinets themselves but not installation labor, which we’ll cover separately below.
| Kitchen Size | Linear Feet (Approx.) | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 100 sq ft) | 12 to 16 | $8,000 to $18,000 |
| Medium (100 to 175 sq ft) | 16 to 25 | $15,000 to $30,000 |
| Large (175 to 250 sq ft) | 25 to 35 | $25,000 to $45,000 |
| Extra Large / Luxury (250+ sq ft) | 35+ | $40,000 to $65,000+ |
The ranges above reflect mid-grade to high-grade custom work. If you’re going with exotic hardwoods, intricate detailing, or specialty finishes like hand-applied glazing, expect to land at the higher end or above these numbers.
What Drives the Cost of Custom Cabinets?
The final price tag on your custom cabinets comes down to several interconnected factors. Understanding these gives you leverage when comparing quotes and making design decisions.
1. Wood Species and Materials
The wood you choose has more influence on the total cost than almost any other single decision. Here’s how the most popular cabinet woods compare in terms of relative cost:
| Wood Species | Relative Cost | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | $ (Budget-friendly) | Durability, prominent grain pattern |
| Birch | $ (Budget-friendly) | Smooth finish, takes paint well |
| Maple | $$ (Mid-range) | Fine grain, excellent for painted finishes |
| Hickory | $$ (Mid-range) | Striking grain variation, very hard |
| Cherry | $$$ (Premium) | Rich color that deepens with age |
| Walnut | $$$$ (Luxury) | Dark, elegant, naturally beautiful grain |
Beyond solid wood, some homeowners opt for a plywood box construction with solid wood door fronts. This approach can cut material costs by 15 to 25 percent without a noticeable difference in quality or appearance, since the box (the inner structure of the cabinet) is hidden from view.
For a deeper look at how materials compare, check out our guide to the best wood types for kitchen cabinets.
2. Door Style and Design Complexity
A simple Shaker-style door is going to cost significantly less than an arched raised panel with applied molding. The more cuts, curves, and details involved, the more labor goes into each door, and labor is expensive in custom work.
As a general rule of thumb:
- Flat panel (slab) doors are the most affordable custom option and suit modern or contemporary kitchens.
- Shaker doors are slightly more involved but remain one of the most popular and cost-effective styles.
- Raised panel doors require more material and routing, adding 10 to 20 percent to the door cost.
- Beadboard, glass inserts, or mullion doors add specialty work that can increase the per-door cost by 25 to 50 percent or more.
3. Finish and Color
How the cabinets are finished plays a bigger role in pricing than many homeowners expect.
A natural stain with a clear coat is typically the most straightforward and affordable finish option. Painted finishes require more preparation, multiple coats, and careful sanding between layers, so they tend to cost 15 to 20 percent more. Specialty finishes like hand-applied glazes, distressing, or multi-step antiquing processes can add even more, sometimes pushing the finish cost to 25 to 40 percent above a basic stain.
4. Cabinet Box Construction
Not all cabinet boxes are created equal, and the construction method affects both cost and longevity.
Frameless (European-style) cabinets offer a clean, modern look and slightly more interior storage space. They tend to be moderately priced in the custom world because the construction is relatively straightforward.
Face-frame cabinets are the traditional American style, with a solid wood frame attached to the front of the box. They’re extremely sturdy and versatile but require additional material and labor.
Within both styles, the joinery method matters. Dovetail joints on drawers, for example, are a hallmark of quality custom work, but they take longer to produce than simple butt joints or stapled connections.
5. Interior Accessories and Hardware
This is where custom cabinets really shine compared to stock options, but it’s also where costs can escalate quickly. Popular upgrades include:
- Pull-out shelves and trays: $50 to $200 per shelf
- Soft-close hinges and drawer slides: $3 to $15 per unit (adds up across a full kitchen)
- Lazy Susans for corner cabinets: $150 to $400
- Built-in dividers, spice racks, and tray organizers: $50 to $250 each
- Trash pull-outs: $100 to $300
- Under-cabinet lighting integration: $200 to $800
A fully loaded kitchen with accessories in every cabinet can add $2,000 to $5,000 or more to the project total. The good news is that these are entirely optional, so you can pick the upgrades that matter most to how you actually use your kitchen and skip the rest.
Labor and Installation Costs
Custom cabinet installation is skilled work, and it’s not something you want to cut corners on. Poorly installed cabinets can sag, separate from the wall, or develop alignment issues over time.
Installation labor typically runs $75 to $200 per linear foot, or roughly 20 to 35 percent of the total cabinet cost. For a medium-sized kitchen with $25,000 worth of cabinets, you might expect to pay $5,000 to $8,000 for professional installation.
Some custom cabinet makers include installation in their pricing, while others treat it as a separate line item. Always clarify this when getting quotes so you’re comparing apples to apples.
If you’re looking for qualified cabinet professionals in your area, browse our directory of custom kitchen cabinet makers across the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Regional Price Differences
Where you live has a meaningful impact on what you’ll pay. The cost of both materials and labor varies by region, and local demand plays a role too.
| Region | Cost vs. National Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, NJ, CT, MA) | +15% to +30% | High labor costs, strong demand |
| West Coast (CA, WA, OR) | +10% to +25% | Metro areas especially elevated |
| Midwest (OH, MI, MN, IL) | -5% to +5% | Close to national average |
| Southeast (FL, GA, NC, TX) | -10% to +5% | Generally lower, but metro areas rising |
| Mountain / Rural West | -10% to -5% | Lower labor costs, fewer options |
| Canada (Ontario, BC) | Comparable to Northern U.S. | Toronto and Vancouver premium markets |
Keep in mind that even within a single state, prices can vary widely between a major city and a rural town 50 miles away. Getting multiple quotes from local cabinet makers is always the best way to understand your specific market. You can start by finding businesses in your state or city through our directory.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Even with detailed quotes, there are a few costs that catch homeowners off guard during custom cabinet projects. Knowing about them upfront helps you budget more accurately.
Delivery charges: Custom cabinets are heavy and often bulky. Depending on the shop’s location relative to your home, delivery fees can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 for long-distance projects.
Old cabinet removal and disposal: If your kitchen currently has cabinets that need to come out, demolition and haul-away can run $500 to $1,500 depending on the scope.
Wall repair and prep: Once old cabinets come down, you may find drywall damage, uneven walls, or outdated plumbing and electrical that needs addressing before new cabinets can go in. Budget $500 to $2,000 as a contingency for this.
Crown molding and trim: The finishing details that tie custom cabinets into the room (crown molding, light valances, filler strips, end panels) are sometimes quoted separately. These pieces can add $500 to $2,500 to the project.
Permits: In some jurisdictions, a kitchen remodel that involves electrical or plumbing changes requires a building permit. Permit fees vary but typically range from $100 to $500.
How to Get the Best Value on Custom Cabinets
Going custom doesn’t mean you have to blow your entire renovation budget. Here are some practical strategies that experienced kitchen designers recommend for getting more value from your investment.
Get at least three quotes. This is the golden rule for any major home improvement project. Pricing among custom cabinet shops can vary by 30 percent or more for comparable work. Three quotes give you a realistic sense of the market and help you spot outliers on either end.
Mix materials strategically. Use a premium wood for the doors and visible surfaces, but opt for a more economical plywood construction for the cabinet boxes. Most guests will never know the difference, and your kitchen will look just as stunning.
Choose a simpler door style. If you love the idea of custom but need to keep costs in check, a Shaker or flat panel door gives you a clean, timeless look without the premium that comes with ornate raised panels or specialty profiles.
Prioritize your upgrades. You don’t need soft-close hinges and pull-out shelves in every single cabinet. Focus the high-end accessories on the spots you’ll use most, like the main prep area and the pantry, and go standard on less-used sections.
Consider the timeline. If your project can flex on timing, ask cabinet makers about their slower seasons. Many shops offer better pricing during their off-peak months, which are often late fall through early winter.
Are Custom Cabinets Worth the Investment?
This is the question that ultimately matters, and the answer depends on your situation. But the numbers generally support it.
According to multiple industry surveys, a major kitchen remodel (which typically includes custom or semi-custom cabinetry) recoups around 60 to 80 percent of its cost at resale. In competitive housing markets, a beautifully finished kitchen can be the difference between a quick sale and a home that sits on the market.
Beyond the financial return, there’s the daily experience factor. You’ll likely spend more time in your kitchen than any other room in your home. Cabinets that are built to fit your space perfectly, with the storage solutions and finishes you actually want, make a tangible difference in how your kitchen feels and functions.
Custom cabinets also last longer than stock alternatives. A well-built set of custom cabinets using quality hardwood and proper joinery can last 30 to 50 years with basic care. Stock cabinets, by contrast, often start showing wear within 10 to 15 years.
Next Steps: Planning Your Custom Cabinet Project
Ready to start exploring your options? Here are a few steps to get the process moving:
- Measure your kitchen. You don’t need exact measurements yet, but knowing your approximate linear footage helps you estimate costs. Our kitchen measuring guide walks you through the process.
- Set a realistic budget range. Use the tables above to establish a ballpark, then add 10 to 15 percent as a contingency for unexpected costs.
- Research local cabinet makers. Browse our directory by state or city to find established businesses in your area. Look for shops with strong portfolios and clear communication.
- Get multiple quotes. Share your kitchen dimensions, preferred materials, and design ideas with at least three shops. Compare not just price but also what’s included in each quote.
- Ask the right questions. Our guide on what to ask before hiring a custom cabinet maker covers the 15 most important things to discuss before signing a contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for custom kitchen cabinets?
For a medium-sized kitchen (roughly 100 to 175 square feet), most homeowners spend between $15,000 and $30,000 on custom cabinets before installation. Add another 20 to 35 percent for professional installation. A safe starting budget for a complete custom cabinet project, including installation, is around $20,000 to $40,000 for an average kitchen.
How long does it take to get custom kitchen cabinets made?
The typical lead time for custom cabinets is 6 to 12 weeks from the time you finalize your design and place your order. Complex projects with specialty finishes or unusual materials may take longer. During busy seasons (spring and summer), lead times often stretch toward the longer end of that range.
Is it cheaper to reface existing cabinets or buy new custom ones?
Cabinet refacing (replacing just the doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing boxes) typically costs 40 to 60 percent less than new custom cabinets. It’s a solid option if your current cabinet boxes are in good structural shape and you’re happy with the existing layout. However, refacing doesn’t allow you to change the kitchen layout or add new storage configurations.
Do custom cabinets increase home value?
Yes. A major kitchen remodel that includes custom cabinetry typically recoups 60 to 80 percent of its cost at resale, according to industry data. In many markets, an updated kitchen is one of the most influential factors for home buyers making their decision.
Can I save money by buying cabinets online and hiring a local installer?
This approach can work for stock or semi-custom cabinets, but it doesn’t really apply to true custom work. Custom cabinets are built to your specific measurements by a cabinet maker, and that maker typically handles (or coordinates) the installation as well. Separating design, manufacturing, and installation across different parties introduces risk, especially when precision fit is the whole point of going custom.
What’s the difference between custom and semi-custom cabinets?
Semi-custom cabinets start from a manufacturer’s standard sizes and construction, but allow you to modify elements like door styles, finishes, and some dimensions. Custom cabinets are built entirely from scratch to your specifications, with no constraints on size, material, or design. The price difference is significant: semi-custom typically runs $150 to $700 per linear foot, while custom ranges from $500 to $1,500 per linear foot.
Last Updated: February 2026