How much do custom cabinets cost?
How much do custom cabinets cost?
$500 – $1,200 average cost per linear foot installed
$15,000 – $30,000 average total cost installed
Cost of custom cabinets
Custom cabinets cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed. Custom kitchen cabinet prices are $15,000 to $30,000 for an average-sized kitchen or $1,000 to $5,000 for a pantry. The cost to build custom cabinets depends on the size, style, material, and features.
| Type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Custom kitchen cabinets | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Custom bathroom cabinets or vanity | $500 – $3,000 |
| Custom laundry room cabinets | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| Custom pantry cabinets | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Custom garage cabinets | $1,000 – $6,000 |
Custom cabinet prices per linear foot
The following table shows the average cost of custom kitchen cabinets per linear foot, including labor and materials.
| National average cost | $850 |
|---|---|
| Minimum cost | $400 |
| Maximum cost | $1,400 |
| Average range | $500 to $1,200 |
Cost of custom vs. semi-custom vs. stock cabinets
Custom cabinets come in a wider variety of materials and colors than stock or semi-custom models, offer more features, and allow you to tailor the cabinets to your space.
In comparison, stock and semi-custom cabinets cost $100 to $700 per linear foot installed but come in a limited range of materials and colors and may not fit kitchens with non-standard measurements.
| Type | Cost per linear foot installed | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock cabinets | $100 – $400 |
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| Semi-custom cabinets | $150 – $700 |
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| Custom cabinets | $500 – $1,200 |
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Cost to build & install custom cabinets
Labor to build and install custom cabinets costs $200 to $300 per linear foot, or 25% to 40% of the total project cost.
| Factor | Cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $300 – $900 |
| Installation labor | $200 – $300 |
| Total cost to install | $500 – $1,200 |
Other cost factors include:
Material – Plywood cabinets with solid wood doors cost more than laminate or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) cabinets.
Cabinet height – Costs increase by 10% or more for ceiling-height cabinets.
Cabinet layout – Building custom cabinets typically costs more for kitchens with non-standard layouts or complex angles.
Cabinet features & accessories – Add-ons like pull-out spice racks, pan divider racks, or pull-out blind corner shelving increase the cost.
Measurement fees – Some installers charge $50 to $150 to perform in-home measurements.
Old cabinet removal – The cost to remove old cabinets is $300 to $600. However, many contractors include old cabinet removal in their installation estimate.
Permits – Kitchen remodeling permits cost $500 to $1,500, depending on the project size. Many cities don't require a permit for replacing existing cabinets with new ones in the same layout.
Custom cabinets add-ons & accessories prices
Additional features and accessories increase the cost but make custom cabinets more functional and easier to use. The table below lists the prices for popular add-ons.
| Accessory or add-on | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Pull-out trash/recycling can cabinet | $200 – $450+ |
| Pull-out spice rack cabinet | $200 – $500+ |
| Lazy Susan corner storage | $200 – $600+ |
| Blind corner cabinet pull-out organizer | $300 – $1,000 |
| Tray / pan dividers | $100 – $300 |
| Pegged drawer organizer | $100 – $300 |
| Appliance / mixer lift | $200 – $400 |
| Wine rack / cradle | $100 – $400 |
| Tilt-out below-sink organizer | $100 – $300 |
| Under-cabinet lighting | $200 – $350 per fixture |
Adding accessories during the cabinet installation typically costs less than adding them later.
Custom cabinet door prices
The cost of custom cabinet doors ranges from $60 to $180+ per door for materials alone, depending on the style. Popular styles include slab, Shaker, and glass-insert doors.
The total cost to replace the cabinet doors only is $180 to $330 per door, including labor and the doors themselves.
| Door style | Average cost per door for materials* |
|---|---|
| Slab | $60 – $70 |
| Flat panel | $60 – $75 |
| Shaker | $60 – $80 |
| Mitered | $70 – $90 |
| Raised panel | $70 – $90 |
| Plain glass inset panel | $90 – $150 |
| Mullioned glass inset panel | $100 – $200 |
*Not including installation.
Custom cabinet hinges and hardware prices
The cost to install new cabinet hardware is $6 to $60 per piece, depending on the material and style. If replacing only the hardware, choose new knobs and handles that match the existing hole spacing to minimize labor costs.
Cabinet hinges cost $2 to $10+ each before installation. The door overlay style dictates the hinge style:
Partial overlay doors use half or partial overlay hinges.
Full overlay doors require concealed hinges.
Inset doors use concealed or exposed hinges.
Custom kitchen finishing prices
Consider updating your countertops, crown molding, lighting, and appliances at the same time as your cabinets for a full kitchen upgrade:
Countertops – New kitchen countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot with installation, depending on the material. Popular options include quartz, solid surface, and granite or other natural stone.
Trim & molding – Crown molding costs $7 to $16 per linear foot with installation.
Lighting – Lighting fixture installation costs $100 to $650, depending on the type and size.
Appliance installation – New kitchen appliances cost $2,500 to $6,800 for a complete set with installation.
Custom cabinet cost estimator by location
Custom kitchen cabinets
Custom kitchen cabinets cost $15,000 to $30,000 with installation for an average-sized kitchen. In comparison, the average cost of new kitchen cabinets is $4,500 to $15,000 for stock or semi-custom models.
| Kitchen size | Square footage | Custom cabinets cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen | 70 – 100 | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Average kitchen | 100 – 200 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Large kitchen | 200+ | $18,000 – $36,000+ |
Custom bathroom cabinets or vanity
A custom bathroom vanity costs $500 to $3,000 installed, depending on the style, size, material, and number of sinks. Upgrading your bathroom vanity cabinet may also require extra fees for plumbing modifications or a new sink and faucet.
Professional plumber rates are $45 to $150 per hour on average.
Replacing a bathroom sink costs $280 to $1,200 for labor and the sink itself, depending on the type, style, and material. Replacing the sink and faucet at the same time costs $580 to $2,000.
Custom garage cabinets cost
Custom garage cabinets cost $1,000 to $6,000+ installed, depending on the size, material, and features. Metal cabinets are a popular option for garages. Custom cabinetry provides an ideal way to organize and store tools, camping and sporting equipment, and gardening supplies.
Custom pantry cabinets cost
Custom pantry cabinets cost $1,000 to $5,000 installed, depending on the features. Total costs fall at the higher end of the range when adding slide-out shelves, pan racks, and other high-end options. This price does not include framing walls to build a new pantry room.
Built-in cabinets, shelves, or bookcase prices
Custom built-in shelves cost $2,000 to $7,500 total, depending on the size, style, and materials. Prices also depend on if the shelves include cabinets, drawers, or lighting features. Popular locations for custom-built shelves include entertainment centers, home offices, and fireplace walls.
| Location | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Entertainment center | $1,500 – $9,000 |
| Home office or bedroom | $1,000 – $8,000 |
| Around a window | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Around a fireplace | $1,000 – $8,000 |
| Shower shelf | $200 – $500+ |
Cost of custom built-in cabinets by type
Custom-made cabinet prices vary by type and size. A cabinet with 3 drawers typically costs more than a cabinet with 1 drawer and a cabinet door beneath it. Floor-to-ceiling tower cabinets are the most expensive.
| Type | Average cost per linear foot installed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Spice cabinet | $200 – $500+ |
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| Short wall | $400 – $1,000 |
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| Wall-hung | $500 – $1,200 |
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| Base | $500 – $1,200 |
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| Kitchen sink base | $800 – $1,500 |
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| Drawer base | $800 – $1,500 |
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| Pantry tower | $1,000 – $2,000 |
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| Linen tower | $1,000 – $2,000 |
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Are custom cabinets worth it?
Custom cabinets are worth it for homeowners seeking the highest-quality materials, greater storage efficiency, and maximum functionality for their kitchen. Custom cabinets provide a 70% to 80% return on investment (ROI).
How long do custom cabinets take to make?
Custom cabinets take 2 to 4 months to build and install, depending on the size and style. Allow more time for the design consultation, measurements, and showroom appointments.
Who makes custom cabinets?
Cabinet makers and carpentry specialists make custom cabinets. Home Depot and Lowe's also offer custom cabinetry.
Getting estimates from custom cabinet installers
When hiring a custom cabinet maker near you, be sure to:
Get at least 3 estimates with comparable materials and features.
Have a professional installer complete the measurements in person.
Select licensed, bonded, and insured companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as it may indicate low-quality materials or workmanship.
Never pay in full before the project starts.
Questions to ask
Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best custom cabinet builder for your project:
How many cabinet installation projects have you worked on?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Can I review a portfolio of your work?
Do you charge for in-home measurements? If so, do you apply the fee to the installation cost?
Does the estimate include new hardware, cleanup, and old cabinet removal and disposal?
How long will the project take?
Can I stay in my home during the installation?
Do you offer a warranty, and if so, what does it include?