If you’re wondering how much custom cabinetry costs, we are here to help. The range can feel confusing, especially when quotes vary so widely.
Custom cabinetry pricing shifts with layout, materials, and the level of detail. Knowing the real cost drivers helps you avoid surprises and plan your investment with confidence.
Ambiance Creations breaks it down clearly ahead, including typical price ranges, what raises or lowers costs, and smart ways to compare estimates.
Average Cost of Custom Cabinetry
Custom cabinetry is a meaningful investment, with costs often ranging from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed. Your total depends on room size, material selections, and the level of customization.
Typical Price Ranges
Most homeowners spend somewhere between $2,800 and $13,000 for custom cabinets, with a national average near $7,500 for a full install.
Kitchen size drives the final cost:
- A small kitchen with 10 linear feet could cost $5,000 to $12,000.
- A medium kitchen with 20 linear feet usually runs $10,000 to $24,000.
- Larger kitchens with 25 to 30 linear feet can reach $15,000 to $36,000.
These ranges typically include materials plus professional installation.
Price per Linear Foot
Custom cabinets often run $500 to $1,200 per linear foot, which is the most common way pros estimate a project.
- Entry-level custom with simple door styles may start at around $500 per foot.
- Mid-range custom with quality hardwoods and standard finishes often falls around $700 to $900 per foot.
- High-end custom with premium materials, detailed millwork, and specialty finishes can reach $1,200+ per foot.
To get a working estimate, multiply your needed linear footage by the per-foot rate to land in a realistic ballpark.
Comparison to Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets
Stock cabinets are typically $100 to $400 per linear foot. They’re pre-made, come in fixed sizes, and have limited options.
Semi-custom cabinets usually fall around $150 to $700 per linear foot. They add flexibility, but you’re still working within set constraints.
Custom cabinetry costs more—often $500 to $1,200 per linear foot—because you control size, wood species, hardware, and finish. That control means a better fit, stronger function, and a more intentional design.
Factors That Impact Custom Cabinetry Pricing
Custom cabinet pricing can vary widely, from about $500 to $1,500 per linear foot, based on materials, layout, detailing, and finish choices.
Materials and Wood Species
Wood choice is one of the biggest drivers of how much custom cabinetry costs. Maple and oak are common mid-range selections, while cherry and walnut typically cost more.
Common wood types and typical positioning:
- Oak: Durable, classic, and generally more affordable.
- Maple: Smooth grain, paints well, often mid-range.
- Cherry: Rich tone that deepens over time, typically higher cost.
- Walnut: Dark, dramatic grain, often premium-priced.
To manage the investment, many homeowners choose plywood or MDF for cabinet boxes while reserving solid wood for doors and drawer fronts. Wood grade matters too, as clear lumber without knots or variation generally costs more than boards with natural character.
Cabinet Size and Complexity
More linear footage means more cabinetry, so totals rise quickly as kitchens get larger. A 10-foot run will cost significantly less than a 20-foot run, even with identical materials.
Design complexity also affects pricing. Simple box cabinets with flat-panel doors are typically more cost-efficient. Add features, and you’ll see the price rise, including:
- Pull-out shelves and organizers
- Lazy Susans and corner solutions
- Built-in spice racks
- Soft-close hinges and glides
Ceiling height matters as well. Standard cabinetry for 8-foot ceilings is typically less expensive than custom heights for 9- or 10-foot ceilings. Odd angles, tight niches, and unusual wall conditions also increase measuring time and fabrication effort.
Finish Options
Paint often costs more than stain because it requires extra prep and multiple coats. Specialty finishes can increase labor and materials as well.
Finish factors that commonly affect cost:
- Hand-rubbed, glazed, or layered looks that add depth
- Custom color matching that requires testing and adjustments
- Distressed or antiqued finishes that take additional skill and time
- Sheen selection, since higher-gloss finishes can be more durable but may carry an added cost
Standard stains are often the most predictable choice for pricing.
Design and Customization Choices
Your design decisions show up directly in the final number. Features, accessories, and finish upgrades can add a few hundred or a few thousand dollars, depending on how many you include.
Unique Features and Accessories
Common add-ons and typical ranges include:
- Pull-out spice racks: $50 to $200 each
- Lazy Susans: $100 to $300
- Deep drawer organizers: $75 to $250 each
- Soft-close hinges and glides: $5 to $15 per door or drawer
- Built-in charging stations: $100 to $300
- Glass-front doors with lighting: $200 to $500 each
- Appliance garages: $300 to $800
- Pull-out trash/recycling: $150 to $400
- Tray dividers: $50 to $150
- Custom wine racks: $200 to $600
- Slide-out cutting boards: $100 to $250 each
A few strategic upgrades can make the kitchen feel dramatically more functional without turning every cabinet into a specialty piece.
Hardware Selection
Hardware costs vary more than most homeowners expect:
- Basic knobs: $2 to $10 each
- Mid-range pulls: $5 to $20 each
- Designer hardware: $30 to $100+ each
A typical kitchen with 30 doors and drawers may need 30 to 50 pieces of hardware. That can mean $60 to $300 for entry selections, or $900 to $5,000 for premium styles. Material and finish also matter, with brass and bronze often priced above nickel or chrome.
Custom Colors and Stains
Finish upgrades can shift overall pricing quickly:
- Standard stains: $30 to $75 per linear foot
- Custom paint colors: $50 to $100 per foot
- Distressed or glazed finishes: often 15% to 30% more
- Two-tone cabinetry: often $1,000 to $3,000 more
- High-gloss lacquer: often 20% to 40% more than standard paint
- Hand-rubbed stains/antiquing: often $500 to $2,000 more in labor
If you’re focused on controlling how much custom cabinetry costs, keeping finishes consistent is one of the simplest levers.
Labor and Installation Costs
Labor and installation can range from $50 to $400 per linear foot, depending on project complexity and local rates. Many pros charge around $40 to $80 per hour, and typical kitchen installs often take 40 to 80 hours.
Professional Installation Fees
Installers may price by the linear foot or hourly. A typical install can run $1,600 to $6,400 for labor alone if billed hourly.
Installation costs tend to increase with:
- Complex layouts and custom features
- Extra corners, angles, and specialty cabinets
- Tall ceilings and uneven walls
- Leveling, shimming, and detailed alignment work
More intricate cabinetry requires more time to place, level, and fine-tune.
Preparation and Removal Costs
Plan for removal and disposal of old cabinets, often $300 to $500. Wall prep and repairs can also add cost, commonly $200 to $800, depending on conditions and what needs updating.
Prep tasks may include:
- Moving appliances
- Protecting floors and counters
- Patching and painting after demo
- Updating outlet locations
- Coordinating minor plumbing or electrical adjustments
Older homes often need more prep work, and that can affect your total investment.
How to Budget for Custom Cabinetry
You can keep custom cabinet costs in check with smart planning, clear priorities, and detailed quotes that make comparisons easier.
Ways to Save on Custom Cabinets
You don’t have to sacrifice quality to manage the investment. Consider:
- Choosing oak or maple instead of premium exotics
- Sticking to standard finishes instead of specialty treatments
- Using custom cabinets where fit matters most, and semi-custom elsewhere
- Choosing simpler door profiles to reduce labor
- Using standard hardware instead of designer lines
You can also lower labor costs by handling light prep, such as painting walls or clearing the space before the crew arrives.
Getting Accurate Quotes
Get quotes from at least three cabinet makers, and make sure each one breaks out:
- Total linear footage and per-foot pricing
- Wood species and finish details
- Hardware and accessories included
- Installation scope, timeline, and labor
- Warranty information and service terms
Ask each contractor to price the same specifications so you can compare fairly. Also review payment schedules carefully and keep everything in writing.
Making Sense of Custom Cabinetry Costs
Understanding how much custom cabinetry costs comes down to knowing what truly affects pricing and where flexibility exists. Materials, layout, and features can shift totals quickly, which is why clarity upfront matters.
When expectations align early, you can avoid stress, compare quotes confidently, and invest in cabinetry that supports how you live every day. Thoughtful planning protects both function and long-term value.
Ambiance Creations helps homeowners navigate these decisions with transparency and care, ensuring every detail earns its place. Get in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical costs associated with building custom cabinets per square foot?
Custom cabinets are typically priced per linear foot, not per square foot. Most projects fall around $500 to $1,500 per linear foot, depending on materials and design complexity. Local labor rates also influence totals, especially in higher-cost areas.
Can you provide an estimate for labor charges when constructing custom cabinetry?
Installation labor often runs $50 to $150 per hour, and many standard kitchen installs land around $2,000 to $8,000 in labor, depending on complexity. Some makers include installation in their per-linear-foot pricing, so confirm whether labor is bundled or separate.
How do the prices of custom cabinets compare to prefabricated options?
Stock cabinets usually run $100 to $400 per linear foot and come in fixed sizes with limited choices. Semi-custom tends to be $150 to $700 per linear foot, offering moderate flexibility. Custom cabinetry costs more because it is built to your exact dimensions with tailored materials, finishes, and features.
What’s the average price range for custom cabinetry in a standard-sized kitchen?
For a mid-sized kitchen, custom cabinets often range from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on linear footage, materials, and upgrades. Premium woods, specialty finishes, and storage accessories can raise the total quickly, especially in larger kitchens with islands and tall pantry runs.
Is there a cost difference when opting for custom cabinetry nearby versus remote manufacturers?
Local makers may charge more due to regional labor costs and overhead. However, local work can offer advantages like in-person sample review, easier coordination, and smoother code-aware installation. Remote options may look less expensive upfront, but shipping and finding a reliable local installer can add cost and complexity.
What price should I budget for when considering installing custom cabinets in my home?
Many homeowners set aside $15,000 to $30,000 for a typical mid-range custom kitchen cabinet project, including build and installation. Adding 10% to 20% as a contingency helps cover hidden conditions or mid-project upgrades like soft-close hardware and pull-outs. Smaller spaces like baths may range from $2,000 to $8,000, while built-ins can vary widely based on design complexity.