On This Page:
- What Is Your Goal?
- Installation Cost Factors & Features
- Custom Cabinet Features & Add-Ons
- Custom vs. Semi-Custom
- Conclusion
Custom cabinets allow you to choose your own materials, layouts, finishes and hardware. Custom cabinets work best in design-oriented kitchens. Non-standard kitchens sometimes require custom cabinets in order to maintain consistency.
The average cost of custom cabinetry is from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. When gathering quotes, ask about linear foot measuring. For example, some pros will include the empty space for dishwashers or other appliances in linear foot estimates, which leads to a higher price.
What's the Goal?
Cabinets serve as an important focal point in many kitchens. But the primary function of all cabinets is storage. Here are some important storage-related features to consider when choosing custom cabinets:
- Additional drawers for your pots and pans increase your design’s organization and ease of use. Built-in spice racks also keep hard-to-reach seasonings handy.
- If you like to entertain, opt for glass-front cabinets to show off beautiful stemware or decorative china. Include additional drawer suites for silverware and napkins.
- Ease of access is important for homeowners with limited mobility. Sliding drawers are available with most cabinet designs. Slide-out drawers help homeowners with wheelchairs or problems reaching into low cabinets.
- An unusually shaped kitchen will demand custom cabinetry. Have your kitchen outfitted with custom cabinets to avoid difficult storage and problematic cleaning.
Installation Costs and Features
Custom and stock cabinets vary in price. Consider this list of prices before beginning your cabinet construction.
- Cabinet removal – About $300 depending on the size and weight of your older cabinets.
- New cabinets – About $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.
- Materials – Costs vary.
- Additional features – Costs vary.
- Cabinet installation – About $100 per cabinet box.
- Molding and trim – About $70 per 8-foot section.
- Finished ends – About $75 to $175 each.
- Labor – About $70 to $100 an hour depending on location and demand.
Other factors that can impact your costs include the location of the job site, delivery and accessibility. Compare custom installation with the average stock kitchen cabinet cost if these factors significantly increase your project budget.
Custom Cabinet Features and Add-Ons
Custom cabinets offer a high degree of flexibility. But all additional features and design options will add to the overall cost of your cabinets. Some of the features you might consider include:
- Pull-out spice rack
- Lazy Susan
- Crown molding (standard, stacked or stepped)
- Lighting
- End panels (if your cabinet doesn’t run wall to wall)
- Pantry cabinets (standard or pullout)
- Cedar lining
- Glass cabinet doors
- Corbels
- Decorative wood inlays
- Appliance panels
- Under-cabinet outlet strip
- Tablet mount
- Under-cabinet knife block
- Stemware rack
- Matching hood cover
You can buy many of these features -- especially the under-cabinet options -- after your installation. But, to ensure a uniform look, it’s best to include additional features in your initial build.
Custom vs. Semi-Custom
Cabinets come in stock, custom and semi-custom models. Stock cabinets are prefabricated and offer no customizability. Stock cabinets cost about $60 to $100 per linear foot and are considered standard models. Custom cabinets are crafted to your exact specifications and cost about $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. Semi-custom cabinets cost about $100 to $650 per linear foot. You can modify semi-custom cabinets from a list of pre-built options. Semi-custom cabinets are perfect for homeowners looking for unique cabinets without the hefty price tag of custom construction.
Semi-Custom | Custom |
Pro: More options than stock cabinets. Modifications are often in 1-inch increments. | Pro: Limitless options, superior construction. Eco-friendly options are also available. |
Con: Each option adds to the cost. | Con: Long build time. Expensive construction and installation. |
In Conclusion
Custom cabinetry will help define the look and functionality of your kitchen. It’s important to consider your budget, usage and space before you decide on cabinets. Use this guide to help you narrow your options and choose the cabinet design that works best for your home.
