How Much Do Custom Cabinets Cost in 2025?
The average cost of custom cabinets is $7,468
Most homeowners spend between $2,807 and $12,965 to install custom cabinets, with an average of $7,468.
The overall cost depends on materials, size, location, and labor costs.
The cost per linear foot ranges from $500 to $1,200, reflecting the material quality and project complexity.
Quality cabinetry offers a strong return on investment by boosting both resale value and kitchen functionality.
Working with a reputable cabinetry professional ensures the use of durable materials, professional installation, and long-lasting performance.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Custom cabinets cost between $700 and $30,000—or $500 to $1,200 per linear foot, resulting in an average project cost of $7,468. Adding made-to-order cabinetry instantly elevates your kitchen, bath, or garage, allowing you to design every last detail. Because the price tag can rise quickly, set a clear budget, select durable materials, and work with a trusted cabinet professional to achieve a look that lasts.
Custom Cabinets Cost Factors
You'll pay between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot for custom cabinets, and several factors influence the total. Your location plays a significant role, as labor and material costs vary by region. The size of your project affects the total cost—the larger your kitchen, the more materials and labor you'll need. Material quality is another key factor; high-end woods and finishes will increase the price. Here’s a look at the main cost factors to consider when opting for custom cabinets.
Size
You can expect to pay between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot for custom cabinets. This price includes materials, labor, hardware, and accessories. The primary factors influencing your installation are the materials you choose, the complexity of the installation, and any upgrades you decide to implement.
| Cabinet Width (Lin. Ft.) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 2 | $600–$1,400 |
| 20 | $6000–$14,000 |
| 40 | $12,000–$28,000 |
Materials
MDF is a budget-friendly pick at $300 to $400 per linear foot, while furniture-grade plywood costs more but resists warping and holds up for decades. Think of it this way: the higher the grade, the longer your cabinets will last—so weigh the upfront splurge against long-term value.
Depending on the door style, hardware, and add-ons, your price may increase. Here are the average prices for custom wood cabinetry.
| Wood Cabinet Material | Average Cost per Lin. Ft. |
|---|---|
| MDF | $300–$400 |
| White Oak | $400–$600 |
| Maple | $300–$400 |
| Birch | $300–$400 |
| Cherry | $500–$700 |
Pro Tip: Exotic woods look stunning but can push costs well beyond the standard range—price them out early so sticker shock doesn’t derail your design.
Laminate Veneers
Premium cabinets aren’t always solid wood. High-end plywood with real-wood veneers often outperforms solid lumber because it resists warping and shrinking more effectively. So, furniture-grade plywood with real wood veneers is used for the boxes of almost all designer cabinets.
The wood veneers are laminated onto the boxes and are the same type used for the solid wood parts of the build, like frames and drawers. This means the veneer and solid wood portions match seamlessly. When you order custom cabinets, the veneers are already applied and ready for installation.
Labor
Plan to spend $70 to $175 per hour for a cabinet maker’s time. Rates increase in high-cost cities or when your design requires intricate trim and crown molding. Delivery hurdles, tight access, and peak-season demand can increase the quote, so ask your pro to break down every line item before work begins.
Removal and Demolition
Expect to pay between $300 and $500 to remove old cabinets, or between $800 and $3,000 for a complete kitchen demolition.
Refacing
Refacing custom cabinets costs between $4,234 and $10,226, depending on the number of cabinets in your project and the materials used.
Cabinet Features and Add-Ons
Custom cabinets allow you to customize every shelf, drawer, and pull-out. Each upgrade raises the bill, but the payoff is a smoother workflow and a kitchen that feels built just for you.
| Feature | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pull-out spice rack | $200–$500+ |
| Lazy Susan | $200–$600+ |
| Lighting | $160–$1,000 per fixture |
| Pan dividers | $100–$300 |
| Pull-out trash & recycling bins | $200–$450+ |
| Drawer organizers | $100–$300 |
| Wine rack | $100–$400 |
| Appliance lift | $200–$400 |
| Shoe rail | $20–$100 |
| Wardrobe lift | $500–$750 |
Consider these features when planning for cabinet installation costs:
Additional drawers and shelves: Increase organization and ease of use with extra drawers for pots, pans, and utensils. Built-in spice racks keep your seasonings within easy reach.
Glass-front cabinets: If you love to entertain, opt for glass-front cabinets to display your stemware or decorative china.
Accessibility features: If ease of access is essential to you, consider features such as sliding drawers, pull-out shelves, and soft-close mechanisms.
Custom layouts for unique spaces: If your kitchen has an unusual shape, tailored designs can maximize storage and functionality while fitting seamlessly into the space.
Custom vs. Semi-Custom and Stock Cabinet Costs
Custom cabinets cost two to five times as much as stock or semi-custom cabinets, mainly due to the personalized design and higher-quality materials. There are three levels of cabinetry to consider:
Stock: $100 to $400 per linear foot. These are standard models that are prefabricated and offer no customization.
Semi-custom: $150 to $700 per linear foot. These are adaptable from a list of pre-built options—perfect if you're looking for unique cabinets without the hefty designer price.
Custom cabinets: $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. These are crafted to your exact specifications.
DIY vs. Hiring a Cabinet Professional
If you’re thinking about tackling the build yourself, DIY can trim labor fees, but you’ll still foot the bill for materials, and precision cabinetry demands serious time, tools, and skill. Using improper materials, poor installation, or subpar finishing can lead to costly mistakes, structural issues, and a less-than-desirable appearance.
For a project of this magnitude, most homeowners will benefit from the expertise of professionals. Custom cabinets require precision craftsmanship to ensure quality, durability, and a perfect fit for your space. Cabinetry professionals possess the knowledge, tools, and expertise to deliver precise results and a long-lasting, durable finish. They can handle complex designs and provide expert recommendations on materials tailored to your budget and needs. For the best results, hire a local cabinetry professional for your project.
Contact a local cabinet expert to get started.
Ways to Save on Custom Cabinet Installation
Custom cabinetry isn’t cheap, but these tactics keep quality high and expenses in check:
Phase your project: Install custom cabinets in stages rather than renovating the entire kitchen at once, allowing you to spread costs over time while maintaining design continuity.
Mix cabinet types: Incorporate custom cabinets for visible areas and semi-custom or stock options for less prominent spaces, such as pantries or utility rooms.
Simplify designs: Opt for straightforward door styles and cabinet configurations, as intricate designs with detailed molding and specialized features significantly increase costs.
Consider open shelving: Replace some upper cabinets with open shelving, which costs substantially less while creating a modern, spacious aesthetic.
Reuse hardware: Update existing cabinet hardware or source quality hardware from discount retailers to reduce expenses without sacrificing style.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expect custom cabinets to last 25 years—or longer—roughly double the lifespan of most prefabricated boxes. The jump in durability stems from thicker panels, sturdier joinery, and finishes that withstand daily wear and tear. If you plan to stay put for a while, the extra upfront cost often pays off in years of trouble-free storage and a stronger resale appeal.
Custom cabinets cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot, while stock cabinets range from $100 to $400, and semi-custom cabinets cost $150 to $700 per linear foot. Custom commands the highest price because you control every dimension, material, and finish. If your budget is tighter, semi-custom options offer some flexibility without the designer-level price tag, while stock options keep costs lowest but limit your choices.
Custom cabinets often recoup more than 70% of their cost at resale. Beyond the numbers, buyers notice solid construction, smooth glides, and a layout that feels tailor-made—perks that can speed up a sale. If the full price is out of reach, refacing your existing boxes offers a budget-friendly way to freshen the space and still bump value.
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