Lara Beck
Building kitchen cabinets can be an expensive endeavour. Depending on the size of the kitchen, the number of cabinets, and the quality of the materials, the cost can vary from $1,213 to $40,000. In this article, we will explore the different factors that contribute to the cost of building kitchen cabinets and provide tips on how to save money without sacrificing quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of custom cabinets | $500 - $1,200 per linear foot |
| Cost of stock cabinets | $100 - $400 per linear foot |
| Cost of semi-custom cabinets | $150 - $700 per linear foot |
| Cost of cabinets from Lowe's | $16,000 - $20,000 |
| Cost of cabinets from IKEA | $4,500 |
| Cost of custom cabinets per cabinet | $1,213 - $1,478 |
What You'll Learn
Cost of custom-built cabinets
The cost of custom-built cabinets varies depending on the size of the kitchen, the materials used, and the labour involved.
In 2025, the estimated cost to build custom cabinets starts at $1,213 - $1,478 per cabinet. However, some sources suggest that the cost can be as low as $450 per cabinet or as high as $40,000 for an entire kitchen.
The materials for custom cabinets don't cost much, even for solid wood face frames, doors, and drawers, and high-end hardware. Each cabinet is likely to cost well under $200, if not $100. The tools and skilled labour are likely to cost more than the materials.
Stock cabinets, which are pre-built, cost between $100 and $400 per linear foot, while semi-custom cabinets range from $150 to $700 per linear foot. So, depending on your budget, it may be more cost-effective to opt for stock or semi-custom cabinets instead of fully custom ones.
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Cost of stock cabinets
The cost of stock cabinets varies depending on the size of your kitchen and the number of cabinets you need. Stock cabinets are pre-built and are therefore a more affordable option than custom-built cabinets. They typically cost between $100 and $400 per linear foot. This means that for a small kitchen with around 10 linear feet of cabinets, you could expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 for stock cabinets.
For a more accurate estimate, you can use an online cost calculator that takes into account the location, size, and specific options of your project. As of January 2025, the estimated cost to build cabinets starts at $1,213 - $1,478 per cabinet.
The cost of materials for cabinets is relatively low, even for solid wood and high-end hardware. Each cabinet is likely to cost well under $200, if not $100. However, the skilled labour required to build and install the cabinets can be expensive.
If you're looking for an even more affordable option, you could consider purchasing cabinets from IKEA. One person reported spending around $4,500 on all their cabinet boxes, fillers, hardware, drawers, and fronts from IKEA. They were happy with the quality, describing the cabinets as having a "sturdy build" and "soft-close everything".
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Cost of semi-custom cabinets
The cost of semi-custom cabinets can vary depending on the size and specifications of your kitchen. Semi-custom cabinets are a more affordable option than fully custom cabinets, which can cost upwards of $40,000 for an entire kitchen.
Semi-custom cabinets typically range from $150 to $700 per linear foot, according to one source. Another source suggests that the cost of building cabinets starts at $1,213 and can go up to $1,478 per cabinet. This source also provides a cost calculator that takes into account the location, size, and specific options of your project.
To put this into perspective, one person shared that they spent around $4,500 on IKEA cabinets for their entire kitchen. This included cabinet boxes, fillers, hardware, drawers, and fronts. However, it's important to note that IKEA cabinets are considered stock or pre-built cabinets, which typically cost between $100 and $400 per linear foot.
The cost of semi-custom cabinets will likely fall somewhere between these stock and custom options. It's worth noting that the tools and skilled labour required for cabinet installation can often cost more than the materials themselves. Therefore, it's essential to factor in both material and labour costs when budgeting for your kitchen cabinet project.
Cost of labour
The cost of labour for building a kitchen cabinet can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the cabinet, the complexity of the design, and the location of the project.
According to a 2025 cost calculator, the estimated cost to build cabinets starts at $1,213 - $1,478 per cabinet. This price range includes the cost of labour and materials. However, it is important to note that the cost of labour can vary depending on the location, with some areas having higher labour costs than others.
Additionally, the cost of skilled labour can often exceed the cost of materials. This is because building custom cabinets requires specialised tools and expertise, which can drive up the overall cost. For example, custom cabinets can cost between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot, while the materials for each cabinet may be well under $200.
Furthermore, the cost of labour can also be affected by the number of adjustments and rebuilds required. If the project involves multiple measurements, reworks, and adjustments, the labour costs can increase significantly.
To get a more accurate estimate of the cost of labour for building a kitchen cabinet, it is recommended to contact local cabinetmakers or contractors and request quotes based on the specific requirements of the project.
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Cost of materials
The cost of materials for building a kitchen cabinet can vary depending on the type of cabinet you choose. Stock cabinets, which are pre-built, typically cost between $100 and $400 per linear foot. Semi-custom cabinets range from $150 to $700 per linear foot, while fully custom cabinets can cost between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot. The total cost for a small kitchen cabinet can range from $16,000 to $20,000, including materials and labour.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, IKEA offers kitchen cabinets with soft-close features, easy installation, and a sturdy build for a fraction of the cost. A complete set of IKEA cabinet boxes, fillers, hardware, drawers, and fronts can cost around $4,500.
The materials used for custom cabinets don't typically cost much. Even with solid wood face frames, doors, and drawers, as well as high-end hardware, each cabinet is likely to cost well under $200, if not $100. The tools and skilled labour often cost the builder more than the materials.
To get a more accurate estimate for your specific project, you can use online cost calculators that take into account factors such as location, size, and options. These calculators can provide up-to-date estimates to help you plan your budget accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of building a kitchen cabinet depends on the size of the kitchen and the type of cabinet. The price can range from $1,213 to $1,478 per cabinet, or $100 to $400 per linear foot for stock cabinets, $150 to $700 per linear foot for semi-custom cabinets, and $500 to $1,200 per linear foot for custom cabinets.
Yes, one cheaper alternative is to purchase pre-built or stock cabinets, which cost between $100 and $400 per linear foot. Another option is to consider IKEA cabinets, which one user described as "soft close, easy to install, sturdy build, and very affordable".
The cost of building kitchen cabinets includes the materials and labour. The tools and skilled labour can cost the builder more than the materials. Additionally, custom cabinets may require rework, measurements, adjustments, and rebuilds, which can increase the overall cost.
