Imagine your cabinets are like superhero outfits for your kitchen, bathroom, or garage. They don’t just hold your stuff—they make your space look awesome and work better too! But like any superhero costume, getting one custom-made costs a little more than grabbing something off the shelf.
What’s the Price Tag?
Custom cabinets usually cost anywhere between $2,800 and $13,000, depending on how big your space is and what you want them to look like. If you’re thinking about it per length (called linear feet), you’ll be spending around $500 to $1,200 for every foot of cabinet.
Let’s break it down in a fun table:
Cabinet Width (Feet)
What It Might Cost
Tiny (2 feet, like a small vanity)
$600–$1,400
Regular kitchen (20 feet)
$6,000–$14,000
Big kitchen (40 feet)
$12,000–$28,000
Where Can You Use Custom Cabinets?
You can use custom cabinets pretty much anywhere! Here’s what you might spend in different rooms:
Room
Cost Range
Kitchen
$13,000–$30,000
Bathroom
$700–$15,000
Garage
$1,000–$6,000
Pantry
$300–$5,000
Laundry Room
$250–$2,000
So whether you’re washing clothes, making spaghetti, or grabbing tools, there’s a cabinet that can be built just for that!
What Changes the Cost?
1. Size
Bigger cabinets cost more. Some are short, some are tall, and if you want cabinets all the way to the ceiling, you’ll pay about 10% more.
2. Material (What the Cabinets Are Made Of)
Different kinds of wood = different costs. Here’s a quick peek:
Wood Type
Cost per Foot
What It’s Like
MDF
$300–$400
Budget-friendly but can’t be stained
Maple
$300–$400
Strong with a soft, pretty color
Birch
$300–$400
Tough and doesn’t scratch easily
White Oak
$400–$600
Sturdy, resists cracking, easy to paint
Cherry Wood
$500–$700
Rich red color that gets deeper over time
🪄 Pro Tip: Fancy woods or lots of extra details? That means your price could go way up!
Labor & Prep Costs
Making the cabinets: $70–$175 per hour
Removing old cabinets: $300–$500
Demolishing the old kitchen (if needed): $800–$3,000
Permits (sometimes needed for big changes): $420–$2,300
Finishing Touches & Add-Ons
Want your cabinets to feel even fancier? You can add cool stuff like:
Add-On
Extra Cost
Pull-Out Spice Rack
$200–$500+
Trash & Recycling Bins
$200–$450+
Lazy Susan (spinning shelf)
$200–$600+
Drawer Organizers
$100–$300
Wine Rack
$100–$400
Shoe Rail or Appliance Lifts
$20–$750
And don’t forget hinges and handles! Those cost about $5 to $30 per piece.
Cabinet Door Styles (and Their Costs)
There are lots of door designs! Here’s what you might pay for each:
Door Type
Cost per Door
What It Looks Like
Slab
$20–$70
Simple, flat, clean
Flat Panel
$25–$75
Trendy and modern
Shaker
$25–$80
Square, minimal details
Mitered
$40–$90
Fancy corners with customizable designs
Raised Panel
$40–$90
Traditional with curves and depth
Glass Panel (Plain)
$80–$150
See-through, framed with wood
Mullioned Glass Panel
$100–$200
Glass with decorative bars (like a window)
Should You Build Them Yourself?
If you’re super handy and love woodworking, you can build cabinets yourself. But it’s a big project—it takes 2 to 4 months even for pros!
For most people, it’s smarter to hire a professional. They already have the tools and know-how, so you won’t have to worry about mistakes. Plus, pros can make sure your cabinets last a long, long time.
Ways to Save Money
Want custom cabinets without breaking your piggy bank? Try these tips:
Get quotes from at least 3 cabinet makers.
Use less expensive wood.
Use open shelves instead of doors for part of the design.
Mix and match—use cheaper materials for bottom cabinets, and splurge a little up top.
Other Things You Might Want to Add
If you’re getting new cabinets, you might also want:
Upgrade
Cost Range
New Appliances
$350–$8,000
New Countertops
$1,900–$4,500
Light Fixtures
$160–$1,000
A New Sink
$200–$700
Final Thoughts
Custom cabinets are like giving your room a whole new personality. Whether you want something cozy and simple or big and bold, there’s a cabinet style for you. And yes—they can be a bit pricey, but with smart choices and planning, you can create something both beautiful and budget-friendly!