Whether you just moved in or crave a renovation of your kitchen for some peace of mind, you will need a guide. When considering prices and offers in stores, it is always best to check in during winter. But why are prices still so high, and how do you choose the best kitchen cabinets?
Kitchen cabinets are so expensive because of the quality and manual labor that builds them.
Of course, prices differ depending on the material, especially if you wish to get custom-made ones.
But how much does it cost to renovate your kitchen, what materials are the best for cabinets, and does building kitchen cabinets from scratch pay off in the long run?
We have investigated and come up with the answers for you. Find out your best options and how the alternative to buying mass-produced furniture works.
The Cost Of Installing Kitchen Cabinets
Depending on the type and material of your needed kitchen cabinet, the prices can vary from $100 to $3,000.
Starting from wall kitchen cabinets, you would need to spend between $100 and $300 if you decide to buy from a regular mass-production store in the US.
Base kitchen cabinets also start at the same price but can climb up to $500 depending on the material. So if you need both wall and base cabinets, you can save money by finding the cheapest options at an equal price.
Corner kitchen cabinets can vary from $200 to $1000, while utility kitchen cabinets start at about $500 and reach $3000. If your kitchen is on the bigger side, and you need to equip the whole room, you will have to consider all types of building your kitchen cabinets – it will cost less money but more time.
What Makes Kitchen Cabinets So Expensive?
In short, their quality. They are not meant to be changed every so often and should be made in such a way as to protect your dishes and utilities but also not to fall apart when coming into contact with water or food.
This means not just any random, easily accessible material can be used. Additionally, a lot of work and time goes into producing kitchen cabinets.
Only one piece can take up to about 6 hours to build. Being skilled in this type of job is pricy.
The price also depends on the materials used in building them; the more you play, the better quality wood you get.
When considering how long it takes to learn about the materials and tools, including the effort and time to create your kitchen cabinets, the prices will not seem that high.
If it were easy, you would be able to do it yourself in one weekend – and have perfect cabinets that will last you decades and not crack, swell, or chip.
Is It Cheaper To Build Kitchen Cabinets?
If you have experience with building and construction, we recommend you try it. If you are doing it to save money, you will probably not reach that goal. Kitchen cabinets are not easy to build.
If you order materials, buy tools, and spend time creating some special cabinets, you will have spent more time and money than if you just bought brand-new kitchen cabinets, professionally made.
Your kitchen cabinets may be a source of pride but will certainly not last you for as long as they could if you bought them.
If you insist on doing it yourself, we have a few tips. If you are going through this experience, we suggest you tackle some custom designs because they are not for first-timers.
If you are pretty handy or wish to try a new hobby and save some money, here is one video on doing that.
If you want to have custom-made pieces in your kitchen, you have two options:
You can either build them yourself, which is cheaper but more complex, and you may end up with low-quality cabinets, or order custom-made cabinets from a professional – which is expensive.
Still, you can have exactly what wanted measurements installed into your kitchen.
It is essential to contact a professional to measure and install the cabinets, even if you build them yourself. Make sure you follow instructions and have the needed tools to build your furniture.
Everything can be DIY-ed, with more or less quality depending on your patience, talent, and the materials you have collected.
Are Wood Cabinets Worth It?
When it comes to solid wood, it is worth the extra cash. Stock cabinets cost about $60-$200 per foot. However, custom ones go up to $650. Solid wood is very durable and resilient. Cabinets made from it will last you for decades.
If you plan to settle down, invest in solid wood cabinets, and you won’t have to worry about your kitchen for the rest of your life. You can choose from various types and colors depending on your preference.
Solid wood furniture can be customized, although it will cost you more. You can choose what they will look like and have unique cabinets to spice up your cooking experience.
Ensure you don’t leave the kitchen cabinets unfinished because they will react badly to moisture – it is not waterproof.
You need to take care of these cabinets to avoid cracking under high temperatures and place them as far away from the oven as possible. The cracking can be even more noticeable when the wood is painted.
Solid wood is more vulnerable to pest attacks than plywood. It requires regular maintenance and the right finishing to keep the wood well-protected, but your cabinets will last longer.
Cheapest Kitchen Cabinets
There are plenty of materials you can choose from when deciding on your cabinets. Click here to read more about the exact prices for different materials and sizes.
For example, maple, cherry, oak, pine, and bamboo are there. These are just some of the most popular ones.
Maple is a great choice when it comes to endurance. It doesn’t mind occasional staining. Cherry is very similar, suitable for different styles, but heavier than maple. Oak is very elegant and a popular choice for cabinet material. It is very durable as well.
Pine is very modern and looks very sleek. If you wish to pay special attention to ecology, choose bamboo cabinets. It is very sustainable and has a modern look to it. Birch is an excellent option for cabinets that open and close often but are not as hard.
Cherry wood is the most expensive due to its durability regarding prices. It is effortless to work with if you are doing it yourself. Maple is a bit less costly but is said to be the best choice since it’s hardwood.
Pine is one of the cheapest materials you can buy, whether building your cabinets or ordering from the store.
Hardwood pricing goes up to $20, plywood up to $100, and softwood under $10.
Best Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some tips and tricks for buying the perfect cabinets for your kitchen. Visiting a store instead of custom designing your furniture is the best option if you want to save money and have quality cabinets – but maybe not ideally placed.
Investigate. Read about different stores, materials, experiences, and brands. Decide what the best option for you is, and what you value more – esthetics or endurance.
Some of the most popular brands that offer quality and are affordable are Fabuwood, Forevermark, and Cubitac. And don’t forget that IKEA has some quality pieces even if you are not a fan of modern light pieces.
Solid wood elements will add value to your home and may be the best option if you wish to renovate your kitchen. So think about investing a bit more because you will receive a lot more than you spend.
Pine is a material that is the least expensive but will last you a long time. This material is incredibly cost-effective, and you will not regret choosing this option.
Next Steps
Learn more about kitchen cabinets below.
What Kitchen Cabinets Are Made In The USA
Which Kitchen Cabinets Can Be Painted? Find Out Here
Do Kitchen Cabinets Need Shelf Liners?
So weigh your necessities and values, and don’t spend too much on a crazy design you will stop liking in a few years.
Custom design is often not worth your money. Compare prices and materials and decide the best decision for you and your home. You are the one who will be doing all the cooking!
We’ve compiled a complete list of frequently asked kitchen questions for new and experienced homeowners.
Our team of experts answers these questions to help assist you through DIY projects and home repairs.
For over a decade, Robin has been a real estate agent, interior design specialist, and mother. Through her trials and tribulations, she wanted to create the perfect website to help you save money and make your home look beautiful.