When it comes to building or a kitchen remodel project, cabinets become the center of attention. Unlike stock or semi-custom options, custom cabinets offer you the freedom to choose tailored storage solutions. From design to material and build, you can get the cabinets that suit your working style. However, you will also need to consider the cost of the custom cabinet.
The kitchen custom cabinets cost may include how you measure, the materials you select, and the details you add. To make an informed decision for your custom kitchen cabinet, you need to understand cost per linear foot, cost per square foot, and the different factors that drive pricing. This guide explains everything clearly and practically.
Cost of Custom Cabinets Per Linear Foot
When you are trying to find the custom cabinet cost, contractors and designers will measure the cost using a linear foot. This runs along the length of the cabinet line, along the wall or the base.
Average Cost Range Per Linear Foot
Here is the cost per linear foot explained.
| Range | Cost Per Linear Foot | Typical Features | Estimated Cost for 25 Linear Feet |
| Low | $500 – $750 | Simple design, basic wood, standard finish | $12,500 – $18,750 |
| Mid | $800 – $1,000 | Hardwoods, upgraded storage, detailed finishes | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| High | $1,100 – $1,200+ | Exotic wood, custom finishes, luxury detailing |
For a standard 25-linear-foot kitchen, that equals $12,500–$30,000+ just for cabinets. The pricing can vary depending on the material selection, cabinet designs, and features for the cabinets.
Per Linear Foot Breakdown
The cost per linear foot depends on:
- Materials: This is a key factor, as the type of wood can affect the overall build and pricing. High-end hardwoods like Belmont Cabinet, Hazeltine Cabinet, Phoenix Cabinets can increase the cost. At the same time, MDF or plywood cabinets like J&K Transitional B5 Pure Cabinet, J&K Contemporary S1 Java Coffee Cabinet, Ice White Shaker Cabinets, Blaze Black Shaker Cabinet can keep the cost lower. Veneers and eco-certified wood typically fall in the mid-range.
- Labor: Custom cabinets require skilled carpentry and precise installation. The more complex the design, such as inset doors, tall pantry units, or curved features, the more labor hours are needed. This can increase the per-foot cost.
- Additional Features: Features like soft-close hinges, dovetail joints, pull-out trays, and under-cabinet lighting can add hundreds of dollars per linear foot. Luxury details such as glass inserts, decorative moldings, or integrated appliance panels move pricing to an even higher range.
Custom Cabinets Price Per Square Foot
Many contractors and designers calculate the cost per square foot. This gives a more precise measure of material and finish usage.
Average Cost Range Per Square Foot
Here is the cost range per square foot explained.
| Range | Cost Per Square Foot | Typical Features |
| Low | $200 – $300 | Basic wood veneer, limited customization |
| Mid | $350 – $450 | Solid wood fronts, upgraded finishes, storage add-ons |
| High | $500 – $600+ | Luxury hardwood, intricate millwork, full customization |
A 150-square-foot kitchen with wall and base cabinets can easily cost $30,000–$60,000 when fully customized.
Costs Per Square Foot Explained:
The cost per linear foot depends on:
- Materials: Square foot pricing can be affected by the surface area of cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and panels. Solid wood, like maple or oak, increases the cost, while veneers or MDF reduce it. Exotic woods or high-gloss finishes can even increase the cost to luxury levels.
- Labor: As the surface area increases, the precision matters a lot. Large panels, full-overlay doors, and seamless finishes take more time and skill, raising labor costs. Frameless European-style cabinets often require greater accuracy, which adds to the per-square-foot price.
- Additional Features: If there are specialty cabinets such as lacquer, vanity, bathroom cabinets, or pantry cabinets with matte coatings and design, they add significant cost. Decorative glass inserts, appliance paneling, or integrated lighting can raise the per-square-foot price by 15–25%.
Custom Cabinets Cost Comparison
The custom cabinet cost is slightly different for each method. While determining the right pricing, things can be overwhelming. If you are wondering whether the per-linear foot cost is better than the per-square foot cost, the following table will compare both pricing options for you.
| Range | Per Linear Foot | Typical Features (Linear Foot) | Per Square Foot | Typical Features (Square Foot) |
| Low | $500 – $750 | Simple design, basic wood, standard finish | $200 – $300 | Basic wood veneer, limited customization |
| Mid | $800 – $1,000 | Hardwoods, upgraded storage, detailed finishes | $350 – $450 | Solid wood fronts, upgraded finishes, storage add-ons |
| High | $1,100 – $1,200+ | Exotic wood, custom finishes, luxury detailing | $500 – $600+ | Luxury hardwood, intricate millwork, full customization |
While prices for custom cabinets vary by project, the best value typically ranges between $800–$1,000 per linear foot or $350–$450 per square foot, offering long-lasting quality without luxury price inflation.
Factors That Influence Custom Cabinets Cost
While figuring out how much custom cabinets cost, you will need to consider some key factors. Each influences your total cost, sometimes significantly.
1. Cabinet Type and Design
Not all cabinet designs and types are equal. Some cabinet types cost less than others, such as:
- Basic shaker or slab doors don’t cost much because they require less detail.
- Raised panel or inset doors add $100–$200 per linear foot due to complex joinery.
- Specialized designs such as arched doors, carved detailing, or glass inserts can increase cost by 20–30%.
2. Cabinet Size and Layout
Custom cabinet size can also add significantly to the cost.
- Standard base and wall cabinets often fall in the mid-range pricing options.
- Tall pantry cabinets and floor-to-ceiling storage require more wood and labor, which adds up to $500–$1,000 each.
- Large islands or multi-level layouts increase labor hours, and the raise may increase up to 10–15%.
3. Materials and Wood Species
The higher-end material will result in higher costs than budget-friendly common material options.
- Plywood boxes with solid wood frames are standard and budget-friendly.
- Hardwoods like maple, cherry, and oak are more premium wood types with high pricing but offer long-term durability.
- Exotics like walnut or mahogany can double the per-foot cost.
- Eco-friendly or FSC-certified wood usually carries a 10–20% premium.
4. Construction Method
Depending on the construction options, the overall custom cabinets cost can be increased significantly:
- Face-frame construction is common and costs slightly less.
- Frameless (European style) requires precision, which increases the cost up to 5–15%.
- Dovetail joints for drawers cost more but last decades compared to glued or stapled construction.
5. Labor and Installation
Unlike premade or RTA cabinets, custom cabinets require more labor. The more complex or detailed the construction, the more it will result in increased labor hours and installation costs.
- Basic installation usually costs around $2,000–$4,000 for an average kitchen.
- Complex installation with custom fitting may cost up $5,000–$10,000+.
- Location factor also increases the cost. Labor costs in urban areas like New York or San Francisco can be 20–30% higher than in smaller cities.
6. Preparation and Site Work
If there is a redesign of the kitchen or a new cabinetry project, then the removal of old material and cabinets would be required. This will also increase the cabinet project’s cost.
- Demolition and removal of old cabinets costs around $500–$2,000.
- Wall repairs, plumbing, and electrical adjustments cost $1,000–$5,000.
- Leveling floors or walls for a custom fit will add 5–10% to the overall cost.
7. Permits and Compliance
Not every remodel needs a permit, but major layout changes often do.
- Permit costs are generally $500–$1,500, depending on the municipality.
- Compliance with local codes may require upgrades in wiring or plumbing, which add hidden costs.
8. Finishes and Paints
Finishes and paint jobs are not just about aesthetics, but also add functionality to your finished cabinetry project. This includes:
- Stain finishes cost $50–$100 extra per linear foot.
- Paint finishes, especially white or dark tones, require multiple coats, adding $100–$200 per linear foot.
- High-gloss or specialty finishes (matte lacquer, distressed look) may add 15–25%.
9. Hardware and Accessories
Some brands, like Fabuwood, offer premium hardware and accessories as the base features of their cabinets. However, fully custom kitchen cabinets require hardware and accessories according to the project.
- Standard hardware costs $3–$10 per piece.
- Premium pulls and knobs run $20–$100 each.
- Soft-close hinges and drawer slides add $50–$100 per drawer.
- Pull-out trays, spice racks, and organizers increase costs but improve function.
10. Add-Ons and Custom Features
Adding a custom feature that complements and adds to the functionality can also increase the cost.
- Under-cabinet lighting costs $500–$1,500.
- Glass-front cabinets cost up to $200–$500 extra per door.
- Built-in appliances or hidden panels add $1,000–$5,000, depending on complexity.
- Specialty storage (wine racks, appliance garages): $500–$2,000 each.
A General Overall Cost of Custom Cabinetry
Considering the cost above, the overall cost of custom cabinets may reach up to $60,000,+ depending on the size of the kitchen.
- Basic 10×10 kitchen’s custom cabinets: $15,000–$20,000.
- Mid-range kitchen with island and upgraded finishes: $25,000–$35,000.
- Luxury kitchen with exotic wood and built-in appliances: $40,000–$60,000+.
At Tivoli Kitchen and Bathroom Style, we see most homeowners investing in the mid-range. There, they can balance quality, aesthetics, and budget without compromising durability.
FAQs About Custom Cabinet Costs
Let’s answer your questions about the cost of custom cabinets.
Are custom cabinets worth the investment?
Yes. They maximize space, improve storage, increase home value, last longer, and fit the home perfectly.
Do custom cabinets cost more than semi-custom?
Yes. Semi-custom cabinets typically cost $150–$650 per linear foot, while custom cabinets run $500–$1,200 per linear foot. The difference comes from personalization and craftsmanship.
How long does it take to build and install custom cabinets?
8–16 weeks, depending on complexity and workload. Installation usually takes 3–5 days.
Can you save money by mixing custom and stock cabinets?
Yes. Many homeowners choose stock cabinets for less visible areas (like laundry rooms) and custom cabinets for kitchens or showpiece areas.
What is the cheapest way to get a custom look without paying full custom prices?
Semi-custom cabinets with upgraded finishes, or refacing existing boxes with new custom doors, can cut costs by 30–50%.
Do custom cabinets add resale value to a home?
Yes. Kitchens with high-quality cabinets appeal strongly to buyers and can return 60–80% of the investment at resale.
Bottom Line
Custom cabinets cost more than semi-custom, but they can be a great investment in the long run. You have the options to choose your desired build, design, finish, and paint job that matches your style. Custom cabinetry often requires fewer repairs than stock cabinets. However, the custom cabinets cost should be considered first before choosing. On average, homeowners should expect $500 to $1,200 per linear foot or $200 to $600 per square foot, with full projects ranging from $15,000 to $40,000+.
For more kitchen layout plans or cabinet design and pricing information, you can always contact Tivoli Kitchen and Bathroom Design. We guide homeowners through these decisions by balancing budget with craftsmanship.
