Kitchen and bathroom cabinetry can be a major investment when renovating your home. Cabinets come in three main categories – stock, semi-custom, and fully custom. Semi-custom cabinets provide more flexibility in sizes, materials, and configurations than stock cabinets but are more affordable than fully customized cabinetry. If you’re considering semi-custom cabinets, an important question is how much do semi custom cabinets cost?
The cost of semi-custom cabinets can vary significantly based on several factors:
Cabinet Materials
The materials used to construct the cabinets will impact the total price. Common options include:
Wood Species
- Plywood – Made from thin sheets of wood glued together. Plywood is an economical option for cabinet boxes. Birch plywood is commonly used. Cost per linear foot: $50-100.
- Particleboard – Made from wood fragments glued together with resin. Particleboard is affordable but not as strong or durable as plywood. Often used for cabinet backs. Cost per linear foot: $20-60.
- MDF – Medium density fiberboard is made by pressing wood fibers together. MDF is dense and stable. Used for doors, drawer fronts, and sides. Cost per linear foot: $60-150.
- Melamine – Particleboard or MDF coated in melamine resin. Provides a scratch-resistant finish. Used for cabinet interiors and inexpensive doors. Cost per linear foot: $30-100.
- Maple – Hardwood valued for its light color and smooth grain. Durable and ages well. Cost per linear foot: $200-300.
- Oak – Hardwood known for its bold grain patterns. Stains well. Cost per linear foot: $150-250.
- Hickory – Extremely hard and dense wood with dramatic grain variation. Cost per linear foot: $250-400.
- Cherry – Moderately hard wood that darkens and richens with age. Cost per linear foot: $180-320.
- Walnut – Prized for its rich brown color and flowing grain. Cost per linear foot: $300-500.
Door Styles
- Slab – Simple, flat panel doors. Economical option. Cost per door: $50-250.
- Shaker – Clean, straightforward design with a flat center panel and frame. Cost per door: $100-300.
- Raised Panel – Elaborate doors with a raised, profiled center panel. Cost per door: $150-500.
- Inset – Doors are set inside the cabinet face frame for a seamless look. Cost per door: $200-600.
- Overlay – Doors sit on top of the cabinet frame for ease of installation. Cost per door: $100-400.
- Glass Front – Doors feature a glass panel insert for a decorative look. Cost per door: $300-800.
Finish Options
- Paint/Stain Grade – Can be painted or stained for versatility. Upgrade cost: $0-100 per linear foot.
- Stain – Prefinished stain adds color while allowing the wood grain to show through. Upgrade cost: $100-300 per linear foot.
- Paint – Prefinished paint provides a solid color and consistent finish. Upgrade cost: $50-200 per linear foot.
- Glaze – Colored glaze over stain or paint adds antique character. Upgrade cost: $100-300 per linear foot.
- Distressing – Simulated wear like rub-throughs and wormholes for a cottage look. Upgrade cost: $100-250 per linear foot.
- Glass – Glass cabinet doors create an open and airy look. Upgrade cost: $50-150 per glass door.
Quality and Construction
Higher quality cabinetry commands higher prices but will typically last longer with proper care. Consider:
- Grade of Materials – Upgraded plywood, MDF, etc. improve durability.
- Joinery Methods – Dovetail joints are stronger than staples or miters.
- Hardware – Sturdy soft-close hinges and full extension drawers are preferable.
- Warranty – Better warranties signal increased quality and longevity.
- Brand Reputation – Well-known brands generally offer consistently higher quality products.
- Country of Origin – Domestically produced cabinets tend to cost more but involve less shipping.
- Certifications – Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) certification verifies standards met.
Customizations and Special Features
Semi-custom cabinets include options like:
- Alternative sizes like tall wall cabinets or extra deep drawers
- Glass cabinet inserts and interior lighting
- CustomOrganization features like drawer dividers, spice racks, and stemware holders
- Decorative legs or feet, corbels, and onlays
- Appliance garages, tray dividers, wine racks, and other specialty storage
- Charging stations, electrical outlets, cabinet chilled drawers, and more tech integration
- Lazy susans, pull-out shelves, swing-out cabinets, and other functional hardware
The more customizations and bells and whistles selected, the higher the price tag will climb. Unique storage solutions, cabinet accessories, and specialty hardware in particular add cost.
Kitchen Size and Layout
The overall scope of the kitchen directly impacts the total budget for semi-custom cabinets. Considerations include:
- Number of Cabinets – More cabinets equals higher cost.
- Larger Cabinets – Oversized island cabinets are more expensive.
- Specialty Cabinets – Angled cabinets require custom fabrication.
- Kitchen Shape – U-shaped kitchens require more cabinets than galley kitchens.
- Kitchen Size – Larger kitchens need more cabinets than smaller ones.
- Use of Space – Efficient layouts make the most of existing kitchen space.
Carefully planning the kitchen layout can maximize functionality and allow you to minimize the overall cabinet footprint.
Contractor or DIY Installation
Installation costs may or may not be included in cabinet pricing. Consider:
- DIY Installation – Installing cabinets yourself saves on labor fees but requires expertise.
- Contractor Installation – Hiring a contractor adds $2000+ but ensures proper installation.
- Ikea Cabinets – Designed for DIY install but can also be professionally installed.
Factor in installation costs upfront to avoid budget surprises later. Some companies offer installation services to handle the entire job.
Semi-Custom Cabinet Costs: What to Expect
With all the variables involved, how much do semi custom cabinets cost on average? Here are some typical price ranges:
- Stock cabinets – $70 – $350 per linear foot
- Semi-custom cabinets – $200 – $700 per linear foot
- Custom cabinets – $500 – $2000+ per linear foot
For an average 10×10 kitchen with 25 linear feet of cabinets, you might expect to pay:
- Stock cabinets: $1750 – $8750
- Semi-custom cabinets: $5000 – $17,500
- Custom cabinets: $12,500 – $50,000+
However, costs ultimately depend on your specific kitchen layout, design selections, and any customization options chosen.
Ready-to-assemble semi-custom cabinets from home improvement stores offer more customization than stock cabinets at lower price points. Expect to pay $2000 – $7000 for a mid-range kitchen. Pre-assembled cabinets from specialty designers generally range from $8000 – $20,000+ for a larger, high-end kitchen.
Cost Savings Tips
To maximize budget for semi-custom cabinets, consider:
- Use a kitchen planner tool to create an efficient layout.
- Choose a versatile neutral color palette.
- Use the same door style throughout for simplified ordering.
- Buy upper and lower cabinets together for package pricing deals.
- Opt for standard cabinet depths and heights.
- Select mid-priced wood species like maple.
- Limit extra trim pieces and decorative hardware.
- Bundle delivery with installation if possible.
Prioritizing essential elements over luxury features can help reduce the overall cost. Also talk to your kitchen designer – they may be able to suggest ways to achieve the look you want while lowering the price tag by strategically combining stock and semi-custom components.
Are Semi-Custom Cabinets Worth the Cost?
The higher price tag of semi-custom cabinets reflects the expertise required to properly design and build customized cabinetry. Key benefits include:
- Ability to customize sizes, storage, and organizational features.
- Tailored selection of cabinet materials and finishes.
- Shop-built quality with solid wood boxes and dovetail joinery.
- Coordinated designer aesthetics across the full kitchen.
- Options to address unique kitchen layouts and challenges.
- Mix and match stock and custom cabinets to balance budget.
For many homeowners, investing in quality semi-custom cabinetry makes sense to get the exact look, layout, and functionality desired while adding value and long-lasting durability. The flexibility of semi-customization provides the ideal middle ground between off-the-shelf stock cabinets and expense full custom cabinetry. Doing your homework on accurate pricing, involves getting quotes from multiple kitchen designers before proceeding.
The Takeaway
There is no single answer to how much do semi custom cabinets cost – pricing depends on the materials, features, and scope of your specific kitchen. Typical costs range $200-$700 per linear foot, with a full 10×10 kitchen running $5000-$17,500 or more. Carefully balancing your must-haves and nice-to-haves can help contain costs. Consult a qualified kitchen designer to receive an accurate estimate tailored to your unique space, needs and style. Investing in quality semi-custom cabinetry can provide lasting value and enjoyment for years to come.