Solid wood cabinets are a classic, timeless option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Made entirely from hardwood, solid wood cabinets offer beauty, durability, and value that can last for generations when properly maintained. However, solid wood cabinets also come at a higher initial cost than other cabinet materials such as veneered plywood or thermofoil. On average, here’s what you can expect to budget for solid wood kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Material Costs
The type of wood used is the biggest factor affecting the cost of solid wood cabinets. More expensive exotic and imported hardwoods such as cherry, maple, and walnut will increase the overall price over domestic wood species.
Common Solid Wood Types
- Oak – Rustic, strong, and affordable. $50-150 per linear foot.
- Maple – Hard, smooth, and uniform texture. $100-200 per linear foot.
- Cherry – Rich color and smooth grain. $150-250 per linear foot.
- Walnut – Distinctive, bold grain patterns. $200-500 per linear foot.
- Alder – Affordable softwood with light color. $100-150 per linear foot.
Premium Solid Woods
- Mahogany – Deep red color and distinctive grain. $250-500 per linear foot.
- Hickory – Extremely hard and durable. $150-300 per linear foot.
- Teak – Expensive, tropical imported wood. $500-1000 per linear foot.
The style of cabinet door also impacts cost – solid slab doors are the most affordable, with framed and recessed panel doors costing incrementally more. Expect to pay a 25-50% premium for custom cabinet designs versus stock cabinetry.
Cabinet Quality and Construction
Higher grades of solid wood and more labor-intensive construction will increase the price over lower quality cabinets.
- Stock cabinets – Pre-configured sizes, minimal customization. $100-300 per linear foot.
- Semi-custom cabinets – Some customized sizes and options. $200-500 per linear foot.
- Custom cabinets – Built completely from scratch to your specifications. $500-1000+ per linear foot.
Handmade dovetail joinery, soft-close hardware, and furniture-quality finishes will also command a higher price over stapled boxes and basic finishes. Expect to pay at least 25% more for commercial-grade all-plywood construction versus residential particleboard boxes.
Installation Costs
Budget an additional $100-200 per linear foot for professional installation. Complex cabinetry layouts, higher end finishes, and accessibility challenges can further increase installation costs.
Estimated Total Costs
Given all these factors, here are rough estimates for total installed costs based on cabinet grade and wood type:
- Stock oak cabinets – $250-500 per linear foot installed
- Semi-custom cherry cabinets – $450-800 per linear foot installed
- Custom walnut cabinets – $750-1500+ per linear foot installed
For perspective, an average 10×10 kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinets would cost between $7,500 and $45,000 depending on the quality and materials selected.
Factors That Impact Solid Wood Cabinet Costs
- Wood type – Domestic woods are more affordable than exotic imported varieties.
- Door style – Slab, shaker, inset, beaded inset, etc. More complex door designs cost more.
- Quality of construction – Custom all-plywood boxes will exceed stock particleboard construction.
- Hardware – Soft-close hinges, full extension drawers, and pull-out shelves add cost.
- Installation – Simple layouts and adequate access minimizes installation costs.
- Kitchen size – More cabinets equals higher overall cost.
- Customization – Unique sizes, finishes, and storage options increases price over stock cabinets.
- Location – Prices are typically higher in major metro areas than rural regions.
Are Solid Wood Cabinets Worth the Investment?
Solid wood cabinets offer a lifetime of beauty, durability, and functionality when properly maintained. The higher upfront cost can be well worth it for the superior quality, customized options, and heirloom characteristics of all-wood construction. If your budget allows, investing in solid wood over veneers or thermofoil may result in cabinets that can last 50-100 years and add to your home’s resale value.
How to Save on Solid Wood Cabinets
If solid wood cabinets fit your budget and style, here are some tips to get quality materials at a lower cost:
- Select a less expensive domestic wood like oak, alder or hickory over imported exotic varieties.
- Opt for simple slab or shaker style doors over intricate raised panel designs.
- Choose stock sizes over fully customized cabinets.
- Install the cabinets yourself or hire your own contractor if comfortable doing so.
- Avoid unnecessary luxury features like glass doors and intricate molding details. Stick to essential storage and functionality.
- Shop warehouse stores, check for sales, or look for discounted open box options.
- Refinish and update existing cabinets rather than a full replacement, if possible.
Solid wood cabinets are a worthy investment that can become treasured family heirlooms passed down for generations. Take the time to find well-built cabinets in your budget to reap the benefits of all-wood construction. With some smart choices, you can reduce costs while still enjoying the classic styling, quality, and longevity of real wood cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable wood type for solid wood cabinets?
Oak and alder are typically the most budget-friendly solid wood options. Oak has a strong, rugged appearance, while alder offers a more refined, contemporary look.
Are solid wood cabinets better than plywood?
Solid wood is generally superior in quality, beauty, and longevity versus plywood cabinets. However, well-built plywood cabinets are still a sturdy option at a more affordable price point.
Should I choose custom or stock cabinets?
Stock cabinets provide the best value, but cannot be modified. Custom cabinets allow complete customization but at a higher cost. Semi-custom strikes a balance with some sized and design flexibility.
How long do solid wood cabinets last?
With proper care and maintenance, solid wood cabinets can easily last 50-100 years, and even longer. The all-wood construction resists wear and stands the test of time.
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace cabinets?
Refacing with new doors and drawer fronts costs about 50% less than full replacement. But replacing severely damaged or outdated cabinets may be worth the investment in the long run.
Conclusion
Solid wood is a prized material for cabinetry because of its inherent beauty, strength and longevity. While more affordable options exist, solid wood imparts a refined, heirloom quality over time. Carefully selecting cost-effective wood species and door styles allows enjoying the benefits of all-wood cabinets while minimizing the overall investment. For those seeking quality craftsmanship built to last generations, solid wood cabinetry represents a smart and enduring choice for the heart of your home.