White shaker cabinets have become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. Known for their clean, simple styling and versatility, white shakers offer a timeless look that suits a wide range of design aesthetics. But with the many options available, how much do white shaker cabinets cost on average? Read on for a detailed look at white shaker cabinet pricing.

What Are White Shaker Cabinets?

White shaker cabinets feature a minimalist, straightforward design consisting of a flat center panel bordered by a square frame. The term “shaker” comes from their resemblance to the simple, functional furniture made by the Shakers, a religious sect known for their craftsmanship and utilitarian aesthetic.

Unlike more ornate cabinet styles, white shakers have simple door and drawer fronts free of intricate details. The flat recessed panel and frame design lends them a crisp, neat appearance. This unfussy look allows white shaker cabinets to blend seamlessly into both rustic and contemporary kitchens.

Key Features of White Shaker Cabinets

Here are some of the defining features of white shaker style cabinets:

Flat recessed center panel – The hallmark of the shaker style is the flat, smooth center panel that gives the cabinet door its clean-lined look.
Four-piece frame – The center panel is bordered by a frame made up of two side rails and two top and bottom rails, usually about an inch or two wide.
Simple hardware – Most white shaker cabinets are outfitted with plain bar pulls or recessed cup pulls to maintain the style’s understated appeal.
Door overlay – Full overlay doors that completely cover the cabinet face are common, as are inset doors that sit flush within the cabinet frame.
Made from various materials – While wood is typical, white shaker cabinets are also constructed from laminates, thermally fused melamine, and other engineered materials.
Variety of sizes – Standard cabinet dimensions allow white shakers to work well in any kitchen layout, from base cabinets to uppers, islands, and vanities.
Smooth painted finish – A crisp white painted finish lends brightness and enhances the clean lines of shaker cabinetry.

Factors That Determine White Shaker Cabinet Pricing

Many variables impact the total cost of white shaker kitchen cabinets. As you budget and plan your kitchen remodel, here are some of the main factors that affect pricing:

Materials

The material your shaker cabinets are constructed from directly relates to cost. Solid hardwoods like maple and oak are pricier than engineered wood composites. Thermofoil and laminate cabinets are the most budget-friendly options. Durability, ease of cleaning, and longevity should be considered with each material.

Door Style

Simple, flat slab cabinet doors are the most affordable. More intricate raised panel or recessed panel doors cost more. Custom decorative touches like glass cabinet inserts, beaded panels, or distressed finishes can increase prices as well.

Construction Quality

Superior construction with high-end joinery, durable finishes, and quality hardware will mean a higher cabinet price. U.S.-made cabinets tend to be higher quality than lower-priced import options. Well-constructed cabinets will have precise sizing, square door fronts, and smoothly operating drawers.

Brand

Selecting cabinets from a luxury brand, small custom workshop, or high-end designer will raise costs over stock, mid-priced cabinetry. Paying for the brand name sometimes yields better materials and construction, but not always.

Retailer

Prices can vary between big box home improvement stores, kitchen design showrooms, and cabinet dealers. Online and wholesale cabinet sources are often the most budget-friendly. Be sure to factor in shipping costs for online purchases.

Installation & Modifications

DIY installation can save on labor costs versus hiring a carpenter or kitchen remodeling contractor to install your cabinets. Custom modifications like adding cabinets, changing sizes, or integrating specialty storage units will add expenses.

Average Cost: Entry-Level vs. High-End

Generally speaking, you can expect to spend between $75-$350 per linear foot for stock white shaker kitchen cabinets, including materials, manufacturing, hardware, and installation. But prices can climb much higher for custom or semi-custom cabinets with high-end features.

Here’s a closer look at price differences in the white shaker cabinet market:

Entry-Level

Materials: Thermofoil, laminate, or polyurethane-coated engineered woods
Door Style: Flat slab or simple recessed panel
Hardware: Minimal, inexpensive metal pulls
Cost: $75-$150 per linear foot

Mid-Range

Materials: Maple, oak, or other quality hardwoods
Door Style: Detailed recessed panel with trim
Hardware: Iron or brushed nickel pulls and knobs
Cost: $150-$250 per linear foot

High-End

Materials: Exotic imported woods like cherry or walnut
Door Style: Custom recessed panel; unique distressing or finishes
Hardware: Cast iron, glass, or decorative pulls
Cost: $250-$350+ per linear foot

As you can see, the cost differences mainly come down to materials, construction, special details, brand names, and customization. Even within the same category, prices can vary widely between different manufacturers.

Cost to Buy & Install White Shaker Cabinets

To give you a rough estimate for a full white shaker kitchen, let’s look at the costs to purchase, ship, and install shaker cabinets in a 10 x 10 kitchen:

Basic Cabinetry Package
10 linear feet of 30″ upper cabinets = $1,000
10 linear feet of 30″ base cabinets = $1,000
5 linear feet of 3″ filler/trim = $200
Island: 5 linear feet of base & lowers = $800
Hardware & Accessories
Hardware installation package = $200
Hinges, pulls, knobs = $300
Sink Base Cabinet
Double sink base cabinet = $350
Countertops
10 linear feet of laminate countertops = $900
Shipping & Installation
Shipping fees = $300
Installation labor costs = $1,200

Total Cost = $6,250

This estimate is based on stock mid-priced shaker cabinets from a home improvement store. Upgrades like solid wood doors, custom sizes, or luxury countertops would increase costs. Going for entry-level cabinetry with DIY installation would lower the total.

Cost to Reface Existing Cabinets into White Shakers

For those working with an existing kitchen layout, refacing cabinets into white shakers can save thousands versus a full replacement. Here are typical costs:

Standard Cabinet Refacing
$300-500 per cabinet
Includes new shaker-style doors, hinges, and drawer fronts
Similar cost for base, upper, and island cabinets
Countertop Resurfacing
$40-50 per linear foot
New laminate applied over existing counters
DIY vs. Professional Installation
DIY Refacing Cost = $2,000-$4,000
Professional Labor = $6,000-$10,000+

Reface existing cabinet boxes rather than replace them to cut costs significantly while still getting the white shaker look.

Tips for Budgeting Your White Shaker Kitchen

To keep your white shaker kitchen remodel within budget, consider these money-saving tips:

Select mid-priced stock cabinets and avoid expensive upgrades
Opt for engineered woods or thermofoil over solid hardwoods
Install cabinets yourself and watch online tutorials to DIY
Choose economical counters like laminate or painted slab
Incorporate non-custom IKEA components for storage
Use affordable backsplashes like white subway tile
Choose basic hardware like recessed cup pulls
Comparison shop between home stores and online retailers
Time the project right to take advantage of periodic sales
Consider painting or refacing existing cabinets rather than replacing

Prioritize where to splurge on higher-end items vs. where you can scale back and save without sacrificing style or function. With strategic planning, you can achieve the trendy white shaker look you love while keeping your kitchen remodel budget under control.

FAQs About White Shaker Cabinet Costs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about pricing for white shaker-style kitchen cabinets:

How much do custom white shaker cabinets cost?

For truly custom shaker cabinets built by a local woodworker or cabinet shop to your specifications, expect to pay $200-$400+ per linear foot including materials and professional installation. Unique details like integrated storage solutions, custom wood species, and specialty finishes will increase costs.

Are Ikea white shaker cabinets affordable?

Yes, IKEA is an excellent budget-friendly source for white shaker-style cabinets. Their “Sektion” line includes shaker-like doors and recessed panels. As an example, the Akurum line of IKEA white shaker base cabinets costs $135-$215 per cabinet including doors, shells, and hinges.

Should I choose RTA (ready-to-assemble) shaker cabinets?

RTA white shaker cabinets offer serious cost savings, ranging from $60-$150 per linear foot. Since you assemble them yourself, you avoid professional installation fees. Just be sure to closely inspect materials and finish quality before purchasing cabinets that you need to put together.

How can I save money on installation?

Hiring a handyman or doing it yourself rather than a kitchen remodeling contractor can save you 25-50% on installation costs. Watch online tutorials and have all tools/materials ready for DIY success. Prepare by accurately measuring your space and reading cabinet instructions.

Should I reface or replace old cabinets?

In general, refacing costs about 50-70% less than full cabinet replacement. Keep existing cabinet boxes and replace doors, drawer fronts, and hardware to transform the look for just $300-$500 per cabinet. This achieves major cost savings.

The Bottom Line

In summary, you can expect to spend $75-$350 per linear foot for white shaker kitchen cabinets, with the final cost depending on materials, construction quality, brand, and customization. Refacing existing cabinets is a budget-friendly option at just $300-$500 per cabinet. Carefully weigh your budget, kitchen design goals, and lifestyle needs to choose the best white shaker cabinet solution for your space and price point. With some savvy planning and cost comparisons, you can enjoy this popular, versatile style without breaking the bank.

How to Choose White Shaker Cabinets for Your Kitchen

White shaker cabinets offer a classic, timeless look perfect for nearly any kitchen design. But with so many styles, details, and pricing options available, how should you go about selecting the best white shaker cabinets for your space? Follow this guide for the key factors to consider when planning your kitchen cabinetry.

Measure Your Kitchen Layout

The first step is to closely measure your existing kitchen layout or the plans for your new kitchen design. Be sure to note:

Overall kitchen dimensions and footprint
Ceiling height
Window and door placements
Space between walls and corners

This will determine how many linear feet of cabinets you’ll need for each section of your kitchen – base cabinets, uppers, island, pantry, etc. List each cabinet section with detailed measurements so you can accurately price out your cabinetry needs.

Select Cabinet Heights

Standard cabinet heights for white shaker kitchens include:

Base cabinets – 34 1/2” high
Lower cabinets – 36” high
Upper cabinets – 30” or 36” high
Tall cabinets – 84” or 90” high

Choose cabinet heights that fit your room dimensions and suit your storage needs. Factor in extra height for crown molding. Select a consistent height for a streamlined look.

Choose Cabinet Depths

Kitchen base cabinets are typically:

Standard 24” depth – Best for average-sized kitchens
Deep 27”-30” depth – Provides more storage space in large kitchens
Shallow 18”-21” depth – Optimizes narrow galley kitchens

Select upper cabinet depths around 12”-16” so they don’t overwhelm a room if mounted close to the ceiling.

Decide on Door Styles

To achieve the quintessential shaker style, opt for recessed center panels with a four-piece frame. Then consider:

Slab doors – Simple and affordable
Raised panels – Defined borders add dimension
Glass fronts – Allow displaying dishes or decor
Distressed finishes – Rustic, country appeal
Two-toned fronts – Visual interest and contrast

Mix and match door styles for interest. Use decorative door fronts sparingly to maintain the clean-lined shaker aesthetic.

Choose Quality Finish Materials

White shaker cabinets work well in any finish material including:

Plywood – Affordable, durable painted wood
Engineered wood – Consistent quality for affordable pricing
Melamine – Scratch-resistant thermofused laminate
Maple or oak – Stain-grade woods add natural visual texture
Thermofoil – Most economical option for shaker style

The finish material you select will directly impact the cabinet cost. Compare quality and durability when selecting competitively priced materials.

Select Hardware Style

Stick with simple hardware choices like:

Recessed cup pulls – Discreet, integral to design
Bar pulls – Matching white hardware integrates well
Iron or nickel – Provides contrast against white
Knobs or handles – For easy opening and visual appeal

Avoid overly ornate hardware that clashes with the fuss-free shaker aesthetic. Let the cabinet fronts be the focus rather than the hardware.

Add Organizational Features

Integrate smart storage options like:

Roll-out trays – Maximize hard-to-access corner cabinets
Pull-out shelves – Create easy access to interior cabinet spaces
Waste bin storage – Hide garbage/recycling bins in base cabinetry
Spice racks – Organize seasonings in deep drawers
Cutlery dividers – Customize drawer interiors for optimal utility

Shaker-style cabinets lend themselves well to organizational customization. Add specialty inserts carefully to avoid cluttering the clean design.

Choose the Right White Tone

White shaker cabinets work well in any light neutral paint tone. Consider underlying wall colors when selecting white for cabinetry.

Bright white – Crisp, fresh, especially with dark walls
Antique white – Soft, welcoming; complements light walls
Cream/ivory – Warm, mellow tone for traditional kitchens
Grayish white – Sophisticated modern option
Distressed white – Farmhouse appeal

Always view cabinet finishes in person before finalizing. Different brands use varying paint formulations and techniques. Verify you like the real-life tone and finish quality.

Select Within Budget

Carefully tally the costs for materials, cabinet styles, hardware, shipping and installation to choose cabinets within your budget. Look for bargains on:

Stock cabinets in standard sizes
Mid-priced options over luxury brands
Thermofoil or laminate over solid wood
DIY assembly and installation

Prioritize higher spending for visible surfaces like doors/drawers. Scale back on inconspicuous components like cabinet sides or interiors.

By considering all these factors, you can select beautiful, functional white shaker cabinets tailored to your kitchen’s particular size, layout, style, and budget. Enjoy creating a seamless, cohesive look.

How to Design a Kitchen with White Shaker Cabinets

If you’ve decided on white shaker cabinets for your kitchen remodel or new build, the next step is planning a cohesive kitchen design that maximizes this versatile style. Follow this guide for expert tips on integrating white shaker cabinets into an attractive, functional kitchen layout.

Choose Complementary Countertops

White shaker cabinets pair beautifully with today’s most popular countertop materials:

Quartz – Durable, low-maintenance, stain-resistant; available in white and pale neutrals
Marble – Elegant white or gray veining has timeless appeal
Butcher block – Warm, organic look; good for kitchen islands
Laminate – Budget-friendly option; choose matte finishes to avoid clashes
Concrete – Industrial vibe; integrates seamlessly with shaker style

Aim for a streamlined look by selecting countertop materials and colors that complement your bright white cabinets.

Select Backsplash Finishes

Creative backsplashes lend visual interest when paired with crisp white shaker cabinets. Consider:

Subway tile – Classic brick-laid tiles in glossy or matte white
Herringbone – Angled layout provides dimension
Marble – Elegant alternative to all-white backsplash
Metal – Adds modern, sleek look (stainless, tin, copper)
Bold patterns – Geometric designs make a statement

Play with shape, texture, material or bold prints if seeking a colorful focal point. Install your backsplash material or tile around the perimeter of the cabinets for a framed look.

Style the Rest of the Kitchen Accordingly

Extend your kitchen’s design cohesiveness by choosing complementary elements like:

Hardware – Stick with polished chrome, brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze for finishes
Faucet – Select a sleek, simple style such as a curved gooseneck design
Lighting – Pendant lights or recessed lighting keep the visual lines clean
Floors – Light woods, tile, concrete,

How Much Do White Shaker Cabinets Cost?