How much do kitchen cupboards / cabinets cost? - Hanse
What is the most expensive part of kitchen construction - adding state-of-the-art appliances? Installing new floors? No, the biggest item is the kitchen cupboards.
To remodel your kitchen, new kitchen cupboards are an easy way to instantly refresh your kitchen and enhance the value of your home. And, as home renovations go, they're quite quick and easy to do. But they're not cheap, and since costs can get out of hand, knowing what to look for and how to buy is an important part of installing cupboards.
How much do new kitchen cupboards cost?
According to Hanse's latest stats, new cupboards for the average kitchen range from $1,800 to $27,000 -- most projects range from $3,600 to $16,000 -- depending largely on the type of kitchen cupboards (custom, semi-custom or ready-made) and the materials from which it is made. Of course, the size of the job also matters: Contractors typically quote a price per linear foot, which can range from $88 to $1,200.
Plus, hardware is an extra expense, and the cost of handles and knobs for cabinets varies widely, from under $188 to as much as $9,600 for more ornate or unique models.
Price table
| KITCHEN SIZE | SQUARE FOOTAGE | COST |
|---|---|---|
Small size | Up to 70 sq. ft. | $1,600-$12,000+ |
Medium size | Up to 120 sq. ft. | $2,000-$15,000+ |
Large size | 200 sq. ft. and more | $3,800-$28,000+ |
Custom cupboards
Another key factor that affects the cost of kitchen cabinets is the uniqueness of these units. There are three categories of kitchen cupboards: stock (completely prefab), semi-custom (like car models or custom clothing - they come in standard styles and sizes, but you can choose certain details) and custom (build exactly to your needs) ). As for the average price:
Stock cupboards: $90 to $320 per installed linear foot
Semi-custom cupboards: $12 to $680 per installed linear foot
Custom cupboards: $450 to $1,400 per installed linear foot
As you can see, if you choose the custom route, expect the cost to be 100% higher than a stock or semi-custom model.
Additional Costs for New Kitchen Cupboards
When you're shopping for new cupboards, there are other items to plan for. For example, you may have to pay an extra $200 to $500 to remove and dispose of old cabinets and any debris.
You may also need to adjust the position of existing kitchen cupboards before installing new ones. This is not an easy process as it may involve movement of outlets and pipes, and you may need to repair drywall and paint.
How to Save Money on Kitchen Cupboards
1. Compare door styles
You might consider a specific door style before buying cupboards, but if your goal is to save money, it's best to choose two or three options and compare costs. Door styles can make a huge difference in the price of your cupboards.
Raised panels and recessed door styles will always cost more. Typically, vibrator-style doors cost less, but this is not always the case. It may vary by cabinet manufacturer.
2. Replace wall cupboards with open shelves
Shelves will save you a lot of money. Yes, you are sacrificing storage space. Yes, they require more maintenance. However, you are definitely not sacrificing your retirement fund. Standard wall cupboards can add thousands of dollars to your total cost. The price difference is huge.
3. Choose Affordable Wood Species
The right wood species can save you hundreds of dollars in total cost. Oak is almost always affordable. The hickory wood shown on the bottom cupboards is usually an upgraded version of oak.
Although many homeowners are drawn to it, cherries are often expensive. Prices for tree species such as maple can go up by hundreds of dollars. If you want to cut costs, you may want to keep shopping. Ultimately, the wood species price will be determined by the cabinet manufacturer. Ask your local cabinet store for the most affordable species.
4. Consider hot foil or laminate
You don't always have to use an all-plywood construction. Both Thermofoil and laminate are great budget-friendly options.
Thermofoil is a plastic finish for MDF or other types of engineered wood cores. It's durable and easy to clean, and it costs significantly less than wood. Laminate is also much cheaper than wood. It usually holds up well over time, although it is not as strong as wood. It is also more susceptible to moisture.
If you decide to buy hot foil or laminate cabinets, there are a few factors to consider. You'll need a layered heat shield near your range. You may also want an all-plywood sink base or sink mat for extra moisture protection.
On the plus side, you can use the extra savings on laminate and thermal foil to add detail to your cabinets, including crown molding, corbels, and trim door styles.
5. Don’t opt for soft-close drawers and fully extended slides
Sacrificing some common upgrades like soft-close drawers and full extension slides can save you hundreds of dollars (and maybe more). If you are worried about wear and tear, try sliding doors. They may be a more affordable option to help maintain the integrity of doors and drawer fronts.
6. Say no to pullouts
You have to decide whether the added convenience is worth the cost. Any type of pullout, whether it's a trash can, sliding shelf or wonder nook, will add to the expense.
7. Less customization
You may be tired of hearing it, but it's a fact: the fewer details you choose, the less you pay. Corbels, trim legs, matching end panels, glass door fronts, crown moldings and more are all very expensive. That doesn't mean you have to go without any decorative touches, though. Just strategic. Add some decorative legs and cut down on the pullout.
8. Don’t add glaze to paint or stains
Glazes are tempting because small details go a long way in shaping the aesthetics of a cabinet. However, glazes add significantly to the cost of kitchen cabinets. Because it's more of a need than a need, don't hesitate to take it off the table.
9. Opt for more doors, fewer drawers
If you like the raised panel door style and want a clean looking wood like maple. To offset the extra cost of both options, include fewer drawers in your design. Drawer bases cost more than standard base cabinets.
