Building your own kitchen cabinets can be much cheaper than buying them from manufacturers, but only if you consider the cost of materials for the DIY project.
I asked Eric Elford, the CEO of Habidex, whether building your own kitchen cabinets is more cost-effective than buying pre-made ones.
He explained, “Only if you have all the tools, at least $5,000, skills, and a big workshop plus a vehicle sufficient to pick up the materials to do it. Most people definitely do not have this.” This shows that building your own cabinets requires a lot of time, money, and resources, which makes it difficult for most homeowners.
However, a DIY project like this involves more than just the cost of materials. You must also factor in the necessary tools, the time it will take, and the woodworking skills required to complete the project successfully. This article explores these factors to help you decide if building your own kitchen cabinets is worth it—or if hiring a pro is the right choice for your kitchen.
To give you an idea, the table below shows the prices of basic materials needed to build your own cabinets. It lists the cost per item, but the total expense depends on the size of your kitchen and the amount of material you need.
Cost of Materials and Tools for DIY Cabinets
| Materials | Average Price |
| ¾ Inch Plywood | $6.52 per square foot |
| ½ Inch Plywood | $6.54 per square foot |
| Edge Banding | $16.48 per piece |
| Drawer Slides | $19.42 per set |
| Door Hinges | $20.14 per pack |
In addition to the basic materials listed above, you will also need other supplies like screws, glue, and shelf pins. You will need paint, stain, or polyurethane sealer to finish the exterior surfaces. These extra materials typically add $300 to $500 to the total cost.
Aside from the materials, you will also need tools to build your kitchen cabinets. You’ll need a basic toolkit, including a hammer, screwdriver, and level, but you’ll also need specialized tools for woodworking. The following table lists average prices for DIY-ready tools; professional-grade tools can cost considerably more.
| Tools | Average Price |
| Miter Saw | $380.58 |
| Table Saw | $290.32 |
| Stacked Dado Set | $95.91 |
| Orbital Sander | $78.66 |
| Drill/Drill Bits | $39.69 |
While some of these tools, like an orbital sander, can be replaced with hand tools and elbow grease, you’ll need to be prepared to invest considerably more time in the project. If you’re starting a tool collection from scratch, it may cost you up to $800, plus time investment learning how to use them correctly.
This is why I don’t recommend building kitchen cabinets as your first woodworking project. While seasoned DIYers with large tool collections may save money, a cabinet-ready workshop takes time and investment.
Online Cost Calculators
If you are thinking about buying cabinets instead of building them, online cost calculators can give you a rough estimate. I used it to provide a comparison with the cost of building your own kitchen cabinets.
In the table below, I used cost calculators from Diamond Cabinetry and KraftMaid. Both calculators work similarly—you simply select the options that fit your kitchen, like size and layout, to estimate the cost.
| Online Cabinet Cost Calculator | Cost Estimate |
| Diamond Cabinetry at Lowes | $4588 (Not including Countertop and Installation Costs) |
| Kraftmaid | $3256 to $4829 |
The table shows the cost estimate after I selected the smallest kitchen size and the simplest layout, a single wall. I chose these options to get the lowest possible estimate as a baseline for comparison. The cost estimate will be higher if your kitchen is larger or has a more complex layout, such as an L- or U-shape.
The Diamond Cabinetry cost calculator increased the price when including countertops and installation. With KraftMaid, the estimate only covers the removal and replacement of cabinets. The total cost will be higher if you include kitchen remodeling or renovation.
Note that these companies offer semi-custom cabinets. For fully custom cabinets, you will need to hire a design specialist, which will be more expensive.
Learn the different types of kitchen cabinets here:
- 7 Types of Kitchen Cabinets: What’s the Difference?
- Kitchen Cabinet Construction Grades
- Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes: What You Need to Know
Time Commitment
Building your own kitchen cabinets can take a lot of time, depending on your skills and the complexity of the design. Your time is valuable, so you should consider this factor before starting the project.
If you enjoy the process of building your own kitchen and find it valuable, then go for it. But if you feel like you have to force yourself through the project, spending all your free time just to save money, you’re probably better off hiring a pro.
Bear in mind that kitchen projects make it considerably more difficult to cook while installation is underway. If you’re only working on your cabinetry on weekends, you may find yourself unable to use your kitchen appliances during the week.
Pros and Cons of Building Your Own Cabinets
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Customizations | ✘ Learning Curve |
| ✔ Labor Cost Savings | ✘ Time Commitment |
| ✔ Personal Satisfaction | ✘ Precision and Craftmanship |
The biggest advantage of building your own kitchen cabinets is your complete control over customization. This allows you to select your preferred design, materials, and finishes while eliminating labor costs.
On the other hand, you need to gain experience in woodworking to avoid facing a learning curve. As a beginner, you may make errors in measurement and assembly, leading to poor results and requiring extra time to fix those mistakes.
Decide Whether You Should DIY
Building your own kitchen cabinets can be cheaper if you have the necessary woodworking skills, tools, and experience. Before deciding to build your own cabinets, think about how much time you can commit. Rushing or balancing it with other tasks can lead to delays or mistakes.
With all these factors to consider, cost may not be the deciding factor. If you’re not an experienced woodworker, consider hiring a professional to ensure the task is done right.
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Main Photo Credit: LoloStock / Adobe Stock Free / License
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