This article will break down why cabinets are so expensive today. Kitchen cabinets are expensive due to material costs, labor, manufacturing, shipping, installation, customization, and brand recognition.
As CEO Eric Elford of Habidex explains, “It costs money to build. There are differing levels of trims and qualities of sliders (Chinese, Swedish, European, etc.). Good quality products cost money. They aren’t cardboard boxes.”
Each of these factors directly influences the overall price of kitchen cabinets. We will explore how these factors affect your budget and choice to help you make the best decision when shopping for new kitchen cabinets.
Several factors affect the cost of new cabinets, some of which you can see right away and others that are not obvious. By learning why kitchen cabinets are expensive, you can better compare your options and budget for this important investment.
Material Costs
Material costs include the type of wood used to make the cabinets and the hardware needed for building them. These costs can vary based on the quality and style of the materials being used.
Wood Type
Using expensive wood in cabinet making drives up the price of kitchen cabinets. Some of the most expensive woods used in cabinetry include:
- Walnut
- Oak
- Cherry
- Rustic Alder
- Mahogany
Other types of wood used include hickory, pine, maple, and birch. Each of these woods comes with a high cost, significantly influencing kitchen cabinets prices.
Maple and oak are popular for kitchen cabinets because these woods are durable and have a beautiful, fine grain that stands up to daily use. For a more luxurious feel, woods like mahogany or cherry can add elegance but come with a higher price tag.
Hardware
The hardware used in building a kitchen cabin can impact its prices. Cabinet parts like rails, hinges, latches, handles, and knobs can affect the overall cost, depending on the quality, material, and design choices.
Kitchen cabinets with hardware made from solid brass, copper, and other precious metals cost more than those with only a surface coating. In addition, kitchen cabinets using more advanced hardware like spring-loaded hinges and quiet ball bearings will be costly.
Manufacturing and Labor Costs
Creating kitchen cabinets involves various skilled trades, such as carpentry, woodworking, mechanical, and technical expertise. The cost of skilled labor varies based on the complexity of the design and materials used, impacting the prices of kitchen cabinets.
To give you an idea, the data below from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the hourly wages of all furniture and other related manufacturing sectors, including those involved in making kitchen cabinets.
Industry: Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing
| May 2024 | June 2024 | July 2024 | August 2024 | |
| Average Hourly Earnings | $ 27.48 | $ 27.63 | $ 27.60 | $ 27.63 |
Earnings By Occupation
| Occupation | Average Hourly Rate (Year 2023) |
| Cabinet Makers and Bench Carpenters | $ 21.36 |
| Carpenters | $ 26.18 |
| First-line Supervisors/Managers of Production and Operating Workers | $ 30.26 |
| Furniture Finishers | $ 19.85 |
| Team Assemblers | $ 18.78 |
| Upholsterers | $ 21.28 |
| Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 19.51 |
Manufacturing kitchen cabinets requires the skills of experienced professionals, and their hiring costs can affect the overall price of the kitchen cabinets. Choosing experienced labor will ensure that skilled workers craft and install your cabinets with exceptional quality to create a beautiful, functional, and durable kitchen space.
Customization and Design
Customization significantly impacts the price of kitchen cabinets. Manufacturers design semi-custom and custom kitchen cabinets to fit your kitchen’s specific measurements. You pay for the expertise of the cabinet maker who creates a unique design just for you.
More importantly, manufacturers make custom cabinets to meet your exact requirements in design, color, material, and size. This level of personalization makes them more expensive than stock cabinets. Although custom cabinets offer better quality and durability, they typically cost more.
On the other hand, added features like pull-out bins, appliance garages, and height-adjustable shelving can increase costs even more. Special finishes, different door styles, and accent details also add to the price. The more changes you make to a standard design, the more expensive the kitchen cabinets will be.
Installation Costs
Installation costs can affect the overall price of kitchen cabinets. Professional installation typically raises the overall cost because skilled workers ensure everything fits and aligns properly. Complex layouts or custom designs may require additional time and expertise, further increasing installation costs.
If you choose to install the cabinets yourself, you can save money, but it may involve more effort and time. Ultimately, whether you hire professionals or do it yourself, installation costs are an important factor to consider when budgeting for new kitchen cabinets. Read our article on how to install kitchen cabinets to help you do it on your own.
Shipping Fees
Most kitchen cabinet sellers charge for shipping, which can get expensive. Delivery often uses a large box truck, and the fuel and maintenance costs add to the total price.
In addition, the heavy lumber and hardware that manufacturers use to make kitchen cabinets lead to high shipping costs. They usually pass these costs on to you. The shipping price depends on how far you are from the seller, although some may offer free shipping for large orders.
Brand Name
Brand recognition plays a significant role in determining the price of kitchen cabinets. Well-known brands often charge more due to their reputation for quality, durability, and design. Customers will pay a premium for trusted brands because they associate those brands with reliability and customer service.
In contrast, lesser-known brands may offer lower prices but have a different quality assurance level. Ultimately, brand recognition can lead to price variations, making it essential for buyers to consider both reputation and budget when choosing cabinets.
Hiring a Pro Can Help
Although it may feel like DIY cabinetry is always less expensive, hiring a pro with a free quote from Home Gnome can actually save you money on material costs. Pros have access to wholesale cabinet and raw material prices that are harder to come by in the retail market. They can also save you money by eliminating mistakes and getting the job done right the first time.
Learn more about kitchen cabinets:
- How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinets
- Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes: What You Need to Know
- Kitchen Cabinet Construction Styles
- 7 Types of Kitchen Cabinets: What’s the Difference?
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image Credit: ArchiVIZ / Adobe Stock Free / License
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