Custom cabinets beautify the home, offer improved storage capacity and functionality, and optimize available space. Thanks to the combo of aesthetic enhancement and practical benefits, cabinet replacement is considered one of the highest-value improvements that homeowners can make.
For many homeowners, custom cabinets are close to the top of the home improvement wish list. However, cost is always a concern, and cabinet pricing can be confusing.
Including labor, custom cabinets in 2024 typically cost a minimum of $300 per linear foot. However, prices vary widely based on location, choice of material, features and accessories, and customization.
In the sections below, we’ll step through the factors that influence the cost of custom cabinet installation.
Size and Number of Cabinets
Larger and more numerous cabinets require more materials and labor.
Pricing may be based on linear feet (total combined length of all cabinets), square feet, or individual components. Either way, the total amount of material used is more important than the number of cabinets. For example, a single large cabinet may cost more than three smaller ones.
To gather preliminary info that your contractors will use to produce an estimate, you can count the number and size of cabinets that you want to install or calculate the total square footage or linear feet.
Materials
High-quality custom cabinets are made from certain woods that are known for superior beauty, durability, and longevity. Popular choices include:
- Birch
- Walnut
- Maple
- Oak
- Pine
- Cherry
- Mahogany
- Hickory
Affordably-priced options include plywood, particle board, and thermally fused laminate (TFL). These materials provide a stylish finish, offer durability, and can be easily painted to any color that you prefer.
Wood prices vary from place to place and year to year based on demand, supply chain health, and regional availability.
When choosing the perfect wood, color is a primary consideration. From rich, dark mahogany to pale, off-white maple, wood comes in countless hues. Wood can also be stained to enhance or adjust natural coloring. Or, wood can be painted to achieve an entirely different color.
An additional aesthetic consideration is texture. Some woods feature lively grain patterns, while others are more straight and uniform. While natural woods present rugged, varied texture, engineered products like TFL offer a smooth, consistent aesthetic that may be preferable in some design settings.
Finally, consider the functional purpose of the wood. For example, kitchen cabinets near a stove should be able to withstand temperature fluctuations, while bathroom cabinets must not be moisture-sensitive. The most popular woods are also the most durable ones, but some species, like cherry and maple, are particularly sturdy and resistant to threats like moisture and humidity.
Cabinet Design and Customization
The most affordable cabinets are simple and straightforward, while complexity and customization increase the price.
Design features for custom cabinets include intricate patterns, glass inserts, unusual shapes, and specific dimensions. There are also functional add-ons, like pull-out shelves and built-in organizers. These features make cabinets more beautiful, unique, and useful. They also require advanced craftsmanship and additional labor, resulting in higher-priced installations.
Installation and Labor Costs
Labor costs for cabinet installation vary based on location (distance between the contractor and the home), job difficulty, and the amount of time needed to complete the job. Additionally, expert contractors with strong reputations demand higher rates than less experienced crews.
Some contractors charge flat rates based on the amount of linear feet installed. Others charge separately for labor, usually between $50–$80 per hour.
High-quality installation isn’t cheap, but it ensures beautiful, long-lasting results.
Additional Features and Accessories
Along with choosing a wood and creating a custom design, cabinet customization may include the selection of high-end knobs and drawer pulls. Other additional features and accessories include:
- Soft-close hinges
- Pull-out shelves
- Drawer dividers
- Lighting inside or underneath the cabinets
These custom touches help a set of cabinets to perfectly fit the needs of a home. However, they may drive up the project’s costs considerably, due to the need for special parts and installation skills.
Get Premium Cabinets for Your East Idaho Home
Custom cabinet installation costs depend on customer priorities. Budget-focused homeowners can opt for simpler installations, while others choose to pay up for certain materials, details, and features.
At Jorgensen Cabinets, we serve East Idaho homeowners with world-class craftsmanship in the art of cabinetmaking. For new homes and remodels, and for any room in the house, we bring expert design skills, woodworking, and service to every project.
Contact Jorgensen Cabinets today to discuss custom cabinets for your home.