How Much Do Custom Cabinets Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Custom cabinets cost an average of $7,472, with most homeowners spending between $2,808 and $12,980. That works out to $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. Key factors affecting the cost include location, size, and material quality. Hiring a professional is essential to ensure a quality outcome, as custom cabinets require skilled craftsmanship for durability and aesthetics.

Custom Cabinets Cost Factors

You'll pay between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot for custom cabinets, and several factors influence the total. Your location plays a significant role, as labor and material costs vary by region. The size of your project affects the total cost—the larger your kitchen, the more materials and labor you'll need. Material quality is another key factor; high-end woods and finishes will increase the price. Here’s a look at the main cost factors to consider when opting for custom cabinets,

Size

You can expect to pay between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot for custom cabinets. This price includes materials, labor, hardware, and accessories. The main factors affecting your installation are the materials you choose, the complexity of the installation, and any upgrades you decide on.

Materials

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is an excellent option for cabinets, and you'll usually find it in off-the-shelf types ranging from $300 to $400 per linear foot. Quality plywood is often a superior choice because its laminated construction resists warping and offers better strength than solid wood. Both plywood and MDF come in a wide range of qualities. Generally, the higher the cost, the better the materials you'll have, and the longer your new kitchen will last.

Laminate Veneers

Many people think that premium, made-to-order cabinets are always solid wood, but that's not always the case. High-end plywood—a laminated wood—resists warping and shrinking better than solid wood. So, furniture-grade plywood with real wood veneers is used for the boxes of almost all designer cabinets.

The wood veneers are laminated onto the boxes and are typically the same type used for the solid wood parts of the build, like frames and drawers. This means the veneer and solid wood portions match seamlessly. When you order custom cabinets, the veneers are already applied and ready for installation. 

Labor

Labor costs for professional installation range from $70 to $175 per hour, depending on your region and the complexity of the job. In areas with a higher cost of living, expect labor rates to be on the higher end. Factors like accessibility, delivery charges, and market demand can also impact the overall cost. Premium pricing tends toward the higher end due to additions like molding, trim, and other finishing work.

Removal and Demolition

Expect to pay between $300 and $500 to remove old cabinets, or $800 to $3,000 for a full kitchen demo. 

Refacing

Refacing custom cabinets costs $4,200 to $10,230, depending on the number of cabinets in your project and materials.

Cabinet Features and Add-Ons

With custom cabinets, you have complete flexibility to tailor your kitchen to your specific needs and preferences. While additional features and design options will add to the overall cost, they enhance functionality and aesthetics. Consider these features:

• Additional drawers and shelves: Increase organization and ease of use with extra drawers for pots, pans, and utensils. Built-in spice racks keep your seasonings within easy reach.

• Glass-front cabinets: If you love to entertain, opt for glass-front cabinets to display your stemware or decorative china. 

• Accessibility features: If ease of access is important to you, consider sliding drawers, pull-out shelves, and soft-close mechanisms.

• Custom layouts for unique spaces: If your kitchen has an unusual shape, tailored designs can maximize storage and functionality while fitting seamlessly into the space.

Here are some custom cabinet features with their associated costs:

You can buy many of these features after your installation, but it may cost more. To ensure a uniform look, it's best to include additional features in your initial build.

Custom vs. Semi-Custom and Stock Cabinet Costs

Custom cabinets cost two to five times as much as stock or semi-custom cabinets, largely due to the personalized design and higher-quality materials. There are three levels of cabinetry to consider:

• Stock: $100 to $400 per linear foot. These are standard models that are prefabricated and offer no customization.

• Semi-custom: $150 to $700 per linear foot. These are adaptable from a list of pre-built options—perfect if you're looking for unique cabinets without the hefty designer price.

• Custom cabinets: $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. These are crafted to your exact specifications.

DIY vs. Hiring a Cabinet Professional

When considering custom cabinets, you might wonder whether to build them yourself or hire a professional. While doing it yourself will save labor costs, you’ll still need to pay for all of the materials, and building your own custom cabinets is a time and labor-intensive job. Using improper materials, poor installation, or subpar finishing can lead to costly mistakes, structural issues, and a less-than-desirable appearance.

For a project of this magnitude, most homeowners will benefit from professional expertise. Custom cabinets require precision craftsmanship to ensure quality, durability, and a perfect fit for your space. Cabinetry professionals have the knowledge, tools, and experience to provide precise results and a long-lasting, durable finish. They can handle complex designs and can make expert recommendations on materials based on your budget and your needs. For the best results, hire a local cabinetry professional for your project.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.