A kitchen renovation is one of the most impactful ways to enhance your home’s beauty. It can improve your everyday living experience and boost your property’s value.
One feature that has a big impact on any remodeling is the cabinets. These can affect your home improvement project’s look, storage capacity, and cost. It’s also one of the biggest expenses you’ll encounter.
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: Is it cheaper to buy cabinets or have them built? The answer depends on many factors. This post breaks down the true cost so you can make an informed decision.
What to Expect When Buying Cabinets
Buying cabinets is often the faster and more affordable option. The cabinetry you can buy falls into three main categories. These are stock, semi-custom, and custom.
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Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per linear foot. They’re mass-produced and available at most big-box stores. You can find great ones at IKEA and Home Depot.
There are advantages to buying stock cabinets. They’re very affordable and are available for delivery within a few days. They’re also easy to replace if damaged.
Manufacturers use basic materials to make stock cabinets. Most companies use MDF or particleboard, which means they’re not the most durable. The size options are also limited.
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Semi-Custom Cabinets
As the name implies, these cabinets are open to some modifications. They’re based on standard sizes, though. You can choose the finishes and colors. These cabinets cost around $150 to $650 per linear foot.
You have more design flexibility if you go with semi-custom cabinets. They’re also made with better materials. But you might have to wait longer to get these cabinets. They have longer lead times than stock cabinets. Any upgrades you request also add to the cost.
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Custom Cabinets
You can buy custom cabinets from a manufacturer. They’re made-to-order and designed for your space and preferences. Custom cabinets cost around $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.
Custom cabinets are great options because they’re tailored to your needs. They’re also made of high-quality materials. But these cabinets come with a high upfront cost. They also take longer to produce, which means longer cabinet installation time.
What to Expect When Having Cabinets Built
You also have the option of having cabinets built. You can hire the services of a local carpenter or cabinetmaker if you prefer true custom work. These cabinets are all crafted from scratch. They’re based on your exact kitchen layout, style, and material preferences.
Custom-built cabinets offer the most flexibility but can also carry a steep price tag. They cost anywhere from $500 to more than $1,500 per linear foot.
There are benefits to going down this route. They’re tailored to your space. Custom cabinets have unique designs and finishes. You can opt for the highest-quality materials. One of the downsides is the high labor costs. It also takes much longer to build customized cabinetry. You might have to wait 6 to 12 weeks or more for them. This type of cabinet also requires hands-on project management.
What makes custom-built cabinet installation expensive? The main reason is the labor cost. This can account for over 50% of the cabinet’s total price. You need skilled carpenters for this job, and they charge between $50 and $150 per hour.
The material also adds to the cost. Higher-end woods like cherry, walnut, and maple can drive up expenses. The hardware you choose also adds to the cost. Using soft-close hinges and drawer slides is more expensive than drawer pulls. There’s also the finishing to consider. Custom stains or paints add time and money.
Final Words
Is it cheaper to buy cabinets or have them built? Buying stock cabinets is cheaper by a large margin. Custom-built cabinetry is better if you’re going for quality and good craftsmanship. You have to check your budget, the layout of the space, and the customization you want. You should also think about durability and maintenance. Whichever you choose, make sure you invest in something of good quality.
Providing Stunning and High-Quality Remodels
You can trust Pacific Bay Construction to build you the space of your dreams. We’re the experts to call when you want stunning, high-quality kitchen remodels. We’re also San Francisco’s premier remodeling firm. Our company brings style, function, and value together. We can transform your kitchen or bathroom within your budget. Contact us today or call (925) 775-3173 for a free estimate.
