Ask five homeowners what they paid for kitchen cabinets, and you’ll probably get five very different answers.
One might tell you $3,000. Another, $30,000. And yet, both could have remodeled kitchens that look great on the surface.
So what gives?
The short answer: not all cabinets are created equal, and neither are the pricing models behind them.
From mass-produced boxes to fully custom hardwood builds, the range in cost depends on what they’re made of, how they’re built, how they fit your space, and whether anyone actually cares about the details
At Knotty Nuff Wood, we’ve built everything from budget-conscious small kitchen solutions to handcrafted, heirloom-level cabinetry. And in this guide, we’re breaking down what really drives the cost of kitchen cabinets, and what you get for your money at every level.
Why Do Kitchen Cabinet Prices Vary So Much?
You might be looking at one set of cabinets for $5,000 and another for $25,000 and thinking: They both have drawers and doors, what’s the difference?
Here’s a quick snapshot of what affects price:
Construction quality (solid wood vs. MDF vs. particleboard)
Customization level (off-the-shelf vs. made-to-order)
Finish quality (painted, stained, hand-finished)
Interior hardware (soft-close, full-extension, hidden pull-outs)
Fit and layout (standard box sizes vs. custom-fit to your walls)
Installation method (flat-pack vs. fully built units)
You’re not just paying for cabinets, you’re paying for how well they’re made, how well they function, and how well they fit your kitchen.
Stock, Semi-Custom & Custom Cabinets: What They Cost and Why
There’s a reason cabinet pricing feels all over the place: not all cabinets are built the same way, with the same materials, or for the same kind of home.
Here’s a breakdown of the three major categories you’ll hear about when comparing kitchen cabinets.
1. Stock Cabinets
Mass-produced, pre-sized, off-the-shelf
Average cost: $100–$300 per linear foot
Installed cost (average kitchen): $5,000–$10,000
These are your big-box store offerings, prebuilt in standard sizes, often flat-packed or ready-to-assemble (RTA). Think IKEA, Home Depot, Lowe’s.
You’re working with fixed dimensions, limited color/finish options, and entry-level construction materials like MDF or particleboard.
Pros:
Fast turnaround
Most affordable option
Good for rentals, flips, or temporary solutions
Cons:
Limited sizes = wasted space or filler panels
Construction is often stapled, glued, or cam-locked
Paints and finishes tend to chip, warp, or delaminate over time
Best for: Basic kitchens, tight budgets, quick installs
2. Semi-Custom Cabinets
Factory-built but with more sizing and style flexibility
Average cost: $150–$650 per linear foot
Installed cost (average kitchen): $8,000–$20,000
Semi-custom cabinets bridge the gap. You’re still working with modular units, but you’ll have more control over door styles, finishes, and dimensions.
Some manufacturers let you adjust cabinet widths in 1" increments, add organizational features, or upgrade interior hardware.
Pros:
More choices in style and color
Mid-range quality with optional upgrades
Slight layout flexibility
Cons:
Still restricted to preset box constructions
May use lower-grade materials behind nicer finishes
Lead times can be 6–12 weeks or more
Best for: Homeowners who want better quality and style, but don’t need fully custom cabinetry
3. Custom Cabinets
Designed, built, and finished just for your kitchen
Average cost: $500–$1,200+ per linear foot
Installed cost (average kitchen): $18,000–$50,000+
Custom cabinets are exactly what they sound like, crafted from raw materials, tailored to your kitchen’s dimensions, and made to match your lifestyle.
You’re not picking from a catalog; you’re working with a builder to design cabinetry that fits your space, your needs, and your taste.
Pros:
Built to fit your space, no filler panels
Complete control over wood, finish, construction, and function
Higher durability and resale value
Made with real materials and real joinery
Cons:
Higher upfront cost
Longer lead time (typically 6–14 weeks, depending on scale and complexity)
Best for: Forever homes, high-performance kitchens, or anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on materials or design
What Actually Drives Cabinet Costs (And What’s Worth Paying For)
If you’re just comparing the sticker price of kitchen cabinets, you’re missing the full picture.
Behind every number is a set of decisions (materials, construction, craftsmanship, and functionality) that all affect how your cabinets will look, feel, and hold up over time.
And here's the truth: custom cabinets aren’t just more expensive, they’re more valuable. Especially when built well.
Materials: What’s Behind the Finish?
That sleek exterior doesn’t mean much if the core is weak. Here's what you'll find inside most cabinetry, and why it matters:
Particleboard (stock & low-end semi-custom): Cheap, lightweight, prone to swelling if exposed to moisture
MDF (semi-custom): Smooth and paint-friendly, but not as durable for long-term wear
Plywood (high-end semi-custom & custom): Strong, stable, and resists warping or moisture issues
Solid wood (custom): Best-in-class for door fronts, frames, and detailing; adds richness and longevity
At Knotty Nuff Wood, we build with plywood cores and solid wood wherever structure or design integrity matters.
Because when you’re investing in custom, you deserve materials that last, not just look good at install.
Joinery & Build Quality
How your cabinets are assembled plays a massive role in how long they’ll last, and how they feel to use every day.
Stock cabinets are often stapled or glued. Fast, cheap, and hard to repair.
Semi-custom may add dowels or cam locks.
Custom cabinets are hand-joined, using dovetails, dados, and solid frames for superior strength.
If you’ve ever opened a drawer and felt it glide like it was built into the wall, that’s the kind of craftsmanship we’re talking about.
Finishes: More Than Just Color
A good finish isn’t just about color matching, it protects your cabinets from daily wear, water, and cleaning chemicals.
Stock cabinets often use pre-finished laminates or factory-applied paint that chips easily.
Custom cabinets get hand-sanded between coats, sealed for moisture, and finished with real depth and durability.
And because we custom-finish every project, we can match legacy stains, integrate patinas, or even design with clear-coated natural wood if you want something modern but timeless.
Customization: Fit, Function, and Flexibility
This is where custom leaves everything else behind.
With custom cabinetry, you’re not working around the boxes, you’re designing the boxes around your lifestyle.
That means:
Pullouts exactly where you need them
A pantry built to match your ceiling height
Toe-kick drawers for hidden storage
Deep drawers for heavy cookware
Knife blocks, spice trays, recycling centers, tray dividers, you name it
And if you're planning for a business, office, or commercial space, custom cabinetry brings the same benefits:
Built-in coffee bars that actually fit your equipment
Storage that works with your workflow
Reception desks and display walls are designed to reflect your brand, not whatever finish is on page 37 of a catalog
Choosing the Right Cabinetry for Your Home or Business
We get it, custom cabinetry sounds expensive.
And yes, if you’re comparing upfront costs only, it might look like stock or semi-custom options are the smarter move.
But when you zoom out, thinking about performance, longevity, resale value, and how it actually functions in your space, custom often pays for itself.
Here’s how to think through the decision strategically.
When Stock or Semi-Custom Might Work
We’ll be honest, there are times when stock or semi-custom cabinets make sense:
You’re flipping a property and want something fast, clean, and low-cost
You’re remodeling a rental unit and need basic functionality without the bells and whistles
You’re working with a tight footprint, and pre-sized cabinets happen to align with your layout
In these cases, a well-installed semi-custom line might check the boxes. But if you're already hitting the upper range of semi-custom prices? You’re probably close to custom territory and missing out on all the benefits.
Why Custom Cabinets Can Be the Smarter Long-Term Investment
Custom doesn’t just mean “more expensive.” It means more efficient, more functional, and more tailored to how you use your kitchen every single day.
With custom, you get:
Better use of space (no wasted corners, no filler strips)
More storage capacity (deeper drawers, taller uppers, toe-kick drawers)
Higher durability (fewer repairs or replacements down the line)
More resale appeal (buyers know quality when they see it)
And if you’re building for a commercial space, like a boutique shop, medical office, or hospitality environment, custom isn’t just about aesthetics.
It’s about designing cabinetry that fits your workflow, protects your tools or product, and reinforces your brand.
Making Custom Work for Your Budget
A lot of our clients come in thinking they can’t afford custom, until we show them how to tailor the design without sacrificing what matters most.
Here’s how we make it doable:
Prioritize key areas like your main kitchen wall or island, and use simpler storage elsewhere
Choose finishes that are beautiful and durable, but not overbuilt for what you need
Integrate open shelving or multi-functional features to reduce materials while adding flexibility
Opt for standard hardware layouts that still look elevated, but have lower labor time
Our job at Knotty Nuff Wood isn’t to upsell you, it’s to build you something that fits your space and your reality. And with the right strategy, custom doesn’t have to mean excessive.
Custom Cabinetry for Businesses & Commercial Projects
Custom cabinetry isn’t just for kitchens, it’s a powerful tool for creating smart, stylish, and highly functional commercial interiors.
Whether you’re running a business, managing a client-facing space, or building for hospitality or healthcare, the right cabinetry can elevate your entire operation.
Here’s how we help business owners make cabinetry that works as hard as they do:
Built for Branding & Function
Reception desks with integrated signage and hidden cable management
Breakroom cabinetry tailored to coffee stations, microwaves, and cleaning supply storage
Retail displays that showcase product, hide clutter, and hold up to high-traffic use
Medical or wellness offices with custom drawer configurations, lockable storage, and cleanability in mind
Salon and spa spaces with beautiful, durable vanities and towel storage built in
Why It Pays Off in a Business Setting
Efficiency: When everything has a place, your workflow improves, and your team works better.
Durability: Commercial-grade wear demands better materials and build methods. Custom handles it.
Branding: Your cabinetry becomes part of your environment and leaves an impression. Generic fixtures can’t do that.
Adaptability: We build around your equipment, tools, and routines, not the other way around.
We work directly with architects, designers, and business owners to build out commercial cabinetry that looks great and performs daily, without the wear and tear that comes from big-box materials.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're renovating your kitchen, building a new office, or just tired of working around cabinetry that doesn’t work for you, custom is always worth the conversation.
At Knotty Nuff Wood, we design and build cabinetry that fits your space, your story, and your standards. Built from real wood, made by real people, and designed to last.
Reach out today to start your custom cabinetry project, residential or commercial.
We’re happy to quote, brainstorm, or just answer your “is this even possible?” questions.