Why Are Kitchen Cabinets So Expensive? Breaking Down the Hidden Costs

Premium Materials Cost More

One of the most obvious reasons kitchen cabinets come with a hefty price tag is the use of premium materials, like solid hardwoods and high-end finishes.

Stock cabinets at home improvement stores typically opt for cheaper wood particles and laminates. But quality custom cabinets are crafted from solid wood like oak, maple, and hickory which costs more than wood composites.

These hardwoods also allow for specialized finishes like glazes, stains, and distressing which add artistic detail. 

Besides wood, cabinet boxes can also be constructed from plywood or metal while fronts highlight exotic veneers. High-end countertops and hardware raise costs further.

The rule of thumb: the more unique, rare, and specialized the materials, the more you'll pay.

Durability Drives Construction Methods

Kitchen cabinets need to stand up to decades of wear and tear. That means using specialized joinery, hinges, drawer glides, and organizational systems built for longevity. Superior construction translates to higher prices.

For example, dove tail joinery in drawers keeps the front and back aligned over years of use. Soft-close hinges prevent slamming and damage. Full extension drawer glides make contents accessible. Roll-out trays, spice racks, and other functional elements improve usability.

While you pay more upfront for these features, they keep cabinets looking pristine and functioning smoothly longer.

Customization Adds to the Bottom Line

Speaking of features, customization also boosts the price.

Semi-custom and custom cabinets are built to your exact kitchen's specifications – from standard to unusual sizes and configurations. You pay for the cabinet maker's time to craft an original, optimized design. 

One-of-a-kind cabinets with specialized storage options like pull-out bins, appliances garages, and height-adjustable shelving increase costs further. Unique finishes, mixed door styles and accent details add even more to the custom price tag.

And the more modifications you make to a standard design, the more you pay.

Brand Recognition Matters

When you buy from an established, luxury brand you also pay for their reputation. Well-known cabinet lines leverage their name recognition to command higher prices.

Frameless cabinet construction also costs more than traditional face frame. 

While you can find quality cabinets at lower price points, big names in the industry set the benchmark for top-notch materials, construction, and warranties. And those coveted brands come at a premium.

How It All Adds Up

The costs of cabinets alone represent a significant portion of a kitchen remodel budget. But don't forget the expenses associated with installation.

You pay carpenters for their time to install everything – from hanging wall cabinets properly to adjusting and aligning doors and drawers perfectly. Complex projects with challenging site conditions or installation locations can increase labor hours and rates. 

Your contractor also factors their project management fees, insurance, and other overhead costs into the final price. Everything gets bundled into the total bill for cabinets and installation - which might explain why it exceeds your original expectations.

Remodeling Trends Impact Pricing

Just like in fashion, some cabinet door styles and finishes cost more based on what's on trend. For example, hand-painted cabinets with unique glazes or distressed finishes take more time and skill to execute. That artistic detail comes at a price.

Clean-lined slab door styles and two-toned color schemes are also popular right now. Less ornate cabinet designs with minimal hardware can actually cost more due to their modern appeal.

Your contractor sources products to match the latest trends - so style factors into the price.

Compare Cabinets to Overall Remodel Costs

While the costs may make you balk initially, remember that cabinets represent a significant chunk of your total kitchen remodel investment.

Put into the context of what you'll spend on countertops, flooring, lighting, appliances and labor, quality cabinets likely account for roughly 25% of the overall budget.

So while spending that amount on cabinets alone sounds staggering, that big number gets divided over your project's total price tag. And choosing the right kitchen components on the first go-around means greater long-term enjoyment of your updated space.

The Takeaway

Now that you know all the factors that go into setting the price of kitchen cabinets, you can determine what to prioritize in your project.

Investing in quality materials and construction pays dividends through years of flawless performance and visual appeal. But you may not need to purchase brand new cabinets to achieve your dream kitchen.

Cabinet refinishing provides a cost-effective upgrade that transforms the look of your existing cabinets.

Refinishing involves keeping the cabinet boxes and doors intact while repairing damages and applying a fresh coat of paint or stain. You get an updated, high-end look without the steep cost of new cabinets.

Oceanside Painting & Refinishing leverages decades of refinishing expertise to make your current cabinets look brand new again. We handle the entire process - from preparing the cabinets to flawlessly executing the new finish of your choice.

Fill out the quick form below for a free estimate and learn more about the transformative power of cabinet refinishing.