Kitchen is a place where memories are homemade and seasoned with love, making it the heart of every home. Looking to revamp your kitchen’s appearance but don’t know how to begin when budgeting for kitchen cabinets? No worries, you’re exactly where you need to be.
One of the most critical and costly elements in a kitchen remodel are the cabinets. It is important to get the budget right which can be only achieved by considering the different options available. We will guide you through everything you need to know about budgeting for the best kitchen cabinets so that you can make an informed decision without exceeding your budget.
Why Are Kitchen Cabinets so Costly?
When planning a remodel of your kitchen, one cost item has been known to take the majority of the total budget which is “Cabinets”. You may be wondering, why does it have to be? This is only because kitchen cabinets represent much more than a space to stash your food items.They basically determine the whole look, feel, and functionality of your kitchen. Here are a few influencing factors that can play upon cabinet costs:
Materials: The kind of material you use in your cabinets can make a difference to the price as to how expensive the value will be. For example, maple or oak types are somewhat pricey compared to MDF and particleboard.
Quality and Craftsmanship: Cabinets come in various quality grades, from ready-to-assemble (RTA) to high-end, custom-built cabinets. The more complex and personalized the cabinetry is, the higher the price will be. Custom cabinetry is designed to fit your kitchen exactly and usually contains specialty finishes and design features, so it is considered a high-end product.
Hardware and Add-Ons: Soft-close hinges, pull-out drawers, and built-in organizers add convenience and style but add to the cost. All of these options make your kitchen more functional, but you need to know what features are must-haves and which can be compromised upon if you have a tight budget.
Installation costs: The professional installation is very likely to make your cabinets installed level and stable, and it is sure to boost your budget for overall prices, especially in a full kitchen remodeling project, besides the case where custom-building is done for the kitchen.
How Much Should You Budget for Kitchen Cabinets?
A helpful benchmark is to budget about 15-20% of your overall kitchen remodel for cabinetry. But the question is how do you make that practical?
For instance, if you are going to spend $20,000 on the kitchen remodel, you can spend $3,000-$4,000 for cabinets. It all depends on your requirements, needs, and type of cabinet you want to install.
The Types of Kitchen Cabinets with Corresponding costs
Understanding the different types of cabinets and their pricing can help you make a better decision based on your budget and design needs. Below are the primary types of kitchen cabinets along with their price ranges and details:
Stock Cabinets
Price: $100-$300 per linear foot
Details: Stock cabinets are mass-produced cabinets that come in the large home improvement stores. They come in fixed sizes and minimal design variations, making them an ideal choice for budget remodeling projects.
Best For: In case you want budget kitchen cabinets that do not involve too much customization, you can opt for semi-custom stock cabinets.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Details: Semi-custom cabinets are a bit more flexible in design; they tend to offer more choices when it comes to finish options and sizes. This means you get some custom at a lower cost.
Price: $150-$650 per linear foot.
Best For: The homeowner looking for more flexibility than fully custom but who isn’t willing to go entirely standard.
Custom Cabinets
Price: $500-$1,200+ per linear foot
Details: Custom cabinets are completely customized to your specific design; they can feature the molding you want, hardware selection, and just about any other detail.
Best For: If you want a very unique kitchen and are willing to invest, then you should go for custom cabinets.
What Are the Best Kitchen Cabinets in a Good Budget?
If you are someone who is on a very tight budget then stock cabinets will most likely be what you can afford. These cabinets are cheap and readily available everywhere, able to withstand most kitchen uses. What this means is that without overspending, you could get your basics covered and an ideal thing for budget-conscience remodels.
However, if you’d like a little flexibility in design without complete custom work, the semi-custom cabinets are the best bargain. They balance nicely between affordability and customization. You can customize the cabinets based on your style without paying the astronomical price tag cabinetry carries.
And for those who desire an entirely custom kitchen with flexibility in the budget, it is possible to have full control over the materials used and even the finish for custom cabinets. It’s ideal for people who really want a one-of-a-kind kitchen and can invest in the long term for quality.
How to Save on Kitchen Cabinets without Losing Quality?
With a few smart choices, you can save money while still achieving the look and durability you want. Consider the below mentioned saving tips to achieve the best kitchen cabinets within your budget:
Opt for Lower Cost Materials: Choose a lower cost but good quality material such as engineered wood or even MDF instead of the high-end woods, which may help save you hundreds yet still look great.
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets: A large number of great manufacturers are now offering ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets, allowing you to cut labor cost.
Avoid the Add-ons: such as soft-close drawers or pull-out trays, which can make your project more expensive than it has to be. Identify your kitchen’s minimum needs and focus on them.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For: It is not just deciding what type of cabinets you need for planning your budget; there are many hidden costs to watch out for as they can quickly add up.
Delivery Fees: There is a charge for delivery by many sellers, especially when there is a large order customized.
Additional Finishes: Specialty finishes, such as antique glazes or hand-painted details, will add to the price.
Installation Challenges: If you have walls or floors in your kitchen that are uneven, installing the cabinets will require extra labor and will be more costly.
Knowing the upfront will prevent sticker shock when the final bill arrives.
Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen
As discussed above, setting the budget for your kitchen cabinet involves functionality and style together with affordability. You make a choice from material to type to even installation when you take great care on such considerations as above, in alignment with your vision and financial planning. This way, keeping an eye on your budget while choosing whether to settle for stock, semi-custom, or custom, you ensure a beautiful, cost-effective kitchen.
When it comes to getting the most out of your money, you don’t always have to sacrifice quality. You see, you can design a space that is true to your taste while still being comfortable for your requirements, transforming this warm core into the genuine heart of your home.
So are you all ready to bring your fantastic vision for your dreamy ideal kitchen to life that may well be on some part affordable? There’s no need to wait any longer! With some thoughtful planning, cost-effective choices, and a clear idea of what you truly want, you’re just steps away from achieving the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank.
