On average, homeowners spend $3,000 on a set of built-in cabinets. However, depending on several factors, most people pay anywhere from $1,400 to $15,000, but the average price range is around $450 per linear foot of cabinets installed, plus extra costs such as changing doors for drawers, inserting cabinets into walls, or adding moldings.
Several factors will affect how much you pay:
The most significant expense of cabinet construction is typically labor, though when you use
cherry, walnut, or another high-quality, high-priced wood, it might be the materials.
Labor for cabinet makers and carpenters will usually be higher than that of the average
handyperson. Cabinet Makers often charge $50 – $100 per hour for fabrication and around $100 to
$250 per cabinet for installation. This rate varies greatly depending on where you live and the
skill level of the craftsman.
Carpenters and cabinet makers typically have a high level of skill that they have acquired over
many years of building cabinets.
The wood you use is usually the second-highest expense. Although plywood veneer, pine, and poplar
are inexpensive, cherry, oak, and walnut can be costly, but you must consider what you will put
on the shelves.
Larger built-ins will require more material, which will drive up the price accordingly.
Exotic woods or ornate detailing will also drive up the cost of materials. The table below shows
the difference in price per board foot for various varieties of hardwoods.
A designer might charge $350 – $500 to draw your plans, depending on how elaborate you want your
built-ins to be. This cost usually includes the initial meeting where measurements will be
taken.
During this time, you and the designer will work together to come up with the cabinet plan. Many
cabinet makers will be able to draw up a basic set of plans free of charge, so be sure to ask if
this will factor into the cost of your project.
The type of accessories and hardware you might want on the cabinets include glass, molding,
knobs, pulls, hinges, electrical outlets, lights, and fixtures – all of which will affect the
price.
For example, adding crown molding or base molding may add as much as $250 per 8 feet. Pull-out
shelves may cost $270 each, while changing from a door to a drawer will increase the cost of
that unit by roughly $300.
Another sizable expense of a cabinet project is the finish. A couple of coats of clear finish is
the most cost-effective option, but adding a coat of stain or wax will drive up the price.
The type of finish is also a determining factor in the material choice as well. For instance,
when using enamel paint instead of a stain, poplar or pine can be used, which are more
affordable than species such as cherry or black walnut.
Finishing the cabinets yourself is a great way to reduce the cost of the project if you’re up
for the task.