When renovating a kitchen, cabinets often represent the largest single cost, and they also have the biggest impact on both aesthetics and daily function. The trouble is many homeowners underestimate this expense, choosing either bargain-basement options that fail early or splurging far beyond their needs. With solid planning, you can strike the perfect balance: investing wisely to enjoy quality and durability without blowing your budget.
The National Average Cabinet Spend
According to industry data, the average U.S. homeowner spends around $15,000 on kitchen cabinets for a mid-size kitchen of 150–250 square feet. Here’s a breakdown:
- Budget cabinets ($3,000–$7,000): Typically stock units with limited sizes, less durable particleboard construction, minimal hardware, and generic finishes.
- Mid-range cabinets ($10,000–$25,000): Often feature plywood boxes, soft-close drawers, semi-custom sizing, and a range of finish options.
- High-end cabinets ($30,000+): Custom-built with premium wood, hardware upgrades, specialized storage systems, and full installation packages.
Most homeowners find the sweet spot at the mid-range level: quality build and user-friendly design without the premium for high-end customization.
Where Homeowners Overspend
- Overly Custom Add-Ons
Things like in-cabinet lighting, hidden appliance garages, or expensive glass panels look great but can significantly drive up cost, sometimes with little daily benefit. - Ultra-Premium Finishes
Exotic woods, high-gloss lacquer, and luxury stains are beautiful, but unless essential, they often exceed necessary functional value. - Designer Brand Premiums
Paying more for well-known brands doesn’t guarantee better build quality. Many lesser-known lines deliver nearly identical performance at lower cost.
Where Cutting Costs Leads to Regret
- Particleboard Boxes & Thin Back Panels
These materials may be cheap but they sag, swell, or break quickly in real-world use. - Low-Quality Drawer Slides
They stick or loosen with use, making daily function frustrating. - Budget Finish Coatings
Cheap paints and veneers chip and discolor, leading to unexpected replacement. - Frequent Repairs
Simple fixes like tightening hinges can add up quickly, often matching the cost of a quality upgrade with better peace of mind.
Smart Spending: Where to Invest
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Plywood Cabinet Boxes | Durable and moisture-resistant, won’t warp or sag |
| Soft-Close Hardware | Quiet operation and longer-lasting hinges and slides |
| Full-Extension Drawers | Provides complete access and better functionality |
| Thoughtful Layout | Enhances usability without needing excessive customization |
| Reliable Finish | Fewer chips and less wear over time |
Skip decorative moldings, heavy-grade glass fronts, or hardware upgrades that don’t align with your lifestyle, unless they’re truly desired and budgeted for.
Cabinet Budget Ranges by Kitchen Size
- Small kitchens (<150 sq ft): $7,000–$12,000
- Mid-size kitchens (150–250 sq ft): $12,000–$20,000
- Large kitchens (>250 sq ft): $20,000–$35,000+
These estimates include cabinet boxes, door fronts, hardware, basic delivery, and installation, but always verify what’s included: hardware quality, installation complexity, and delivery conditions can vary.
Custom vs. Semi-Custom vs. Stock Cabinets
- Custom Cabinets: Tailored to exact dimensions, materials, and finishes. Highest cost but ideal for complex layouts or exact design goals.
- Semi-Custom Cabinets: Offer flexibility in sizing, hardware, and finish upgrades. Typically 15–30% less expensive than full custom options.
- Stock Cabinets: Pre-built standard sizes with few finish selections. Best for tight budgets or simple layouts, but offer little room for expansion or perfect fit.
Why Mid-Range Customization Makes the Most Sense
Investing in plywood boxes, soft-close hardware, and layout planning delivers long-term value. You won’t regret it in three years, whereas buying cheap often means starting over. For most homeowners, semi-custom hit that sweet spot: a personalized look and feel without overpaying for features you’ll seldom use.
Client Stories: What We’ve Seen
- $4,000 Box-Store Purchase: Client bought stock cabinets to save money, three years later, doors were peeling and drawers sticking. Replacement ended up costing more than a mid-range upgrade would have.
- $22,000 Well-Balanced Remodel: Plywood boxes, durable finishes, soft-close hardware paved the way for a space that still looks fresh a decade later.
Tips for Budgeting Smartly
- Start with a high-level quote (boxes + install)
- Factor in 20–30% for hardware, delivery, disposal, and trim
- Allocate ~10% for contingency (unforeseen changes or upgrades)
Prioritize features that improve daily use, don’t pay for prestige extras