Cabinet Guide: Types, Materials & Cost

Per linear ft installed: stock: $100-$300. Semi-custom: $200-$650. Custom: $500-$1,500+. Average kitchen (30 linear ft): stock: $3,000-$9,000. Semi-custom: $6,000-$19,500. Custom: $15,000-$45,000. Cabinets are 35-50% of a total kitchen remodel budget. Best value: semi-custom cabinets with plywood construction and soft-close features offer the best quality-to-price ratio for most homeowners.

Stock: best for budget remodels and standard kitchens. Limited options but immediate availability and lowest cost. Semi-custom: best for most homeowners. More sizes, finishes, and accessories than stock. Good quality at a moderate price. 4-8 week lead time. Custom: best for unique spaces, non-standard layouts, and luxury kitchens. Any size, material, and finish. 8-16 week lead time and highest cost. Rule: start with semi-custom. Only go custom if your space requires non-standard sizes or you want materials and details not available in semi-custom.

Box: plywood is the best material for cabinet boxes. It is stronger, lighter, and more water-resistant than particleboard or MDF. Look for 1/2 inch plywood sides and 3/4 inch plywood shelves. Doors: solid wood (maple, cherry, oak) for painted or stained finishes. Maple is the most popular for painted cabinets (smooth grain hides well). Features: dovetail drawer joints, full-extension soft-close drawer slides, and concealed soft-close hinges. These three features separate quality cabinets from budget cabinets.

Reface if: cabinet boxes are in good condition, the layout works, and you want to save 40-60% vs new cabinets. Refacing replaces doors, drawer fronts, and covers visible box surfaces with veneer. Cost: $4,000-$10,000. Replace if: boxes are damaged or delaminating, the layout needs to change, you need more storage, or the cabinets are particleboard that has swollen from moisture. New cabinet cost: $6,000-$45,000+. For most homeowners with solid cabinet boxes: refacing is the smarter investment.