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Kitchen Cabinets Cost Guide & Table of Contents
Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets in 2026: $15,000-$50,000+
Are you planning a kitchen remodel or upgrading your home cabinets in 2026? One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is: “How much do custom cabinets cost?” In this guide, we’ll break down real price ranges, explain what affects cost, and help you budget for your project with confidence.
Most of our clients spend in the range of $15,000 - $50,000 for kitchen cabinets in 2026. Depending on your kitchen size, line options, wood types, paints or stain, accessories and more, you may spend more or less. We're located in the Nashville area (Mt. Juliet) and this is consistent with pricing in our area. It may be different in other states, and especially in other countries. Some of the largest differences are often in labor and installation costs. Our installation team isn't the most inexpensive available, and it's a point of pride because we don't cut corners on quality from the product to the end result. Cabinets can be a significant investment in a remodel and it's worth it to have them expertly installed.
Factors that Affect Custom Cabinet Costs
Material
- Wood species (maple, oak, cherry, walnut)
- Plywood vs. MDF or particleboard (note that we do NOT sell particleboard)
Cabinet Construction & Design
- Inset vs. overlay doors
- Drawer style and hardware
- Custom features like pull-outs, spice racks, or appliance garages
Finish
- Painted, stained, or natural wood
- Specialty finishes (glazing, distressing, custom colors)
Size & Layout
- Number of cabinets
- Full wall cabinets vs. islands
- Ceiling height adjustments
Installation
- Labor cost varies by region
- Complexity of kitchen layout
- Removal of old cabinets
Assuming you're planning to use a cabinet made with quality construction (no particleboard or furniture board that won't hold up), the simplest kitchen is the most affordable kitchen. Think simple layout, in a stock cabinetry line, in a white shaker door style. That's your most affordable kitchen. As you think about more creative layouts (or you have a unique shape to your space, etc.) that moves you into a semi-custom or custom cabinetry option, so we can design for optimum space and storage in every square inch. It also opens about a million combinations of door styles, finishes, glazes and even custom designs. You can literally draw an example of cabinet you want with unique features and we can make it for you. Just know that the more custom, the more expensive that cabinet might be. Storage and organization features such as a roll-trays, cutlery, dividers, and wastebasket pull-outs can also increase price. Additionally, more intricate door styles (think a reeded design, or fluted details) tend to affect the price as well. Wood species also plays a critical part in the pricing of cabinetry.
Cost Examples for Common Kitchens in 2026
Here are some realistic scenarios to help you budget:
Small Kitchen (10x10 ft): $15,000 – $20,000 for full custom cabinets
Medium Kitchen (10x15 ft): $18,000 – $35,000
Large Kitchen (15x20 ft + island): $30,000 – $50,000+
Tip: Always get multiple quotes and compare apples to apples—same materials, same finishes, same design features.
Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
Custom cabinets don’t have to break the bank. Consider these strategies:
- Choose standard size cabinets for main areas, and go semi-custom on specialty features
- Choose more cost-effective materials (MDF, maple, birch)
- Limit specialty or custom finishes to focal cabinets (like islands or wall cabinets)
- Include floating shelves to reduce upper wall cabinets
Why Custom Cabinets Are Worth the Investment
Many homeowners hesitate at the initial cost, but custom cabinets:
- Maximize storage with tailored layouts
- Increase home value and appeal
- Last decades with proper care
- Reflect your personal style
A higher upfront investment often saves money in the long run by avoiding replacements or costly retrofits. This is the heart of your home and where you will spend so much of your time with friends and family. Design it for the life you want.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are custom cabinets more expensive than buying from big-box stores?
Not necessarily. We design to your specifications, use higher-quality materials, and often include functional accessories, without the huge overhead of retail stores. We work with several manufacturers that balance affordability with exceptional quality. Already received a quote from another store? We won't review the same design, as we consider that their intellectual property, but feel free to send us your home measurements and schedule a visit to our showroom to ensure you're getting the right partner for your project. Showroom visits are typically 2 hours long, but can save you thousands (and delays) if you're working with an unreliable cabinetry provider.
Q2: How long do cabinets take to be delivered?
Typically, 2-4 weeks for standard cabinet designs and 4-6 weeks for semi-custom cabinets, depending on complexity and material availability.
Q3: Can I finance custom cabinets?
We don't currently offer financing for our clients, but recommend working with local bank branches or credit unions for a construction loan, HELOC or similar financing options.
Q4: Will labor increase the cost significantly?
Installation costs vary by region, but most homeowners spend 10% of total cabinet cost on installation. Our prices and cost ranges include the installation cost.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
If you want beautiful, functional, and long-lasting kitchen cabinets, understanding the 2026 price ranges is the first step. Custom cabinets may cost more upfront, but the investment pays off in style, quality, and long-term satisfaction.
Next Steps:
- Measure your kitchen
- Schedule a visit to our design studio and showroom
- Decide on materials, finishes, and features
- Get a budget/estimate for your desired design
- Approved/revise designs as needed
- Enjoy your dream kitchen!
Want a free estimate for your custom cabinets in 2026? Contact us today, and let’s design a kitchen that fits your home and lifestyle.
Get Started with a Free Design Consultation
What will you dream up for your kitchen space?
to the Design Studio
Schedule a discovery call with our design team and see if we’re the right fit to bring your cabinetry vision to life.
During your visit to our design offices, you’ll get hands-on with materials, explore styles, and talk through your ideas with our cabinetry experts. Located in Mt. Juliet, TN.
