One of the first questions we hear from homeowners planning a remodel is, “How much do custom cabinets cost?” And it’s a fair question. Custom cabinetry is often the centerpiece of a kitchen or bathroom upgrade, both visually and financially. But the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
The cost of custom cabinets can vary widely based on factors like cabinet size, material selection, layout complexity, and the specific room, whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, pantry, or laundry area. That’s why understanding the key pricing variables upfront is essential to planning a successful project.
At Seattle Cabinets, we’ve spent years helping homeowners design cabinetry that fits their vision and their budget. In this guide, we’ll offer a straightforward overview of average prices and the factors that influence them, so you can make informed choices with confidence.
What’s the Average Cost of Custom Cabinets?
Custom cabinetry is an investment that varies significantly depending on your space, goals, and materials. On a national level, the average cost of custom cabinets is around $7,472, with most homeowners spending between $2,808 and $12,980. In higher-end projects—particularly large kitchens or spaces with premium finishes—costs can reach or exceed $30,000.
Here in Seattle, mid-range projects typically fall between $8,000 and $18,000, while fully customized kitchen installations often land in the $13,000 to $30,000 range. For compact kitchens or partial updates, smaller-scale cabinet projects can cost as little as $2,843.
Custom cabinets are usually priced by linear footage. Expect to pay around $500–$1,200 per linear foot for fully custom designs. For a better perspective, a 20-foot kitchen layout may range from $6,000 to $14,000, while a 40-foot layout can rise to $28,000+.
These estimates depend heavily on material choices—MDF ($300–$400/ft), maple and birch ($300–$400/ft), white oak ($400–$600/ft), or cherry ($500–$700/ft)—as well as the design requirements typical of custom kitchen and bathroom cabinets, where function, storage needs, and style must work in harmony.
At Seattle Cabinets, our team helps homeowners make smart, value-driven choices by aligning material selection, layout planning, and customization options to your goals. This process ensures you don’t overspend on features you won’t use—while investing in long-term durability where it matters most.
Room-by-Room Breakdown
Custom cabinet pricing varies significantly based on the room and function. A full kitchen remodel naturally demands more cabinetry, materials, and labor than a bathroom vanity or laundry setup.
- Kitchen Cabinets:
For a typical custom kitchen in Seattle, expect to invest between $13,000 and $30,000, depending on size, materials, and special features like appliance lifts or soft-close hardware. Large kitchens with 30–40 linear feet of cabinetry can exceed $50,000 when built from high-end materials.
Cabinet upgrades are often planned alongside complementary improvements—flooring being one of the most common. Choosing cabinetry materials that coordinate well with the top flooring options for your kitchen ensures consistency in finish, tone, and durability.
- Bathroom Cabinets:
Smaller projects like a single-sink vanity may cost as little as $700, while custom cabinetry for a large primary bathroom can reach $15,000. - Pantry, Laundry & Garage Cabinets:
These areas often serve highly functional roles. Custom pantry cabinets range from $300 to $5,000, laundry room setups from $250 to $2,000, and garage cabinets from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on load-bearing needs and environmental durability.
What Affects the Cost of Custom Cabinets?
Custom cabinet pricing isn’t just about square footage—it’s about what goes into each inch. Whether you’re budgeting for a kitchen overhaul or a new bathroom vanity, understanding the key cost factors can help you make more informed, cost-efficient decisions.
1. Cabinet Size & Layout
More cabinets mean more material, labor, and time. Most kitchens fall in the 20–30 linear feet range, with layouts requiring 40 linear feet or more easily pushing costs into the $25,000+ tier. Complex floor plans, ceiling-height cabinetry, or islands add to both time and budget.
When planning your layout, it helps to think through your day-to-day needs—how you organize your kitchen cabinets can inform not just where storage is placed but how much of it you actually need.
2. Material Choices
Cabinet material impacts not just cost, but long-term durability, finish options, and style. Here’s how common options compare:
| Material | Cost/Linear Foot | Pros | Ideal For |
| MDF | $300 – $400 | Budget-friendly, smooth finish, paintable | Laundry rooms, garages |
| Birch | $300 – $400 | Durable, consistent grain, takes stain well | Bathrooms, utility cabinets |
| Maple | $300 – $400 | Tough, fine-grain, resists warping | Kitchens, built-ins |
| White Oak | $400 – $600 | Strong, elegant, great for custom stains | High-end kitchens, islands |
| Cherry | $500 – $700 | Rich red hues, ages beautifully | Premium kitchens, libraries |
| Walnut/Exotics | $700+ | Luxury aesthetics, high-end craftsmanship | Statement pieces, open kitchens |
Choosing the right material depends on your lifestyle. For example, homeowners with young kids may want a harder, scratch-resistant wood like maple or oak, while design-forward kitchens may prioritize cherry or walnut for their beauty.
3. Cabinet Features & Add-Ons
Features like soft-close hinges, pull-out trays, spice racks, drawer organizers, and hidden trash bins can raise your total. For example, a pull-out spice rack can add $200–$500+, and a lazy Susan up to $600+, among other kitchen accessories.
4. Finishing & Installation
High-quality finishing takes time. Details like multi-layer stains, custom edge profiles, and precision installation are labor-intensive—and worth it. Cabinet finishing also affects appearance and long-term durability.
5. Labor Rates
In the Seattle market, skilled cabinetmakers charge $70 to $175/hour, depending on project complexity. Labor often makes up 25–50% of your total cost.
Pro Tip: During a design consultation with Seattle Cabinets, we help clients identify their must-haves vs. nice-to-haves, keeping your project aligned with your budget, without sacrificing impact.
Get the Best Value with Seattle Cabinets
The cost of custom cabinets ultimately comes down to your space, design goals, materials, and level of customization. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or utility area, aligning your budget with your priorities is key.
At Seattle Cabinets, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate those decisions—balancing budget, functionality, and finish quality to create cabinetry that’s built to last. From layout planning to material selection, our design process ensures that you get the most from your investment.
If you’re considering a renovation, we recommend starting with a design consultation to clarify costs, timelines, and options tailored to your space.
