Cost of Custom Cabinets in PA - an in-depth look
Applicable for Montgomery County and surrounding areas.
Rough averages:
- Stock Cabinets: $5k-30k
- Semi-Custom Cabinets: $15k-50k
- Fully Custom Cabinets: $25k-100k+
Find out exactly how much your cabinets will cost.
Serving Montgomery County and surrounding Philadelphia neighborhoods since 1959
Table of Contents
Published on October 29th, 2021 by
A family-owned company in Pennsylvania for three generations, Dailey Manufacturing, has been committed to customer satisfaction since its inception. With expertise in cabinetry manufacturing and installation services, owner Brian serves the local community with dedication while always putting clients first.
Custom Cabinets Cost
The average price for custom cabinets is between $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. That includes the cost of labor, hardware, accessories, and material used.
As a reference, for a medium kitchen of around 20 linear feet, installing custom cabinets can set you back at approximately $12,000.
It is recommended that you budget 10-15% extra for your project. Maybe the price of materials goes up in the meantime, or just unforeseen or unexpected costs occur.
Crown moldings, hardware, doors, and other items can easily add another $5,000. Depending on your contractor, the installation cost for these may not be included, so budget another $100 for each cabinet.
Generally, the entire cost for manufacturing and installing custom cabinetry for an average-sized kitchen, considering all the key factors that impact the price, will be around $18,600.
Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets Per Linear Foot
When measuring cabinets, the preferred method is the linear foot. The total linear feet will be the entire length of the space where you wish to put your cabinetry.
To make things easier, I put together this calculator. All you have to do is insert how many linear feet of cabinetry you want and the material quality you’d like to use, and it will give you a rough estimate.
| Stock | Semi-Custom | Custom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 - $250* | $250-$550* | $500-$1,200* |
| Quality | Low to Good | Low to Great | Good to Great |
*price is per linear foot of cabinetry
Custom Cabinet Door Cost
The doors you choose for your cabinetry can significantly impact its cost and style.
The most common door styles that I’ve seen my clients go with are Slab, Flat panel, or Shaker. If you want something more complex and elegant, the Mitred or Raised panel door styles might be the perfect fit for you.
If you want your cabinet to impress, look at a Plain glass inset panel or a Mullioned glass insert panel.
Depending on its style, a single door can fall somewhere in the range of $50 to $150.
Average Custom Kitchen Cabinets Prices by Material
Not surprisingly, the material you choose for your cabinets will also impact the overall costs of your project. Because of the vibe it gives to your room, wood is the preferred choice for both homeowners and manufacturers.
Wood cabinets range from different wood varieties like oak, maple, birch, hickory, pine, cherry, MDF, or bamboo. You’ll only pay an average of $5 per linear foot difference between varieties, so choose the one that best compliments your home design and style.
Here at Dailey Manufacturing, our focus is mainly plywood because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, its stability under changes of temperature and moisture, and outstanding impact resistance.
| Cabinet Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood Veneer | $4,000 - $9,000 |
| Laminate | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Acrylic | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Wood | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Stainless Steel | $22,000 - $36,000 |
Semi-Custom Cabinets Cost
If you are on a limited budget, semi-custom cabinets are an affordable option. They cost between $250 – $550 per linear foot. Although not fully customized, you will still be able to select the ideal sizes and finishes for your cabinets.
It can get a bit confusing when determining what makes an excellent semi-custom cabinet in terms of quality. If you visit our showroom, I’ll do my best to help you choose the perfect materials for your cabinetry.
Cabinet Hardware and Accessories
The type of hardware you pick will affect the costs and the functionality of your cabinets. Most exterior hardware is made from ceramic, crystal, plastic, or metal. Hardware material makes the prices for the hinges, rails, handles, pulls, and knobs range from $2 to $30 each.
The accessories you choose will affect the look, functionality, style, and, ultimately, the price of your cabinets.
The most common accessory you’ll see will be crown molding. It impacts the style of the cabinet without changing the price too much.
A Bathroom Vanity Vs. Bathroom Cabinets
All bathroom cabinets topped with a sink are considered vanities. But, if you have a bathroom cabinet that is used for extra storage, that would still be called a cabinet.
Think of it like this. If it’s a combination of a sink and a storage structure around it, it’s a vanity. Its main aim is to conceal the plumbing and everything under the sink that might not look so good.
For a high-end double-sink vanity, expect to pay approximately $4,750 for the cabinet (or vanity) itself. This includes the installation and delivery of the structure. Add the countertop part for another $2,850, and the total cost reaches $7,600. The cabinet above the sink is different, and expects to pay separately for it.
The Maintenance Costs Of Cabinetry
If you invest in quality products and services, it’s easier to feel confident in your purchase. The products here at Dailey are designed to last for years. Taking good care of your new cabinets will prevent them from malfunctioning, and, most importantly, your kitchen will look brand new even after ten years.
You won’t have to worry about repairs at all if the contractor you choose to work with does a fine job.
Check the chart below to get a sense of what maintenance for your cabinets might cost:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Refinishing | $40 - $60 per hour |
| Cabinet Repair | $30 - $60 per hour |
| Countertop Maintenance | $15 - $50 per hour |
Labor Cost For Building Cabinets
The labor that goes into manufacturing accounts for about 75% of the total price. The remaining 25% is made up of the materials you choose to work with. The cabinets themselves cost roughly $100 to $200 each to install.
If you decide you also want to work with a kitchen designer, you will most likely have to pay a rate of $100 to $125 per hour.
Generally, expect to pay for the design portion at least $800. If you make multiple changes to the design and layout, that price might go up very quickly.
Additional Costs And Recommendations
Additional costs you may encounter are:
- A removal fee of the old cabinetry. It can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on how many cabinets you are removing.
- A warranty extension. Find out about the warranty your cabinets have and budget a bit of extra money if you want to extend the standard one.
- You might be needing a plumber when installing the sink. A plumber is a separate service, which means a different charge.
Recommendations for your cabinetry project:
- Use the calculator from this page to find an approximate price for your upcoming project.
- If you want an even more accurate estimate, request a quote from us.
- Always budget an extra 10-15% of the total estimate, to make sure nothing catches you off guard.
- Don’t start a cabinet remodel as a DIY project unless you have some serious carpentry experience.
- Be sure to check out the 3D Rendering Feature that Dailey Manufacturing offers. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for.
Selecting Your Cabinet Installer
Choosing the perfect contractor for your next project is not easy. Besides price, you want to consider how much time the project will take, how transparent the company is, and how experienced they are with this type of work.
While some might convince you with incredibly low prices, others can do it by promising you the most tempting things. Yes, you want it done as soon as possible, but you also want it done right.
Just as the saying goes, good things take time. Extraordinary cabinets take a little bit longer.
Let’s see how to weed out bad contractors.
Watch Out For Low Ball Pricing
We all brighten up when hearing the price is a lot lower than we expected. But maybe you’re not buying something to save money. Perhaps you are buying that specific cabinet because you think it’s the best quality there is. The best quality means your cabinets will last long, look good, and won’t need repairs. Besides, you will not have to worry about replacing them for a long time.
Low pricing usually means low quality as well. If you notice the price is too good to be true, start asking the company questions.
Be sure they are using top-notch materials. Be sure what you are getting is fully customized and not stock. Be sure the company is experienced, and the contractors that work on your project are licensed and insured.
Use the calculator above to get an estimate for your cabinets, depending on the length of your cabinetry. If you’re looking for a more accurate pricing, request a quote from us, it’s free.
Look For Great Customer Service
You probably don’t want to do business with someone who refuses to pick up the phone or forget to answer text messages. Here at Dailey, we try our best to answer every one of your questions as soon as possible.
Sometimes we mess up too, but I always try to make it right by the people I work with. Customer care and transparency stand at the foundation of our business.
Get The Project Done On Time
Waiting for months without hearing any news about your project is a bad sign. With the current global situation, everyone might experience some delays. It’s normal. What’s not normal is to hide these things from you.
At Dailey, we ensured transparency is one of our most respected values. It takes eight weeks on average to finish a project. The complexity of your cabinets or unforeseen factors might add to that a few weeks.
To serve you best, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to know you and your specific needs. You’ll get a more accurate time estimate and price for your project by getting your custom quote.
Let us help you with your own project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are custom cabinets worth the price?
Yes. If you are looking for specific sizes, details, styles, and colors, fully customized cabinets provide a unique look and vibe that can match the rest of your home. That’s something semi-custom or stock cabinets lack.
Is building the cabinets myself cheaper than buying?
Yes. But this comes with a twist. We do not recommend starting a DIY project on your cabinets unless you have a great experience as a carpenter. Building cabinets involves skill, time, and a lot of knowledge regarding the materials you want to use.
If you are an outstanding carpenter and have the time, skills, and tools to DIY, it’s cheaper than buying entirely custom cabinets.
How much should I pay for custom cabinets?
The average homeowner can expect to pay $500 to $1,200 per linear foot for custom cabinets. That would be between $12,500 and $30,000 for the average kitchen with 25 linear feet. A bathroom or office will run $4,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on how many linear feet of cabinetry the space needs.
Can I find cheaper custom cabinets at Ikea?
No. Although you can find semi-custom and stock cabinets at a relatively low price, Ikea does not sell custom cabinets.
Can I save money on cabinets?
Yes. The most efficient way to save money while looking for cabinets is to look for stock cabinets. You can also save money by avoiding expensive hardware or accessories. I don’t recommend saving on materials because, in the long term, it might cost you more as you’ll end up changing the cabinets sooner than expected.
Conclusion
Custom cabinets give you complete control over every detail. You can give your kitchen or bathroom the exact look and vibe you imagined for it.
Yes, they might be more expensive than the other options, but they don’t bring the same values and benefits that your home deserves.
The quality and functionality that custom cabinets offer will make them the best investment in your kitchen for years to come.
What Our Customers Say
Thank you to Brian and the team for creating our beautiful master bathroom cabinets. They came out exactly as we had designed and were delivered on time and seamlessly. Brian was so great and easy to work with. Highly recommended!
Kelly Gallagher
My husband and I have worked with Brian and his team at Dailey Manufacturing for a number of projects over the years. The attention to detail and the quality of the end product is bar none… we have used DM for complete custom kitchen cabinetry, hallway benches, eating islands, etc. We have yet to find a project outside of their craftsmanship parameters. Highly recommend!
Aileen Solana
George and Brian Dailey are the place to go for windows and kitchen cabinets. Way more knowledgeable than any big-box store, but with personal service and competitive prices… If you like old-school attention to detail, you should give them the opportunity to quote your next project.
Paul I.