Amongst your big investments will probably be in custom cabinets, in the case of small kitchen renovations. Custom cabinets differ from stock or semi-custom since they are actually built specifically for your small kitchen. So, how much do custom cabinets really cost for a small kitchen?
Factors Affecting the Cost of Custom Cabinets
There are a number of factors that will go into determining how much to spend on your small kitchen custom cabinets:
- Materials: Different types of wood or material (maple, oak, or MDF) can significantly increase the costs.
- Finishes: Painted, lacquered, or stained finishes increase the final cost.
- Design Complexity: Intricate designs, shelving, pull-out trays, and special storage require more cost.
- Labor: Skilled labor to produce, assemble, and mount custom cabinets is expensive when compared to mass-produced cabinetry.
- Hardware: High-end hardware will dictate the price, which is soft-close hinges and designer knobs or pulls.
Average Cost of Custom Cabinets for a Small Kitchen
On average, custom cabinets will be around $12,000 to $20,000 for a small kitchen. This depends on factors from above and your location along with reputation of cabinetmaker.
For smaller, less expensive projects, you will get closer to $8,000 to $10,000. For high-end projects, the materials and finishes will run well over $25,000 or more.
Cost Breakdown
This is a general cost breakdown so you have a better idea of what goes into this cost:
- Materials: $4,000 - $10,000
- Labor: $2,000 - $5,000
- Finishes: $1,500 - $3,500
- Hardware: $500 - $1,500
For a small kitchen, you can expect the total cost of custom cabinets to run extremely high, depending on what you want, but an investment that will both function well and look beautiful." Are Custom Cabinets Worth the Investment?
Are Custom Cabinets Worth the Investment?
Custom cabinets are an investment that is pricey. However, it means for a small kitchen, it will provide benefits that are unmatched. You can totally plan the layout, maximize space for storage, and you can choose the best of materials that will last way longer than the pre-assembled cabinets. Custom-made cabinets also boost the resale value of your house tenfold, hence making one of the smartest investments you can make in your property.
Tips to Save on Custom Cabinets
If you are working with a tight budget, the good news is that custom cabinetry can still be an option. You might reduce the overall cost through one or more of the following:
- Choose simpler designs: Avoid any elaborately custom features, sticking instead to more basic designs.
- Use a mix of materials: For cabinet interiors, choose cheaper materials, but on exterior surfaces, such as doors, splurge for nicer finishes.
- Limit the number of cabinets: Use some of the rooms with open shelving to get rid of the cabinets which you may need to use.
- DIY finishing: If you can do this by yourself, then end or paint your cabinets so that you will not use a professional.
Final Thoughts
Custom cabinets are a good way to maximize the functionality and beauty of a small kitchen. Although they are mostly pricier than semi-custom or stock cabinets, it is often well worth the investment to be able to customize every aspect of your design. Factor all these cost components into planning your kitchen remodel and learn how to save without compromising on quality.