';breakdown += '1. Cabinet Fabrication (' + feet + ' ft × $' + quality + '): $' + cabinetSubtotal.toLocaleString() + '
';breakdown += '2. Professional Installation (' + feet + ' ft × $' + install + '): $' + installationSubtotal.toLocaleString() + '
';breakdown += '3. Hardware & Upgrades: $' + hardware.toLocaleString() + '
';breakdown += 'Total Project Estimate: $' + total.toLocaleString() + '';document.getElementById('breakdownText').innerHTML = breakdown;document.getElementById('breakdownText').style.display = 'block';}else{document.getElementById('breakdownText').style.display = 'none';}document.getElementById('answer').style.display = 'block';}
How to Use the Custom Cabinets Cost Calculator
Estimating the budget for a kitchen or bathroom renovation can be daunting. Our custom cabinets cost calculator is designed to simplify this process by providing a realistic price range based on industry standards and specific project details. To get the most accurate result, follow these steps:
- Cabinet Quality Level
- Choose between Economy (typically MDF or laminate), Mid-Range (high-quality plywood and standard hardwoods), or Premium Luxury (exotic woods, custom stains, and intricate carvings).
- Total Linear Feet
- Measure the length of the wall where cabinets will be installed. Standard practice is to measure the horizontal length of both upper and lower cabinets combined.
- Installation per Foot
- Professional labor costs vary by region. Standard rates typically fall between $50 and $150 per linear foot depending on the complexity of the layout.
- Extra Hardware/Upgrades
- Include costs for specialty items like soft-close hinges, pull-out spice racks, lazy Susans, or high-end designer handles.
How It Works: The Calculation Formula
When professional cabinet makers quote a job, they usually start with a "price per linear foot." This baseline includes the carcass construction and door fronts. The formula used by our custom cabinets cost calculator is:
Total Cost = (Linear Feet × Quality Rate) + (Linear Feet × Installation Rate) + Fixed Upgrades
- Quality Rate: The material cost, which ranges from $500 to $1,200+ for truly bespoke work.
- Installation Rate: The cost to have a professional team level, secure, and trim the cabinets.
- Fixed Upgrades: One-time costs that don't scale by length, such as a large pantry unit or specialty crown molding.
Calculation Example
Scenario: You are remodeling a medium-sized kitchen with 15 linear feet of wall space. You want high-quality solid oak cabinets with professional installation and a few pull-out organizers.
Step-by-step solution:
- Quality Level (Mid-Range) = $800/ft
- Linear Feet = 15 ft
- Installation Rate = $100/ft
- Upgrades = $750
- Calculate Fabrication: 15 × $800 = $12,000
- Calculate Installation: 15 × $100 = $1,500
- Add Everything: $12,000 + $1,500 + $750
- Result = $14,250
Common Questions about Custom Cabinets
Why are custom cabinets more expensive than stock?
Custom cabinets are built to the specific dimensions of your home, eliminating the need for "fillers." They also use higher-grade materials like 3/4-inch furniture-grade plywood rather than the thin particle board often found in big-box store options. This custom cabinets cost calculator accounts for the premium labor involved in bespoke craftsmanship.
How do I measure linear feet for a kitchen?
Measure along the wall from corner to corner. If you have upper and lower cabinets, you count that section twice (once for the top, once for the bottom). For example, a 10-foot stretch of wall with both uppers and lowers is 20 linear feet total.
Can custom cabinets increase home value?
Yes. High-quality cabinetry is one of the top features sought by home buyers. It is considered a long-term investment that can return 60% to 80% of its cost in added home equity, especially in kitchen renovations where durability is key.