Custom cabinets are often at the top of the wish list when it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. They offer a tailored look, maximizing your space and meeting your specific needs. However, many homeowners shy away from custom cabinets because they believe they are too expensive. The good news is, you can choose affordable custom kitchen and bath cabinets without sacrificing quality.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through some essential tips and strategies to help you get the best custom cabinets for your budget.
1. Choose Cost-Effective Materials
One of the main contributors to the cost of custom cabinets is the material. High-end materials like solid wood, exotic veneers, or custom finishes can be expensive. If you want to keep costs down without sacrificing the overall aesthetic, consider these more budget-friendly options:
Try and avoid trending woods: White oak, specifically rift-sawn white oak, has become incredibly popular and, therefore, incredibly expensive. A lot of homeowners we work with aren't necessarily looking for the unique grain of RSWO, rather the tone. Fortunately, this can be created with much less-expensive woods like maple, birch, and alder.
Consider "rustic" woods: A lot of the time, custom cabinetry uses what we call "A1 Select" wood. Basically, the prettiest of the prettiest wood: consistent color, and no knots, mineral streaking, or blemishes larger than a dime. "Rustic" wood grade allows for all of these "blemishes" to be included and therefore a lot less expensive. I personally love all the character of rustic woods, but it can push the overall aesthetic a little farmhouse/transitional/rustic (Studio McGee has mastered using rustic woods in very refined designs).
Use real wood veneer: veneer gets a bad rep, but can be an excellent option for saving money. The truth of the matter is that the real durability of kitchen cabinets doesn't come from the wood or material, rather the finish on top (think of a car... the real scratch resistance and long-term durability comes from the paint, not the metal underneath).
Using just a clear topcoat for the finish: staining and painting adds a lot of additional steps to the overall process of finishing. This adds significant cost as a result. Just using a clear finish on a beautiful and affordable wood like birch, ash, maple, or alder can be a great way to save money.
Rustic white oak with just a clear water-based finish shown here in this gorgeous project from Studio McGee.
2. Simplify the Design
Complex cabinet designs with intricate details, moldings, and custom features can quickly add up in cost. Opting for simpler, more streamlined designs can significantly reduce your custom cabinet expenses while still achieving a stylish look.
Consider:
Shaker-style and flat-panel doors: These are sleek and modern, and they tend to be less expensive than detailed, raised-panel options.
Slab-style doors: A good rule of thumb is the simpler the design, the more efficient (and cheaper) it is to produce.
Minimalist hardware: Skip the extravagant handles or knobs and choose simpler, more affordable options like integrated pulls or basic bar handles.
Remember, custom cabinets don’t need to be overly ornate to be beautiful—sometimes, simplicity is the most sophisticated choice.
3. Consider Smaller, Local Cabinetmakers
When choosing custom cabinets, working with a reputable, local cabinet maker can be a great way to save money without compromising quality. Local craftsmen often offer competitive pricing, and you’ll have the advantage of direct communication to ensure the cabinets meet your needs. Plus, many small cabinet shops offer superior customer service and attention to detail.
Tip: Always check reviews, ask for references, and view previous work to ensure the cabinet maker can deliver the quality you're looking for. The majority of the disasters we've seen in our Facebook group of come from utterly unqualified local "cabinetmakers", so be sure to vet whomever you're considering (here is a helpful guide we created).
7. DIY Installation or Partial Installation
Labor costs can significantly increase the overall price of custom cabinets. If you’re handy and have the time, consider installing the cabinets yourself to save on installation fees. Even if you’re not experienced, some cabinet makers offer semi-custom solutions that are easier to install. Here is a great step-by-step guide to install your own cabinets by one of the best installers in the industry.
If full DIY installation isn’t an option, you could also look into partial installation, where the cabinet maker installs only the most complex parts (like the cabinet frame), and you take care of the rest.
Tip: Check with your cabinet maker to see if they offer installation discounts or if there are simpler installation options that still maintain quality.
8. Consider Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Custom Cabinets
If you love the idea of custom cabinets but don’t want to pay full price, consider Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) custom cabinets. These are pre-manufactured cabinets that are shipped to you in parts, and you assemble them yourself. RTA cabinets offer a wide range of customization options and can be much more affordable than fully assembled custom cabinets.
As we discussed before, the trick is to find well-made cabinets that just haven't been assembled yet. We like The RTA Store for semi-custom, and any of the online Conestoga dealers for full-custom.
By assembling the cabinets yourself or hiring a local contractor to do it, you can save money while still achieving a tailored look.
9. Compare Multiple Quotes
When choosing a custom cabinet maker, always compare multiple quotes to ensure you're getting the best deal for the quality. Provide the same specifications and designs to each cabinet maker to get an accurate comparison. This will help you understand the price range for your desired style, materials, and features, and allow you to make a well-informed decision.
Reconsider Full Custom
This one is super important and something really worth considering: do you actually need custom? For example, I really like suits. Specifically suits that fit very well. We have family in England and last time we went, I started the process to have a suit custom made by the world famous Saville Row. By the time we get done selecting fabrics and finalizing measurements, the total cost of the custom suit would have been more than 20x that of something readily available off the rack plus extensive tailoring. More than 20 times!
I just don't wear suits enough to justify that cost, and a properly-tailored suit off the rack works pretty well. Likewise, unless you have an exceptionally unique floor plan or are wanting very avant-garde finishes (exotic veneers, leather, inlay, etc), you may not need the additional expense of custom cabinetry.
The Value Of Expert Advice
After decades in the industry, we completely understand just how overwhelming this all can be. As a recent member said, "the biggest issue I had during my build was not knowing what I did not know, until it was too late". Additionally, while there are a lot of very talented cabinetmakers... there aren't as many talented finishers. Having a partner early in the process to help identify red flags, walk you through what the process should look like, and help vet the other professionals on your project is exactly why we created this community.
We understand that you're not just building a house, you're creating a home, and every detail has to be perfect. Whether it's our blog or free expert advice in our Facebook group, we're here to help you every step of the way!