How expensive are built-in cabinets?

What is a built-in cabinet?

A built in cabinet is one cabinet, or a set of cabinet that are built to fit a specific space or wall. They can be bookshelves, media centers, kitchen cabinets pantries, or any other custom built organizational system. The term “built in” also means a cabinet or open shelving that is recessed into a wall. 

 

Is it cheaper to buy cabinets or have them built?

In general it is cheaper to buy cabinets and have them installed by a professional than to have custom cabinets built. Do not compare these apples to apples though. A custom cabinet can be fit into any space that you’d like. It is also not limited in size or style as many pre built cabinets are. Custom Cabinets are much more versatile. This versatility come at a cost. 

 

How expensive is it to build your own cabinets?

To have your own cabinets built a homeowner can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. Depending on the size and extend of the built ins, the design, the finished applied, painted or stained, etc. 

 

How hard is it to build your own cabinets?

It is very hard for someone to build their own cabinets. Cabinet making requires all the tools that a woodworker has in his shop. It is one of the hardest forms of woodworking and painting. Specialized equipment helps but the knowledge and experience is even better. 

How much does it cost to install pre built cabinets?

Installation cost on pre built cabinets vary between base cabinets and upper cabinets. Base Cabinets cost $250 per cabinet. This price can change if the cabinet is in a location up many flights of stairs or if there will be an extremely heavy counter top going on them such as a concrete countertop. Base cabinets need to be secured and fastened if that is the case. 

Upper cabinets can vary depending on the size of the cabinet and how tall the ceiling is. Generally Upper cabinets are $300 per cabinet to install in a new kitchen. Keep in mind that taking down the old cabinets can add to this cost by $50 per cabinets. 

What is the cheapest way to replace kitchen cabinets?

The cheapest way to replace kitchen cabinets are to not replace them. If your cabinets are in good shape they can be refinished. Refinishing cabinets is the cheapest way to give your kitchen cabinets a whole new look. Refinishing involves stripping, sanding, priming, and painting the drawers, doors, and carcass of your cabinets. 

How do you make a cabinet look like a built-in?

If you would like to make stock cabinets look like built in cabinets adding depth and moulding is the way to go. For upper cabinets you can make a “coastline” effect by hanging 12” cabinets next to deeper or shallower cabinets. Next add crown moulding to the top of your upper cabinets and this coastline effect will make any stock cabinets look like they are fully custom.

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