Are expensive kitchen cabinets worth it?

Author: Prof. Jensen Leuschke  |  Last update: Thursday, April 17, 2025

The premium for durability and longevity High-end materials and construction methods might come with a steeper initial cost, but they pay off in the long run. Cheaper alternatives might be tempting, but they often show wear and tear much sooner.

Are high end kitchen cabinets worth it?

High-quality cabinetry is typically crafted from premium-grade wood, such as solid hardwood or fine veneers. These materials offer superior strength, durability, and beauty compared to the particleboard or laminate used in many stock cabinets. The richness of high-quality wood adds warmth and character to your space.

How can you tell if cabinets are high quality?

Top 10 Characteristics of High Quality Kitchen Cabinets
  1. All-plywood construction. ...
  2. Full-height back panels. ...
  3. Soft-close hinges. ...
  4. Undermount, soft-close drawer glides. ...
  5. Hardwood dovetail drawer boxes. ...
  6. Fully assembled in the factory. ...
  7. Face frames. ...
  8. Customizability and modifications.

How much should you spend on kitchen cabinets?

Due to the wide-ranging differences in materials and quality, new kitchen cabinets typically cost anywhere from $2,500 to $24,000. However, most new cabinet prices average between $5,500 and $13,000. This wide price range can be divided into three cabinet categories: stock, semi-custom, and custom.

What color cabinets increase home value?

What Color Cabinets Have The Best Resale Value? Light neutrals are generally the best colors for resale because they appeal to the most people. But choosing shades of navy, deep green or even black can work depending on the house's style.

Kitchen Cabinets: Cheaper to Build or Buy? | I Like To Make Stuff

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet color for 2024?

The Newest 2024 Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends
  1. Stained Cabinetry. “Stained cabinetry is definitely having a moment right now,” says Cheyenne Ely, owner and principal designer at Cheyenne Paige Interiors in The Woodlands, Texas. ...
  2. Moody Green. ...
  3. Warm Neutrals.

Should cabinets be lighter or darker than walls?

Size and space: Consider the size and space of your kitchen. In smaller kitchens, lighter cabinets and walls can create the illusion of space and make it feel larger and more airy. On the other hand, in larger kitchens, darker cabinets can anchor the space and prevent it from feeling too expansive.

Who makes the best kitchen cabinets for the money?

Top 10 Cabinet Manufacturers in the USA
  • MasterBrand Cabinets. This kitchen cabinet manufacturer offers many styles and types of kitchen cabinets with various price points. ...
  • American Woodmark Corp. ...
  • Masco Corp. ...
  • Elkay Wood Products Co. ...
  • ACProducts, Inc. ...
  • Foremost Groups Inc. ...
  • Wood-Mode Inc. ...
  • Wellborn Cabinet Inc.

How can I reduce the cost of my kitchen cabinets?

Along with appliances, kitchen cabinets are a serious part of your kitchen remodel budget. So, it helps to find ways to reduce the cost of kitchen cabinets by purchasing used over new cabinets, assembling your own cabinets, using stock cabinets, or refacing and refurbishing your existing cabinets.

How many cabinets do you really need in a kitchen?

Checking out the different kitchen styles below may just help you decide which kitchen design will best suit your needs and budget, giving you an idea of how many cupboards you can build into your kitchen area. A general guide would be allowing 2 cupboards for each adult and one for each child.

What are the 3 grades of cabinets?

Cabinets are grouped into four grades based on quality of construction: ready-to-assemble (RTA), stock, semi-custom and custom. Decide up front on the amount of money to be invested in cabinetry and then browse cabinetry lines and options within your budget.

What color of cabinets is most timeless?

Below, we discuss the best cabinet color options for a kitchen remodeling project for a beautiful aesthetic that's always on point. Arguably, the most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white. Bright white cabinets suit a variety of beautiful kitchens, including modern, contemporary, and farmhouse styles.

Should kitchen cabinets be glossy or flat?

Kitchen Style

Glossy paint provides a sleek and modern look, reflecting more light than its matte counterpart which tends to provide a smoother and softer aesthetic. Both glossy and matte kitchen cabinet finishes can be combined to create interesting visual effects.

What are the longest lasting kitchen cabinets?

Solid wood cabinets, particularly oak, are the most durable kitchen cabinet material due to their strength, resistance to wear and tear, and ability to withstand moisture without warping. Plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are also durable, economical options.

Are Kraftmaid cabinets expensive?

Kraftmaid cabinets are high-quality, but affordable at a fraction of the cost of other designer brands. The average cost of Kraftmaid kitchen cabinets is anywhere from $7,000 – $20,000, but this does depend on your requirements.

What makes kitchen cabinets look dated?

Experts agree that the primary thing making your cabinets look dated is their color — but those same experts are divided on what, exactly, that color is. Erica Lugbill of Chicago-based interior design firm Lugbill Designs says all-white cabinets are a dead giveaway that your kitchen is stuck in the stone ages.

Is $30,000 enough for a kitchen remodel?

A $30,000 budget is usually sufficient for a mid-range kitchen remodel, but the final cost will depend on your specific needs and design goals.

How much should I expect to pay for new cabinets?

The average cost of kitchen cabinets is $6,386, but it can range between $2,008 and $11,064, depending on kitchen size, cost of labor, and whether they're factory-made or a custom build. The average cost of kitchen cabinets is $6,386, with most homeowners spending between $2,008 and $11,064.

Can you negotiate cabinet prices?

When it comes to maximizing your budget for kitchen cabinets, there are tricks you can employ to negotiate prices and find discounts. First and foremost, don't be afraid to negotiate with suppliers or retailers. Many times, they are willing to offer discounts or additional perks to close a sale.

Are more expensive cabinets worth it?

In the world of kitchen cabinets, you truly get what you pay for, especially when it comes to durability and longevity. High-end materials and construction methods might come with a steeper initial cost, but they pay off in the long run.

What cabinets does Joanna Gaines use?

It's worth noting that Gaines often works with a team of contractors and designers to create her kitchen designs, so it's not always clear which specific cabinets she has used in a given project. However, she tends to favor natural wood finishes and rustic, farmhouse-style cabinets in her designs.

What color cabinets sell the best?

Most real estate agents will tell sellers that neutral colors will appeal to the widest audience. While white is a very popular color for kitchen cabinets, other neutrals like gray, black, and beige are also good. Stained wood cabinets have an appeal, especially if they are of high quality.

What color cabinets make a kitchen look bigger?

White kitchens are very trendy right now, but they offer more benefits than just being beautiful. Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy.

Should kitchen cabinets and trim be the same color?

If you have a more traditional style, matching cabinets and trim may be a good option. If you have a more modern or eclectic style, mismatched cabinets may be a better choice. The size of your kitchen. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, matching cabinets can make it look larger and more open.

Should you paint walls behind kitchen cabinets?

Some people think that painting behind cabinets is a waste of time and resources. Others believe that you paint all spaces—even behind the base and wall cabinets—to deliver a professional paint job. To protect the drywall and for a professional finish, we recommend painting behind kitchen cabinets.

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