Build Or Buy: Which Is The Cheaper Cabinet Option?

When getting ready for your much-needed kitchen renovation, you may be asking yourself: Is it cheaper to build custom kitchen cabinets or to buy them? There are many details to consider when pondering what the right choice is. Before remodeling your kitchen, nail down exactly what you want out of your design and come up with a budget to suit. Without knowing your space, taste, time constraints, and skill, it's hard to decide which direction to go in; and, without a budget, your costs can quickly get out of control. That said, buying a set of standard, ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets is generally much cheaper than building them yourself.

RTA kitchen cabinets can range from $1,500 to $4,000 total for a compact space. A larger, L-shaped kitchen can push the cost up depending on the number of cabinets you need and the style you choose. Off-the-shelf cabinets from big-box stores are another option. According to HomeAdivosr, the typical price per linear foot installed can range between $100 to $300, but keep in mind there are other costs like finishing, pulls, or handles. Another option is to work with a home-improvement store like Home Depot, which usually offer full kitchen design services that help with your planning and installation.

Making your own custom kitchen cabinets gives you all the control, but you have to factor in what kind of material you want to use. Cabinet-grade plywood can cost up to $200 or more for one sheet. For larger kitchens, you could need 12 sheets or more just for the cabinet boxes. From there, you'll need to include additional material for doors and drawers, and then tack on the cost for hardware and finish, which can reach upwards of $1,500 per cabinet. This also takes into account any equipment you need to buy for a cabinet-creating project.

Another factor to consider is installing the cabinets. RTA cabinets still require assembly and installation. Off-the-shelf options need to be installed, too. If you build them yourself, you will be building, assembling, and installing on your own. You'll want to be cognizant of the time spent on the project as well as the price. Making a kitchen's worth of cabinets is a major undertaking. You have to build the boxes, make the doors and drawers, install the cabinet hardware, apply the finish, and then install everything in the kitchen. Even experienced woodworkers say the project can take a few weeks to a few months.

In addition to time, consider your skills. Do you know how to account for walls that aren't straight and corners that aren't square? Cabinet installation requires more than simply making a collection of boxes. Floors and ceilings may not be level, and appliances have to fit properly within the layout. If you want raised-panel, hardwood doors, you'll need specialty router bits to make the rails and stile joints. Hinges, drawer slides, and handles add up, too. And the right cabinet finish can make or break a kitchen, so you'll need to be prepared for that step.

Deciding whether to build or buy new cabinets is a matter of considering the factors. If you enjoy woodworking and already have the tools and skills, building your own cabinets can be rewarding. If you need a finished kitchen quickly, buying is the better deal. And, if price is the determining factor, you'll want to stick with buying over building.