As a designer, understanding what drives kitchen cabinet pricing helps you estimate accurately, guide your clients with confidence, and protect your margins. Pricing is built on multiple factors: construction, materials, finishes, and customization. In this quick guide, we will discuss a few factors that determine cabinet pricing.

1. What impacts kitchen cabinet pricing the most?

The biggest cost drivers are typically:

• Construction type (particle core vs plywood)
• Door style complexity
• Finish type, glazes, and sheen
• Level of customization
• Interior accessories and storage upgrades

Door style and finish often account for a significant portion of cost changes across an entire kitchen because they apply to every cabinet.

2. Is plywood always more expensive than particle core?

Yes, plywood typically carries a higher material cost. As a premium upgrade from particle core, plywood veneers and dovetail drawer boxes in various wood species increase the cost of a project.

3. How much do modifications affect kitchen cabinet pricing?

Modifying cabinetry outside of the standard catalog usually increases the price. Custom modifications outside of our catalog standards may include:

• Reduced depths
• Increased depths
• Height adjustments
• Custom widths beyond standard increments
• Specialty interior configurations

While our custom cabinetry offers a defined range of minimum and maximum sizing options, any requests beyond those parameters are considered special orders and are priced accordingly.

Always clarify what is included versus what is considered a modification.

4. Are engineered materials less expensive than solid wood?

Yes, but not always. Pricing usually depends on the factors mentioned above, and especially with custom cabinets, the different variable combinations can raise or lower prices regardless of material.

Engineered materials like Thermally Fused Laminate and UV lacquer are durable and consistent. Simple door styles, a refined catalog, and consistent materials keep the offering focused and streamlined. With less variables for customization the price is often lower, even for mid-range cabinet products. But this is not always the case for every project.

Strategic material mixing is often the best way to hit target budgets, combining solid wood and engineered products together in one project. Not only is this trendy in appearance, but it allows clients to get more for their dollar.

5. Should I charge more for highly customized layouts?

Your rates and pricing as a designer should reflect your skills and the time it takes you to design a project. Highly custom layouts require more expertise, so even if they don’t take you more time to complete, you should charge more for the effort and skill needed to complete these types of jobs.

Custom layout planning requires:

• Additional design time
• Detailed specification review
• Coordination with trades
• Project management

Kitchen cabinet pricing should reflect not only product cost but also the expertise required to deliver a successful project.

6. What questions should I ask a cabinet manufacturer about kitchen cabinet pricing?

Designers should ask:

• What is included in base pricing?
• What counts as a modification?
• Are custom sizes standard or upcharged?
• What interior options are priced separately?
• How are specialty finishes handled?
• Are there pricing tiers within your product lines?

Clear communication upfront prevents surprises later. It is best to fully understand the manufacturer’s product and pricing to better serve your clients.