8 Reasons to Invest in Custom Cabinets
Why custom cabinets? Because you can customize every aspect of your cabinets - the size, door style, color, stain and storage solutions.
Cabinets hold a place of extreme importance in the home – whether it’s kitchen cabinets, a bathroom vanity or mudroom storage. It will be one of the biggest decisions you make when remodeling. Selecting custom cabinetry that fits your design personality and the style of your house is a major consideration. You might be wondering about custom cabinet pricing and whether it’s the right investment for your Milwaukee home. Although custom cabinets are more expensive than other options, it means you can pick EVERYTHING you want – door style, paint/stain color, wood species, cabinet organizers and more.
Read all about the cost of custom cabinets below.
Price Comparison of Our Cabinet Options
We offer several types of custom cabinets at MKE Cabinetry based on your needs.
| Online - MKE Frameless Cabinets | Online - MKE Inset Cabinets | Design Services Through MKE Cabinetry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | 20% less than Design Services | Request an Estimate | Request an Estimate |
| Order Minimum | None | $10,000 for kitchen projects $2,000 for vanities or other |
$10,000 for kitchen projects $2,000 for vanities or other |
| Design & Ordering | You* | You* | Designer at MKE Cabinetry |
| Order Ready for Pickup or Shipping | 6 weeks+ | 8 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Installation Available** | No | No | Yes** |
| Delivery** | Yes** | Yes** | Yes** |
| Hinges / Drawers | Soft-close | Soft-close | Soft-close |
| Paint & Stain Options | Limitless | Limitless | Limitless |
| Door Options | 15+ | Limitless | Limitless |
* The purchaser is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the cabinet order.
+ 6 weeks for standard paint or stain colors.
** Delivery and installation is an extra fee. The average kitchen installation cost is $5,000 and the average bathroom installation is $1,250.
Why Custom Cabinets?
- Dozens of door options
- Any stain or paint
- Choose your size
- Add storage features
- Quality craftsmanship
- Support a local business
Pricing of Designer Services
If you choose our Designer Services option, then we design AND order your cabinets. Pricing of MKE Cabinetry custom cabinets depends on the materials, finish, storage features, etc.
| Kitchen Cabinets | Start at $10,000* The average kitchen is $25,000* |
|---|---|
| Bathroom Vanity | Start at $2,000 The average vanity is $4,000* |
| Other Projects (Mudroom, Bookshelf, Desk, etc.) |
Start at $2,000* |
*Pricing does not include delivery or installation. The average kitchen installation cost is $5,000 and the average bathroom installation is $1,250.
Why Custom Cabinets Are More Expensive
To understand why custom cabinets are more expensive, you have to first understand what other cabinet options are available and the differences in quality, size and finish options.
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Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets are medium-quality and come in varying sizes. They cost less than custom cabinets but offer fewer options. Many options of stock cabinets are available at big box retailers like Home Depot, Lowes and Menards. If you want decent quality cabinets but don’t need storage features or a specific color then choose semi-custom cabinets.
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Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets, while low cost and readily available, offer only the most basic options in size and finish. They are also low quality. If you are looking for cabinets available right now at the most affordable price, then choose stock cabinets.
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Custom Cabinets
If quality and craftsmanship are important to you, then CUSTOM is the right choice. Custom cabinets are of high quality and can be finished with any type of paint or stain that you choose. They are available in any size and can be customized to your personal preferences. Anything is possible! Most design build remodeling firms choose custom cabinets for their projects.
Custom vs. Semi-Custom- vs. Stock Cabinets
| Type of Cabinets | Quality | Sizes | Finish | Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Cabinets | High | Any Size | Any paint or stain | High | One-of-a-kind and totally customizable |
| Semi-custom Cabinets | Medium | Incremental sizes | Most popular finishes | Medium | Affordable option |
| Stock Cabinets | Low | Limited sizes | Basic | Low | Available now |
- Size of Room: The size of the room determines the size, shape, and number of cabinets you will need in your kitchen or bathroom. Obviously the more cabinets needed, the higher the cost. One way to cut back on cost is to consider open shelving instead of upper cabinets.
- Materials: Some materials are more pricey than others. Think about what type of wood you want to use, whether you want glass doors, and other factors. If you are looking to include an outlet for electricity inside the cabinet, that will also increase the total cost. The most affordable wood options include: maple, red oak and alder and the more pricey woods include walnut, cherry and white oak.
- Storage Features: Custom cabinets can include special storage features to make everyday life more organized and enjoyable. This includes trash and recycling bins, cutlery trays, pantry storage rollouts, a spice rack, or pull-out drawers. In the bathroom, you could add a grooming organizer for hairdryers, razors, or toothbrushes with a built-in outlet inside the cabinet.
- Finish (Stain vs Paint): Are you looking at a finish or paint for your cabinets? In some instances, a painted cabinet can cost more than a stained cabinet. That is because the paint application process is more involved. It begins with several coats of primer and is followed by layers of top-quality paint. Sanding is done between each of these coats.
- Millwork & Molding: The style choice of your cabinets will play into pricing. Adding trim or crown molding will give your cabinets a more aesthetically-pleasing look. As a rule, more elaborate trim and crown will be more pricey.
- Delivery & Installation of Cabinets: Do you need delivery or installation? Hire the MKE Cabinetry team to make your installation even more easy and convenient.
- Demolition Costs: Putting in new cabinets means removing old cabinets. With that comes the cost of demolition and a dumpster for disposal. Will you hire someone or do it yourself?
How Custom Cabinet Pricing is Calculated
Custom cabinet pricing can be calculated in several different ways. Generally it is done per linear foot, per cabinet, or per project. At MKE Cabinetry, pricing is calculated based on the number of cabinets, material, custom features, finish, and storage features.
It’s important to get a detailed quote and understand what’s included before starting the project. That way it’s a seamless process with no confusion.
- Support a local business & tradespeople: Buying cabinets from a local business supports the local economy.
- Customer Service: We provide excellent customer service from start to finish. You’ll speak directly with our design team that works with our craftsmen.
- Total Customization: Choose any door style and a custom color to match your design style. Cabinets are built to fit your exact space. Stock cabinets and semi-custom cabinets only come in certain sizes and you’ll need to use filler strips to fill in spaces. If you want a high end look, then custom is the right choice!
- Storage features: Custom cabinets offer a wide variety of storage options including trash/recycling bins, built-in drawers, spice racks, appliance garages, charging stations in cabinets, hidden pantries and more.
- Highest Quality: We want you to love your cabinetry. We offer you high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. We know you want every aspect of your cabinets to look and feel high end. Our job doesn’t end when the cabinets are built. We personally deliver and install custom cabinet orders. And we stand by our work if any issues arise.
Get an Estimate for Your Custom Cabinets
The first step to get an estimate for custom cabinets is to fill out the form on our website. Next, you’ll talk with a member of our design team to get information about your project (scope, timeline, budget, etc.). Next, we will send you an estimate. If you want to proceed with the project, you’ll sign a design agreement and we’ll take final measurements and order the materials.
Cost & Pricing
Are custom cabinets worth the investment?
Are custom cabinets worth the investment?
When you come to MKE Cabinetry for your custom cabinets, you will get a good return on your investment. Not only are the cabinets high-quality and long-lasting but they bring a unique, high-end look to your home.
How do you calculate the price of custom cabinets?
How do you calculate the price of custom cabinets?
Complete the form on the MKE Cabinetry website to get an estimate. Next, you’ll speak with our design team to talk about the scope of your project, materials to be used, and timeline.
Are custom cabinets worth the investment?
Are custom cabinets worth the investment?
When you come to MKE Cabinetry for your custom cabinets, you will get a good return on your investment. Not only are the cabinets high-quality and long-lasting but they bring a unique, high-end look to your home.
Why are custom cabinets so expensive?
Why are custom cabinets so expensive?
Custom cabinets are more expensive than cabinets found at big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes because they are made of higher quality materials by local tradespeople and offer more customization options like unique sizes and finishes.
What does it cost for custom cabinets in my kitchen?
What does it cost for custom cabinets in my kitchen?
When you choose our Design Services at MKE Cabinetry, custom cabinet pricing for a kitchen starts around $10,000 and the average cost is $25,000.
What does a custom bathroom vanity cost?
What does a custom bathroom vanity cost?
When you choose our Design Services at MKE Cabinetry, custom cabinet pricing for a bathroom vanity starts around $2,000. Most of our vanities cost around $4,000.
Design
Which is better: custom cabinets or semi-custom cabinets?
Which is better: custom cabinets or semi-custom cabinets?
When you choose custom cabinetry, you are guaranteed cabinets that offer greater design flexibility and higher quality than semi-custom cabinets.
What types of finishes do you offer for custom cabinets?
What types of finishes do you offer for custom cabinets?
MKE Cabinetry offers the most popular door styles and dozens of paint and stain options. Whether you’re looking for a classic white shaker door or a contemporary stained slab door, we have what you’re looking for. If you are looking for a custom color you can choose any paint colors.
What storage options are available for custom cabinets?
What storage options are available for custom cabinets?
Custom cabinets offer a wide variety of storage options including trash/recycling bins, built-in drawers, spice racks, appliance garages, charging stations in cabinets, hidden pantries and more.
Why should I choose custom cabinets?
Why should I choose custom cabinets?
You should choose custom cabinets from MKE Cabinetry because they give your home beauty, class and a unique style. Buying cabinets from a local business supports the local economy.
Delivery & Installation
How long does it take to order custom cabinets?
How long does it take to order custom cabinets?
Allow several months to order custom cabinets, as the process takes time. For Design Services, the planning phase includes getting an estimate, an in-home measure and material selection. Once you sign a contract and sign off on final plans, it takes 10-12 weeks to order materials and construct your cabinets.
Do you offer delivery of my custom cabinets?
Do you offer delivery of my custom cabinets?
MKE Cabinetry can deliver your custom cabinets right to your home for a delivery fee. Let us know if you want your cabinets delivered.
Do you offer installation of custom cabinets?
Do you offer installation of custom cabinets?
MKE Cabinetry offers installation for all our custom cabinets ordered through Design Services. The average kitchen installation cost is $5,000 and the average bathroom installation is $1,250.
Learn More
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The Best Custom Cabinets Are Frameless
Learn why the frameless custom cabinets we build at MKE Cabinetry offer a sleeker look, easy access, and more storage space than framed cabinets.
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The Best Cabinet Door Styles & Material Guide
MKE Cabinetry is here to guide you in choosing the best cabinet door styles and materials for your project - kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity & more!
