The best place to start is with a short course on cabinet costs. Your budget is one of the first considerations when choosing cabinets and counter tops. Obviously, you don't want to spend more money than your budget will allow...right? Right!
So what effects the price of cabinetry? The first thing we discuss with clients is wood species. Usually, wood species differ in price for several reasons:
Availability
Demand
Degree of Difficulty
With that in mind, here is a short list of the most commonly used wood species for cabinetry from least inexpensive to most expensive:
Poplar (least expensive)
Birch
Oak
Hickory
Alder
Maple
Cherry
Exotics (most expensive)
The next area of consideration is door style. Obviously, a door with more detail will be more expensive. Flat panel doors are usually less money than say a raised panel door because the center panel is made with a thin plywood veneer, not solid wood.
The drawer front is another consideration as a plain slab drawer front will be less money than a more detailed drawer style.
Next is overlay. A standard overlay door style will cost less than a full overlay simply because there is more door and drawer showing. Hinges are usually a bit more for the full overlay style as well.
Next is finish. Everyone loves the new glazes and paints available thanks to advances in finish technology...yep, they do cost more!
Typically, a glaze can add 8% to 15% to the cost of cabinets. It is an additional step in the finishing process that does merit additional costs. Painted is even more expensive.
Next is drawers. A typical standard drawer front is what is called a 3/4 extension and can be particle board or plywood. Today you can step up to several options such as:
Dovetail (a solid maple wood box)
Dovetail Full Extension
Self Closers...(you can't slam these guys)
Each step up costs a bit more because it simply has better more sophisticated hardware.
Next is interior options. Slide-out trays, spice racks, trash cans, etc... The stuff that really personalizes your kitchen can be pricey...choose carefully!
Check this link for some more ideas.
Finally, the overall design of your kitchen, the level of details and of course the actual size and number of cabinets will ultimately affect the final price.
Hopefully when your Builder says "It's time to select your cabinetry" you'll be prepared to walk through those doors and select the most for your money.
Here is a cool site that may help you pick your style...check it out!
Happy Shopping!
Sincerely,
Quality Kitchen Works LLC
