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Cabinets & built-ins: how to choose

Compare kitchen cabinetry and built-ins by construction, storage, fit, finish, customization, and installation scope.

Lifespan, DIY and permitsDIY: Moderate12 brands6 cost linesUpdated Nov 2026

Decide these first

  1. Are you replacing every cabinet, refacing existing boxes, or adding a built-in?
  2. Which everyday items need accessible storage, drawers, or specialized organizers?
  3. Do you need standard sizes or custom dimensions and finishes?
  4. What is your total budget for cabinets, delivery, hardware, and installation?

Specs that actually matter

TermWhat it meansLook for
Cabinet box constructionThe box supports shelves, doors, and drawers; materials and joinery affect strength and repairability.Ask about box material, back-panel thickness, joinery, and shelf support.
Door and drawer hardwareHinges and drawer slides affect access, adjustment, and daily wear.Test the motion, confirm soft-close details, and check replacement-part availability.
OverlayOverlay describes how much the door covers the cabinet face frame or box edges.Compare full-overlay, partial-overlay, and inset samples in the actual room.
KCMA A161.1A third-party quality certification tests cabinet strength, door and drawer integrity, and finish durability.Check whether the exact cabinet line carries the KCMA quality seal.

Good, better, best

Good

Stock cabinets use standard sizes and limited finishes, keeping costs lower when the room fits their dimensions.

$100-300 per linear ft, listed range; confirm whether labor is included

Better

Semi-custom cabinets offer more size, finish, and storage choices while retaining a catalog-based design.

$200-650 per linear ft, listed range; confirm whether labor is included

Best

Custom cabinetry is made to suit unusual dimensions, specialized storage, and specific materials or finishes.

$500-1,200 per linear ft, listed range; confirm whether labor is included

What it costs

ItemUnitTypical US rangeSource
Stock cabinets
Published per-linear-foot range; the page does not clearly separate cabinet-only from installed pricing.		linear ft$100 to $300Angi
Semi-custom cabinets
Published per-linear-foot range; confirm materials, delivery, and labor in the quote.		linear ft$200 to $650Angi
Custom cabinets
Published per-linear-foot range; confirm whether the estimate includes installation.		linear ft$500 to $1,200Angi
Full-kitchen cabinet installation
National project range; confirm included materials, removal, trim, and installation scope.		project$1,935 to $10,769Angi
Kitchen cabinet refacing
National project estimate; ask whether new doors, hardware, and labor are included.		project$4,482 to $10,590Angi
Built-in cabinet installation
National project range for built-ins; size, customization, and site work change the total.		project$2,000 to $7,500Angi

Calculators

Kitchen work triangle checker

Check sink, range and fridge spacing against NKBA guidelines.

Results

Kitchen work triangle checker

Major brands and where to buy

Links go to each manufacturer. Tier is a rough price position, not a quality score.

IKEAModular and ready-to-assemble systemsValueFabuwoodValue-focused kitchen cabinetryValueKraftMaidSemi-custom cabinet styles and finishesMidMerillatMainstream kitchen and bath cabinetsMidAmerican WoodmarkKitchen, bath, and home cabinetryMidWellborn CabinetAmerican-made framed and frameless cabinetsMidShenandoah CabinetryKitchen cabinet styles and storageMidCliqStudiosOnline semi-custom cabinetryMidThomasville CabinetryCustomizable kitchen cabinet collectionsMidCrystal Cabinet WorksCustom cabinetry and fine finishesPremiumWood-ModeCustom and semi-custom cabinetryPremiumPlain & FancyCustom kitchen and bath cabinetryPremium

Retailers

The Home DepotLowe'sIKEAWayfair

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Ordering before checking appliance clearances, wall conditions, and finished floor height.
  • Comparing cabinet prices without checking delivery, installation, hardware, and trim inclusions.
  • Choosing attractive storage that blocks a work aisle or appliance door.
  • Assuming refacing can fix damaged, sagging, or poorly laid-out cabinet boxes.
  • Skipping a sample review under the kitchen's actual lighting.

Questions to ask a pro

  1. Does this quote include demolition, delivery, installation, fillers, trim, and hardware?
  2. How will you verify walls, floors, and appliance openings before ordering?
  3. Which cabinet parts are covered by warranty, and how are replacements obtained?
  4. Can storage or door details be adjusted without changing the whole cabinet line?

How long it lasts

Varies by construction, use, and maintenance; sound cabinets can last for decades, while finishes and hardware may need earlier attention.

Can you DIY it?

Moderate. Accurate measuring, leveling, and secure wall attachment are essential.

Permits

Usually not needed for a like-for-like replacement; structural, electrical, or plumbing changes may require local permits.

Ready to hire?

Get up to 3 quotes from licensed, insured local pros.

Trusted resources

From the Journal

Sources

  1. https://www.angi.com/articles/wood-kitchen-cabinets-types-costs-and-installation.htm
  2. https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-cabinet-refacing-cost.htm
  3. https://www.angi.com/articles/built-in-cabinets-cost.htm
  4. https://kcma.org/certification
  5. https://media.nkba.org/uploads/2022/05/Kitchen-Planning-Guidelines.pdf
  6. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/these-are-the-kitchen-features-homeowners-are-choosing-right-now-stsetivw-vs~184236560
  7. https://nkba.org/press/nkba-kbis-releases-annual-2026-kitchen-trends-report/

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