Cost Guide
Custom cabinets are the single biggest investment in most kitchen remodels. Here is what they actually cost in Seattle, when they are worth it, and when semi-custom is smarter.
Stock Cabinets
from $80/LF
Hampton Bay, Diamond NOW
Semi-Custom
from $150/LF
KraftMaid, Waypoint
Full Custom
from $500/LF
Local cabinet shop
Custom kitchen cabinets in Seattle cost from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed in 2026. A typical 25-linear-foot kitchen costs from $12,500 to $30,000 for full custom cabinetry. This compares to $2,000-5,000 for stock cabinets and $3,750-10,000 for semi-custom in the same kitchen. These numbers come from our partnerships with three local cabinet shops and 100+ cabinet projects.
Cabinets are the most visible and used element in any kitchen — 25-35% of a typical remodel budget. The question every homeowner faces: are custom cabinets worth 2-3x the cost of semi-custom?
The honest answer depends on your kitchen. Standard 8-foot ceilings with a layout that works with factory dimensions? Semi-custom delivers 90% of the quality at a fraction of custom price. But 10-foot ceilings, odd angles, specific wood species, or optimized interior accessories? Custom is the way to go.
| Feature | Stock | Semi-Custom | Full Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per Linear Foot | from $80 | from $150 | from $500 |
| 25 LF Kitchen Total | from $2,000 | from $3,750 | from $12,500 |
| Size Options | Fixed (3" increments) | Modified (3") | Any size to 1/16" |
| Door Styles | 5-15 options | 30-80 options | Unlimited |
| Wood Species | 1-3 (MDF/thermofoil) | 5-10 | Any wood |
| Box Construction | Particle board | Plywood | Plywood or solid |
| Lead Time | In stock or 1-2 weeks | 3-5 weeks | 6-10 weeks |
Maple (baseline for painted). Oak: +5-15%. Cherry: +15-25%. Walnut: +30-50% ($8-14/board ft vs $4-6 for maple). Alder: 5-10% less than maple, popular PNW choice.
Flat-panel (slab) is least expensive. Shaker adds 10-15%. Inset doors (flush inside frame) add 20-30% due to extremely tight tolerances. Beadboard, raised-panel, glass-insert fall between.
Clear coat/stain: baseline. Factory spray paint: +15-20% (dust-free booth, multiple coats). Hand-rubbed oil: +15-25%. Two-tone (different uppers/lowers): +20-25% (doubles finishing work).
Pull-out shelves: $80-150. Lazy susan: $200-400. Pull-out trash: $150-300. Spice rack: $100-250. Mixer lift: $200-400. Peg board dividers: $50-100. Most custom kitchens include $1,000-3,000 in accessories.
Non-standard ceiling heights: If ceilings are 9-10+ feet (common in Seattle Victorians and Craftsmans), stock cabinets leave an awkward gap. Custom goes floor-to-ceiling, dramatically increasing storage.
Unusual kitchen layouts: Angled walls, odd corners, or spaces where standard widths need filler strips. Custom cabinets are built to the exact inch so every space is usable.
Specific material requirements: Want walnut? Quarter-sawn white oak? Reclaimed wood? Custom is the only way. In homes valued at $1M+ (Mercer Island, Medina, waterfront Kirkland), custom cabinetry is expected by buyers.
70-85%
ROI at resale
50+ years
Custom cabinet lifespan
Custom cabinets return 70-85% at resale — lower percentage than semi-custom (80-90%) but on a larger dollar amount. In high-end kitchens, custom craftsmanship pushes overall sale price above comparables. Visible quality stands out in listing photos and open houses.
From $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed. A typical 25-linear-foot kitchen costs $12,500-30,000 for full custom cabinetry.
Stock ($80-200/LF): fixed sizes, limited styles, particle board. Semi-custom ($150-400/LF): more options, plywood boxes. Full custom ($500-1,200/LF): any size, any wood, built to your exact specs.
6-10 weeks from design finalization to delivery. Includes design (1-2 weeks), shop drawings (1 week), fabrication (4-6 weeks), finishing (1-2 weeks). Installation takes 2-4 days.
Maple for painted cabinets (smooth grain). White oak for stained (trending in Seattle). Cherry for warmth. Walnut for premium dark look (+30-50% cost). Alder for affordable PNW character.
Worth it for non-standard ceilings, unusual layouts, specific wood requirements, or high-end homes. For standard kitchens with 8-foot ceilings, semi-custom delivers 90% of the quality at 40-60% of the cost.
From $3,000 to $12,000+ for the cabinetry alone. A basic 4x3 foot island: $3,000-5,000. Large 8x4 island with drawers and accessories: $6,000-12,000+. Add $1,500-4,000 for stone countertop.
We will measure your kitchen, discuss wood options and styles, and help you decide between semi-custom and full custom — with transparent pricing for both.
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