How to Budget for Custom Cabinetry in Your Next Renovation

Most Homeowners Make This Budgeting Mistake—Here’s How to Avoid It

You’ve been collecting ideas for weeks—scrolling through Pinterest, saving inspiration, and imagining your perfect kitchen or bathroom. You can already see it: sleek, functional, completely tailored to your space. But then the quotes come in, and suddenly, you're wondering—how much should this really cost?

How do you create a realistic budget for custom cabinetry? Where should you invest for quality without overspending? And how do you avoid cutting corners you’ll regret later?

At Prestige, we know cabinetry isn’t just about looks—it shapes how you live in your home, blending function, beauty, and lasting quality. As a family-owned business in Spruce Grove, Alberta, we take pride in helping homeowners create custom, heirloom-quality cabinetry that fits their space, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s how to budget wisely for your project so you can plan with confidence.

1. How Much Should You Budget for Custom Cabinetry?

Cabinetry is one of the largest expenses in a kitchen or bathroom renovation, typically making up 30-50% of the total project cost. While that number may seem high, quality cabinetry is the foundation of a well-designed space—and it’s often the feature that homeowners regret skimping on the most.

Typical Custom Cabinetry Price Ranges:

• Kitchen Cabinetry: $25,000 – $75,000+
• Bathroom Vanities: $2,500 – $15,000
• Built-in Closets & Storage: $6,500 – $50,000

Custom cabinetry is designed to last for decades—often outliving appliances and countertops. Unlike mass-produced options, it’s built specifically for your home, ensuring a perfect fit and superior durability.

Why Budgeting Early Matters

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make? Waiting too long to budget for cabinetry. By the time they finalize their design, they realize they haven’t set aside enough—forcing last-minute compromises. The best way to avoid this? Start planning cabinetry costs early.

2. What Factors Affect the Cost of Custom Cabinetry?

Not all cabinets are created equal, and your budget will depend on several key factors:

Material Selection

Imagine the warm glow of solid hardwood cabinets, the intricate grain patterns adding a touch of natural elegance to your kitchen. Or perhaps you envision sleek, modern cabinets with a durable high-end veneer, perfectly complementing your minimalist style. While these premium materials offer exceptional durability and longevity, there are also more budget-friendly alternatives like MDF and laminates that can still achieve a beautiful and functional result.

Customization & Design Complexity

Picture this: simple, shaker-style doors with clean lines and a timeless appeal. Or maybe you prefer detailed millwork and decorative inlays, adding a touch of artistry to your space. Custom-built organizers, soft-close drawers, and high-end hardware can enhance functionality and personalize your cabinetry.

Installation & Labour

Expert installation ensures that your custom cabinetry fits seamlessly and functions flawlessly for years to come. Professional installation prevents issues like misalignment, sagging, or poorly fitted drawers—common problems with lower-quality, pre-fabricated options.

3. What Sets Prestige Apart? Budgeting With Confidence

So, how do you get high-end custom cabinetry without blowing your budget? When you work with us we are by your side the whole way, helping you afford custom cabinetry that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” cabinetry. Our process ensures you get custom, heirloom-quality cabinetry that fits your home and budget—without the hidden costs or compromises of mass-produced options.

• Personalized, Family-Oriented Approach – As a family-owned business, we take a personal interest in each project, ensuring cabinetry that turns a house into a home.
• Custom Solutions, No Cookie-Cutter Designs – Your cabinetry is designed for you, not the masses, so every inch of space is maximized.
• Comprehensive Service From Start to Finish – From the first consultation to final installation, we handle everything for a stress-free experience.
• Flexible Pricing & Payment Plans – High-end cabinetry doesn’t have to be out of reach. We offer customized solutions to fit different budgets while maintaining quality.

Not sure how to plan your cabinetry budget? Prestige offers free consultations to help you create a budget that aligns with your vision—book yours today.

4. The Long-Term Value of Custom Cabinetry

Think you’re saving money with stock cabinets? Over time, you could actually spend more. Most stock cabinets need to be replaced within 10–15 years, while well-crafted custom cabinetry lasts 25 years or more. That means fewer replacements, fewer headaches, and a kitchen that holds up beautifully for decades.

Custom cabinetry provides better value over time in multiple ways:

• Durability – While mass-produced cabinets often use low-quality imported particleboard—prone to swelling, brittleness, and even containing debris like concrete or glue chunks—Prestige uses Prem-core. This premium hardwood particleboard ensures superior durability, stability, and resistance to moisture compared to budget alternatives. 

For clients seeking an upgrade, we offer plywood cabinetry boxes. However, in Alberta’s climate, plywood tends to warp over time. That’s why we carefully select materials for your unique project designed to maintain structural integrity for decades.

• Home Value – Custom cabinetry doesn’t just transform your home—it adds real resale value. Studies show that buyers are willing to pay 5–10% more for homes with high-quality, built-in cabinetry, recognizing it as a premium feature. In competitive markets, that edge can mean faster sales and higher offers—proving that what you invest in today pays off tomorrow.
• Tailored Functionality – Thoughtfully designed cabinets improve daily life, preventing costly renovations down the road and ensuring your space adapts to your evolving needs.

Stock cabinets might seem like a budget-friendly choice upfront, but the numbers tell a different story. Most stock cabinets need replacing within 10–15 years, meaning you could go through two full replacements in 30 years. In contrast, custom cabinetry lasts 25+ years—often longer. That means fewer replacements, lower maintenance costs, and a kitchen that holds up beautifully for decades. When you step back and look at the full picture, investing in quality cabinetry isn’t just about style—it’s about smart spending.

Cabinet longevity isn’t just about materials—it’s also about the hardware holding everything together.

After just 5–10 years, lower-quality drawer slides and hinges often begin to fail. Misaligned doors, loose screws, and sagging drawers are common signs of mass-market cabinetry wearing out.

Unlike big-box brands that refuse to sell single replacement doors, Prestige offers customized solutions—even years down the line. Our high-end hardware and precision installation ensure your cabinets remain functional for decades, preventing costly replacements and frustrating repairs.

Mass-produced cabinetry often pairs cheap slides with weak screws, causing drawers to buckle under heavy weight (pots, pans, or dishware). Our hardware is selected for durability, high weight ratings, and long-term performance—ensuring your cabinetry functions just as beautifully as the day it was installed.