Deciding on new kitchen cabinets can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to narrow down your selection. Kemper cabinets have emerged as a popular choice among homeowners for their durability, customization options, and reasonable prices. But how much do Kemper cabinets really cost? In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the cost factors so you can determine if Kemper is the right fit for your kitchen and budget.
An Overview of Kemper Cabinets
Kemper Cabinetry was founded in 1977 in Germany and expanded to the US in the 1980s. They specialize in made-to-order cabinetry constructed from high-quality woods like oak, maple, and cherry.
Some key features that set Kemper apart include:
- Durable construction – Kemper uses 3⁄4” solid wood frames and doors along with full-extension drawers. This results in cabinets that can withstand years of regular use.
- Customization – Their cabinets can be customized with different wood types, finishes, door styles, and storage accessories. This allows you to get the exact look you want.
- Quality hardware – Drawer glides and hinges from brands like Blum give the cabinets a smooth feel. Decorative hardware choices let you customize the final style.
- Variety of configurations – From standard kitchen layouts to unique designs, Kemper can create customized cabinets. Their computer design tools ensure proper measurements.
Now that you’re familiar with the Kemper brand, let’s look at how much you can expect to spend.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Kemper Cabinets
Several key factors determine the total price you’ll pay for Kemper cabinets:
Wood Type
The wood species you choose for the cabinet boxes and doors impacts cost:
- Maple – Offers a smooth, uniform appearance. It’s one of the least expensive woods.
- Oak – Known for its durability and traditional look. It’s a moderate cost wood.
- Cherry – Prized for its reddish color that darkens over time. It’s more expensive than oak or maple.
- Hickory – Has a rustic appearance with distinct grain patterns. It’s one of the priciest wood options.
Rarer exotic woods like walnut or mahogany can raise the price even more.
Door Style
Kemper offers various door styles from simple slab fronts to intricate raised panel designs. More complex door styles add more to the final price.
Finish Option
Painted finishes are the most affordable option. Stained finishes that allow the natural wood grain to show are moderate in price. More labor-intensive finishes like glazes or distressing add more to the cost.
Accessories
Add-ons like spice racks, refrigerator cabinets, wine racks, and other storage accessories increase the total price of your kitchen remodeling project. But they also maximize storage space.
With these factors in mind, let’s look at approximate price ranges.
Cost Ranges for Kemper Kitchen Cabinets
Keep in mind that the prices below are general ranges – your specific quote will vary based on your kitchen layout, chosen materials and options.
- Stock cabinets – $100 – $300 per linear foot
- Semi-custom cabinets – $200 – $500 per linear foot
- Custom cabinets – $500 – $1000 per linear foot
Stock cabinets offer the most affordable option but the least customization. Meanwhile, custom cabinets provide complete personalization for a premium price.
For real-life context, here are two examples:
- A 200 square foot kitchen with stock oak cabinets with shaker-style doors and a painted finish could cost roughly $12,000 – $18,000.
- A 150 square foot kitchen with made-to-order cherry cabinets, raised panel doors, and stained finish could be around $22,500 – $45,000.
Additional costs for installation, countertops, appliances, etc can add $10,000 – $20,000+ to your total kitchen remodel budget.
Tips for Getting the Best Price on Kemper Cabinets
Here are some tips to get the most value from your investment in Kemper cabinets:
- Choose a versatile style and finish that appeal to the masses. Distressed or colored finishes tend to fall out of fashion quickly.
- Buy cabinets for only the space you really need. Fill unused areas with less expensive panels or open shelving.
- Focus on visible fronts and choose economy material for interiors no one will see.
- Don’t overspend on extra storage features until you confirm you really need them.
- Shop for discounted overstock or lightly damaged units that have purely cosmetic flaws.
- Time your purchase right and look for seasonal sales like Memorial Day or Black Friday.
- Pay upfront rather than financing if possible, since financing adds significant long-term costs.
Are Kemper Cabinets Worth the Investment?
At first glance, Kemper cabinets may seem more expensive than big box brands. But keeping them for 15-20 years or longer makes them a worthy investment in the long run. Their durability and customization allow you to get exactly the look, feel, and utility you want from your kitchen.
If you choose Kemper, work closely with their kitchen designers to pick the most economical woods, finishes, and configurations for your needs. This will help maximize value from your cabinet purchase. With some smart planning, you can get beautiful Kemper cabinets that stand the test of time without breaking your remodeling budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Kemper cabinets last?
With their solid wood construction and quality hardware, Kemper cabinets are built to last at least 20 years with proper care. Some homeowners report theirs lasting 30 years or longer before needing replacement.
Does Kemper offer financing options?
Yes, Kemper partners with third party lenders like GreenSky to offer financing options that allow you to pay for your cabinets over 6 months to several years. However, these financing plans add significant interest costs over paying upfront.
What is the lead time for Kemper cabinets?
Stock cabinets ship within 2-3 weeks. For made-to-order cabinets, expect a 4-8 week lead time. More complex or larger orders may take 6-10 weeks for delivery.
Does Kemper do installation?
Kemper works with a network of authorized installers who can handle the cabinet installation. However, you hire and pay the installer separately from the cabinet purchase.
Are Kemper cabinets environmentally friendly?
Kemper offers some cabinets with FSC-certified woods harvested from responsibly managed forests. They also use water-based finishes. However, they are not as eco-friendly as some brands that use recycled materials.
Conclusion
Kemper cabinets range widely in price from about $100 – $1000 per linear foot, based on the materials, customization, and options you select. Their made-to-order approach allows you to get a completely personalized kitchen within your budget. With Kemper’s quality backed by their lifetime warranty, you can feel confident investing in cabinets that will serve your family for years to come.