How Much Do Custom Cabinet Doors Cost

Getting new cabinet doors can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. Custom cabinet doors allow you to choose the style, materials, colors and hardware that match your personal taste and decor. But custom doors often come with a higher price tag than stock cabinet doors. So how much do custom cabinet doors cost?

Custom cabinet door prices typically range from $50 to $500 per door, with most quality custom doors falling between $100 to $300 per door. The exact cost depends on several factors:

Materials

The material you choose for your custom cabinet doors will have a significant impact on the overall cost. Here are some of the most popular custom cabinet door materials and their average price ranges:

  • Wood – $100 to $300 per door. Popular woods like oak, maple, cherry and hickory. Wood can be painted or stained.
  • Thermofoil – $50 to $150 per door. Made from wood pulp covered in plastic laminate for a durable finish. Many color options.
  • MDF – $50 to $250 per door. Medium density fiberboard. Can be painted, stained or thermofoil coated.
  • Glass – $150 to $500+ per door. Adds clear or frosted glass inserts. More expensive than solid wood or thermofoil.
  • Metal – $200 to $500 per door. Often made from stainless steel, aluminum or copper. Modern, industrial look.

Door Style

Custom doors come in many different styles, which also impacts the price:

  • Flat panel – $100 to $250. Simple slab style, available in numerous sizes.
  • Shaker – $150 to $300. Classic straight lines and recessed center panel.
  • Raised panel – $200 to $400. Dimensional center panel with profiled edges.
  • Arch top – $250 to $500. Decorative curved or angled top edges.
  • Beaded inset – $300+. Antique style with glass moulding.

More intricate styles like inset panels, cutouts and creative shapes will increase the cost per door.

Door Size

Standard cabinet door sizes range from 12 to 48 inches wide. In general, larger doors will cost more.

  • 12 to 18 inch doors – $100 to $200
  • 24 to 36 inch doors – $150 to $300
  • 42 to 48 inch doors – $200 to $400

Odd size custom doors usually start around $300+ per door.

Hardware

Fancy custom hardware like decorative hinges, pulls and knobs can add $20 to $50 per door upcharge. Concealed hinges and simple hardware options won’t increase costs much.

Custom Options

Other customizations like unique finishes, mixed materials, custom paint colors or engraving will also increase the price per door. These upgrades usually add $50 to $100 per door.

Order Quantity

Ordering cabinet doors in bulk can lead to cost savings from volume discounts. Typical price breaks:

  • 5 to 10 doors – Normal per door pricing
  • 15 to 30 doors – 5% to 10% discount
  • 40+ doors – Up to 20% discount

Brand Name

Selecting a well-known brand for custom cabinet doors like KraftMaid, Thomasville or Kemper usually adds a 15% to 30% upcharge compared to small local cabinet shops. But the quality is also often higher.

Labor Costs

If you hire a contractor to install your new custom cabinet doors, expect to pay $40 to $80 per hour for installation services. DIY replacement can save on labor.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Custom Cabinet Doors

Custom cabinet doors allow you to put your personal stamp on your kitchen or bathroom. While stock cabinet doors are one-size-fits-all, custom doors let you customize the style, materials, sizes and finishes. But this level of customization comes at a price.

Here are the main factors that determine the cost for custom cabinet doors:

Door Materials

The materials used to construct cabinet doors make up a significant portion of the total cost. Materials like real wood or glass will be more expensive than laminates or fiberboard. Within each material type, there is also a range of prices from economy to premium grades.

Some typical cabinet door materials and associated prices:

  • Wood – $100 to $300 per door. Most popular species are oak, maple, hickory and cherry. Can be painted or stained in any color.
  • Plywood – $80 to $250 per door. Constructed from thin sheets of wood glued together. Economical and stable.
  • Thermofoil – $50 to $150 per door. Wood pulp covered in plastic laminate. Very durable and scratch resistant.
  • MDF – $50 to $250 per door. Medium density fiberboard with consistent density. Takes paint and stain well.
  • Vinyl – $80 to $200 per door. Plastic sheet door with printed wood grain finish. Moisture resistant.
  • Glass – $150 to $500 per door. Adds clear or frosted glass inserts. More expensive but great for display cabinets.
  • Metal – $200 to $500 per door. Usually stainless steel or aluminum. Contemporary style.

Door Style

Custom cabinet doors come in an endless array of designs. Simpler flat slab styles cost less than intricate doors with panels, insets and carvings.

  • Slab – $100 to $250. Simple flat panel design in various widths.
  • Shaker – $150 to $300. Straight lines and flat recessed center panel.
  • Raised Panel – $200 to $400. Center panel with profiled edges. Traditional style.
  • Arch Top – $250 to $500. Decorative curved or peaked top edges.
  • Inset – $300+. Panel inserts with moulding trim. Timeless antique look.

Door Size

Standard kitchen cabinets are 24 inches deep and 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36 inches wide. Bathroom vanities commonly use 18 to 24 inch wide doors. The wider the doors, the higher the material costs.

  • 12 to 18 inch – $100 to $200
  • 24 to 36 inch – $150 to $300
  • 42 inch and wider – $200 to $400

Truly custom, odd size doors usually start around $300+ per door.

Construction Quality

Higher grades of materials and fine craftsmanship result in more durable, better performing cabinet doors. Economy quality doors may warp or deteriorate faster than premium quality.

You get what you pay for when it comes to quality and longevity.

Hardware

Fancy custom hardware like wrought iron hinges, hammered copper knobs and decorative pulls can add $20 to $50 per door upcharge. Simple concealed hinges and minimal hardware won’t increase cost much.

Order Quantity

Cabinet door manufacturers usually offer volume discounts for bulk orders. The more doors you buy, the lower the per door cost.

Typical quantity discounts:

  • 1 to 10 doors – Regular pricing
  • 15 to 30 doors – 5% to 10% off
  • 40+ doors – Up to 20% discount

Brand Name

Selecting a top brand like KraftMaid for custom doors normally comes with a 15% to 30% premium compared to small local shops. But you’ll also get superior quality, warranties and service.

Customization

Any custom options like mixing materials, adding glass, custom paint colors or engraving will drive the price up $50 to $100 per door. Unique specifications require extra steps in manufacturing.

Delivery Fees

Factor in delivery charges if your cabinet door company doesn’t offer free shipping. This could add $50 to $300 depending on your location.

Installation Labor

Hiring a contractor to install your new cabinet doors will typically cost around $40 to $80 per hour in labor fees. DIY replacement can save significantly on installation costs.

What Impacts the Quality of Custom Cabinet Doors?

Not all custom cabinet doors are created equal when it comes to quality and durability. Some factors that affect the quality of custom doors include:

Materials

Quality custom cabinet doors start with quality materials like plywood, solid wood or aluminum. Economy particleboard may not withstand moisture or heavy use. Real wood offers richness that can’t be duplicated.

Construction

Precision engineering and strong joinery result in doors that stay straight and operate smoothly for years. Poor construction can lead to crooked, misaligned and sagging doors.

Hardware

Sturdy hinges, rails and pulls last for decades, while flimsy hardware wears out, breaks or detaches from the door. Concealed hinges maintain adjustments better than visible hinges.

Finish Quality

Multiple coats of stain, sealer and topcoat result in a rich, durable finish. Quick single coats can look blotchy or wear away too fast. Durable baked enamel finishes on metal and thermofoil doors resist chipping.

Brand Reputation

Reputable brands earn that trust through rigorous quality control and product testing. They use quality materials and skilled workers to make doors that last.

Warranties

Look for at least a 1-year warranty from manufacturers. Better brands offer lifetime warranties on materials and workmanship. This provides peace of mind if any defects arise.

Buying the cheapest custom doors isn’t always the best value in the long run. Investing in quality materials and construction results in better performance and longer service life from your custom cabinet doors.

How Long Do Custom Cabinet Doors Last?

With proper care and maintenance, high quality custom cabinet doors should last 15 to 30 years or longer before needing replacement. Several factors affect the lifespan of custom cabinet doors:

Materials

Doors constructed from quality plywood, solid wood, glass or metal will last much longer than cheap particleboard or plastic doors. Real wood ages beautifully over decades of use.

  • Solid wood – 25 to 50 years
  • Plywood – 20 to 40 years
  • Thermofoil – 15 to 30 years
  • Particleboard – 10 to 15 years
  • Plastic/vinyl – 10 to 15 years

Usage Level

The amount of daily usage has an impact. Doors in a vacation home see gentler use than those in a bustling family kitchen. But most quality doors can withstand normal wear and tear for many years.

Quality of Construction

Precision manufacturing, strong joinery and sturdy hardware result in doors that stay straight, operate smoothly and resist damage or malfunction.

Installation

Proper installation according to the manufacturer’s guidelines helps doors maintain alignment on a flat and plumb cabinet frame. Poor installation can put stress on doors.

Maintenance

Following the manufacturer’s care guidelines and performing periodic maintenance keeps doors looking like new. Quick dusting and wiping spills prevents finish deterioration.

Climate Conditions

Moist, humid environments can cause wood doors to warp or create finish problems if improperly sealed and finished. Dry climates typically extend door life.

Replacing just the doors can extend the service life of your existing cabinet boxes by decades. And choosing durable, high quality custom doors guarantees that you won’t need another replacement anytime soon. They truly can last a lifetime when properly made and cared for.

What are the Best Materials for Custom Cabinet Doors?

Cabinet door materials range from traditional wood to sleek modern glass, offering unique properties and aesthetics. When choosing materials for custom cabinet doors, consider factors like budget, durability, ease of cleaning and style preferences.

Here are some of the best materials for custom cabinet doors:

Solid Wood

  • Pros – Beautiful natural patterns. Paints and stains well. Easy to repair. Long-lasting up to 50 years.
  • Cons – Can be expensive. Prone to humidity damage. Requires refinishing.
  • Cost – $$ to $$$ per door
  • Best Uses – Painted, stained or natural wood finish. Traditional to contemporary styles.

Plywood

  • Pros – Very stable and durable construction. Hidden layered wood structure. Takes finishes well.
  • Cons – Not as strong as solid wood. Edges need veneer.
  • Cost – $ to $$ per door
  • Best Uses – Painted cabinetry on a budget. Shaker or recessed panel styles.

Thermofoil

  • Pros – Extremely durable laminated finish. Resists moisture, warping and scratches. Easy care.
  • Cons – Can’t refinish. Limited solid color options only.
  • Cost – $ to $$ per door
  • Best Uses – High use kitchens. Bathrooms. Colorful modern styles.

MDF

  • Pros – Very consistent smooth surface for finishing. Stable composite wood. Hidden substrate.
  • Cons – Not as strong or repairable as solid wood. Lacks natural pattern.
  • Cost – $ per door
  • Best Uses – Painted cabinets on a budget. Clean simple styles.

Glass

  • Pros – Allows displaying collectibles or decor. Transparency brightens rooms. Upscale look.
  • Cons – Easily broken. Needs special hardware. Shows smudges.
  • Cost – $$$ per door
  • Best Uses – Display cabinets or accents. Upper cabinets out of reach.

Metal

  • Pros – Extremely durable and heat resistant. Antimicrobial properties. Industrial modern look.
  • Cons – Dents and scratches permanently. Loud closing. Very expensive.
  • Cost – $$$ per door
  • Best Uses – Laundry and garage cabinets. Modern kitchens.

Take stock of your budget, goals and decor when selecting the ideal materials for a custom cabinet door project. Combining multiple materials can balance the benefits of each.

What’s the Difference Between Stock vs. Custom Cabinet Doors?

Stock and custom cabinet doors each offer unique advantages and disadvantages for your kitchen or bath remodel. Understanding the key differences can help you decide which is the better choice for your needs and budget.

What are Stock Cabinet Doors?

Stock cabinet doors are pre-fabricated doors available in standard sizes and limited style options. They come ready to install right off the shelf from home stores or cabinet suppliers.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive – $20 to $100 per door
  • Quick and convenient to purchase
  • Limited sizes like 24” or 36” widths

Cons:

  • Limited style and color options
  • Quality varies from cheap to decent
  • Won’t match odd cabinet sizes exactly
  • Look generic and builder-grade

Best for – Budget remodels using standard cabinet sizes

What are Custom Cabinet Doors?

Custom cabinet doors are made specifically to your specifications. Choose dimensions, materials, style, finish, hardware and other details. Doors are built once you place the order.

Pros:

  • Fully customized sizing and design
  • High-end materials and quality
  • Perfectly integrated look
  • Match existing cabinetry
  • Unlimited style options

Cons:

  • Expensive – $100 to $500+ per door
  • Need accurate cabinet measurements
  • Longer lead time for production
  • Overkill for some projects

Best for – Upscale remodels; unique cabinets sizes; coordinating new and existing doors

Key Differences

Size options – Stock doors come in set widths like 12”, 18”, 24” only. Custom can be any size.

Quality – Custom is typically higher grades of material and construction.

Styles – Stock has 5-10 style choices. Custom offers unlimited door designs.

Cost – Stock is significantly cheaper than fully custom.

Lead time – Stock ships within days. Custom takes weeks for production.

For quick cosmetic updates on a budget, stock cabinet doors get the job done. But custom doors provide a fully tailored look at a premium price point.

What’s Better for Resale Value – Stock or Custom Cabinet Doors?

If you’re renovating with future resale in mind, custom cabinet doors generally offer a much better return on investment than basic stock doors. Here’s why custom doors maximize your home’s resale potential and value:

Quality and Durability

Custom doors are constructed from higher grade materials and use precision manufacturing. This results in doors that stay straight, operate smoothly, and maintain their visual appeal for decades rather than wearing out after just a few years like inferior stock doors.

Quality custom doors increase your home’s lifespan and cut down on maintenance or replacements.

Visual Appeal

Unique custom doors that match your cabinets perfectly help create a high-end, seamless kitchen or bath design. The details and style make the space look luxurious rather than basic.

Custom doors tailored to your decor command higher prices from buyers.

Coordination

Rather than limiting your cabinet remodel to what’s available off the shelf, custom doors allow you to match existing cabinetry or create any style you want.

This freedom ensures all your kitchen or bath elements tie together beautifully. Mismatched stock doors look choppy.

Universal Appeal

While stock doors only appeal to bargain hunters, custom cabinetry draws interest from all buyer demographics, including high-end buyers willing to pay top dollar for quality finishes.

Custom doors have widespread appeal. Stock doors turn off upscale buyers.

Added Value

In real estate, quality custom finishes typically add more resale value than the original upfront investment. Luxurious custom doors convey value better than inexpensive stock doors.

You’ll recoup a much higher percentage of the cost with custom doors.

While stock cabinet doors make sense for flips or rentals, custom doors hold their value and help sell your home faster and for more money when the time comes. They offer a significant return on investment.

How to Measure for Custom Cabinet Doors

Accurate measurements are crucial for custom cabinet doors to fit your existing cabinets properly. Follow these steps


Posted

in

by

Tags: