Amish cabinets are coveted for their high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. But with this superior construction comes a higher price tag. So how much do Amish cabinets really cost? The answer depends on several factors.
Amish Cabinet Prices
Amish cabinets are not mass-produced. They are carefully handmade by skilled woodworkers using quality materials. This level of craftsmanship does not come cheap.
On average, expect to pay $150 to $300 per linear foot for Amish cabinets. This equates to $15,000 to $30,000 for a typical 10×10 kitchen with 25 linear feet of cabinets.
Of course, prices can vary widely beyond this range depending on:
Wood Type
The type of wood used affects cost. Amish cabinets are typically crafted from oak, maple, hickory, cherry, or walnut.
Maple is the most affordable option starting around $2,000 for unfinished cabinets.
Oak and hickory cost slightly more at $2,500 to $3,500.
Cherry and walnut are premium woods adding $1,000 or more to the total.
Exotic veneers like mahogany or ebony can add $5,000 or more to the price.
Door Styles
Basic Shaker-style doors are the most economical. More ornate doors with intricate detailing, carvings, raised panels, and glass inserts increase the price.
For example, expect to pay $500 to $1,000 more for cabinets with glass fronts or cathedral styling. Arched doors also bump up costs.
Finish Option
Amish cabinets come unfinished, stained, painted, or glazed.
Unfinished cabinets are the most affordable starting around $2,000 for a typical kitchen.
Stain adds $500 to $1,500 depending on the number of coats applied. For an even look, expect to pay more for stained cabinets.
Painted finishes range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the technique. Distressed, crackled, and glazed finishes fall on the higher end.
Glazing alone adds $1,000 to $1,500 to unfinished cabinets. When combined with staining or painting, costs are even higher.
Hardware
Opting for custom hardware over standard knobs and pulls tacks on $500 to $1,500 extra. Wrought iron, hammered copper, and solid brass hardware are pricey choices.
Custom Design Elements
Any custom details like open shelving, built-in appliances, or add-ons like hutches, valances, and crown molding increase costs $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Unique storage solutions like pull-out spice racks also raise prices.
Delivery Location
Location impacts pricing too. Amish cabinets shipped long distances cost more due to added shipping expenses. Delivery charges can range $500 to $1,500 depending on distance from the manufacturer.
Factors that Impact Amish Cabinet Quality
While Amish cabinets command premium pricing, quality can vary greatly from one manufacturer to the next. Several factors affect the quality of construction.
Craftsmanship
Top-notch Amish craftsmen produce cabinets with tight joints, secure frames, and perfectly aligned doors. Shoddy workmanship results in loose joints, misalignments, and rough edges.
Closely inspect cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers for these tells of quality. Avoid manufacturers that cut corners.
Materials
High-end Amish cabinets use all plywood construction and solid hardwood doors. Particleboard boxes and doors are lower quality.
Quality hardware, full extension drawer glides, and soft-close hinges also signal better materials. Check that cabinets are CARB compliant too.
Finish Execution
Proper sanding, sealing, and finish application results in a smooth uniform appearance. Look for evenly stained cabinets with consistent coloring across pieces.
Painted cabinets should not have drips, thin spots, or bleed-through. And glazing should appear intentional, not sloppy and uneven.
Customization
Better Amish manufacturers offer more customization options – from wood choice to storage solutions. Custom work generally yields better fit and finish.
Reputation
Established Amish cabinet shops with generations of woodworking expertise produce superior results. Seek referrals and read reviews to find reputable shops.
While price heavily influences decisions, it’s worth investing in quality Amish cabinets that will last.
Amish Cabinet Price Considerations
Several other factors influence Amish cabinet pricing and should be considered when budgeting.
Order Timeframe
On average, allow 12-16 weeks for Amish cabinet construction after finalizing a design. Rushed orders can increase costs 15% or more. Allowing ample time keeps pricing in check.
Order Size
The more cabinets purchased, the less you pay per unit. Pricing is based on volume. Small orders or additions after the fact cost more overall.
Shipping Distance
Manufacturers located farther away incur higher shipping expenses that translate into higher pricing. Choosing a local Amish shop saves on transport costs.
Supply Chain Issues
Global shortages and supply chain disruptions may cause periodic price increases for Amish cabinets in the coming years.
Business Profit Margins
Some Amish shops inflate pricing to increase profit margins. Obtain multiple quotes to find manufacturers offering competitive pricing.
Installation Factors
If having the Amish company install the cabinets, costs for labor, travel, and lodging for the installers adds thousands. DIY installs are significantly cheaper.
Always account for these additional expenses when budgeting for Amish cabinets.
Cost Saving Tips
While Amish cabinets come at a premium, there are ways to get the most for your money.
Choose Affordable Wood Type
Opt for oak or maple over pricier cherry, walnut, and exotics. These cost thousands less.
Select Basic Door Styles
Keep doors simple. Avoid ornate detailing and opt for Shaker style over cathedral.
Buy Unfinished Cabinets
Letting cabinets arrive unfinished saves significantly compared to pre-finished options. Finish them yourself.
Skip Custom Hardware
Standard hardware looks great and avoids the hefty upcharge for custom knobs and pulls.
Install Doors/Drawers Yourself
Have cabinets delivered as a carcass with doors and drawers separate to save on shipping volume. Install these pieces yourself.
Use Stock Sizes
Design kitchen layout using common cabinet widths like 12”, 18”, 24”, 30”, 36”. Custom sizing increases costs.
DIY Installation
Save thousands by installing cabinets yourself rather than paying Amish carpenters.
Buy Direct From Manufacturer
Order direct from the Amish woodshop instead of through a kitchen designer or cabinet dealer.
Shop Local Manufacturers
Use local Amish shops instead of larger retailers shipping from distant shops.
Buy During Sales
Look for specials around the holidays or end of winter before the spring rush.
Are Amish Cabinets Worth the Investment?
At first glance, Amish cabinet pricing is undoubtedly sticker shock. But in reality, the premium pays for superior craftsmanship that cannot be replicated at big box stores.
Amish cabinets are an investment that returns savings in the long run through:
- Heirloom Quality – Amish cabinets are built to last over 50 years. Their timeless styling outlives design trends.
- Precise Fit – Custom sizing provides exact fit versus gapping problems with stock cabinets.
- Flawless Function – Soft-close doors, full-extension drawers, and custom storage solutions.
- Eco-Friendly Materials – Made from sustainably-harvested solid wood instead of particleboard.
- Cost Recoup – Quality custom cabinets recoup over 60% of their value in home resale.
When you consider the value gained from Amish craftsmanship, their return on investment outweighs the higher initial cost.
Acme Cabinet Company – Example Amish Cabinet Pricing
To give a real-world price example, let’s look at Acme Cabinet Company, a trusted Amish manufacturer.
Acme Cabinet Pricing:
- Basic Shaker Oak Cabinets – $275 per linear foot
- Wood Upgrade to Cherry – $125 per linear foot additional
- Stain Finish – $750
- Standard Cabinet Hardware – Included
- Glass Front Cabinet Upcharge – $500 per glass door
- Delivery to a State 500 Miles Away – $1000
Total cost for 25 linear foot oak kitchen
- 25 linear feet x $275 per linear foot = $6,875
- 1 Glass Door Upcharge = $500
- Stain Finish = $750
- Delivery = $1000
Total Price = $9,125
This provides real insight into how options and upgrades impact Amish cabinet pricing. While not cheap, the quality return on investment is there.
Amish Cabinet Cost Considerations
Amish cabinets provide stunning looks combined with incredible quality and functionality. But maximizing value requires selecting the right set of options at a fair price.
Carefully weigh factors like wood type, door style, and finish against your budget. Simple Shaker cabinets in oak or maple offer an affordable starting point. Then add sensible upgrades like glass fronts, hardware, or specialty storage as budget allows.
Shop multiple Amish manufacturers, get quotes in writing, and read reviews to identify reputable shops with fair pricing. And don’t underestimate the expertise of a kitchen designer in value engineering the right set of amenities within your budget.
If done right, Amish cabinets elevate a kitchen without breaking the bank – paying dividends for decades to come through unmatched beauty, utility, and enjoyment. While more costly than big box cabinets, the quality craftsmanship yields enduring value that ultimately makes Amish cabinets a sound investment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amish Cabinet Costs
Many factors impact Amish cabinet pricing. To help provide more insight, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the cost of Amish cabinets.
How much do basic Amish cabinets cost?
Basic Amish cabinets start around $2,500 – $4,000 for an unfinished oak or maple Shaker-style cabinet set for a 10×10 kitchen. This provides a baseline price for a quality Amish cabinet. Upgrades and options add cost from there.
What are the most affordable woods for Amish cabinets?
Oak and maple are the most wallet-friendly woods. They offer an attractive fine grain pattern at a value price point starting under $3,000. Hickory is another very affordable choice that resembles oak. These woods give you the most bang for your buck.
How much more for custom storage options?
Expect to pay $500 – $1,000 more for specialty storage modifications like pull-out spice racks, vertical divider drawers, or custom roll-outs in base cabinets. Unique storage solutions do add cost, but also boost utility.
Is it cheaper to finish cabinets on my own?
Absolutely. Letting cabinets arrive unfinished saves 30% or more off the price versus pre-finished. With the right tools and patience, you can apply stain or paint at a fraction of the cost.
When are Amish cabinets put on sale?
The best sales on Amish cabinets occur around the holidays and into January once winter sets in and work slows. Discounts of 10-20% off are common during these slower seasons.
Should I pay extra for soft-close hinges?
Soft-close hinges prevent slamming and are worth the $20-50 per cabinet upgrade cost. They give a high-end feel and prevent damage long-term.
How much does delivery add to the cost?
Delivery fees vary based on distance from the shop but expect to pay $500 – $1,500 for long distance shipping. Reducing distance saves money.
Is DIY install worth the effort?
Absolutely, DIY installs can save thousands in labor costs. If you’re moderately handy, installing cabinets yourself is manageable. Just make careful measurements and take your time.
Can I negotiate pricing with Amish cabinet shops?
Amish shops build in profit margins, so there is often room to negotiate – especially for large orders. Don’t be afraid to politely ask for a discount. At minimum, get quotes from multiple shops.
Should I buy directly from an Amish shop?
Buying direct from the manufacturer avoids dealer markups resulting in the lowest pricing. Just ensure you do diligence vetting shops. Getting referrals from local builders and reading reviews helps identify reputable Amish cabinet makers worth considering.
Are Amish cabinets worth the higher cost?
Yes. By investing in Amish cabinets, you gain generational quality, unmatched storage solutions, custom sizing and styling, eco-friendly materials, and precise craftsmanship. Over decades of use, Amish cabinets deliver significant return on investment.
Conclusion
Amish cabinets command premium pricing due to their flawless craftsmanship and top-tier construction. But the attention to detail carries costs of $150 – $300 per linear foot, yielding total prices of $15k – $30k for a full kitchen.
Numerous factors impact pricing – from wood type and door style to hardware and delivery. Yet the end result is cabinets built to last a lifetime.
While higher than stock cabinets, Amish cabinets are a sound investment given their quality materials, impeccable construction, flawless function, and timeless styling. When buying Amish, choose economical woods like oak and maple. Seek reasonable pricing through quotes and negotiation. And limit pricy upgrades to keep costs in check.
By budgeting wisely, you can invest in heirloom quality Amish cabinets that pay dividends through generations of enjoyment and daily use. While not cheap, Amish cabinets provide enduring value.