Cabinets vary in material, design and construction, and each affects the price. Here are the three biggest factors.

Materials

Solid wood is the most expensive option and very durable. The type of wood can vary, especially on door fronts, giving you a range of looks if you plan to stain.

MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is made of wood fibers and resin. It costs less and isn't affected by termites, which can matter depending on where you live.

Plywood is a middle-of-the-road material with good water resistance.

Particle board, made from wood chips and sawdust, is the least expensive cabinet material.

Glass inserts are a popular way to display nicer serveware in a few select cabinets, and they add to the cost.

Finishes vary too. Solid wood can be stained or painted, while other materials may be painted or finished in thermofoil, laminate or melamine, and each affects cost. Thickness typically ranges from half an inch to three-quarters of an inch, and more material costs more.

Labor

Demolition. Removing and disposing of old cabinets has a cost. You can save a little by doing it yourself, but we don't recommend it unless you know what you are doing. Cabinets must be removed carefully to avoid damaging walls, and old shut-off valves don't always stop the water completely when plumbing is disconnected. Letting a professional handle it is usually worth it.

Installation. Cabinets must be installed securely and safely, which means locating studs and using the correct fasteners. Often the cabinets have to be assembled first. Base cabinets must be installed level, often with shims, and upper cabinets must be level and able to support a lot of weight. Detailed carpentry is usually needed for spacers, fillers, toe kicks and end panels. Expect installation labor to run roughly 40 to 50% of the cabinet cost.

Customization

Custom cabinets are individually produced and often built by hand. Stock cabinets cost considerably less but offer far fewer options for personalization, such as:

• Custom sizes

• Floating shelves

• Cabinet inserts

• Appliance panels

• Pull-out drawers

• Toe-kick drawers

• Drawers in place of doors

• Hardware upgrades

If your first estimates for a new kitchen were a shock, these are some of the reasons cabinets are a significant investment. Done well, they make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable and efficient and increase the value of your home.