Whether you’re remodelling a kitchen, adding storage to your garage, or upgrading a bathroom, cabinets are a significant investment that can significantly impact your budget. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “Is it cheaper to build cabinets or buy them?”
The answer? It depends — on your skill level, tools, material choices, time availability, and expectations for quality. This in-depth guide will compare the costs, pros, and cons, as well as the situations.
where building or buying makes more sense.
Cost Comparison of Buying versus Making Cabinets: Let’s compare the two options side by side in terms of materials, tools, time, and other hidden costs to determine which one is more cost-effective.
1. Cost of DIY Cabinet Building Materials:
Plywood (or MDF/particle board): $40–$100 per 4×8 sheet
- Hardware (hinges, drawer slides, knobs): $5–$20 per cabinet
- Fasteners, wood glue, screws, nails: $10–$30 total
- Finishes (paint, stain, polyurethane): $30–$80
- Edge banding or trim: $15–$50
Estimated cost per cabinet: $80–$200+
Read More: What Do You Do First in a Bathroom Remodel? | Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Right
Tools (if you don’t already own them):
- Circular saw or table saw: $100–$500
- Drill/driver: $50–$150
- Jigsaw: $50–$100
- Clamps, measuring tools, square: $50–$100
- Optional: Router, pocket hole jig, sander, brad nailer
Startup tool cost: $300–$1000+
Read More: How Many People Does It Take to Do a Bathroom Renovation? | A Full Breakdown by Role and Scope
Time Investment:
- Planning/design: 3–5 hours
- Cutting, assembling, and finishing: 4–8 hours per cabinet
- Total time for 10 cabinets: 40–100+ hours
Read More: Why Do Bathroom Remodels Take So Long? | A Deep Dive Into Delays and Timelines
2. Cost to Buy Cabinets
Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets:
- Flat-packed and shipped to your door
- Made of MDF, particle board, or plywood
Price per cabinet: $80–$250
Full kitchen: $1,500–$4,000
Read More: What Do You Need for a Bathroom Renovation? | A Complete Guide for Homeowners
Stock Cabinets (Big Box Stores):
- Prebuilt in standard sizes
- Lower-end materials (particle board with laminate or thermofoil)
Price per cabinet: $100–$300
Full kitchen: $2,000–$5,000
Read More: Best Tips to Follow for Bathroom Renovation: A Homeowner’s Complete Guide
Semi-Custom Cabinets:
- More finish and sizing options
- Better materials (plywood boxes, solid doors)
Price per cabinet: $200–$600
Full kitchen: $5,000–$12,000
Read More: What Is Involved in a Small Bathroom Remodel? | Complete DIY and Budget-Friendly Guide
Custom Cabinets (Professionally Built):
- Built to fit your exact specs
Price per cabinet: $500–$1,200+
Full kitchen: $10,000–$25,000+
Read More: How to Remodel a Bathroom DIY: A Complete Step-by-Step Homeowner’s Guide
So, Which One Is Cheaper?
If You Already Own Tools and Have Skills:
Building your cabinets can be 20–40% cheaper than buying RTA or stock options, especially if you’re using budget materials like MDF or plywood and can handle the labour yourself.
Read More: How to Hang a Floating Shelf on Drywall: A Complete DIY Guide
If You’re Starting from Scratch:
Buying may be cheaper in the short term since tool investment alone can offset savings — unless you plan to build more in the future.
Read More: Tips to Add Additional Kitchen Cabinets: Smart Storage Solutions for Every Home
Pros and Cons: Build vs Buy Cabinets
Pros of Building Your Cabinets
- Cost savings (if DIY-savvy)
- Complete control over design and materials
- Custom sizes and styles
- Sense of accomplishment
Read More: How Can We Get the Best Kitchen Pull-Out Shelves? A Complete Guide
Cons of Building Your Cabinets
- Time-consuming
- Requires tools and workspace
- Potential mistakes if inexperienced
- Finishing can be tedious
Read More: How to DIY a Room: Transform Your Space Without Breaking the Bank
Pros of Buying Cabinets
- Saves time and labour
- Professional fit and finish
- Warranty coverage
- Fast installation (especially stock cabinets)
Read More: What Is the Cheapest Way I Can Build a Bookshelf? A Budget-Friendly DIY Guide
Cons of Buying Cabinets
- Limited customization (stock and RTA)
- It may cost more in the long run
- Lower quality in cheaper options
Read More: Decorative Open Shelving Kitchen Ideas: Transform Your Space with Style and Function
Cost Comparison Example: 10 Cabinets
OptionTotal CostIncludesNotes
DIY (bare plywood) $1,000–$2,000 Materials only Add $300–$1,000 if buying tools
RTA Cabinets $1,500–$3,000 Pre-cut parts, no labour Still need to assemble
Stock Cabinets $2,000–$4,000 Fully assembled Limited sizes/styles
Semi-Custom $5,000–$10,000 Material + installation optional More design flexibility
Custom Cabinets $10,000+ Built to spec Luxury-level remodels
Read More: What Are the Best Tools for Installing Shelves? A Complete Guide for DIY Success
When Is It Better to Build Cabinets?
You should consider building if:
- You have basic woodworking skills
- Do you already own or plan to invest in tools
- Do you want to customize the size, shape, or layout
- You’re not on a tight timeline
- You’re okay with imperfections or learning along the way
Read More: Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy Shelves? A Cost Comparison for DIYers and Homeowners
When Is It Better to Buy Cabinets?
You should consider buying if:
- You need the job done quickly
- You lack tools or workspace
- You want a polished, professional look
- You want warranties and support
- You’re doing a high-end renovation
Read More: What Plywood Should I Use for Shelves? A Complete Guide for DIYers and Homeowners
Tips to Save Money on Cabinets
Whether building or buying, you can cut costs by:
- Using plywood or MDF instead of solid wood
- Choosing open shelving for upper cabinets
- Keeping your layout simple (avoid corner cabinets)
- Refacing existing cabinets instead of replacing
- Buying RTA cabinets and assembling them yourself
- Using budget hardware from online stores
Read More: How to Put Up Shelves: The Complete DIY Guide for Beginners
Final Verdict: Is Building Cheaper Than Buying?
Yes — if you have the tools, skills, and time, building your cabinets can save 20–50% or more compared to buying them.
No — if you’re starting from scratch or need fast, professional results, buying is the better option overall.
There’s no universal answer. The best decision depends on your budget, skills, and project goals.
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