Cabinets are usually the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel, often taking up 30% to 40% of the total budget. They cover the largest visual area and can be customized in countless ways.
The cabinetry has a major impact on the kitchen’s overall look. Rather than being used for storage, it can also boost your home’s ROI. More than any other feature, the quality and design of your cabinets tend to define how the space feels and functions.
Other expensive parts are floors and counters. Despite their expense, there are ways to save on them, too. Ok, but how?
That’s why. I am here to help you through this guide. After working for so many years with Texas Pro Remodeling, I explain why your kitchen cabinets are so expensive and how you can save money while remodeling.
Keep reading to learn where your major costs go on a kitchen remodeling project.
| TL;DR The cabinet is the most expensive part of the kitchen remodel. Due to high-quality materials, labor demand, premium upgrades, material shortage, and increased shipping costs. It can cost between $ 5,000 and $50,000+ in DFW, depending on the type and complexity. |
Cabinetry Percentage Of Kitchen Remodel Budget
Cabinetry is usually the largest expense in a kitchen remodel, typically accounting for 30-40% of the total budget, or 30–45% if you include hardware.
Homeowners can expect to spend roughly 29–35% of their budget on cabinets alone for a standard mid-range renovation. But yes, the exact percentage depends on the type of cabinetry chosen: stock, semi-custom, or high-end custom options.
I’ve added a table showing the costs for parts of your kitchen remodeling project. This will clear out your major questions while planing kitchen remodel:
| Category / Cabinet Type | Details / Cost Range |
| Cabinetry & Hardware | 30–40% of the total remodel budget |
| Labor & Installation | 20–35% |
| Appliances | 10–20% |
| Countertops | 10–15% |
| Flooring, Lighting, Miscellaneous | 10–20% |
| Stock Cabinets | Budget-friendly, $100–$300 per linear foot |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | Mid-range, $150–$900 per linear foot |
| Custom Cabinets | High-end, $500–$1,400+ per linear foot |
| Alternatives | Refacing or repainting can significantly lower costs |
Why Are Cabinets So Expensive in a DFW Kitchen Remodel?
You might be thinking that cabinetry is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. It all lies in its built-in process. Here are the reasons listed below.
High Quality Wood Materials
DFW homeowners prefer two types of cabinetry materials. Such as solid hardwood and engineered woods. Both are good in their own way.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwoods are natural woods. They are the most expensive of all the cabinetry materials. Usually, they are 100-300% expensive and can cost you $500-$1,200 per square foot.
These are extremely durable and last over 30-50+ years easily. Most popular options in DFW are maple, oak, cherry, hickory, birch, and walnut. They also deliver a strong ROI of 70-80%.
If you go and ask people about their first choice, they would simply tell you about these hardwood materials if budget is not an option.
Here’s a quick table for you to look for each solid hardwood material:
| Wood Type | Typical Cost per Linear Foot | Expected Lifespan with Good Care | Best Uses |
| Maple | $150–$400 | 30–50+ years | Great all-around choice for everyday kitchens. Durable and takes stains or paints well. Good for long-term stay and resale. |
| Oak | $100–$400 | 30–50+ years | Strong and classic. Works well in traditional or craftsman kitchens. Reliable for daily use and resale. |
| Cherry | $200–$600 | 30–50+ years | Rich, warm tone that deepens with age. Good for upscale spaces. Strong long-term appeal. |
| Hickory | $200–$500 | 30–50+ years | Exceptionally durable and scratch-resistant. Fits rustic or farmhouse styles; heavy use kitchens. |
| Birch | $75–$350 | 25–40+ years | Smoother grain, versatile look. Slightly more budget-friendly hardwood with solid durability. |
| Walnut | $300–$800+ | 30–50+ years | Premium and luxurious. Best for custom or high-end remodels. Adds strong aesthetic and resale value. |
Things to remember here:
Simply take these ranges as guidance. Ranges can easily fluctuate on various conditions. Such as stock offerings will come in lower while highly tailored designs can go above these figures. Proper care can extend their lifespan even more.
Engineered Woods
There are other budget friendly options. Commonly used options in DFW are MDF(medium density fiberboard), plywood and particle board. These materials can cost you $60-$220 per linear square foot.
Cheaper costing comes from its manufacturing process. Large sheets, wood fibers, glue or engineered layers are used while manufacturing. It’s cheaper, requires less skilled labor to fabricate compared to solid wood joinery.
Take a look on the engineered woods materials:
| Material | Typical Cost per Linear Foot (DFW Range) | Expected Lifespan (With Good Care) | Who It’s Best For |
| MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) | $70 – $250 | 15–25 years | Homeowners focused on modern painted looks and mid-range budgets |
| Plywood | $80 – $300 | 20–30+ years | Long-term stay homeowners who want durability without full solid wood pricing |
| Particle Board | $50 – $150 | 10–20 years | Short-term stay, rental properties, or tight budgets |
Talk with your contractor about your preferred cabinetry material. Labor cost is dependent on your material selection.
Cabinet Labors
Cabinet installation is skilled work. In most cases, cabinetry labor cost for solid hardwood ranges from $50 to $450 and $50-$200 for engineered woods per linear foot. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, labor can run 20% to 50% higher than the rural areas. Demand is strong here. Experienced installers are booked out months in advance.
Why Solid Hardwood Cabinetry Costs More in DFW
- Requires on site installation including precise cutting, handling, joinery, sanding and finishing. It adds extra labor hours.
- Custom sizing and on-site adjustments increase labor hours.
- Premium finishing and sealing
- Detailing such as inset doors adds fabrication time.
- Higher demand due to rising living cost, shop rent, insurance and materials.
Why Engineered Woods Require Less Labor Cost
- Faster installation(often 1-2 days).
- Versatile installation methods like installing over concrete slabs(most common) using floating or glow down methods.This method is faster than sial/staple down method.
- Usually arrives with a factory finish that eliminates the need for intensive on site standing. Requires less prep work also.
- Easier to cut and assemble with less specialized joinery.
- Minimal wood movement reduces installation adjustments.
- Lighter weight makes handling and installation quicker.
- Often used in stock or semi-custom cabinets with streamlined production.
There’s an easy way you can lock better labor rates. Book your contractor 2-4 months(fall or winter) ahead of peak spring and summer season. It will cut down 10-20% seasonal price surge.
Popular Upgrades
Popular upgrades are cabinet features and finishes. Every cabinetry has its own upgrades. They improve functionality, style, and resale value.
The most chosen cabinetry upgrades among DFW homeowners are custom and semi-custom cabinets, soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves, lazy susans, spice racks, specialized pantry storage, custom designs, premium finishes, and integrated appliances such as LED, strip lighting, glass front cabinets etc.
I’ve added table showing how these popular upgrades add on extra cost and their best usage on cabinetry:
| Upgrade | Typical Extra Cost (DFW $) | Extra % of Cabinetry Cost | Best Use |
| Soft-close hinges & full-extension drawers | $200–$600 per kitchen | 10–15% | Daily use – smoother, quieter operation |
| Pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, spice racks, pantry organizers | $150–$800 | 5–10% | Daily use – easy access and organization |
| Custom or semi-custom cabinet designs | $1,000–$5,000+ | 20–40% | Long-term stay / ROI – personalized layout and design |
| Integrated/panel-ready appliances | $500–$2,000 | 5–15% | Occasional / aesthetics – seamless look for high-end kitchens |
| Premium wood types & complex painted or inset finishes | $1,000–$4,000 | 15–25% | Long-term stay / ROI – durability and high resale appeal |
| Under-cabinet or in-cabinet lighting (LED, strip, glass-front) | $300–$1,200 | 5–10% | Occasional / aesthetics – accent and task lighting |
| Large multi-purpose islands | $2,000–$10,000+ | 20–30% | Daily use / ROI – cooking, dining, storage |
| High-end countertops (quartz, quartzite) | $2,500–$8,000+ | 20–30% | Daily use / ROI – durability and resale value |
| Designer hardware & custom crown molding | $300–$1,500 | 5–10% | Occasional / aesthetics – finishing touches, style |
Most homeowners in DFW no longer want builder-grade finishes. They are basic, less durable and visually plain. Choose what is premium, functional and comfortable for you.
Material Shortages
Cabinet pricing is also affected by supply chain issues in the DFW area. Based on 2026 reports, material shortage combined with 25% tariffs on imported products increases cabinetry cost by 10% to 25% or more.
Below you can see how material shortage(in 5 years) increases the cabinetry cost in DFW:
| Cabinetry Category | % Impact from Material Shortage (Past 5 Years vs 2026) | 2026 Cost Increase ($) | Suggested Budget Buffer ($) |
| Solid Hardwood | 40–55% | $150–$400 per LF | $100–$200 per LF |
| Engineered Woods | 25–40% | $20–$80 per LF | $15–$50 per LF |
| Popular Upgrades | 30–50% | $200–$1,500 per kitchen | $150–$1,000 per kitchen |
Shipping Costs
Shipping and freight costs began rising sharply from 2020 and 2021 by 15-30%. As global supply chains were disrupted by the COVID‑19 pandemic. Although extreme spikes have eased since then, rates have remained elevated compared with before 2020. That keeps overall logistics costs higher through 2026.
Choose local suppliers with nearby warehouses. It can save roughly $100–$400 per kitchen in shipping and freight costs. Consolidating deliveries (ordering all cabinets at once) can further reduce costs and avoid multiple shipping fees.
Are There Any Ways To Reduce Cabinet Costs?
Yes! There are several ways to reduce cabinet costs without sacrificing style or functionality:
Choose Stock or RTA Cabinets
One of the simplest ways to save on cabinetry is to go for stock cabinets or ready-to-assemble (RTA) units. Stock cabinets are pre-manufactured in standard sizes and finishes, making them significantly cheaper than custom options.
Prices typically range from $100 to $300 per linear foot, depending on the material and finish. RTA cabinets are shipped flat and assembled on-site, offering similar savings while giving you some flexibility in layout.
While you might sacrifice a bit of customization, these cabinets can look just as stylish as higher-end options, especially with modern finishes.
Consider Semi-Custom Instead of Fully Custom
If you want more design flexibility without the full custom price tag, semi-custom cabinets are a smart choice. They generally cost $150–$900 per linear foot and allow you to select door styles, finishes, and sizes, while still sticking to pre-manufactured cabinet boxes.
Semi-custom options offer a balance between affordability and personalization. That makes them ideal for mid-range remodels that want a polished look without breaking the budget.
Reface or Repaint Existing Cabinets
Another effective way to cut costs is to reface or repaint your existing cabinetry instead of replacing everything. Refacing involves keeping the cabinet boxes but replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.
Repainting can refresh the look entirely for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets. This approach works especially well if your existing layout is functional and your cabinets are structurally sound, allowing you to achieve a modern, updated look without paying for full replacement.
Limit Upgrades and Accessories
High-end cabinet features such as soft-close hinges, pull-out drawers, or crown molding can quickly add 10–20% to your budget. While these upgrades improve convenience and aesthetics, they aren’t always essential.
You can significantly reduce costs while still maintaining a functional kitchen. This approach lets you prioritize quality materials for key areas without overspending on extras that offer minimal daily benefit.
Time Your Remodel
Timing is really important when planning for a kitchen remodel. The season in which you remodel can impact costs more than many people realize. Spring and summer are peak remodeling periods, when contractors are busy and material prices often spike 5–15%.
By scheduling your project in the off-season typically fall or winter. You can take advantage of lower labor demand and faster project timelines. You can even get potential discounts from suppliers or contractors. Timing your remodel strategically is an easy way to trim costs without compromising the final outcome. So plan your project
Mix Materials
Finally, consider a strategic mix of high-end and affordable materials. For example, you might choose premium hardwood or custom finishes for cabinets on the island or in highly visible areas, while using more budget-friendly materials like laminate or MDF for less noticeable sections.
This trick allows you to maintain the look and feel of a high-end kitchen without spending the full price on every cabinet, effectively stretching your budget while keeping style intact.
Other Expensive Part of a Kitchen Remodel
Cabinets are the most talked about part. But that doesn’t mean it is the only expensive one. To get a clear idea on kitchen remodel, you have to consider other major expensive parts as well. Other expensive areas are:
Countertops
In the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, the total cost to purchase and have kitchen countertops professionally installed usually falls between $40 and $250+ or more per square foot. It usually shares 10-15% of the total kitchen remodeling budget. Labor can charge you 50% or more for installation and fabrication.
Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances in DFW kitchen remodels range from $45,000 to over $100,000 for total renovations. Appliances only contribute 15-20% of this estimated budget. These appliances are refrigerator, range/cooktop, dishwasher, microwave/vent hood, wine fridge/freezer,
Besides luxury items, panel-ready or built-in appliances with matched cabinets can cost you $10,000-$20,000+ over standard packages.
Additional upgrades, such as electrical and ventilation upgrades or new gas lines, add $5,000-$15,000+ extra money to your spending. These are necessary to boost ROI as well.
Flooring
Flooring is also another expensive part in a DFW kitchen remodel. Because of its high labor costs, project complexity, material costs and regional factors. Local demand and lack of supply contribute to 60% labor cost on flooring. You can expect to fall in between $1.50-$8.00, depending on the type of project.
You already know how much clay the soil has and the temperature is also hot and humid. These can add 10-20% extra cost.
Where You Can Save Money on Your Kitchen Remodel in DFW?
After working for so many years with Texas Pro Remodeling, we often suggest homeowners to think through those kitchen remodel considerations that are highly effective for your budget:
- Layout: Keep your kitchen’s current footprint. It avoids expensive plumbing HVAC, and electrical rework. It will prevent scope creep and can save you $15,000–$30,000.
- Countertops: Use stone remnants from your local suppliers instead of buying full slabs. It works fine for smaller areas. It will save you 30% -70% on your material cost.
- Flooring: Go with durable and budget-friendly materials like Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or ceramic tile. These are trendy in DFW right now. It will save you 30%-50% on flooring cost.
- Backsplash:.Limit tile key areas like behind the stove and sink or choose classic options like subway tile instead of detailed mosaics. It will save you hounders to thousands of material and labor costs.
- Appliances: If your appliances still work well, keeping them can save thousands. Otherwise, watch for sales and package deals instead of buying everything at full price. You can save thousands of dollars this way.
- Labor: you’re comfortable then handling your own demo can reduce labor costs. Especially in a market like DFW where skilled labor isn’t cheap.You can save 20%-50% money this way.
Conclusion
The kitchen is the heart of the house. It is the everyday-use space in your house. By knowing which parts are expensive, you can focus on them even better. By following this guide, you can now confidently manage the cost of your home remodeling project.
We at Texas Pro Remodeling are always available to answer all your questions and help you transform your kitchen.
FAQs
What hidden costs should I anticipate?
Old wiring, subfloor repairs, permits, and demolition fees often surprise homeowners in older DFW homes.
What makes a kitchen renovation expensive?
Custom cabinets, structural changes, moving plumbing or electrical, high-end appliances, and premium materials like quartz or marble countertops drive up costs quickly.
Is $30,000 enough for a kitchen remodel?
Yes, $30,000 can cover a solid mid-range remodel if you keep the layout the same and choose quality but not luxury finishes.
What kitchen upgrades add the most value?
Cabinet updates, new countertops, modern lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and improving layout functionality typically add the most resale value.
What is a reasonable budget for a kitchen remodel?
Most homeowners spend 10–15% of their home’s value on a kitchen remodel, depending on goals and neighborhood standards.
What order should a kitchen remodel be done?
Planning and design → permits → demolition → plumbing/electrical → cabinets → countertops → appliances → backsplash → final touches.
What not to do in a kitchen remodel?
Avoid overspending beyond your neighborhood value, changing the layout unnecessarily, ignoring storage needs, or choosing trendy finishes that may not age well.
