How Much Do Custom Cabinets Cost

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In the Raleigh/Triangle area, custom cabinet projects typically fall into these ranges for a standard kitchen:

• Entry-level / semi-custom: $8,000 – $15,000 installed
• Mid-range custom: $15,000 – $30,000 installed
• High-end / luxury custom: $30,000 – $60,000+ installed

At Do It Wise Cabinetry, our pricing breaks down by linear foot — the industry standard measure. Our three collections are:

• Wise Essentials: Starting at $425 per linear foot — clean, timeless design at exceptional value
• Wise Signature: Mid-range — elevated styles, dovetail drawers, crown molding, premium finishes
• Wise Luxe: Starting at $875 per linear foot — furniture-grade artistry, exotic hardwoods, inset or frameless construction

A standard kitchen with 20 linear feet of cabinets at the Wise Essentials level starts around $8,500. The same kitchen at Wise Luxe starts around $17,500. Most Triangle homeowners land somewhere in the Wise Signature range.

Five factors move the needle more than anything else:

This is where most companies cut corners — and where you won't notice until 5 years down the road. Particle board boxes sag, swell, and fail over time, especially in a kitchen environment. Real plywood construction costs more but lasts 20–30 years without issues. At Do It Wise, every box is real plywood — no exceptions.

Simple shaker doors in a standard paint color are the most economical choice. Inset doors add significant cost but create a furniture-grade look. Specialty finishes — hand-distressed, high-gloss, exotic stains, two-tone designs — add cost at every level.

Soft-close hinges and drawer glides are standard at Do It Wise — included in every collection. Visible hardware (pulls, knobs, handles) ranges from $2–$5 per piece for basic options up to $30–$50 for designer choices.

True custom means every cabinet is made to the exact inch of your space. No filler strips, no awkward gaps. This costs more than pre-built modular options but fits better and looks better — especially in older homes with walls that aren't perfectly square.

Labor is a significant portion of total cost. An experienced professional installation crew costs more per day than a handyman — but they finish faster, make fewer mistakes, and leave your home cleaner. At Do It Wise, installation is included in every project quote and handled by our own professional crews.

The Triangle has no shortage of cabinet companies, and not all quotes are created equal. Here's what to ask when comparing:

• Is this plywood or particle board? (Always ask — many companies won't volunteer this.)
• Is installation included, or quoted separately?
• What's the actual lead time from deposit to installation complete?
• Is there a written guarantee?
• What does removal of existing cabinets cost?

At Do It Wise, our quotes include everything: design, materials, removal of existing cabinets, installation, and a written 40-day guarantee from deposit to installation complete. No hidden fees, no surprise add-ons at the end.

Traditional custom shops have showroom overhead, large staffs, and long wait times built into their pricing. At Do It Wise, our lean model — owner-operated, efficient process, direct-to-homeowner — allows us to deliver the same American-made quality at prices typically 25–40% below what you'd pay at a traditional custom showroom.

Our 40-day install timeline is a direct result of this model. We're not managing 50 jobs simultaneously — we're focused on yours.

The best way to get a real number is a free in-home consultation. We come to your kitchen, take measurements, understand your vision, and build a 3D design in a few days — no charge, no pressure, no obligation.

Call us at (919) 283-1912 or visit doitwisecabinetry.com to schedule yours. We serve Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Durham, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and all of the Triangle NC area.

Your dream kitchen. 40 days. Done right.