Cabinet & Countertop Cost Guides

Common Types of Countertops

Laminate: Laminate provides the best selection of colors and patterns at the lowest prices. Laminate also offers more edge choices than other materials and only laminate can be formed into a seamless cove backsplash to keep spills from seeping behind the cabinets. Because laminates are priced low and have constant updates to their patterns and colors, changing your countertop to match current trends might be simpler than you think. Laminate also is generally easy to clean, and spills like wine and spaghetti sauce come off with little effort. Laminate countertops also are quicker and easier to install.

Ceramic Tile: An infinite range of designs are possible. Installing ceramic tile on a countertop is not for the faint of heart. This is a highly visible surface and any errors or mistakes will stand out like a sore thumb. Ceramic tile material costs can be even lower than that of laminate. But it's generally more expensive to install. Also, it can be difficult to maintain. The grout lines in between the tile must constantly be sealed, and even then it'll tend to attract crumbs and moisture.

Stone Slab Countertops (Granite, Marble, Quartz, etc): Stone dazzles. Counters made of granite or marble steal the show every time. The sheer beauty, amazing selection and durability of stone makes it an excellent choice for your home. If you can afford it. Be aware that natural stones like marble, quartz, & granite come at premium prices. If you go for a custom stone counter, expect to pay as much or more for the cutting and finishing as you do for the stone. One way to save on your slab is to look for remnants. Most stone sellers have a remnant yard, and you might just get lucky, finding a piece that can be cut to your cabinet dimensions. Another way to save is to go for stone tiles, which can create the rich stone look with half the cost. Of course, they do come with the same grout problems mentioned above. Big box stores also offer some affordable stone options for standard cabinets.

Other Counter Options

A popular kitchen counter option is butcher block, and handy and attractive work surface. Recycled glass is a pretty and environmentally friendly option. And few options show the versatility in styles and colors as acrylics, such as Corian and Meganite. These can simulate the look of stone and can shape to any surface, even creating sinks that are part of the same piece. Often an expensive option, the acrylics are nevertheless considered sound investments, and as part of more comprehensive kitchen or bath remodels, can increase your home value.

Standard vs. Custom Cabinetry

Going with standard sizes almost always will save you money.The standard height for kitchen base cabinets is 34.5", with counters between 1.5 and 2" thick. Upper cabinets are 30" high, with those over refrigerators shorter, usually 12-15".

The depth for kitchen base cabinets is generally 24", with a counter overhang between 1 and 2", with the standard counter being 25.5" deep. Standard widths are the least standard, with sizes starting around 9" and expanding in 3-inch increments to 60". Keep in mind that 2 modules can be put together to expand the width.

Going with standards sizes may sound like you're going generic. That's not necessarily true. You can still make your cabinets distinctive. Drawer pulls and hinges, for instance, come in many, many styles. Browse salvage stores. Shop online. Chances are, you'll find something unusual that fits your style.

Because the prices jump significantly when you move to custom installations, you should have a good reason for going that route, and, actually, there could be several. One might be the eccentricity of your room's size or shape. Maybe your kitchen or bathroom has an odd configuration, and the standard cabinets just won't fit.

One size does not fit all, and that also applies to styles and materials. Although big box stores can offer a nice variety of styles and materials, they might not have exactly what you want, and when you're shelling out big money, maybe you should get exactly what you want.

That's the kind of freedom custom offers. The options expand to almost limitless in terms of size, shape, kinds of wood or other materials, finishes, trims, accents and hardware.Working with a custom carpenter, you can create a truly unique piece, something that's as much art as furniture.

You Can Update By Refacing or Resurfacing

If you like where your cabinets are located and you like their size and shape, you might consider cabinet refacing. Refacing is the process of replacing doors and drawer fronts, while veneering the cabinet boxes. The basic refacing project consists of installing new cabinet door and drawer fronts and covering the exposed face frames of the cabinets with a matching wood or plastic veneer. The layout and structure of your cabinets stay the same; they're just freshened up with a new, updated look - at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

An even thriftier option is resurfacing. Re-coating or repainting a tired cabinet might make a surprising difference in the look of the room. Here's a project you may consider for a DIY.