If you have ever asked yourself, “What is the most expensive part of redoing a kitchen?” you are not alone. This question comes up often when homeowners start planning a remodel and see costs stack up for cabinets, countertops, and installation. While every budget is unique, kitchen cabinets typically claim the largest portion of your renovation spending. Understanding how cabinetry, countertops, and other elements impact your bottom line can help you make smarter choices along the way.
Understand the main cost drivers
When you begin mapping out a kitchen remodeling budget, you will notice an array of large and small expenses. Cabinets, appliances, countertops, and labor all weigh heavily on your final total. According to industry sources, your cabinetry alone can consume roughly 29 to 41 percent of the total budget, surpassing all other categories. (
CliqStudios,
JSB Home Solutions)By contrast, countertops often represent about 11 percent. Appliances come in around 17 percent and other items like installation fees and flooring add even more. (
CliqStudios) While each category matters, cabinetry frequently stands out as the single highest expense. This usually holds true whether your renovation is a modest refresh or a full-scale overhaul.The next time you look at your preliminary numbers, you might wonder why cabinets command such a large slice of the pie. The reason comes down to a combination of materials, craftsmanship, labor, and customization. Premium woods, intricate finishes, and countless style options all factor into your final cost, so any decision in this area affects your budget in a major way.
Why cabinets cost the most
Cabinetry is not just about storage. It has the power to redefine the look, feel, and functionality of your entire kitchen. When you choose custom or semi-custom cabinets made of high-grade hardwoods, such as oak or maple, you invest in both long-lasting durability and a style that suits your personal taste. (
Sea Pointe) Yet all that quality and customization come at a price.Beyond materials, professional installation can carry a high labor cost as well. Depending on the kitchen’s size, you might require multiple linear feet of cabinetry, plus extras like specialized hardware or built-in storage inserts. Each detail increases both your material spend and the time it takes to precisely fit and secure every unit.If you are upgrading from older, sagging cabinets, it can be tempting to consider fixes like resurfacing or painting. However, if your cabinet boxes or hardware are in poor shape, you might end up paying nearly as much as you would for new units, especially if you need modern hinges or drawer glides. (
CliqStudios) When you invest in quality cabinetry, you create a kitchen you can enjoy for years without the fear of warping or peeling doors.For a deeper look at cabinet expenses in a specific layout, you can check out
how much do kitchen cabinets cost for a 12×12 kitchen?. You will find helpful cost ranges and factors that influence the final figure.
Weigh your countertop options
While cabinetry often dominates remodeling costs, countertops can also put a dent in your budget, especially if you opt for premium natural stone or custom-cut quartz. Quartz is widely regarded as one of the best all-around materials for durability, low maintenance, and resistance to chips or stains, but it carries a higher price tag compared to laminate or other manmade surfaces. (
JSB Home Solutions)Granite ranks as a mid-range option that resists heat and normal wear but demands periodic resealing. Marble, onyx, or other luxury stones can cost even more, not only because of material prices but also due to the specialized labor required for installation. (
HGTV) The number of sink or stovetop cutouts matters as well, since each cutout requires careful measurement and adds to your final bill. Keep these variables in mind if you are prioritizing a high-end look.At the other end of the spectrum, a budget-friendly option like laminate might suffice for a secondary workspace or rental property. While laminate lacks the longevity and elegance of stone, it may still fit your needs if you aim to keep your countertop spend in check. (
JSB Home Solutions)
Plan for a balanced budget
It is easy to get carried away when picturing your dream kitchen. When you blend custom cabinets, premium countertops, and top-of-the-line appliances, your costs escalate quickly. To strike a balance, it helps to decide where you want to splurge and where you can moderate your spending.If you prefer to go all out on cabinetry, since it occupies the biggest part of your kitchen’s visual real estate, you might opt for lower-cost countertop materials that still look great but require less upkeep. Conversely, if you are eyeing quartz for its low maintenance, you could choose semi-custom cabinets that incorporate solid plywood boxes but simpler door styles.You could also think about your overall remodel scope. If you have a tight budget, ask “is $10000 enough for a kitchen remodel?” or “can you redo a kitchen for $5000?” Those answers can help you gauge what is realistic. You might explore more modest options or tackle the project in stages. For instance, you could investigate ready-to-assemble cabinets to lower both product and labor costs. (
CliqStudios)
Keep perspective moving forward
In the end, what is the most expensive part of redoing a kitchen? Most homeowners discover that it is, indeed, the cabinets. They claim the largest share of your investment because of high-quality materials, extensive labor needs, and the impact they have on both style and storage.When you lay out your remodel priorities, focus first on the features you value the most. If cabinets top your list, consider your budget for installation, hardware, and potential extras like crown molding. If you are curious about install fees specifically, check out
whats the average cost to install a kitchen cabinet?.Throughout this process, a thoughtful balance helps you prevent costs from spiraling out of control. Whether you choose
custom or stock cabinets, or invest in quartz versus laminate, your best bet is to align your design with both your practical needs and your financial comfort. By being strategic about where you spend, you can produce a remodeled kitchen that feels comfortable and suits your personal style for many years to come.
