Average Kitchen Cabinet Costs in London ON | Budgeting Guide for 2025

The Numbers, the Variables, and What You Actually Get for Your Money

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in London, Ontario, one of the most significant line items is kitchen cabinetry. Cabinets often represent 25–40% of the total kitchen budget, so understanding what impacts their cost—and what you can expect to pay in 2025—will help you set a realistic budget and avoid financial surprises. In this guide, we’ll break down average cabinet costs for different tiers (stock, semi-custom, and custom), explore cost-driving factors, and offer budgeting tips tailored to London, ON.

Quick Overview: Average Cabinet Costs in London ON (CAD)

Cabinet Tier	Estimated Cost Range (Installed)
Stock Cabinets	$3,000–$8,000
Semi-Custom Cabinets	$8,000–$15,000
Custom Cabinets	$15,000–$35,000+

Data sources for Ontario averages (Toronto data is typically similar to London, ON): stock cabinets $3K–$8K; semi-custom $8K–$15K; custom $15K–$35K+ sensodesign.ca.

1. Stock Cabinets ($3K–$8K)

Stock cabinets are pre-manufactured, mass-produced units available in standard sizes, styles, and finishes. They are typically sold “as-is” or in ready-to-assemble (RTA) form. Stock options are the most budget-friendly and are widely available through home centers and big-box retailers.

What’s Included

• Pre-Assembled or RTA Cabinet Boxes
  Cabinets arrive in fixed dimensions—depths, heights, and widths follow manufacturer’s standard grids (e.g., 12″, 15″, 18″, 24″ widths).
• Limited Door Styles & Finishes
  Common door styles include flat-panel and shaker in laminate or thermofoil. Colour options tend to be neutral (white, maple stain, oak stain).
• Basic Hardware
  Hinges and drawer slides are usually entry-level (soft-close often at an extra cost).
• Standard Interior Materials
  Most cabinets use particleboard or low-grade plywood for boxes, with laminate finish.
• Manufacturer Warranty
  Generally limited to 1–5 years on defects.

Who It’s For

• Budget-Conscious Homeowners
  You need a functional kitchen refresh without custom sizing or high-end finishes.
• Rental Properties & Investment Homes
  You want durable, easy-to-replace cabinets at minimal upfront cost.
• DIY Enthusiasts with Simple Layouts
  Your kitchen has a straightforward layout (no filler pieces or angled corners), so standard dimensions work.

Tip: Stock cabinets cost $60–$200 per linear foot installed, translating to $3K–$8K for an average 120–200 sq ft kitchen reddit.comsensodesign.ca.

2. Semi-Custom Cabinets ($8K–$15K

Semi-custom cabinets bridge the gap between stock and fully custom: you still use pre-manufactured box sizes, but you can order from a wider variety of door styles, finishes, and sizes. Semi-custom allows limited modifications—such as changing cabinet height, depth, or adding molding—without the full expense of custom-built casework.

What’s Included

• Expanded Door Style & Finish Options
  Choose from mid-range thermofoil, painted MDF, or MDF with veneer overlays. More colours and textures are available (e.g., matte paint, textured woodgrain).
• Variable Box Depths & Heights
  You can often pick 12″, 15″, or 18″ depths and 30″ or 36″ heights; toe-kick heights also have more options (4″ or 6″).
• Upgraded Hardware
  Soft-close hinges and drawer slides are usually standard. Full-extension drawers may be available without upgrade fees.
• Interior Upgrades
  Plywood boxes instead of particleboard; more durable shelving options; integrated organizers like spice racks or utensil dividers.
• Extended Warranty
  Typically 5–10 years on door finish and box integrity.

Who It’s For

• Homeowners Seeking Balance
  You want more personalization—unique door style, custom depth, or specialty finishes—but still need to manage costs.
• Growing Families & Long-Term Owners
  You’re investing in your primary home, planning to stay 5+ years, and want durable cabinets with a broader style palette.
• Renovations with Minor Layout Tweaks
  You may add a pantry cabinet or choose different depth spacing (e.g., 24″ deep island cabinets), without full custom fabrication.

Tip: Semi-custom cabinets range from $100–$650 per linear foot installed. For a typical 12 linear-foot run, expect $8K–$15K total including installation and basic hardware reddit.comsensodesign.ca.

3. Custom Cabinets ($15K–$35K+)

Fully custom cabinets are tailor-designed and built to exact specifications: you choose every aspect (materials, hardware, accessories, finish), making them ideal for unique, high-end kitchen layouts. Custom casework requires skilled craftsmen and takes longer to produce, resulting in higher costs.

What’s Included

• Unlimited Design Freedom
  Any cabinet size, shape, or configuration: angled corner solutions, built-in spice drawers, appliance garages, pantries that extend to the ceiling, or cabinets that follow curved walls.
• Premium Materials
  Solid hardwood (maple, cherry, oak), plywood carcasses, dovetail drawer construction, and premium plywood shelving (no particleboard).
• Designer Finishes & Details
  Hand-applied paint or stain, glazed finishes, distressed or antiqued effects, inset door styles with reveal spacing, and custom moulding details on crown and toe-kicks.
• Luxury Hardware & Accessories
  Soft-close undermount slides, Blum or Grass hardware, integrated LED lighting inside cabinets, pull-out pantry shelves, roll-out trays, and custom drawer organizers.
• Full Warranty & Craftsmanship
  Cabinetmakers often offer lifetime or 25-year limited warranties against warping, finish defects, or drawer failure.

Who It’s For

• Luxury Homeowners & High-End Builds
  You want a designer kitchen with unique materials (exotic wood species, honed stone inlays, metal accents) and custom dimensions for each cabinet.
• Irregular Layouts & Historic Properties
  Vintage homes or kitchens with sloped ceilings, small nooks, or asymmetrical walls that cannot use standard box sizes.
• Long-Term Value & Resale Focus
  Custom cabinetry can increase home resale value significantly in premium neighbourhoods (e.g., Wortley Village, Old East Village), provided it matches buyer expectations in quality.

Tip: Custom cabinets typically range from $500–$1,200+ per linear foot installed. An average 15 linear-foot kitchen with premium all-wood construction can easily hit $15K–$35K+ reddit.comimpressionskitchens.com.

Cost Factors That Influence Cabinet Prices

While tier (stock, semi-custom, custom) is a major determinant, several other variables can push cabinet costs up—or help you save.

Things That Increase Cost

1. Material Quality
   • Solid Wood vs. Engineered: Solid hardwood doors and plywood boxes can cost 30–50% more than MDF or particleboard alternatives.
   • Exotic or Premium Species: Cherry, walnut, or other imported hardwoods can add $20–$50 per square foot of door surface.
2. Finish & Paint Complexity
   • Hand-applied multi-step paint processes (primer + two coats + topcoat) can add $15–$25 per door compared to a single-pass factory finish.
   • Custom distressing, glazing, or layered finishes can increase labour time by 20–30%.
3. Cabinet Configuration & Accessories
   • Pull-out pantry shelves, appliance garages, built-in knife blocks, and integrated lighting can each add $200–$500 per cabinet/module.
   • Specialty inserts (spice racks, trash/recycle pull-outs) may cost $100–$300 each.
4. Hardware Selection
   • Premium hardware (e.g., Blumotion hinges or full-extension undermount slides) ranges from $30–$100 per piece, while entry-level can be $5–$20.
   • Designer knobs and pulls in solid brass, stainless steel, or custom metal finishes can cost $5–$15 per piece.
5. Installation Complexity
   • Retrofit vs. New Framing: Installing in existing framing (without demo) is less expensive than opening walls or reinforcing floors.
   • Leveling & Modifying Walls: Uneven walls may require shimming or scribing, adding $500–$1,500 in labour.
   • Appliance Cavities & Built-Ins: Creating refrigerator surrounds or oven columns requires extra framing and finish carpentry.
6. Lead Times & Rush Fees
   • Custom orders often have 8–12 week lead times; expediting can add 10–20% to material and labour costs.
   • Seasonal surges (spring/summer) may cause 5–10% price fluctuations due to high demand.

Things That Reduce Cost

1. Simplified Door Style & Finish
   • Choosing a flat-panel melamine door over a framed Shaker style can shave $50–$150 per door.
   • Opting for standard factory finish (single pass) rather than custom paint reduces finish labour by 50–60%.
2. Limiting Custom Dimensions
   • Using standard box depths (24″ base, 12″ wall) and heights (30″ or 36″) avoids incremental costs for special sizing; each nonstandard dimension can add $50–$100 per box.
3. Refacing or Painting Existing Cabinets
   • If your existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refacing (replacing doors/drawer fronts) or repainting can cost $5,000–$12,000 total, versus $8,000+ for a full stock replacement kitchenandbath.cathespruce.com.
4. Simplifying Accessories
   • Forego pull-out shelving or custom organizers initially; add them later as budget allows. Each accessory often costs $150–$300—omitting five accessories saves $750–$1,500.
5. Bulk Purchasing & Negotiation
   • Some cabinet suppliers offer 10–15% off list price when you purchase entire kitchen packages instead of individual pieces.
   • Bundling cabinetry with your countertop or flooring contractor can sometimes yield package discounts.
6. Timing Purchases
   • Ordering cabinets during the off-season (late fall/winter) may secure year-end clearance pricing or lower freight costs.
   • Watch for holiday sales (Boxing Day, Family Day) when some retailers/shops mark down inventory.

How to Budget for Kitchen Cabinets Smartly

A well-planned budget helps you avoid last-minute overspending and ensures you get cabinets that match your expectations.

1. Start by Measuring & Mapping

• Measure Linear Footage: Calculate the total length of base, wall, and tall cabinet runs in linear feet.
• Sketch Your Layout: Mark sink base, range cabinet, refrigerator surround, and any pantry or island.
• Account for Wasting Space: Even stock runs require filler strips (typically 1″–2″ each) for out-of-plumb walls—plan for these extra costs.

2. Define Your Tier & Style Preferences

• Stock if You Need Economy: $3K–$8K for a basic 12–16 lf run. Expect limited style options.
• Semi-Custom for Balance: $8K–$15K for wider finish palettes, plywood boxes, and basic customization (depth/height).
• Custom for Unique Layouts or High-End Aesthetic: $15K–$35K+, entire budget depends on door style, material, and accessories.

3. Request Multiple Quotes & Compare Detail

• Itemized Estimates: Ensure each quote lists cabinet type, finish, hardware, and accessories per linear foot.
• Installation vs. Supply-Only: Ask for supply-only quotes as well—some homeowners hire independent installers (cabinet fitter) at $40–$80/hr to save on labour marked up by cabinet dealers.
• Inquire About Hidden Fees: Delivery charges, permit requirements (if new framing is needed), and any disposal fees for old cabinetry.

4. Build a Contingency Buffer (15–20%)

• Allowance for Unforeseen Issues: Plan for mould remediation behind old cabinets, repairing water-damaged subfloors, or fixing unlevel walls—these can add $1,000–$3,000.
• Upgrades You Might Decide On Later: If you see a quartz backsplash upgrade or an LED liner undercabinet lighting mid-project, a contingency buffer covers these extras.

5. Factor in “Invisible” Costs

• Plumbing & Electrical Relocation: Moving a sink base can add $1,000–$2,500 in plumbing work; rerouting electrical for undercabinet lighting may cost $500–$1,000.
• Permits & Inspections: London’s building department may require a permit if you remove walls or alter ventilation—permit fees range $150–$500 for a kitchen renovation.
• Disposal & Demo: Tearing out old cabinets and hauling away debris can cost $400–$800 if not included.

6. Select Materials with Long-Term Value

• Plywood Boxes Over Particleboard: Plywood resists water better and reduces warping; costs $50–$100 more per box but lasts decades.
• Soft-Close Hardware as Standard: Installing soft-close hinges and slides now avoids a $500–$1,000 retrofit later.
• Durable Finishes: Thermofoil or painted MDF can chip; consider a UV-cured painted finish (extra $10–$20 per door) for higher scratch resistance.

Final Thoughts: Cabinets Are More Than Just Storage

Kitchen cabinets define both the function and aesthetic of your cooking space. In London, ON, 2025 budget ranges fall roughly into three tiers:

• Stock Cabinets ($3K–$8K): Best for quick, budget-conscious refreshes with standard dimensions and finishes.
• Semi-Custom Cabinets ($8K–$15K): Offer a middle-ground of personalization (cabinet depth, door style, finishes) without custom-casework prices.
• Custom Cabinets ($15K–$35K+): Provide complete design freedom and premium craftsmanship, but at a premium price point.

By understanding these ranges and the factors that drive costs, you can make choices that align with your budget and desired outcome. Remember to:

• Accurately measure linear footage and plan for filler pieces.
• Obtain at least three detailed quotes (supply-only and installed).
• Account for installation complexities, hidden fees, and plumbing/electrical work.
• Build in a contingency (15–20%) for surprises.
• Weigh quality versus cost—sometimes spending a bit more on plywood boxes or soft-close hardware saves money in the long run.

When your cabinet investment reflects both your functional needs and design vision, you’ll end up with a kitchen space you truly love—without breaking the bank.