By George House/29,Jul,2025
Kitchen cabinet costs can only be compared reliably when every supplier prices the same measured scope. Cabinet construction, fronts, finishes, hardware, accessories, countertops, delivery and installation may be included differently. A BOQ and RFQ matrix expose those differences and are more durable than fixed price-per-foot tables that change by market, date and project.
Build a Measured Cabinet BOQ
Use approved plans and elevations to count each base, wall, tall, corner, vanity or specialty cabinet. Record width, height, depth, construction, front style, finish, hardware and accessories. Identify fillers, end panels, plinths, cornices, lighting channels and appliance panels instead of assuming they are included.
| Cost layer | BOQ fields | Common exclusion to check |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet boxes | Material, thickness, back, edge and assembly | Finished ends and moisture-exposed areas |
| Fronts | Door style, substrate, finish and color | Samples, color matching and touch-up |
| Hardware | Hinges, runners, lift systems, handles and quantities | Brand/model substitutions |
| Accessories | Bins, organizers, baskets, lighting and inserts | Electrical components and installation |
| Site work | Survey, delivery, installation and protection | Access, lifting, scribing and waste removal |
| Closeout | Spare parts, care, warranty and as-built records | Replacement lead times and service visits |
Stock, Semi-Custom and Custom Are Scope Labels
These labels do not create a universal price band. Stock programs use a defined module and finish range. Semi-custom programs allow selected changes. Custom cabinets are developed around project dimensions and details. Ask each supplier to state permitted sizes, finish range, drawing process, minimum quantities and variation charges.
Material and Hardware Specifications Drive Price
A description such as “plywood cabinet” or “soft-close hardware” is incomplete. Specify construction, thickness, face and edge treatment, finish system, hinge and runner model, load or use requirement, and acceptable substitutions. Where a project calls for certified cabinet performance, the KCMA A161.1 Quality Cabinet Certification describes testing of cabinet structure, drawers, doors and finish. Confirm the exact product’s current certification rather than applying a brand-level claim to every range.
Normalize Supplier Quotations
- Use the same drawing and BOQ revision for every bidder.
- Separate cabinet supply, countertop, appliances, freight and installation.
- List included brands and models for hardware and accessories.
- Record allowances, provisional quantities, taxes and exclusions.
- Compare lead time from drawing approval, not from an undefined order date.
- State packing, delivery location, access constraints and site protection.
- Price alternates separately so the base quotation remains comparable.
Control Cost Without Losing the Brief
Value engineering should identify the function protected by each item. Standardize hidden cabinet sizes, reduce one-off accessories, coordinate appliance sizes early and limit finish families before removing durable hardware or moisture-sensitive details. Record every accepted alternate on the drawing, sample and BOQ so the saving is traceable.
Explore our kitchen cabinet and wardrobe range, kitchen design workflow and related cabinet cost planning guide. See our project services or send your drawings and BOQ for quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is price per linear foot enough for budgeting?
It may support an early allowance, but it does not capture cabinet height, corners, panels, fronts, hardware, accessories or installation. Replace it with a measured BOQ before tender or order.
Does the lowest cabinet quote have the lowest final cost?
Not necessarily. Check exclusions, substitutions, delivery, installation, variations, samples, spare parts and warranty support before comparing totals.
