A Realistic Budgeting Guide for Bathroom Cabinet Cost

A bathroom remodel can be a delightful and fruitful home project, yet it is commonly the one that devours the budgets. The major part of that budget, along with the cabinet, is the room itself.

If you are planning to replace your old vanity with a new one or want floor-to-ceiling custom storage, getting to know the “why” behind the price tags is the only way to make sure you buy the right product. By taking into account the opinions of renovation specialists, and current market trends, here is the full scoop on the costs of bathroom cabinets.

1. Choosing Your Tier: Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom?

The most significant component in your final invoice is the amount of “human hands” involved in the cabinet making process.

Stock Cabinets: The Budget-Friendly Standard

Price Range: $50 – $500 per unit Stock cabinets are produced in large quantities and are ready for shipping. In case of a tight schedule or a limited budget, these are the best options for you.

The Reality: You will be restricted to certain widths (usually, in 3-inch increments).

Best for: These can be found very easily in stores like IKEA, and they may also be used for rental properties, guest half-baths, or DIYers who are skilled enough to use a screwdriver. 

Semi-Custom: The “Best Value” Middle Ground

Price Range: $80 – $550 per unit They are very often referred to as semi-stock, where a frame is pre-built and you can choose the “skin” of your choice, meaning you would select the door style, hardware, and paint finish.

The Reality: You are getting a designer look without spending a designer price. But, be ready to wait for 2–4 weeks for delivery.

Best for: Wherewithall, the homeowners can afford the master carpenter’s cost drawn by a specific aesthetic (like Navy Blue or Shaker-style) without participating in the master carpenter’s costs. 

Custom Cabinets: The “Forever Home” Investment

Price Range: $300 – $600+ per unit (Up to $10,000+ for a full room) Custom cabinets are designed to fit perfectly in the spaces available in your home. If, for instance, you have an odd corner that needs a specific storage solution, or you want to have a linen closet that goes all the way to the ceiling, then this is the option for you.

The Reality: You are not only paying for the wood; you are paying for the craftsmanship of a cabinet maker. These cabinets are built to last a lifetime and can be made to match your existing kitchen cabinetry perfectly.

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2. Estimating Costs by Room Size

Because bathrooms vary wildly in size, looking at the square footage is often the most accurate way to “guesstimate” your total cabinet investment, including labor.

Room Type	Avg. Sq. Ft.	Estimated Total Cost (Cabinets + Labor)
Powder Room / Half-Bath	20	$1,500 – $3,000
Three-Quarter Bath	40	$2,500 – $4,300
Full Guest Bathroom	145	$8,000 – $15,000
Master Suite Bathroom	210+	$15,000 – $30,000

3. The “Hidden” Costs: Removal & Installation

The price tag in the shop is not the price of the cabinet in your house.

Demolition & Removal ($20 – $100): The majority of bathtubs in the bathrooms are small, and their removal takes less than a day. If you wish to save money, think about giving your old cabinets to Habitat for Humanity. It will be not only a tax write-off but also, in some local chapters, they will come for the old cabinets and take them away free of charge.

Professional Installation ($240 – $450): A handyman may ask for $30–$50 per hour for a simple cabinet, but most complex installations need an entire 8-hour day to make sure everything is level, plumb, and sealed correctly against moisture.

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4. The Expert’s Secret: Cabinet Refacing

In case your cabinets are strong and still usable but just look “worn out,” do not take them out. Refacing is the most underrated way to save thousands.

Pro Reface ($100 – $200): The expert will sand, prime, and repaint your current boxes and install new doors. 

DIY Reface ($30 – $50): You can take this task upon yourself if you are free on the weekend. Although, the real labor takes only about 5 hours, you will have to wait for 2-3 days for Decent drying time. It gives an excellent return of investment in the renovation of a bathroom.

Pro-Tips for Your Search

Experience it live: The pictures on a monitor might cover the poor-quality finishing. Go to a nearby cabinet shop and check the drawers’ heaviness.

Examine the “Slam” factor: The topmost cabinets come with soft-close hinges. This is a minor aspect but it greatly influences the luxurious feel of a bathroom.

Moisture is a factor: Bathrooms attract moisture. Make sure your cabinets (especially if they are stock options) have the rating for bathroom use to avoid warping issues.

Closing Lines

Whether you’re browsing high-end collections at Avanity or looking for modern silhouettes at Tona, remember that the best cabinet isn’t the most expensive one—it’s the one that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

Ready to start your project? Reach out to your local contractor for a free estimate, or check out our latest design inspiration on Twitter to see how different colors and textures can transform your space.