Your cabinets' door style and color have a major impact on your new kitchen by making the strongest visual statement. They'll also have the most impact on your wallet. Cabinets could account for half the cost of your entire kitchen remodel-a hefty sum that demands careful consideration.

When it comes to cabinetry, price depends on:

• Manufacturer choice

• Quality of cabinet construction

• Materials

• The number of interior storage options

• Door style and finish

• The number of cabinets you need

 

Prepare to Spend
Stock cabinets: $5,000 to $20,000

Semi-custom cabinets: $20,000 to $40,000

Custom cabinets: $40,000+

Reduce Costs
Be ready to make a compromise here and there. Here's a guide to a few lower-priced cabinet substitutions that will give you a look similar to pricier materials:

• Open up your design by removing cabinet doors for attractive open shelving.

• Combine a simpler stock cabinet with crown molding.

• Vary the heights of your cabinets.

• Buy fashionable cabinet hardware.

• Substitute maple wood with a cherry-colored stain for more expensive cherry wood.

• Instead of paying for removal and installation, tear out old cabinets yourself.

• Opt for fewer molding details.