Custom cabinet cost guide for Canada (2026)
Typical ranges in Canadian dollars, before tax. Use them to set a budget; only a quote on your actual layout is a price.
Kitchen cabinet price ranges
| Kitchen | Stock / flat-pack | Semi-custom | Custom (local shop) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small / condo (under 3 m, ~10 ft) | $4,000–$9,000 | $9,000–$18,000 | $14,000–$28,000 |
| Medium (3–6 m, 10–20 ft) | $8,000–$16,000 | $16,000–$32,000 | $25,000–$50,000 |
| Large with island (over 6 m) | $14,000–$26,000 | $28,000–$55,000 | $45,000–$110,000+ |
Cabinets only (boxes, doors, hardware, install). Countertops, appliances, plumbing, electrical and demolition are extra. Large urban markets (Vancouver, Toronto) usually sit at the top of each range.
Cost per linear foot
Shops often quote by the linear foot of base + upper run: roughly $450–$800/ft for mid-range custom and $900–$1,600+/ft for premium (inset, veneer, lacquer). Tall pantry units count as more than one foot.
What drives the price
- Door style and finish. Painted Shaker and slab laminate are the best value. Inset doors, matched veneer and high-gloss lacquer cost the most.
- Box material. Plywood costs 10–20% more than melamine particleboard, but holds up better to humidity and screws.
- Hardware. Soft-close full-extension slides, organizers, lift-ups and corner units add up quickly.
- Layout complexity. Moving plumbing, angled walls and floor-to-ceiling uppers all add cost.
- Access. Condo deliveries, elevator bookings and remote cottages add time.
Sales tax on cabinets by province
| Province / territory | Tax | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta, NWT, Nunavut, Yukon | GST | 5% |
| British Columbia | GST + PST | 5% + 7% |
| Saskatchewan | GST + PST | 5% + 6% |
| Manitoba | GST + RST | 5% + 7% |
| Ontario | HST | 13% |
| Québec | GST + QST | 5% + 9.975% |
| Nova Scotia | HST | 14% |
| New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador | HST | 15% |
How PST applies to installed cabinetry (supply-and-install vs. supply-only) varies. Ask your shop how they invoice it, and check current rates with your province.
How to compare quotes fairly
- Send every shop the same brief. Our quote form does this for you.
- Check what each quote includes: install, crown and light rail, panels, fillers, hardware brand, delivery, disposal.
- Ask for box material, door material and finish process in writing.
- Compare warranties: length, what’s covered, and who honours it.
- Be wary of deposits over 50% or of cash-only discounts.
FAQ
How long does a custom kitchen take?
Usually 6–12 weeks from signed drawings to install, longer in spring and fall.
Is custom worth it over IKEA or big-box?
Custom pays off for awkward spaces, long-term homes, solid-wood or inset looks, and when you want one shop accountable from design to install.
Are there rebates?
Cabinets alone rarely qualify for energy rebates, but some municipal accessibility or secondary-suite programs cover part of a kitchen. Check your city.