Metal kitchen cabinets are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their durability, style, and value retention. When considering metal cabinets, one of the key factors to examine is how much they are worth both when purchasing and over time. Understanding metal cabinet values can help homeowners make informed decisions when selecting, buying, and selling kitchen cabinets.
An Overview of Metal Kitchen Cabinets
Metal kitchen cabinets encompass a wide range of styles and materials that fall under the metal category. The most common metal cabinet types include:
- Stainless steel – Made from stainless steel alloy, these cabinets have a clean, modern look. Stainless resists corrosion, rust, and fingerprints.
- Aluminum – Lightweight yet durable, aluminum cabinets are rust-resistant with a sleek, contemporary style.
- Steel – Steel cabinets provide great durability and industrial edge. Porcelain enamel finishes help resist corrosion and scratches.
- Copper – Copper cabinets make a bold, luxurious statement with an artisanal, hand-crafted look. Natural patina adds character over time.
- Galvanized steel – With a grayish zinc coating, galvanized steel is moisture, rust, and corrosion resistant. Provides a more affordable metal option.
- Metal laminates – Metal laminates like tin, copper, or stainless are applied to substrates like MDF or plywood for a metal aesthetic at a lower cost.
Metal kitchen cabinets are valued for:
- Strength and durability from materials like stainless steel
- Resistance to rust, corrosion, scrapes, and dents
- Sleek, modern aesthetic that suits many design styles
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Value retention over years of use
Understanding what gives metal cabinets their appeal and value can help determine if they are worth the investment.
Factors That Impact Metal Cabinet Values
Several key factors influence how much metal kitchen cabinets are worth. Assessing these factors is important for setting fair pricing.
Cabinet Grade/Quality
Higher grade metal cabinets made with thicker gauges and higher quality materials command more value. Commercial grade stainless steel or aluminum cabinets are worth more than low-grade thin metal laminates. Examine metals, hardware, construction, fit and finish.
Brand
Reputable brands known for quality and durability carry more value. Brands like Snaidero, Duera, and Omega offer high-end metal cabinets for a premium. Lesser known or generic brands are typically less valuable.
Styles/Design Factors
More unique, custom styles in materials like copper or metal laminates with custom finishes have higher perceived value over basic stainless steel cabinets. Unique hardware and accessories also add value.
Rarity
Rarer metals like zinc, brass, bronze, and copper tend to command higher prices than common stainless or aluminum. Unusual custom designs in rare finishes also garner value.
Condition
Scratches, dents, stains, and other damage decrease resale value significantly. Cabinets in pristine, like-new condition hold the most value. Refinished and refurbished cabinets fall somewhere in between.
Demand
Trends, popularity, and scarcity for certain styles impact value. For example, hand-crafted copper cabinets have high demand based on trends. Common white laminate cabinets have less demand.
Typical Costs of Metal Kitchen Cabinets
To ascertain if metal cabinets are worth the investment, it’s important to understand the typical pricing based on styles and materials:
- Stainless steel – $2,500 to $5,000 per linear cabinet unit. More premium stainless with thicker gauge and construction can range from $6,000 to $10,000 per unit.
- Aluminum – Basic aluminum cabinets cost $1,500 to $3,500 per unit. Higher grade commercial aluminum with premium hardware and features can range between $4,000 to $8,000 per cabinet.
- Steel – Factory produced steel cabinets are around $2,000 to $5,000 per unit. Custom luxury steel cabinets handcrafted by metal artisans can cost $6,000 to $12,000 per linear cabinet.
- Copper – $5,000 to $15,000 per unit, sometimes more for intricately hand-hammered custom copper cabinets.
- Galvanized Steel – $500 to $2,000 per cabinet offers a more budget-friendly metal option.
- Metal Laminates – Around $100 to $300 per linear foot, wider range depending on materials and finish.
These are general guidelines for typical price ranges. Consider unique styles, sizes, configurations, and features may alter costs. Luxury handcrafted metal cabinets with exotic hardware can demand premium prices.
Factory vs Custom Metal Cabinets: Cost and Value Differences
There are distinct value differences between factory-produced and fully custom built metal cabinets:
Factory
- Typically lower priced
- Mass produced using efficient methods
- Streamlined designs and sizes
- Less options for finishes and customization
- Lower resale value long-term
Custom
- Hand-crafted by skilled metal artisans
- Unique designs, sizes, and custom options
- Higher grade materials and hardware
- Much greater cost investment
- Holds exceptional resale value over decades
Custom work carries greater upfront cost but holds value exceptionally well, while factory pieces depreciate more over time. Custom adds individuality that buyers are willing to pay more for.
Are High-End Metal Cabinets Worth Their Price?
For luxury homeowners, investors, and designers seeking exceptional quality with less regard to budget constraints, high-end custom metal cabinets made from premium metals, with impeccable craftsmanship can certainly be worth their high price tag because:
- They maintain their value and stand the test of time, often for decades.
- Custom work is an art form, adding personality, character and individuality.
- Luxury buyers appreciate the artistic craftsmanship and prestige.
- Unique and rare materials have great appeal to affluent buyers.
- They elevate the design of a home with a true showstopper kitchen.
- Metal assigns far greater durability than wood cabinets prone to scratching.
- Easy to clean and maintain with little upkeep required.
For the right buyer with an unlimited budget, exquisitely designed metal cabinets handcrafted by renowned artisans provide value equal to their price. They become an artistic focal point and embodiment of luxury for the kitchen space.
Resale Value of Previously Owned Metal Cabinets
For homeowners looking to save on metal cabinets, purchasing previously owned and restored cabinets can offer value. When considering resale pricing, examine:
- Condition – Cabinets with minimal to moderate signs of use, minus any structural or functional defects can command 50-75% of original pricing depending on the materials and construction quality. Shop owners invest in restoration which adds value.
- Brand & Materials – High end brand name cabinets retain the most value. More common metals like stainless offer less value while rare metals like zinc and copper hold value better.
- Restoration Quality – Refinishing, refurbishing, and repairs by qualified professionals enhances value significantly vs DIY fixes and touch-ups. Shop labor adds cost but improves worth.
- Existing Configuration – It’s ideal if previously owned cabinets are already configured to fit a typical kitchen space vs random sizes that require modifications.
- Hardware/Accessories – Pieces paired with all original hardware, accessories like glass inserts retain far greater value than those stripped of these details.
With professional makeovers, previously owned metal cabinets become far more affordable at 50-75% less, allowing more homeowners to enjoy their benefits without the premium price.
Are Metal Cabinets Worth It Overall?
For homeowners debating the value proposition of metal kitchen cabinets, factors to weigh include:
Pros
- Extreme durability stands the test of time.
- Easy cleaning, low maintenance requirements.
- Resale value retention, especially for higher grades and metals.
- On-trend modern aesthetic works for various home design styles.
- Artistic custom designs become true focal features.
Cons
- Much higher upfront cost investment.
- Limited color and finish options with some metals.
- Can show scratches, dents, and other signs of wear.
- Higher pricing for repairs and modifications after installation.
- Less insulation for noise than wood cabinets.
For buyers focused solely on lower cost, metal does not offer the best value. But consumers looking for a lifetime kitchen investment with low maintenance, strong ROI, and visual appeal, quality metal cabinets can justify their higher worth.
Maximizing the Value of Your Metal Cabinets
To get the most value from your metal cabinet investment:
- Opt for better brands, grades of materials, and hardware.
- Seek quality construction and sturdy joints for durability.
- Choose versatile styles and finishes that appeal to different buyers.
- Add glass inserts, accent lighting and functional features.
- Carefully maintain cabinets to avoid scratches and damage.
- Clean frequently using approved metal cleaners and polishes.
- Make minor repairs quickly to avoid issues compounding.
Taking steps to protect your investment ensures your metal kitchen cabinets retain their visual impact and monetary value for years to come.
Is There a Future for Metal Kitchen Cabinets?
Based on current design trends, metal kitchen cabinets show no signs of declining in popularity any time soon. Homeowners and designers attracted to their durability, clean-lined look, and stylistic versatility will continue to seek metal cabinets in homes at all price points.
Market reports suggest metal cabinet sales will grow steadily over the next 5 years. More manufacturers are expanding their metal offerings to suit different budgets. While costs remain high, low-cost laminates make metal achievable for more buyers.
With ongoing innovations in metal finishes and fabrication techniques combined with growing consumer interest, metal cabinets have a strong future trajectory. Their sleek, modern look has mass appeal to keep metal a highly valued and sought after kitchen cabinet material for years to come. Homeowners investing in high quality metal cabinets today can feel confident they hold long-term value.
Conclusion
Determining the worth of metal kitchen cabinets involves assessing many factors from materials and construction to craftsmanship and condition. While metal cabinets demand a significant upfront investment, their lifetime value in terms of durability, easy maintenance, design appeal, and potential resale makes them a wise choice for many homeowners. Taking steps to protect your investment ensures your metal cabinets maintain their monetary and aesthetic value to bring enduring enjoyment and natural beauty to the heart of your home.