Metal kitchen cabinets are a popular choice for many homeowners looking to renovate or remodel their kitchens. Metal cabinets provide a sleek, modern look and are extremely durable and long-lasting. However, metal kitchen cabinets tend to be more expensive than traditional wood cabinets. Here is an overview of how much metal kitchen cabinets typically cost and the factors that impact the price.
Average Cost of Metal Kitchen Cabinets
The average cost for metal kitchen cabinets ranges from $80 – $250 per linear foot installed. This can translate to:
- A 10×10 foot kitchen with 25 linear feet of cabinets costing $2,000 – $6,250.
- A larger 15×15 foot kitchen with 45 linear feet of cabinets costing $3,600 – $11,250.
Several factors go into the exact price, which we’ll explore in more detail in the sections below. In general, expect to pay a premium for metal kitchen cabinets over wood cabinets, which typically range from $50 – $100 per linear foot installed.
Factors That Impact Metal Cabinet Pricing
There are several factors that influence the total cost of metal kitchen cabinets:
Type of Metal
- Stainless steel is the most expensive type of metal cabinet and costs $180 – $300 per linear foot. Stainless provides a bright, sleek look.
- Aluminum costs about $100 – $200 per linear foot. It has a lighter gray color than stainless steel.
- Steel is the most affordable metal option at $80 – $140 per linear foot. The steel has a darker gray tone than aluminum.
Door Style
- Flat panel or slab door styles are the most affordable, ranging from $80 – $150 per linear foot.
- Louvered or panel doors run $100 – $200 per linear foot.
- Glass insert doors are the most expensive due to the included glass panels and cost $180 – $250+ per linear foot.
Cabinet Grade/Gauge
- Commercial-grade metal cabinets with 18- or 20-gauge steel construction costs $150 – $250 per linear foot.
- Standard residential 24-gauge metal cabinets cost $80 – $180 per linear foot.
Brand
- Luxury brands like Thermador, Viking, and Bertazzoni can run $200 – $300+ per linear foot.
- Mid-range brands like IKEA or KraftMaid cost $100 – $200 per foot.
- Budget brands start around $80 per linear foot.
Cabinets Only vs Full Installation
- Purchasing just the metal cabinet boxes and doors saves 20-30% on costs. However, you’ll need to pay separately for installation labor and countertops.
- Buying everything included with full delivery and installation bumps the costs up 20-30% but provides an all-in-one solution.
Factors That Make Metal Cabinets More Expensive Than Wood
There are a few key reasons why metal kitchen cabinets are more expensive than traditional wooden cabinets:
- Raw Materials – The stainless steel, aluminum and steel used in metal cabinets is more expensive than wood.
- Durability – Metal cabinets are extremely durable and dent-resistant,lasting at least 25-30 years over wood’s 10-15 years, warranting a higher price.
- Labor – Metal requires more specialized skills and tools to fabricate and install, increasing labor costs.
- Limited Availability – Fewer manufacturers offer metal cabinets than wood, keeping supply lower.
- Trendiness – Metal kitchens are currently considered a trendy, upscale style, allowing brands to command higher prices.
While metal cabinets come at a premium cost, many homeowners think the benefits of durability, easy cleaning, and stylish appearance outweigh the higher initial investment.
How Much Are Specific Metal Cabinet Brands?
To give you an idea of real world metal cabinet prices, here is an overview of pricing for a few popular national brands for a standard 24-inch base cabinet:
- IKEA – Bodbyn gray steel cabinet $169
- KraftMaid – Lynbrook Maple Steel cabinet $411
- Rev-A-Shelf – Stainless Steel base cabinet $2,100
- Thermador – Pro Harmony Stainless Steel base cabinet $3,199
- Viking – Professional Stainless Steel base cabinet $3,599
As you can see, pricing can vary widely depending on the brand, materials, and other factors. Luxury European brands like Thermador and Viking ring in at $3,000+ per cabinet, while you can get affordable options from IKEA for under $200.
Should You Choose Metal or Wood Kitchen Cabinets?
At the end of the day, choosing metal versus wood kitchen cabinets comes down to your budget and design preferences.
Benefits of metal cabinets:
- Extremely durable – last 25-30 years
- Resist scratches, dents and water damage
- Sleek, contemporary look
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Wide variety of colors/finishes
Benefits of wood cabinets:
- More affordable upfront cost
- Timeless, classic look
- Easier to repair and modify
- Wider diversity of door styles
- Good resale value
Take time to analyze the pros and cons of each material based on your kitchen plans. While splurging on luxury stainless steel cabinets isn’t feasible for everyone, there are affordable metal options that can fit many budgets as well. If your heart is set on metal, look for ways to cut costs on cabinet grade, sizes or installation to make your dream kitchen achievable.
Conclusion
Metal kitchen cabinets offer stunning style but come at a higher cost. On average, expect to invest $80 – $250 per linear foot installed. The exact price depends on the type of metal, door styles, cabinet grades and more. While metal costs more upfront than wood cabinets, the durability and ease of cleaning often make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners. Carefully weigh the benefits and your budget to decide if metal is the right choice your kitchen remodel or renovation.