Many homeowners find themselves considering an upgrade of their bathrooms at some point. Remodeling part or all of this essential room in our houses usually tops most people’s home improvement project lists. When we recently looked at undertaking a bathroom renovation, one part we needed to research thoroughly was bathroom cabinet cost. As we priced out new sinks, lighting fixtures, tile and flooring, the new cabinetry and vanity became a big line item in our budget.
In order to keep the bathroom cabinet costs for our remodel on track, we consulted with experts at our local cabinet store. As the total bathroom remodel expense started taking shape, getting accurate information on the total cost of the cabinets helped us plan and stick to our overall budget. Keep reading to learn more about what goes into bathroom cabinet costs and how you can budget for new cabinets in your 2025 remodel.
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How Much Do Bathroom Cabinets Cost?
So what are typical numbers for the investment in new bathroom cabinets? According to bathroom contractors, the average cost of installing bathroom cabinets is $5,500. But that encompasses a pretty wide range – they report projects running anywhere from $3,300 up to $12,000.
Factors Affecting Cost
The size of your bathroom, choice of materials, and any custom work will impact where your dream cabinets fall within that range. We’ll break down the factors that shape the final cost next.
Types of Bathroom Cabinets
The first major cost factor is the type of custom bathroom vanity cabinetry you choose. You have several options, ranging from prefabricated to fully custom designs. The type determines a large portion of the price tag.
Prefabricated or Stock Bathroom Cabinets
The most economical choice. Stock bathroom cabinets are mass-produced and come in standard sizes, offering a cost-effective option. It can be assembled and installed by the homeowner or a contractor. These cabinets cost anywhere from $40 to $500 per unit. Easy installation and lower labor costs offset the lower durability.
Semi-Custom Bathroom Cabinets
Semi-custom bathroom cabinets offer more options than stock cabinets, including different colors and hardware. It can be picked up from a store or delivered to the homeowner’s house. These ready-to-assemble cabinets range from about $500 up to $800 per unit installed. More durable than stock cabinets.
Custom Bathroom Cabinets
Custom bathroom cabinets are designed specifically for the homeowner’s bathroom, providing a tailored fit and style. The costs of custom bathroom cabinets vary by contractor, the cabinet size used, and materials, but you can expect to pay between $700 and $1,000 per unit, not including installation. Custom cabinets are the most expensive option but offer the most flexibility in design and materials.
Size of Bathroom
The cost of bathroom cabinets can vary depending on the size of the bathroom. Calculating the square footage of the bathroom can help homeowners estimate the cost of bathroom cabinets. Prices for bathroom cabinets vary depending on the type of door style of cabinet and labor costs in the area.
Standard cabinet heights range from 32 to 34 inches typically. The overall length, depth, and number of cabinets drive materials and labor costs up for spacious master suites. As examples:
- Powder room or half bath (20 sq ft): $1,500-$5,000
- Full bath (45 sq feet): $10,875-$29,000
- Primary bathroom (160 sq ft): $12,000-$32,000
- Large bathroom (210 sq feet): $15,750-$42,000
Larger bathrooms simply need more cabinetry, so final costs correlate directly with dimensions.
Bathroom Cabinet Materials and Finishes
Common bathroom cabinet materials include MDF, plywood, and solid wood, each with its own durability and price point. MDF is inexpensive but not water-resistant, for example while plywood is more durable and resistant to moisture.
Solid wood is the most expensive option but offers the best durability. Finishes range from waterborne to glazed, varnished, and distressed, affecting several factors in the final look and price.
Bathroom cabinets made from wood or stainless steel can range in price from $500 to $1,000 for double-door, wall-mounted cabinets.
Bathroom Cabinet Labor and Installation Costs
Labor costs to install bathroom cabinets can range from $ 200 to $1000, depending on the size and complexity of the job. A professional handyman or contractor can install bathroom cabinets, or the homeowner can do it themselves. High-quality and custom-built cabinets may require a higher installation cost.
The rate per hour depends on the experience level of the contractors as well as the overall project scope. Complex designs, electrical or plumbing changes, and accessibility factors may increase rates. We recommend contacting a cabinet installer local to your area for an accurate estimate.
Bathroom Vanity Replacement Costs
The average cost to replace a bathroom vanity is $300 to $3,800. New bathroom vanities provide extra, storage space, and countertop space, improving your bathroom’s functionality.
Factors that impact vanity size and your project budget include bathroom vanity type, size, countertop material, and labor costs. Premade single-sink vanities typically cost $100 to $2,600, while custom vanities have a higher price point, falling between $500 and $2,800 for the build and up to $1,000 for installation.
Refinishing Bathroom Cabinets
Refinishing cabinets involves stripping them down to the wood and applying new stain, paint, or glaze for visual impact. This represents the least expensive option at $1,800 to $5,000 on average price. Refacing preserves the cabinet box but replaces the exterior doors, drawers, and hardware. Refacing costs between $4,500 to $10,600 typically.
Finally, fully replacing old bathroom cabinets with new custom or semi-custom versions ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on materials, size, and installation factors.
Additional Factors Affecting Bathroom Cabinet Cost
Additional cost considerations, including customizations and fixtures, will impact your project budget. Consider adding a backsplash, cabinetry, fixtures, hardware, paint, and other customized work.
Existing plumbing upgrades can increase bathroom remodeling costs. The cost of bathroom cabinets also depends on the materials used, with wood and stainless steel being popular options.
How to Save on Bath Remodel Cost
If your dream bathroom remodel budget gets stretched with the new cabinet estimates, there are ways to scale back expenses.
- Evaluate cabinet layout and countertop footprint – Strategically determine the exact cabinet, shelf, and vanity combinations needed. Limit custom elements or unnecessary features that quickly elevate costs. Keep the overall cabinetry installation as streamlined as possible while still fitting storage needs.
- Install open shelving – Open shelving represents a lower-cost alternative, forgoing cabinet doors and hardware. The floating look epitomizes bathrooms aiming for a light and airy aesthetic. Opt for durable water-resistant materials to withstand moisture while still saving substantially on facades.
- Choose economy materials and finishes – Opt for wood veneers over pricier solid woods for cabinet boxes. Bamboo, metal, and durable polymer units offer immense savings as well. Resist upgrades like glass inserts or premium soft-close hardware which all contribute to higher per unit costs.
- Refinish or reface existing cabinets – Refacing preserves the cabinet box while replacing doors, hardware, and veneers for visual impact at less cost. Stripping to refinish is also labor intensive but cheaper than full new cabinet fabrication and installation.
- Install stock prefabricated cabinets – Economical stock cabinet units keep materials, construction methods, and installation labor basic and affordable. Quick and simple for smaller or simple layouts despite lower longevity compared to custom pieces.
- Work within existing bathroom layout – Customizing cabinetry to work within the current plumbing and electric layout prevents systemic changes. Moving pipes, drains, wiring, or windows are pricey deviations best avoided if possible. Design cabinets around in-place bathroom infrastructure boundaries.
DIY vs Hiring Professional Cabinet Bathroom Contractors
Tasks like painting cabinets, swapping hardware, or adding new interior fittings can certainly be DIY projects to save on labor fees. Refinishing or refacing cabinets also may work as do-it-yourself endeavors for enterprising homeowners.
Installing new bathroom cabinets falls into the category of complicated home improvement projects, beyond just swapping out a faucet or light fixture. It’s best to leave large demolition, framing, resurfacing, and installation steps to the experts. Taking shortcuts risks safety issues and results in subpar performance or aesthetics.
Leave risky electrical, plumbing, or structural changes to the professionals. Know your skill levels and ask contractors for advice on any cabinet updates you think you can handle.
Final Thoughts
As you budget for a bath remodel, allocate an appropriate range for new cabinets according to your space, expectations, and style priorities. Carefully weighing the options for sizes, materials, design, and installation approach helps optimize the bottom line. Consider both longevity and costs when planning this integral aspect of your upgraded dream bathroom.
At W Kitchen & Bath, we partner with the most trusted cabinet manufacturers in the market. Schedule your Free Online Design Consultation to start planning your new bathroom cabinets today! Our team helps compare choices to fit your exact layout and budget. Contact us now and relax – we make bathroom cabinet remodeling easy!