What Is the Most Expensive Part of Redoing a Kitchen? (Cabinets, Appliances, or Countertops?)

Cabinetry is typically the most expensive part of redoing a kitchen, often taking the largest share of the budget in mid-range and upscale remodels; in certain scopes, premium appliances, structural changes, or high-end countertops can rival or exceed that spend.

Why cabinets lead the budget

The cabinet package spans most walls and the island, so costs compound across dozens of boxes, doors, drawers, panels, and trims. Material choices—plywood boxes, solid-wood or painted doors, furniture-grade finishes—raise factory costs, while quality hardware and interior organizers add per-cabinet premiums. Precision installation (levelling, shimming, scribing to wonky walls and ceilings, aligning reveals) demands skilled labour, which elevates the final invoice. For many projects, cabinetry also delivers the biggest day-to-day benefit in storage, workflow, and durability, justifying its outsized allocation.

When something else costs more

Cabinets do not always dominate. In luxury kitchens, panel-ready refrigeration, built-in wall ovens, and pro-style ranges—plus the matching ventilation—can overtake cabinets. Structural changes such as removing load-bearing walls, reframing ceilings, moving plumbing and gas lines, or correcting subfloor issues can push construction above finishes. Countertops may surge if an oversized island is specified, thick mitered edges are chosen, or premium natural/sintered slabs are templated with complex cutouts and tight tolerances. Multi-layer lighting plans, service upgrades, and new circuits for high-demand appliances can also tilt the balance.

Big cost drivers

• Materials and construction: Plywood boxes, solid fronts, dovetail drawers, and high-build painted finishes carry premiums.
• Customization: Non-standard sizes, tall ceiling-scribe panels, furniture bases, curved elements, and appliance panels add complexity.
• Interior upgrades: Pull-outs, tray dividers, blind-corner mechanisms, waste/recycle centers, and drawer organizers increase per-cabinet costs.
• Design features: Waterfall edges, integrated lighting channels, glass fronts, and decorative end panels add material and labour.
• Site conditions: Out-of-plumb walls, uneven floors, and tight access extend installation time and contingency.

Smart ways to control spend

• Keep the layout: Retaining sink, range, fridge, and gas locations reduces rough-in changes, inspections, and patching.
• Mix tiers: Use semi-custom for most runs and reserve custom for a feature island or tricky niche to balance flexibility and cost.
• Standardize sizes: Design to standard widths and heights to avoid costly custom boxes, fillers, and long lead times.
• Simplify door styles: Shaker or slab in durable finishes provides a timeless look with fewer finish-cost escalations.
• Reface strategically: When boxes are sound, refacing with new doors, panels, and hardware achieves a high-impact refresh at lower cost.
• Optimize countertops: Select durable mid-tier quartz for work zones and save premium slabs for the island; plan seams to reduce waste.
• Right-size appliances: Choose packages that match actual cooking patterns to avoid scaling up ventilation, electrical, and cabinetry.

Labour, permits, and hidden factors

Licensed trades, permit fees, inspections, and code-compliant ventilation can rival materials in complex projects. Service/panel capacity, ground-fault and arc-fault protection, and make-up air for high-CFM hoods may require upgrades that should be scoped early. In older homes, demolition often reveals subfloor, framing, or insulation issues; carrying a healthy contingency protects finish selections and schedule. Proper sequencing—cabinets before countertop templating, countertops before backsplash, and flooring timed to avoid damage—prevents rework.

Canada-focused notes

Budgets vary widely by province and metro due to labour rates, trade availability, and logistics. Taxes, delivery, and disposal should be included in all-in figures. Lead times for custom millwork and stone fabrication can influence temporary housing or live-in renovation decisions. Canadian manufacturers can improve timelines, service, and warranty support while maintaining design flexibility.

Decision framework

• Prioritize function: Storage capacity, workflow, lighting, and ventilation drive daily satisfaction and resale value.
• Invest where it counts: Drawer hardware, sink/prep zones, and durable counters return value through longevity.
• Choose one hero element: Make the island, range wall, or refrigeration bank the focal "splurge" while keeping other elements timeless.
• Lock specifications early: Finalize appliances and cabinet drawings before framing and rough-ins to prevent cascading change orders.

For real-world budgets, regional comparisons, and scope-based examples, see our comprehensive Kitchen Renovation Cost Guide Canada 2025: Real Budgets, Real Outcomes.

Ready to plan a kitchen renovation with confidence? Smart Renovations provides detailed cost estimates, clear timeline planning, and expert guidance to help allocate budget where it delivers the most value. Our team understands Canadian markets, building codes, and supplier networks to keep projects on track and within budget.

Get a free quote and a free kitchen renovation consultation today, and discover exactly where investment will have the biggest impact. Visit our Richmond Hill or Woodbridge office to speak with a specialist and explore design options in person.

Disclaimer: This information is based on industry research and professional experience in kitchen renovation. Costs vary significantly by location, project scope, material selections, and site conditions. Every renovation has unique requirements and challenges. For accurate estimates specific to your project, consult with licensed contractors and obtain multiple quotes. Always verify local building codes, permit requirements, and manufacturer specifications before beginning construction.