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 ...