Price per linear foot by cabinet type
Contractors price cabinets by the linear foot of wall they cover, measured along the run of base cabinets with the uppers above them included. Published GTA prices vary widely because some quote the boxes alone and others quote installed millwork, so compare like with like when you collect quotes.
| Type | Per linear foot | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | $150 - $400 | Fixed sizes and finishes from a catalogue, fillers to close gaps |
| Semi-custom | $300 - $500 | Catalogue boxes with more sizes, door styles and finishes |
| Custom (local shop) | $500 - $1,200 | Built to your exact measurements, plywood boxes, any door, painted or lacquered finish |
| Luxury custom | $1,200 - $2,000+ | Inset doors, specialty veneers, glazing, full-height millwork and integrated panels |
What drives the cost of custom cabinets
- Box material: plywood boxes cost roughly 20 to 30 percent more than particleboard, and hold screws and moisture better over time.
- Door style: slab doors are the least expensive, shaker sits in the middle, and raised-panel or inset doors can add up to 25 percent or more.
- Finish: thermofoil and laminate are the budget options; painted and lacquered finishes are mid-range; glazed, high-gloss or two-tone finishes add 10 to 20 percent.
- Height: running cabinets to the ceiling adds about 15 to 25 percent, and gives you storage instead of a dust shelf.
- Island: a custom island usually adds $2,500 to $6,000 before the countertop.
- Hardware and inserts: soft-close hinges and slides, pull-out waste bins, pantry towers and corner solutions add up quickly, from a few hundred dollars each to several thousand for a pantry tower.
Typical totals for real kitchen sizes
Cabinets are usually 30 to 40 percent of a mid-range kitchen renovation budget. Countertops, installation, plumbing, electrical, flooring and lighting make up the rest; see our kitchen renovation cost guide for the full picture.
| Kitchen | Semi-custom | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 ft (about 20 linear ft) | $13,000 - $18,000 | $20,000 - $30,000+ |
| 25 - 30 linear ft with island | $18,000 - $25,000 | $25,000 - $40,000+ |
| Large or luxury kitchen | $25,000+ | $45,000+ |
How long custom cabinets take
Most GTA shops need 6 to 12 weeks to build custom cabinets once the design is approved, and up to 16 to 20 weeks for specialty finishes. Installation itself takes 2 to 4 days, and stone countertops are templated after the cabinets are in, which adds about 1 to 3 weeks.
Because Xact Design Inc. designs and builds cabinetry with its own cabinet makers, the cabinet design, shop drawings and installation stay with one team, so measurements, changes and the install schedule are handled in one place instead of between a contractor and an outside supplier.
Custom, semi-custom or stock: which is worth it?
Stock cabinets make sense for a rental or a quick refresh where the layout already works. Semi-custom suits a standard layout where you want better finishes. Custom is worth it when the room has odd dimensions, sloped or high ceilings, or when you want the kitchen to flow into built-ins, a bar or a wall unit with matching doors, because every inch is built for the space and nothing is filled with filler strips.
Common questions
How much do custom kitchen cabinets cost per linear foot in Toronto?
In 2026, custom cabinets from a local GTA shop cost about $500 to $1,200 per linear foot before HST, and $1,200 to $2,000 or more for luxury inset or specialty finishes.
Are plywood cabinet boxes worth the extra cost?
For kitchens and bathrooms, usually yes. Plywood costs roughly 20 to 30 percent more than particleboard but holds fasteners better and handles moisture and leaks near sinks and dishwashers better.
Do I need a permit to replace kitchen cabinets in Richmond Hill?
No. The City of Richmond Hill does not require a building permit to build or replace kitchen or bathroom cupboards. Moving plumbing, changing walls or other alterations can need one, and electrical changes need an ESA notification.
How long do custom kitchen cabinets take to make?
Plan on 6 to 12 weeks from approved design to installation, and longer for specialty finishes. Installation takes a few days; countertops follow after templating.
Get a price for your project
These ranges are a starting point. Xact Design Inc. gives every Richmond Hill and GTA client a free consultation and a detailed written estimate before any work begins. Call (905) 884-9224 or book a consultation.
Sources
- Alliance Millwork: Custom kitchen cabinets budget guide (updated April 2026)
- Toronto General Contractors: How much do kitchen cabinets cost in Toronto (December 2025)
- HomeStars: Renovation costs Toronto (2026 pricing)
- Dixon Custom Carpentry: Custom kitchen cabinet cost Ontario (updated July 2026)
- SCKC: Custom kitchen cabinets Toronto cost (August 2026)
- City of Richmond Hill: Building Permit FAQs