Why is it so expensive to install kitchen cabinets?
The kitchen is one of the most core functional areas in family life, and the kitchen cabinet, as the basic infrastructure of the kitchen, not only bears the functions of storage and organization, but also is an important embodiment of the overall design style of the kitchen. Therefore, installing a set of high-quality kitchen cabinets often means that a certain amount of money needs to be invested. However, many people will find that the installation cost of kitchen cabinets is much higher than expected during the decoration process. Why is it so expensive to install kitchen cabinets? This question involves multiple factors, including material costs, customization requirements, installation technology, labor costs and other aspects.
This article will analyze in detail from various angles why it costs more to install kitchen cabinets, and help consumers understand the reasons, and finally make rational and wise consumption decisions.
1. The impact of the type and material of kitchen cabinets on the price
The price of kitchen cabinets is usually directly affected by its type and the selected material. Common kitchen cabinets on the market include customized kitchen cabinets, standard finished kitchen cabinets and semi-customized kitchen cabinets, and the price difference between different types of kitchen cabinets is also very large.
The price of customized kitchen cabinets is higher
Customized kitchen cabinets are one of the most common choices on the market. It is tailor-made according to the actual needs of consumers and kitchen space, and can make full use of every inch of space to meet personalized needs. Customized kitchen cabinets usually need to be designed and made according to the specific size, design style and usage requirements of the kitchen. The whole process requires multiple rounds of communication, modification and approval.
Compared with standardized finished kitchen cabinets, customized kitchen cabinets are more expensive, mainly because the time cost of design, production and installation in the customization process is relatively long. Designers need to spend more energy to design the size, shape, switch mode and other details of each cabinet according to the space of the kitchen and the needs of customers. In addition, since the materials and processes used in customized kitchen cabinets are usually better than those of finished kitchen cabinets and more difficult to make, the factory production and processing costs are also higher.
Material selection determines the price level
The material of the kitchen cabinet has a decisive influence on the overall price. Common kitchen cabinet materials on the market include solid wood, melamine board, MDF board (medium density fiberboard), stainless steel, etc. The prices of these materials vary greatly, so kitchen cabinets of different materials vary significantly in price.
● Solid wood: Kitchen cabinets made of solid wood are usually more expensive because solid wood is more difficult to process and its durability and beauty are more prominent. The price of solid wood is usually 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than other man-made board materials, and the processing and carving of solid wood kitchen cabinets also require more time and effort.
● Medium-density fiberboard (MDF): Kitchen cabinets made of MDF board are more affordable and suitable for families with limited budgets. However, this material is more susceptible to moisture during long-term use, so improper maintenance may cause deformation.
● Stainless steel: Kitchen cabinets made of stainless steel are relatively expensive, especially when they are finely crafted. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, and is suitable for high-end kitchens or environments that require special durability, so its price is often more expensive.
Choice of cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware accessories
In addition to the material of the cabinet itself, various accessories of the kitchen cabinet are also important factors affecting the price. High-quality hardware accessories (such as slides, hinges, handles, etc.) and more advanced switching methods (such as induction doors, silent hinges, etc.) will increase the overall installation cost. Although the unit price of these accessories seems not high, the addition of a large number of cabinet accessories will significantly affect the overall installation cost.
2. Complexity of kitchen cabinet design and installation
Personalized design requirements
Modern kitchens are no longer just storage spaces, and more and more consumers are beginning to pursue high-end customized and personalized kitchen designs. In this case, the design and production process of kitchen cabinets need to consider more factors, such as color, style, space layout, etc., which increases the workload of designers. Especially for some kitchens of unconventional shapes or sizes, tailor-made designs are required according to the actual space, resulting in increased design costs.
The complexity of the kitchen is also reflected in the functional requirements of kitchen cabinets. In addition to conventional storage functions, kitchen cabinets in modern kitchens often need to provide a variety of storage solutions, such as pull-out baskets, corner cabinets, spice cabinets, etc. Multifunctional design not only increases the use of materials, but also requires more design and processing processes.
High process requirements for customized installation
Kitchen cabinet installation is not as simple as combining cabinets together. Modern kitchens require more precise and standardized installation, and the installation process requires high process requirements. For example, some kitchens have irregular walls and floors, and the kitchen cabinets need to be precisely adjusted according to the specific conditions of the site to ensure that the cabinets fit perfectly with the space. At the same time, in order to ensure the comfort and beauty of the kitchen, the alignment of the cabinets, the opening and closing of the door panels, the design of the handles, and the treatment of the cabinet gaps all require careful construction.
Some high-end kitchen cabinets require particularly complex installation processes, especially those with intelligent elements or special accessories (such as embedded appliances, smart sensor doors, etc.), and the technical requirements for installation will also be higher.
3. Labor costs for kitchen cabinet installation
In the process of installing kitchen cabinets, labor costs account for a large proportion. Compared with other home decoration projects, the installation of kitchen cabinets requires higher technical requirements. The experience and technical level of the installer directly affect the installation effect, so its labor costs are also relatively expensive.
Complexity of installation process
The installation process of kitchen cabinets is very cumbersome, especially when custom installation is carried out, the master needs to make multiple adjustments according to the specific conditions of the site (such as the flatness of the kitchen wall, the height difference of the ground, etc.). For the joints of the cabinet, the adjustment of the door panels, the debugging of accessories, etc., each step requires very meticulous work, and any negligence may lead to unsatisfactory overall results.
High-tech installation masters
Nowadays, the installation of many high-end custom kitchen cabinets requires professionally trained masters. These installation masters not only need to master basic carpentry skills, but also need to have electrical, plumbing and other skills to successfully complete the installation work. For example, the installation of equipment such as integrated stoves and embedded appliances requires certain electrical skills and understanding of electrical circuits. Therefore, the cost of hiring these professional masters is naturally high.
Construction period and labor costs
The installation process of kitchen cabinets is usually more complicated and may take several days or even a week to complete. For the installation of large kitchens or multiple kitchen areas, the investment in time and labor costs is very large. In addition, if unexpected problems are encountered during the installation process, such as cabinet mismatch, damaged accessories, etc., the construction period will be extended, thereby increasing labor costs.
4. Other additional costs
Transportation and logistics costs
For custom kitchen cabinets, transportation costs are a cost that cannot be ignored. Most custom kitchen cabinets require specialized logistics companies to transport them, and the cost is usually calculated based on the distance and weight of the transport. Therefore, consumers who are far from the installation site may need to bear higher logistics costs.
Removal and cleaning costs
Before installing new kitchen cabinets, it is often necessary to remove the old kitchen cabinets and clean up the site. Some kitchen removals are more complicated, especially when it involves removing water pipes, circuits, walls, etc., which will increase the cost. Cleaning and cleaning work also requires additional payment, especially in large kitchens, where the workload of dismantling and cleaning will be greater.
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