Kitchen Cabinet Cost Singapore 2026: What to Budget

"How much will my kitchen cabinets cost?" is usually the first question homeowners ask once they've decided to renovate — and usually the hardest to answer with a single number, because kitchens vary so much in size and layout. But the cost drivers are predictable once you know what to look for, so you can budget with confidence instead of guessing.

Here's a practical breakdown of what moves the price, with real ranges from direct-contractor work in Singapore.

The short answer: typical price ranges

Example: a 10 ft kitchen with a run of upper and base cabinets = $132 × 10 × 2 = $2,640 (cabinets only, before countertop). These are direct-contractor rates — going through a renovation company that subcontracts the carpentry typically adds 20–40% on top.

What actually drives the price

1. Linear footage of cabinetry

Kitchen cabinets are priced at $132 per foot for both upper and base cabinet runs (countertop not included). A 5 ft run of upper and base cabinets comes to $1,320; a 10 ft run comes to $2,640. Kitchen islands are $264 per foot (max depth 800 mm). The total linear footage — both upper and lower — is the single biggest cost driver before anything else.

2. Layout type

Straight-line layouts are the cheapest to build and install. L-shape is the most common in HDB flats and costs a bit more due to the corner unit. Galley (two parallel runs) needs more cabinetry overall for the same kitchen footprint. Island configurations cost the most — islands are finished on all visible sides and often include plumbing or electrical work for a sink or hob.

3. Cabinet body material

Laminate-faced particleboard or melamine is the standard, cost-effective choice and holds up well in Singapore's humidity. Moisture-resistant grades cost slightly more and are worth it for under-sink and wet-zone cabinets specifically.

4. Countertop material

This is often the biggest line-item swing in a kitchen quote:

• Compact laminate: most budget-friendly, decent durability
• Solid surface: $80–$150 per linear foot installed, heat- and stain-resistant
• Quartz: $100–$200+ per linear foot installed, most durable and premium look

5. Hardware

AFIX uses Jasmine brand hinges and drawer runners as standard on all kitchen cabinets. Soft-close is included — it shouldn't be treated as an upcharge. When comparing quotes from other contractors, always ask what hardware brand is being used, as quality varies significantly and affects daily usability and longevity.

Direct contractor vs renovation company

As with other carpentry work, most renovation companies subcontract kitchen cabinetry rather than building it in-house. The subcontracting markup typically runs 20–40%, and any adjustment request passes through an extra layer of communication.

AFIX builds and installs kitchen cabinets with the same in-house team, so design changes, appliance cutout confirmations, and on-site adjustments happen directly — no relay through a third party.

What to check before you sign a quote

• Linear footage breakdown — upper and lower runs itemised separately
• Countertop material and thickness specified, not just "countertop included"
• Appliance cutouts confirmed against actual model dimensions
• Hardware brand for hinges and drawer runners
• Who fabricates — in-house or subcontracted?
• What's excluded — plumbing, electrical, tiling are sometimes billed separately

Is it worth upgrading to a quartz countertop?

For most households that cook regularly, yes. Quartz resists heat, scratches, and staining far better than laminate, and holds its appearance for years without resealing. If your kitchen sees light use, a good compact laminate countertop is a reasonable, budget-friendly choice that still looks clean for years.