"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
| Kitchen tier | Typical price range (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Basic straight or L-shape set, laminate finish | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Standard set, better hardware and soft-close throughout | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Larger layout or galley kitchen, upgraded finishes | $8,000 – $10,000 |
| Island configuration, solid surface/quartz countertop | $10,000 – $12,000+ |
These are direct-contractor ranges. 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 largely by linear metre — both upper and lower runs. A small straight-line kitchen with 2.5m of cabinetry costs less than an L-shape with 4–5m of total run. This is the single biggest factor 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
Soft-close hinges and drawer runners are standard now and shouldn't be treated as a major upcharge — if a quote excludes them to look cheaper, ask. Branded hardware (Blum, Grass, Hettich) costs more than unbranded but lasts significantly longer under daily kitchen use.
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
Get a quote for your kitchen
WhatsApp us with your kitchen size or floor plan. We'll arrange a site visit and come back with an itemised quote within 2 working days.
WhatsApp for a QuoteIs 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.