ST KILDA CABINETS.COM — Cabinet Making in Balaclava

Custom kitchen cabinetry costs $800–$2,500 per linear metre installed. Built-in wardrobes cost $1,500–$5,000 per unit depending on size and fitout. A full custom kitchen with stone benchtop typically costs $20,000–$60,000. Budget flat-pack alternatives (IKEA, Kaboodle) cost 40–60% less but offer less customisation.

Custom cabinetry is built to exact measurements by a cabinet maker, offering precise fit, premium materials, and unlimited design options. Flat-pack (e.g., IKEA, Kaboodle) uses standard modular carcasses that can be assembled on-site — significantly cheaper but limited by standard widths and heights. Semi-custom cabinetry (modified standard boxes) offers a middle ground.

Most Australian cabinets use 16–18mm melamine-faced MDF or particleboard (E0 or E1 formaldehyde rating) for carcasses — moisture-resistant, dimensionally stable, and paintable. Polyurethane and 2-pak lacquer doors are the premium finish. Timber veneer doors add warmth. Laminate (Laminex) is durable and cost-effective for kitchens.

After design confirmation and deposit, custom cabinetry typically takes 6–10 weeks to manufacture. High-end custom work may take 12–16 weeks. Installation takes 2–5 days for a kitchen. The full process from initial consultation to installation completion is typically 10–18 weeks. Plan around this lead time when scheduling renovations.

Handleless (finger pull or J-pull) profiles are the most popular in new Australian kitchens for their clean, modern look. Shaker profile doors with inset panels are popular for classic and coastal styles. Flat slab doors suit contemporary minimalist designs. Timber grain vinyl-wrapped doors provide warmth at lower cost than real timber.