Lets break it down.
Kitchen cabinetry is one of the largest costs in an Irish kitchen renovation. Prices vary significantly depending on whether you choose modular, semi-custom or fully bespoke joinery, as well as the materials, finishes and hardware specified.
Typical range: €5,000–€25,000+
Cabinet & Joinery Costs in Ireland
Cabinetry can account for approximately 35%–50% of the total kitchen renovation budget, making it one of the most important areas to price accurately.
The main factors affecting cost are kitchen size, manufacturing method, cabinet material, door finish, hardware, internal storage, installation complexity and the amount of bespoke work required.
Kitchen cabinetry generally falls into three categories:
Flat-pack / modular systems use standardised cabinet sizes and are usually the most affordable.
Semi-custom kitchens offer a wider choice of finishes, sizing, internal fittings and appliance integration.
Fully bespoke joinery is manufactured specifically for the property and offers the greatest flexibility, but at a significantly higher cost.
Typical installed costs range from approximately €5,500 for a straightforward modular kitchen to €30,000+ for a large bespoke installation.
Flat-Pack vs Bespoke
Flat-pack / modular:
€5,500–€11,000 installed
Best suited to straightforward layouts and tighter budgets. Standard cabinet dimensions help keep manufacturing and installation costs down.
Bespoke joinery:
€20,000–€33,000+ installed
Custom dimensions, specialist finishes and tailored storage make bespoke kitchens considerably more expensive.
Custom kitchens and Materials
Semi-Custom Kitchens
Semi-custom kitchens sit between modular and fully bespoke systems and are a common choice for mid-range renovations.
Supply: €8,000–€15,000
Installation: €3,000–€6,000
Installed total: €11,000–€21,000
They provide greater choice of door styles, finishes and sizing adjustments, along with better internal fittings and appliance integration.
For many homeowners, this provides a useful balance between cost and customisation.
Materials & Finishes
Cabinet construction and finish have a major influence on price.
MFC is generally the most economical carcass material, while MDF and particularly plywood can increase costs.
Door finishes range from relatively inexpensive laminate and vinyl-wrap products through to painted MDF, solid timber and hand-painted bespoke finishes.
Painted finishes alone can increase cabinetry costs by approximately 15%–25%.
Cost by Kitchen Size
How Kitchen Size Affects Cabinet Costs
| Kitchen size | Budget | Mid-range | Bespoke |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10m² | €6k–€9k | €10k–€14k | €18k–€25k |
| 15m² | €8k–€12k | €14k–€18k | €22k–€30k |
| 20m² | €10k–€15k | €18k–€22k | €25k–€35k |
Kitchen size is useful for estimating cost, but it does not tell the whole story. A smaller kitchen containing an island, tall pantry units, premium drawers and bespoke storage can cost more than a larger kitchen using simple modular cabinets.
Island units can significantly increase the overall cabinetry budget.
Hardware & Internal Storage
Hardware can make a surprisingly large difference to the final cabinet price.
Premium additions include deep drawer systems, pull-out larders, corner storage, integrated bins, soft-close hardware and internal lighting.
Allow approximately:
€1,000–€3,000 for upgraded hardware and fittings.
Installation & Example Budgets
Installation and Overall Cabinet Budget
Installation typically costs around €2,000–€6,000, depending on the kitchen layout, wall and floor condition, appliance integration, worktop coordination and overall complexity.
| Budget Kitchen | Mid-Range Kitchen | Bespoke Kitchen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 12m² | 18m² + island | 25m² |
| Main cabinetry | €7,000 | €14,000 | €22,000 |
| Island | — | €4,000 | €7,000 |
| Installation | €2,500 | €4,500 | €6,000 |
| Hardware/fittings | €800 | €1,500 | €2,500 |
| Total | €10,300 | €24,000 | €37,500 |
This demonstrates why two kitchens of similar floor area can have dramatically different overall cabinet costs.
Additional Joinery
Pantry units, utility cabinetry, built-in seating, media units and wall panelling may be included alongside the kitchen.
Additional bespoke joinery can add approximately:
€2,000–€10,000+
What Pushes Costs Up?
The biggest cost increases generally come from bespoke sizing, islands, premium finishes, internal storage systems and complicated layouts.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and difficult appliance integration can also increase manufacturing and installation costs.
VAT & Quotations
VAT treatment can affect the final amount paid, so quotations should clearly state whether VAT is included and what elements of the project it applies to.
When comparing quotations, always compare the actual specification and inclusions, rather than the headline figure alone.
For most Irish households in 2026:
Summary:
Typical installed cabinet costs in Ireland:
Budget: €5,500–€11,000
Mid-range: €11,000–€21,000
Bespoke: €20,000–€33,000+
Cabinet specification, materials and layout can influence the final cost more than floor area alone.