Kitchen cabinet and joinery costs in Ireland explained, including flat-pack vs bespoke pricing, materials, finishes and full installation cost breakdowns.
1. Overview
Cabinetry is typically the single largest cost component of a kitchen renovation.
In Ireland (2026), kitchen cabinet and joinery costs typically range between:
€5,000 and €25,000+
depending on:
- Kitchen size
- Manufacturing method
- Material specification
- Finish quality
- Hardware selection
- Level of customisation
Cabinetry alone often accounts for:
35% – 50% of total kitchen renovation cost.
2. Cabinet Cost Categories
Kitchen cabinetry generally falls into three tiers:
- Flat-pack / modular systems
- Semi-custom factory-built
- Fully bespoke joinery
Each carries significantly different cost implications.
3. Flat-Pack / Modular Systems
Typical Cost Range
€4,000 – €8,000 (supply only)
Installation typically adds:
€1,500 – €3,500
Total Installed Range
€5,500 – €11,000
Characteristics
- Standard module sizes
- Limited colour and door styles
- Pre-manufactured carcasses
- Standard hardware
- Limited flexibility for awkward spaces
Best suited to:
- Smaller kitchens
- Straightforward layouts
- Budget renovations
4. Semi-Custom Factory Kitchens
Typical Cost Range
€8,000 – €15,000 (supply)
Installation:
€3,000 – €6,000
Total Installed Range
€11,000 – €21,000
Characteristics
- Greater door style options
- Better finish quality
- Custom sizing adjustments
- Improved internal fittings
- Integrated appliance solutions
This tier represents the most common mid-range kitchen solution in Ireland.
5. Fully Bespoke Joinery
Typical Cost Range
€15,000 – €25,000+ (supply and manufacture)
Installation:
€4,000 – €8,000
Total Installed Range
€20,000 – €33,000+
Characteristics
- Fully tailored to space
- Custom internal storage solutions
- High-end finishes
- Painted or specialist finishes
- Integrated lighting
- Architectural detailing
Bespoke joinery is often part of larger renovation or extension projects.
6. Cost by Kitchen Size
Approximate installed cabinet costs by kitchen size:
| Kitchen Size | Budget | Mid-Range | Bespoke |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10m² | €6,000 – €9,000 | €10,000 – €14,000 | €18,000 – €25,000 |
| 15m² | €8,000 – €12,000 | €14,000 – €18,000 | €22,000 – €30,000 |
| 20m² | €10,000 – €15,000 | €18,000 – €22,000 | €25,000 – €35,000 |
Island units significantly increase cost.
7. Material and Finish Impact
Cabinet cost varies based on material choice.
Carcass Materials
| Material | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| MFC (melamine faced chipboard) | Standard |
| MDF | Slight increase |
| Plywood | Higher durability, higher cost |
Door Finishes
| Finish Type | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Laminate | Lower cost |
| Vinyl wrap | Moderate |
| Painted MDF | Mid to high |
| Solid timber | High |
| Hand-painted bespoke | Premium |
Painted finishes often increase cost by:
15% – 25%
8. Hardware and Internal Fittings
Soft-close hinges and drawer runners are now standard in mid-range kitchens.
Premium upgrades include:
- Pull-out larders
- Corner carousel systems
- Integrated bin storage
- Deep drawer systems
- Internal lighting
Hardware upgrades can add:
€1,000 – €3,000
to cabinet cost.
9. Installation Labour Costs
Installation depends on:
- Wall preparation
- Floor level accuracy
- Structural alignment
- Appliance integration
- Worktop coordination
Typical labour cost range:
€2,000 – €6,000
Complex layouts increase installation cost.
10. Joinery Beyond Cabinets
Additional joinery items include:
- Pantry units
- Media walls
- Utility room cabinetry
- Built-in seating
- Wall panelling
These elements can increase total joinery cost by:
€2,000 – €10,000+
depending on scope.
11. Example Cabinet Budget Scenarios
Budget Kitchen (12m²)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Modular cabinets | €7,000 |
| Installation | €2,500 |
| Hardware upgrades | €800 |
| Total Cabinet Cost | €10,300 |
Mid-Range Kitchen (18m² with Island)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Semi-custom cabinets | €14,000 |
| Island unit | €4,000 |
| Installation | €4,500 |
| Hardware upgrades | €1,500 |
| Total Cabinet Cost | €24,000 |
Bespoke Kitchen (25m²)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Custom joinery | €22,000 |
| Feature island | €7,000 |
| Installation | €6,000 |
| Internal fittings | €2,500 |
| Total Cabinet Cost | €37,500 |
12. VAT Considerations
Cabinet supply and installation through a VAT-registered contractor:
13.5% VAT
Standalone cabinet supply:
23% VAT
This distinction can alter pricing by several thousand euro.
13. Summary
Typical cabinet and joinery costs in Ireland (2026):
Budget: €5,500 – €11,000
Mid-range: €11,000 – €21,000
Bespoke: €20,000 – €33,000+
Cabinetry is the dominant cost driver in most kitchen renovations.
Specification and layout complexity influence price more than floor area alone.