Start With Scope, Not Just Style
Every budget hangs on scope. List what is changing and what is staying:
- Layout: keep services in place for savings or rework plumbing & power for a better workflow
- Appliances: confirm sizes early so cabinetry fits once
- Surfaces: decide where you need durable finishes versus showpiece touches
- Timeline: staged updates can spread cost while keeping quality high
A tight scope avoids mid build changes that add labour and delay everything else.
Cabinets: The Heart Of The Budget
Custom cabinetry is the backbone of a durable kitchen. Costs reflect board quality, door style, hardware and the complexity of the design.
What influences price:
- Carcass material: moisture resistant board in wet zones costs more but resists swelling
- Door fronts: flat laminate is most economical, routed profiles & two pack finishes add labour & spray time
- Internal hardware: soft close drawers, full extension runners, corner systems & pull outs lift cost yet add daily function
- Custom sizing: fewer fillers & made to measure heights look seamless but take longer to manufacture
Budget guide:
For a mid sized kitchen with custom joinery, allow a significant share of your budget for cabinets. If you cook daily or want the kitchen to last a decade or more, this is where spend pays back.
Drawers vs Cupboards: Spend Where It Works
Deep drawers transform how a kitchen feels. You pull items to you rather than kneel and dig.
- Pan drawers under the cooktop: heavy pots & pans lift straight up
- Inner drawers in pantries: no lost tins at the back
- Pull out bins: waste sorting becomes tidy & hands free
- Corner solutions: Le Mans trays or corner drawers reclaim dead space
If budget is tight, place drawers where you stand most and use standard cupboards in low frequency zones.
Benchtops: Balance Looks With Use
Benchtops carry heat, knives and daily spills. Choose for the way you live:
- Porcelain or sintered tops: high heat tolerance & thin edge profiles for a sleek look. Needs careful handling at install
- Solid surface: seamless joins & repairable. Softer under heavy pots
- Timber: warm & beautiful when sealed & maintained. Best as an accent or island top
Edge profiles, thickness and cut outs for sinks and cooktops also influence cost. If you want a feature slab, keep the perimeter practical to balance the spend.
Splashbacks: Practical Meets Feature
A splashback protects walls and frames the benchtop. Costs vary by material and area. Materials include:
- Tiled: wide price range depending on tile choice & layout. Labour rises with mosaics & mitred corners
- Glass: smooth, light reflecting & easy to clean
- Porcelain or stone slab: strong visual impact with minimal grout lines
Run the splashback to the underside of wall cabinets for a clean finish that saves repainting later.
Fixtures & Fittings: Small Parts, Big Daily Impact
Tapware, sinks and hardware are the touch points you notice every day.
- Sinks: single bowls save space, doubles help with cooking flow. Choose thicker steel or composite for durability
- Mixers & tapware: pay for smooth cartridges & solid construction. Cheap taps fail early & can damage benchtops
- Handles or push to open: handles protect door fronts. If you prefer a handle free look, consider finger pulls to reduce fingerprints
Do not skimp on the bin. A solid, soft close unit with sorting saves daily frustration.
Lighting & Power: Plan Layers Early
Good lighting makes a mid range kitchen feel premium and supports safe prep.
- Task lighting: LED strips under wall cabinets illuminate benches without glare
- General lighting: ceiling lights that fill the space evenly
- Feature lighting: pendants over an island for mood & zoning
- Power planning: enough outlets for bench appliances, plus dedicated circuits where needed
Placing lights and power during design avoids costly rework once cabinets are in.
Labour, Delivery & Site Prep
Skilled install is as important as premium materials. Allow for:
- Site protection & dust control
- Removal & disposal of old cabinets
- Minor building works, plastering & paint touch ups
- Delivery logistics & access at your property
Tight access, stairs or high rise lifts can add time. A clear site saves labour and reduces risk.
How Design Choices Shift Budget
- Door style: flat profiles are faster to finish than routed shaker styles
- Finish: laminate is economical, two pack adds paint shop hours, timber veneer introduces material and finishing costs
- Open shelves: cheaper than doors but need more styling & cleaning
- Integrated panels on appliances: seamless look with cabinet fronts adds materials and install time
Pick one or two hero moments — an island profile or a slab splashback — then keep the rest simple to hold the line.
Realistic Allowances & Where To Spend
A balanced budget spreads spend where you feel it daily.
- Spend more on: drawer hardware, pantry internals, benchtops you will prep on for years
- Save on: decorative panels you rarely touch, niche lighting you could add later, ultra premium finishes in low use zones
- Stage wisely: build the core kitchen now, add scullery shelving or glass fronts later
Quality drawers with an honest laminate door often beat a fancy door with weak runners.
Getting Comparable Quotes
Ask each supplier for the same inclusions so you can compare apples with apples.
- Cabinet materials & board grade
- Hardware brands for runners & hinges
- Door & panel finish type
- Benchtop material & thickness
- Splashback material & coverage
- Appliance paneling or not
- Electrical & plumbing allowances
- Install, removal & cleanup
A clear drawing set plus an itemised quote prevents surprises.
Hidden Costs To Watch
- Switchboard upgrades for new appliances
- Wall straightening where old tiles hide bowed studs
- Floor levelling before cabinetry
- Stone offcuts, extra cut outs or sink upgrades
- Aftercare kits for benchtop sealing or cleaning
Build a sensible contingency so a small fix does not derail the plan.
Smart Ways To Stretch The Budget
- Keep plumbing in roughly the same spots
- Use drawers strategically where you stand most
- Choose a durable laminate door with premium handles
- Standardise cabinet widths to speed fabrication
- Select a single feature finish & repeat it for unity
These moves protect function while maintaining consistency in style.
Book CK Cabinetry — Kitchen Renovations
At CK Cabinetry, we design, build and install kitchens that fit your home and your routines. If you want clear advice on cabinets, fixtures and the costs that matter, visit ckcabinetry.com.au to request a measure and quote. Share your layout, appliance list and a budget range. We will map a design that works hard every day and stands up to Sunshine Coast living.
