Affordability isn’t just about mortgage rates anymore — it’s about materials.

And when a $2,300 cabinet quote suddenly turns into $4,300 for the same kitchen, you start to realize inflation has officially moved into your kitchen.

We’ve done over a dozen kitchens recently — through HGTV, our own restorations, and now one for my mom — and every single one has been different. But this year? Prices have doubled in just a few months. So if you’re planning a renovation, here’s how to stretch your budget without sacrificing quality (or your sanity).

Kitchen in a former firehouse-turned-residence, featured on our HGTV production, Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House?

What they are: Flat-pack cabinets you assemble yourself (think IKEA-style, but sturdier).

Where to buy: The RTA StoreAttachment.tiff, Cabinet Joint, CabinetNow, Lily Ann Cabinets, IKEA

Price range: $1,500–$3,500 for a small kitchen

Pros: Fast shipping, affordable, customizable finishes, and surprisingly good quality for the price.

Cons: Assembly required (bring a drill, a level, and some patience), limited size options.

Install: DIY or hire a contractor — materials only.

Pro tip: Always order one extra door and one filler panel. You’ll thank yourself when your walls aren’t square.*

Creating a kitchen in the $27,000 house we saved and are restoring for Ethan’s mom.

What it is: Keep your existing cabinet boxes and replace just the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.

Where to buy: Semihandmade, Nieu Cabinet Doors, WalzCraft

Price range: $1,000–$2,500 depending on size and material.

Pros: Major style upgrade without tearing out your kitchen.

Cons: Only works if your existing boxes are solid and level.

Install: DIY-friendly or hire a carpenter for a day or two.

If you’re happy with your layout, this is the cheapest way to “renovate.”

Revived salvaged cabinets as featured on our HGTV production, Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House?

What they are: Cabinets manufactured overseas, shipped flat to U.S. warehouses, and then assembled here before delivery — or by smaller regional builders who use imported components but finish them locally.

Where to buy: RTA Cabinet Store, CliqStudios, Cabinets.com, Kitchen Cabinet Depot, or local wholesale cabinet shops.

Price range: $2,500–$5,000 for a mid-sized kitchen.

Pros: Better quality than big-box RTA; Quick turnaround; Real plywood construction; They come already built! Huge time saver. We wouldn’t do it any other way — building your own isn’t that fun, trust us. 😅

Cons: Imported parts, limited custom sizing.

Install: Materials only — you’ll need a contractor, or a good level and a shim.

Ask if they use all-plywood boxes instead of particleboard — it makes a world of difference.

Craftsman-inspired kitchen in Albany, NY, as featured on our HGTV production, Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House?

Semi-Custom (Local or Regional Shops)

What they are: Cabinets built by local makers or small factories to your specs — more finishes, more sizing flexibility, and still more affordable than full custom.

Price range: $4,000–$7,000

Pros: Made in the USA, repairable, and often higher quality than wholesale lines.

Cons: Longer lead times and rising material costs.

Install: Separate — most shops don’t include it.

Semi-custom is the sweet spot between quality and cost.

Full Custom (Made-to-Order, Built in the USA)

What they are: Built by independent cabinetmakers or high-end shops — 100% made to order.

Price range: $8,000–$15,000+

Pros: Heirloom quality, real hardwoods, local labor, total freedom in layout and finish.

Cons: Expensive and often booked out for months.

Install: Materials only — installation is a separate contract.

If you’re restoring a historic home, this is the best way to match period details perfectly.

You don’t need to fill every wall with cabinets to have a beautiful kitchen. Skip the uppers. Use floating shelves instead — it saves a ton of money and looks timeless.

Mix old with new. Antique hutches, dressers, or vintage built-ins can make incredible storage pieces.

Limit your boxes. Create a “collected” look instead of wall-to-wall cabinetry.

Consider Amish-made cabinets. They’re often faster, higher quality, and more affordable than big-brand custom shops.

The biggest thing to remember? A kitchen is just a series of boxes and spaces. It’s not complicated — but people make it feel overwhelming. In an age of rising costs, it’s easy to feel like a kitchen is out of reach. It doesn’t have to be.

Take a peek at the kitchen renovation in the $27,000 house we bought to restore for Ethan’s mom.