Kitchen cabinets?
kitchen cabinets
Kitchen cabinet projects in Toronto typically range from $8,000 to $60,000+ depending on whether you're refacing, replacing, or doing a full custom build — and the choice between these options makes a massive difference in both cost and outcome.
Refacing vs. Replacing vs. Custom is the first decision every homeowner needs to make. Cabinet refacing (replacing just the doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing box) runs roughly $4,000–$12,000 for an average Toronto kitchen and is a great option if your cabinet boxes are structurally sound. Stock cabinet replacement from big box stores (IKEA, Home Depot) lands in the $8,000–$20,000 range installed, and is popular in post-war bungalows across Scarborough and Etobicoke where kitchens tend to be smaller and more straightforward. Semi-custom and custom cabinetry from local Toronto cabinet shops starts around $20,000 and can easily reach $50,000–$60,000+ for larger kitchens with premium finishes, pull-out organizers, and built-in lighting.
Installation labour in the GTA typically runs $1,500–$4,500 depending on the complexity of the layout, number of upper and lower cabinets, and whether crown moulding or custom filler pieces are required. Keep in mind that cabinet installation almost always triggers adjacent work — countertops, backsplash, and sometimes plumbing rough-in if the sink location changes. If you're moving a sink or adding an island with plumbing, that work requires a licensed plumber and a City of Toronto building permit.
Toronto-specific consideration: Many older homes in neighbourhoods like The Annex, Leslieville, and Cabbagetown have out-of-square walls and uneven floors, which can significantly complicate cabinet installation and add to labour costs. A good installer will scribe fillers and shim carefully — budget an extra $500–$1,500 if your home is pre-1960.
For a straightforward cabinet swap with no layout changes, this is a project most experienced finish carpenters or kitchen specialists handle without a permit. However, if you're moving walls, relocating plumbing, or adding electrical (under-cabinet lighting, new outlets), permits are required through the City of Toronto Building Division (416-397-5330 / toronto.ca/building).
Your next steps:
- Measure your kitchen carefully (linear feet of uppers and lowers) before getting quotes
- Decide on your finish level — painted MDF, thermofoil, or wood veneer all have different price points and durability
- Get 3 quotes from cabinet suppliers and installers
- Ask specifically whether the quote includes hardware, installation, and removal/disposal of old cabinets
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