How Much Should a Contractor Pay Per Cabinet in Illinois? (2026 Pricing Data)
There is no honest single per-cabinet price for Illinois contractors in 2026: what you pay depends on the cabinet type and size, the quality tier, construction, door style and whether it ships assembled or ready-to-assemble. Wholesale suppliers quote contractors per project, so the useful number is your own per-box and per-linear-foot cost from an itemized quote, compared across suppliers on the same box list.
Key takeaways
- Per-cabinet prices vary by box type: a drawer base, sink base, corner unit or tall pantry costs more than a plain door base of the same width.
- Contractor (trade) pricing comes through a trade account and an itemized project quote, not a public price list.
- Compare suppliers using the same box list, then convert each quote into cost per box and per linear foot.
- Add trim, hardware, delivery and installation before you price the job to your client.
Understanding Cabinet Pricing in Illinois
The price a contractor pays per cabinet depends on several factors that combine differently on every job, so the per-cabinet price is best confirmed with an itemized quote for the specific cabinet list.
1. Types of Cabinets
- Stock cabinets: pre-manufactured in standard sizes; the lowest-cost tier and the fastest to get. Construction varies widely within this tier.
- Semi-custom cabinets: catalog sizes with modifications and more finishes; priced between stock and custom.
- Custom cabinets: built to order; the highest-cost tier, depending on materials and design.
2. Box type and size
| Cabinet type | Relative cost driver | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Door base and wall cabinets | Baseline | Simplest boxes |
| Drawer bases | Higher | Several drawer boxes and glides per cabinet |
| Sink bases | Similar to door bases | Open interior, false drawer front |
| Corner and lazy Susan units | Higher | Larger boxes and hardware |
| Tall pantry and oven cabinets | Highest per box | Most material and doors |
| Fillers, panels, molding | Low per piece, adds up | Needed on almost every kitchen |
3. Materials and construction
- Box: plywood boxes cost more than particleboard but hold up better.
- Drawers: solid-wood dovetail boxes cost more than stapled particleboard.
- Hardware: soft-close and full-extension hardware adds cost and value.
- Doors: door frames in solid hardwood with MDF center panels are typical on quality painted doors.
4. Brand and line
The same brand can sell several lines at different construction levels. Price the specific line, not the brand name.
5. Design complexity
Detailed doors, specialty finishes and modified sizes cost more than standard Shaker doors in standard sizes.
6. Assembly
Ready-to-assemble cabinets usually cost less to buy, but add your crew’s assembly time before comparing them with assembled cabinets.
How contractor pricing works with a cabinet supplier
- Open a trade account. Wholesale suppliers sell to contractors, builders, remodelers, dealers and designers through an approved account.
- Send a box list. The supplier prices each cabinet, plus trim and accessories.
- Review the itemized quote. Check codes, sizes, door style and finish on every line.
- Confirm the order in writing. Review the confirmation before signing.
At CCC Cabinets, pricing is quoted per project after a trade account is approved; there are no published price lists and no minimum order. See open an account and the order process.
How to calculate your cost per cabinet and per linear foot
- Total the cabinet lines on the quote (exclude trim, hardware and delivery for this step).
- Divide by the number of boxes to get your average cost per cabinet.
- Measure the linear feet of base and wall runs on the layout.
- Divide the cabinet total by the linear feet to get cost per linear foot.
- Repeat for each supplier using the same box list, and compare.
Our cabinet price per linear foot guide explains the method in more detail, and how much kitchen cabinets cost in Illinois covers the full kitchen budget.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Trim: fillers, end panels, crown, light rail and toe kick.
- Hardware: knobs and pulls for every door and drawer.
- Delivery fees: these depend on the supplier and distance; CCC Cabinets publishes its delivery fees on its delivery and pickup page. Returned or rescheduled deliveries can add charges, so confirm site access and a contact person in advance.
- Installation labor: more time for older homes with uneven walls.
- Assembly labor: for ready-to-assemble boxes.
- Disposal and protection: removing old cabinets and protecting finished floors.
Where to Buy Cabinets in Illinois
- Wholesale suppliers: trade pricing per project and stocked styles. CCC Cabinets in Des Plaines stocks 15 door styles, assembled or ready-to-assemble, with plywood boxes and dovetail drawers.
- Local showrooms and dealers: design help and several lines, often semi-custom or custom.
- Home centers: stock and semi-custom lines with retail pricing.
- Online sellers: convenient, but you cannot inspect construction before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen cabinet cost per box for contractors?
It depends on the box type and size, the quality tier, construction and door style. Drawer bases, corner units and tall cabinets cost more per box than plain door bases and wall cabinets. Get an itemized quote for your box list and divide the cabinet total by the number of boxes to get your own average.
How do contractors get trade pricing on cabinets?
Contractors open a trade account with a wholesale supplier by submitting business details such as company information and an EIN. Once approved, the supplier quotes trade pricing per project from the contractor’s box list. Wholesale suppliers usually do not publish price lists.
Is it cheaper to buy cabinets ready-to-assemble?
The purchase price for ready-to-assemble cabinets is usually lower than for the same cabinets assembled, but someone has to build them. Add your crew’s assembly hours before comparing. Ready-to-assemble boxes are also easier to carry through tight stairways and condo hallways.
How do I compare cabinet prices between suppliers?
Send every supplier the same box list, door style tier and trim list, then compare cost per box and per linear foot along with construction, delivery terms, warranty and availability. A lower total can hide thinner boxes, stapled drawers or missing trim pieces.
Does cabinet refacing cost less than new cabinets?
Refacing replaces doors, drawer fronts and exterior surfaces while keeping the existing boxes, so it can cost less when the boxes are sound and the layout works. If boxes are damaged or the layout must change, new cabinets are usually the better value.
Conclusion
What a contractor should pay per cabinet in Illinois depends on box type, tier, construction and assembly, so build your own numbers from itemized quotes on the same box list. For trade pricing on 15 stocked door styles, call (872) 241-5525 or visit CCC Cabinets and the showroom at 2180 S Wolf Rd, Des Plaines.
More in Cost & Budgeting
Sourcing cabinets for a Chicagoland project?
CCC Cabinets supplies 15 door styles — including Matcha Latte cabinets — at wholesale prices from our Des Plaines, IL warehouse. Confirm availability for your door style, then choose warehouse pickup near O’Hare or scheduled delivery across Chicagoland.
Door styles to explore: Matcha Latte · Black Roast · Pure White
Browse all cabinet styles · Open a dealer account · Call (872) 241-5525 · Talk to our team
