Quick Cost Summary
- Cabinet Maker Hourly Rate: $60-$120 per hour
- Kitchen Cabinets: $800-$2,500 per linear metre
- Built-in Wardrobes: $600-$1,800 per linear metre
- Custom Furniture: $1,200-$4,000+ per piece
- Bathroom Vanities: $800-$2,200 each
Cabinet Maker Pricing Structure Australia
Cabinet maker costs in Australia vary significantly based on complexity, materials, craftsmanship level, and project scope. Understanding pricing structures helps you budget for quality custom cabinetry that adds lasting value to your home.
Cabinet Maker Hourly Rates
| Cabinet Maker Level | Hourly Rate | Typical Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice/Assistant | $35-$55 | Basic assembly, prep work |
| Qualified Tradesperson | $60-$85 | Standard custom cabinets |
| Experienced Cabinet Maker | $80-$120 | Complex cabinetry, fine furniture |
| Master Craftsman | $100-$150+ | Luxury bespoke furniture |
Kitchen Cabinet Making Costs
Kitchen cabinets represent the most common cabinet making project, with costs varying by style, materials, and complexity:
Kitchen Cabinet Pricing by Style
Standard Kitchen Cabinets
- Flat pack assembly: $400-$800/m
- Basic custom build: $800-$1,200/m
- Melamine/laminate finish
- Standard sizes and layouts
Mid-Range Custom Cabinets
- Semi-custom design: $1,200-$1,800/m
- Polyurethane finish: $1,400-$2,000/m
- Soft-close hardware included
- Some customization options
Premium Custom Cabinets
- Full custom design: $1,800-$2,500/m
- Solid timber construction
- Premium hardware and fittings
- Fully customizable design
Luxury Bespoke Cabinets
- Designer custom work: $2,500-$4,000+/m
- Exotic timbers and finishes
- Hand-crafted details
- Unique architectural features
Kitchen Cabinet Project Breakdown
Typical Kitchen Cabinet Costs
- Small Kitchen (8-10 linear metres): $8,000-$25,000
- Medium Kitchen (12-15 linear metres): $12,000-$37,500
- Large Kitchen (18-25 linear metres): $18,000-$62,500
- Luxury Kitchen (25+ linear metres): $25,000-$100,000+
Built-in Storage and Wardrobe Costs
Built-in storage solutions maximize space utilization and add significant property value:
Built-in Wardrobe Pricing
| Wardrobe Type | Cost per Linear Metre | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Built-in | $600-$1,000 | Melamine, basic hardware |
| Mid-Range Custom | $1,000-$1,400 | Polyurethane, drawers, shelving |
| Premium Wardrobe | $1,400-$1,800 | Timber veneer, quality hardware |
| Luxury Walk-in | $1,800-$3,000+ | Island benches, lighting, premium finishes |
Other Built-in Storage Options
- Entertainment Units: $800-$2,500 per unit
- Study Desks/Office: $600-$2,000 per linear metre
- Laundry Cabinets: $500-$1,500 per linear metre
- Pantry Systems: $800-$2,200 per linear metre
- Linen Cupboards: $600-$1,400 per linear metre
- Under-stair Storage: $800-$2,000 per project
Custom Furniture and Specialty Items
Bespoke furniture pieces showcase cabinet making craftsmanship at its finest:
Custom Furniture Pricing
Living Room Furniture
- Coffee tables: $800-$3,000
- Entertainment units: $1,200-$4,000
- Bookcases: $600-$2,500
- Display cabinets: $1,000-$3,500
Bedroom Furniture
- Bed frames: $1,200-$4,000
- Bedside tables: $400-$1,200 each
- Dressing tables: $800-$2,500
- Tallboys: $600-$2,000
Dining Furniture
- Dining tables: $1,500-$5,000+
- Dining chairs: $300-$800 each
- Sideboards: $1,200-$4,000
- China cabinets: $1,500-$4,500
Specialty Items
- Wine storage: $1,000-$5,000+
- Bar cabinets: $1,500-$6,000
- Library ladders: $2,000-$8,000
- Custom doors: $500-$2,000 each
Materials Impact on Cabinet Maker Costs
Material selection significantly affects both appearance and pricing:
Timber and Board Options
Material Cost Ranges
Budget Materials
- Melamine/Laminate: $50-$120/m²
- MDF painted: $80-$150/m²
- Basic veneer: $100-$200/m²
- Pine timber: $120-$250/m²
Premium Materials
- Solid hardwood: $300-$800/m²
- Exotic timber: $500-$1,500+/m²
- Premium veneer: $250-$600/m²
- Specialty finishes: $200-$500/m²
Hardware and Fittings
- Basic Hardware: $50-$150 per cabinet
- Soft-close Hardware: $100-$300 per cabinet
- Premium Hardware: $200-$500+ per cabinet
- Specialty Fittings: $150-$800 per cabinet (pullout drawers, lazy susans)
- Handles and Knobs: $10-$100+ each
Regional Cabinet Maker Pricing Across Australia
Cabinet making costs vary across Australian cities due to labour rates, material costs, and market demand:
Sydney
- Hourly rates: $80-$150
- Kitchen cabinets: $1,000-$3,000/m
- Built-in wardrobes: $800-$2,200/m
- Highest costs due to labour and rent
Melbourne
- Hourly rates: $70-$130
- Kitchen cabinets: $900-$2,700/m
- Built-in wardrobes: $700-$2,000/m
- Strong furniture making tradition
Brisbane
- Hourly rates: $60-$110
- Kitchen cabinets: $800-$2,400/m
- Built-in wardrobes: $600-$1,800/m
- Good balance of quality and value
Perth & Adelaide
- Hourly rates: $60-$120
- Kitchen cabinets: $800-$2,500/m
- Built-in wardrobes: $600-$1,700/m
- Most affordable major city rates
Factors Affecting Cabinet Making Costs
Design Complexity
- Simple Straight Lines: Standard pricing
- Curved or Angled Work: +30-60% complexity premium
- Intricate Details: +50-100% for hand-carved elements
- Custom Joinery: +20-40% for complex joints
- Multiple Timber Species: +25-50% for mixed materials
Project Size and Scope
Pricing Economies of Scale
- Single Item: Premium pricing per unit
- Small Projects (2-5 items): 5-10% volume discount
- Medium Projects (6-15 items): 10-20% volume discount
- Large Projects (15+ items): 15-25% volume discount
- Whole House Fitout: 20-30% bulk discount
Timeline and Urgency
- Standard Timeline (6-12 weeks): Normal pricing
- Rush Job (2-4 weeks): +25-50% urgency premium
- Off-Season Work (Winter): 5-15% discount available
- Peak Season (Spring/Summer): 10-20% premium rates
Cabinet Making Project Process and Timeline
Typical Project Phases
Cabinet Making Timeline
- Week 1: Initial consultation and measurements
- Week 2-3: Design development and approvals
- Week 4-6: Material ordering and workshop preparation
- Week 7-10: Manufacturing and construction
- Week 11-12: Installation and finishing
Project Management Costs
- Design and Planning: 10-15% of total project cost
- 3D Renderings: $500-$2,000 per project
- Technical Drawings: $300-$1,500 per project
- Project Coordination: 5-10% of total project cost
- Site Visits and Supervision: $150-$300 per visit
Quality Levels and Warranties
Understanding quality levels helps justify price differences:
Construction Quality Grades
| Quality Level | Construction Features | Warranty Period |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Commercial | Machine-made, standard fittings | 1-2 years |
| Quality Custom | Precise joinery, quality hardware | 5-10 years |
| Premium Handcraft | Hand-fitted joints, premium materials | 10-20 years |
| Heirloom Quality | Traditional joinery, museum-grade finish | Lifetime |
Cost-Saving Strategies for Cabinet Projects
Budget Optimization Techniques
- Mix Material Grades: Use premium materials on visible areas only
- Simplify Design: Avoid complex curves and detailed work
- Standard Sizes: Work with standard material dimensions
- Off-Season Timing: Book during quieter winter months
- Volume Discounts: Bundle multiple projects together
- Supply Materials: Purchase some materials directly
Value-Adding Investments
- Quality Hardware: Soft-close mechanisms and premium hinges
- Interior Accessories: Drawer organizers and pull-out shelves
- Lighting Integration: LED strip lights and display lighting
- Solid Timber Fronts: Higher resale value than laminate
- Professional Finish: Spray painting for durability
DIY vs Professional Cabinet Making
DIY Considerations
DIY Advantages
- Material cost savings (50-70%)
- Personal satisfaction
- Complete control over timing
- Learn new skills
DIY Challenges
- Requires specialized tools ($2,000-$10,000)
- Significant time investment
- Risk of costly mistakes
- No professional warranty
Return on Investment and Property Value
Quality cabinetry provides excellent returns in Australian property markets:
ROI by Cabinet Type
Investment Return Examples
- Kitchen Cabinet Upgrade ($20,000): Property value increase $16,000-$30,000
- Built-in Wardrobes ($8,000): Property value increase $6,000-$12,000
- Study/Office Built-ins ($5,000): Property value increase $3,500-$7,500
- Average ROI: 75-150% depending on quality and location
Why Choose Mates Rates for Cabinet Making Services?
0% Service Fees for Cabinet Makers
Unlike Airtasker's 10-20% fees, our qualified cabinet makers keep 100% of their quoted price, meaning better value for your custom cabinetry investment.
Low 10% Fee Capped at $60
You'll only pay a 10% service fee capped at maximum $60, compared to Airtasker's uncapped fees that could add $800-$2,500+ to your cabinet making project.
Verified Cabinet Making Professionals
All cabinet makers are verified, qualified, and experienced with Australian timber species, hardware standards, and construction techniques.
Local Craftsmanship Expertise
Australian-owned platform connecting you with local artisans who understand climate conditions, building codes, and design preferences.
Choosing the Right Cabinet Maker
Essential Qualifications
- Trade Certification: Completed cabinet making apprenticeship
- Business License: Current ABN and appropriate licenses
- Insurance Coverage: Public liability and professional indemnity
- Portfolio of Work: Examples of similar quality and style
- Workshop Facilities: Professional equipment and workspace
Questions to Ask Potential Cabinet Makers
- Can you provide a detailed written quote with material specifications?
- Do you offer design services or work with specific designers?
- What warranty do you provide on materials and workmanship?
- Can you provide references from recent cabinet making projects?
- What is your typical project timeline from start to finish?
- Do you handle installation or coordinate with installers?
- How do you handle variations and additional costs?
- What payment schedule do you prefer for larger projects?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cabinet makers charge in Australia?
Cabinet makers charge $60-$120 per hour, with kitchen cabinets costing $800-$2,500 per linear metre. Built-in wardrobes cost $600-$1,800 per linear metre depending on materials and complexity.
What is the most expensive part of custom cabinets?
Labour typically represents 50-70% of cabinet making costs, followed by premium materials like solid timber or exotic veneers. Complex joinery and custom hardware also add significantly to costs.
How long does it take to make custom cabinets?
Custom cabinet projects typically take 8-12 weeks from initial consultation to installation. Simple projects may take 4-6 weeks, while complex or large-scale work can require 16+ weeks.
Are custom cabinets worth the extra cost?
Custom cabinets provide 75-150% ROI in Australia and offer perfect fit, quality construction, and unique design. They typically last 20-50+ years versus 10-15 years for standard cabinets.
What warranty should I expect on custom cabinets?
Quality cabinet makers typically offer 5-10 years warranty on construction and 1-5 years on hardware. Premium craftsmen may offer 15-20 year warranties or lifetime guarantees on solid timber work.
How much can I save using Mates Rates vs Airtasker?
With Airtasker's 10-20% uncapped fees, you could save $800-$2,500+ on an $8,000-$25,000 cabinet making project by using Mates Rates' low 10% service fee capped at maximum $60.