If you want custom cabinets for a kitchen, bathroom or other room of your home, a cabinet maker will discuss your options for styles and materials and create and install your new cabinets for a perfect fit.

Get quotes from professional cabinet makers near you on hipages and learn more about:

• What does a cabinet maker do?
• What services do cabinet makers provide?
• How much do cabinet makers charge on average?
• How much does it cost to have a cabinet made?
• How long does cabinet making take?
• What is the best material to build cabinets?
• What are the benefits of custom cabinets vs flatpacks?
• What's the difference between a carpenter and a cabinet maker?
• Do cabinet makers require a professional licence?
• How do I find the best cabinet maker near me?

What does a cabinet maker do?

Cabinet making is the construction and installation of cabinets and cupboards for kitchens and bathrooms. Cabinet makers may also produce other furniture and storage units, such as wardrobes, vanity units, shelving and drawers. They can also alter or repair existing cabinets.

Cabinet makers traditionally work with wood, but they may also work with other materials, including metals, stone and vinyl. Some specialise in certain types of cabinets, from flat pack installation to antique cabinet restoration.

What services do cabinet makers provide?

You may need a cabinet maker when building or renovating a home or at other times. As well as fabricating and installing cabinets, a professional can recommend the best type of wood, grain and finish to suit your space.

The most common cabinet maker jobs are:

• Building and installing custom cabinets and fixtures
• Fitting and assembling prepared components, such as flat pack cabinets
• Altering cabinets to fit your space
• Repairing or resurfacing existing cabinets
• Fitting hinges, locks, shelves, drawers and other hardware

How much do cabinet makers charge on average?*

The cost of cabinet makers depends on their level of expertise and the size and type of job you need them to do. They may charge per cabinet or by the hour. Expect to pay around:

• $50 - $120 per hour for fabrication, installation or restoration
• $600 or more per custom cabinet

They may also charge extra for a call-out fee, material costs and other fees, depending on the job.

Where you live will also affect the cost of cabinet making, with cabinet makers in Sydney having different local rates than cabinet makers in Melbourne and other areas.

How much does it cost to have a cabinet made?*

The cost of your cabinets will depend on their size, the quality of the materials and the processes used to cut, shape and finish the cabinet.

Most kitchen cabinets are made from either particle board or medium density fibreboard (MDF) with a tough melamine coating. MDF construction costs more than particle board. Solid timber cabinets are more expensive.

For individual cabinets, expect to pay around:

• $600 or more per cabinet for custom cabinets
• $100 to $300 per cabinet for small to mid-range renovations
• $300 to $500 per cabinet for major renovations

How long does cabinet making take?

How long your project will take depends on whether you're having new cabinets made from scratch or existing cabinets installed or repaired.

• Cabinet repairs or installation may be completed in just 1 - 2 hours
• Creating custom cabinets can take 2 - 4 weeks. This process involves many steps, from the initial consultation to designs, mock-ups and fabrication
• Installing cabinets can take several hours to a full day, depending on alterations needed and whether old cabinetry needs to be removed first

What is the best material to build cabinets?

Your cabinet maker will explain your options for cabinet materials, which will depend on the cabinet maker's expertise and your price range. Popular cabinet materials include:

• Solid timber for its natural durability and longevity
• Plywood, MDF or particleboard with a melamine coating for a cost-effective alternative to timber
• Vinyl or laminate for its wide variety of colours and affordability
• Stainless steel for a low-maintenance contemporary look

What are the benefits of custom cabinets vs flatpacks?

Custom-built cabinets cost more than flatpacks, but they can be perfectly designed to fit your space and match your décor. They're also more likely to be built to last and made from more durable materials.

While flatpacks offer less customisation and durability, they are considerably more affordable and quicker to assemble and install. A professional cabinet maker can adjust and install flatpack cabinets for a seamless finish.

What's the difference between a carpenter and a cabinet maker?

Carpenters and cabinet makers both work with wood, but their skills and expertise are different. Carpenters generally build larger structures, such as house frames and sheds, while cabinet makers specialise in more detailed work.

A carpenter may be able to build cabinets, but they may lack a quality finish and finer details.

Do cabinet makers require a professional licence to work?

While the exact licences needed for cabinet makers varies across each state in Australia, they all need to hold a relevant licence to build and install cabinets. Depending on your state, this may include a carpentry, joinery or builder licence.

How do I find the best cabinet maker near me?

Cabinet makers vary in experience and the type of work they can take on. To make sure you're hiring the right professional for the job, ask cabinet makers the following questions:

• What range of services do you provide?
• What materials and finishes do you offer?
• Do you hold valid insurance?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• How long will the job take?
• Do you have references I can follow up?

Read more: what to look for in a cabinet maker

Getting quotes from cabinet makers

At hipages, we recommend getting and comparing quotes from at least 3 local cabinet makers near you. This allows you to compare between businesses so you can find the best cabinet maker for your needs.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.