Cabinet choice drives more of the kitchen renovation budget than any other single element. Here’s the 2026 breakdown for GTA homeowners.
Stock cabinets ($100–$250/linear ft installed)
Pre-built in standard sizes. Limited finishes and configurations. Best for: tight budgets, rental properties, starter renovations.
Semi-custom cabinets ($250–$600/linear ft installed)
The GTA mainstream choice. Standard box sizes with more finish and door-style options. Modifications available (different heights, fillers, organizational inserts). Lead time: 4–10 weeks from order. Suppliers: IKEA (budget), Home Depot/Rona house brands, Kitchen Craft, Aristokraft, and dozens of local suppliers.
Custom cabinets ($600–$2,000+/linear ft installed)
Built specifically for your space. Any size, any configuration. Premium materials. Made locally (many excellent GTA and Ontario custom cabinet shops). Lead time: 8–16 weeks. Required for: unusual spaces, premium materials, design-forward kitchens, appliance integration panels.
The GTA decision framework:
- Budget under $40,000 → stock or entry semi-custom
- $40,000–$80,000 → mid-range semi-custom with premium countertops and tile
- $80,000–$130,000 → premium semi-custom or entry custom, premium stone
- $130,000+ → full custom cabinetry
What about IKEA? Extremely popular in the GTA for renovation kitchens. The Sektion and Axstad lines are functional and cost-effective. The limitation: IKEA cabinets don’t photograph as premium, and some buyers perceive them negatively. For personal use, excellent value.
Share your cabinet experience — brand, supplier, lead time, and quality. This helps GTA homeowners make smarter decisions.
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