What do you recommend for kitchen cabinets?

For Metro Vancouver kitchens, I recommend considering your budget, timeline, and design goals first — cabinet costs typically represent 35-40% of your total kitchen renovation budget, ranging from $8,000 to $40,000+ depending on size and quality level.

Cabinet Options for Vancouver Homes

Stock cabinets from big box stores offer the most budget-friendly option at $150-$400 per linear foot installed. These work well for rental properties or quick flips, but you're limited to standard sizes and finishes. Popular brands available locally include IKEA, Home Depot's Hampton Bay, and Lowes' Arcadia lines.

Semi-custom cabinets provide the sweet spot for most Vancouver homeowners at $400-$800 per linear foot. You get more size flexibility, better hardware, and higher-quality construction than stock options. Local suppliers like Deslaurier, Wellborn, and KraftMaid offer excellent semi-custom lines with good warranty support.

Custom cabinets from local millwork shops run $800-$1,500+ per linear foot but give you complete design freedom — crucial in Vancouver's older homes with unusual layouts, sloped ceilings, or character features you want to work around. Many Vancouver Craftsman bungalows and heritage homes benefit from custom solutions that respect the original architecture.

Vancouver-Specific Considerations

Moisture management is critical in our climate. Specify marine-grade plywood boxes rather than particleboard, especially for sink base cabinets. Many local cabinet makers use moisture-resistant finishes as standard practice given our 1200mm+ annual rainfall and high humidity levels.

Seismic considerations matter in Vancouver's high seismic zone. Ensure upper cabinets are properly secured to wall studs with appropriate fasteners — this became more important with BCBC 2024's updated seismic requirements. Your installer should use cabinet screws rated for seismic loads, not just drywall anchors.

Space optimization is essential given Vancouver's smaller kitchen footprints, especially in condos and character homes. Consider features like pull-out drawers, corner lazy susans, and vertical dividers to maximize storage in compact spaces.

Professional Installation vs DIY

Hire professionals for cabinet installation — this isn't a typical DIY project. Poor installation voids warranties and creates safety hazards, especially with heavy upper cabinets. Licensed contractors carry WorkSafeBC coverage and liability insurance, protecting you if something goes wrong.

Electrical and plumbing coordination requires careful planning. Any electrical work (under-cabinet lighting, outlet relocation) must be done by a licensed electrician and inspected by Technical Safety BC. Plumbing modifications need a licensed plumber.

Next Steps

Measure your kitchen carefully and create a basic layout before shopping. Most cabinet suppliers offer free design consultations. Get quotes from at least three sources — local cabinet shops often provide better value than big box stores once you factor in customization and service. Budget 6-12 weeks for semi-custom orders, 12-16 weeks for full custom work.

Find verified cabinet makers and kitchen renovation contractors in our Vancouver directory to get started with professional quotes and design consultations.