Garage Cabinet Costs: What to Expect

May 30, 2025

Garage Cabinet Costs: What To Expect

Garage cabinets can cost anywhere from $511 to $2,175, with an average price of $1,335. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

  • DIY Cabinets: Save on labor costs but require tools, time, and skills. Material costs range from $15–$2,400 per linear foot, depending on the material (laminate, MDF, plywood, metal, or premium wood).
  • Prefabricated Cabinets: Convenient and ready-made, costing $150–$400 per unit, or $2,000–$6,000 for a full system. Professional installation adds $100–$300 per cabinet.
  • Custom Cabinets: Tailored to your space, priced at $200–$600 per unit. Offers high durability and flexibility with features like drawers, workbenches, and eco-friendly finishes.

Quick Comparison

Cabinet Type Cost Range Setup Time Durability Customization
DIY $100–$500+ Days to weeks Varies by skill Limited
Prefabricated $150–$400/unit Few hours Good Minimal
Custom Cabinets $200–$600/unit One day Excellent Fully tailored

Key Tip: Choose based on your budget, time, and durability needs. DIY is cheapest, prefabricated balances cost and convenience, and custom cabinets offer premium quality for long-term use.

Build or Buy: Easy DIY Shop Cabinets!

1. DIY Garage Cabinets

Building your own garage cabinets can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you have the skills, tools, and a solid plan in place. Labor alone makes up about 75% of the total cost of cabinet installation, so taking this on yourself can lead to major savings.

Material Costs

The type of material you choose will have the biggest impact on the cost of your DIY cabinets. Here’s a quick breakdown of common options:

Cabinet Material Average Cost Key Benefits
Laminate $15 per square foot Affordable, easy to clean, resists corrosion
MDF $40–$80 per square foot Simple to work with, resists warping
Plywood $50–$150 per square foot Durable and strong
Metal $200–$2,400 per linear foot Long-lasting, moisture-resistant
Premium wood $100–$1,200 per linear foot High-end look and finish

If you’re looking for durability and resistance to moisture or freezing temperatures, metal cabinets are a solid choice. On the other hand, premium wood is ideal if you’re aiming for a polished, elegant look.

Once you’ve decided on materials, the next step is planning out the installation process.

Installation Costs

By taking on the installation yourself, you eliminate labor expenses, but you’ll need to consider the cost of tools and the time investment. Essential tools like drills, saws, levels, and measuring equipment are necessary if you don’t already have them.

Keep in mind that designing, measuring, sourcing materials, building, and finishing the cabinets will take time. Uneven garage walls can also complicate the process, requiring extra effort to ensure everything fits properly.

After construction, you can personalize your cabinets to suit your specific needs.

Customization Options

DIY projects give you the freedom to design cabinets that fit unusual spaces or meet particular storage requirements. You can also tailor the style to your liking. Using high-quality materials and reinforcement techniques can increase durability. Adjustable shelves with shelf pins are a great option for flexibility, allowing you to rearrange storage as needed.

For heavy-duty storage, consider reinforcing shelves and backs to hold items like automotive tools and parts. This level of customization ensures your cabinets are both functional and built to last.

Durability

The durability of your DIY cabinets depends on several factors, including the materials you select, environmental conditions, and how well they’re maintained. High-grade woods like maple or oak are excellent choices for longevity.

"Selecting the right materials isn’t just about looks. It’s about ensuring your garage cabinets can survive Arizona’s toughest seasons." – Jake Gibbs, CEO of Triton Cabinets

Sealing your cabinets properly will help them withstand harsh conditions . Also, using quality hardware like hinges and slides, and mounting the cabinets correctly, can prevent moisture issues. Reinforcing joints with wood glue and pocket hole screws, especially with the help of a jig, adds extra stability.

According to a 2025 Home Improvement Trends report by Statista, 74% of U.S. homeowners prioritize durable and eco-friendly materials when upgrading their homes. With the right materials and techniques, your DIY cabinets can be both sturdy and long-lasting.

2. Prefabricated Garage Cabinets

Prefabricated garage cabinets strike a balance between do-it-yourself projects and fully customized setups. These ready-made units come pre-designed and pre-constructed, making them easy to install while maintaining a polished, professional look. They’re a more budget-friendly choice than custom cabinets but still provide a sleek, functional solution.

Material Costs

The type of material you choose has a big impact on your overall expenses. Individual prefabricated cabinets typically cost between $150 and $400, depending on their style and materials. For a complete cabinet system, you’re looking at a price range of $2,000 to $6,000.

Material Type Price Range Key Characteristics
Plastic Lowest cost Affordable but less durable
Wood Varies by type Price depends on wood species and treatment needs
Metal Highest cost Strong and long-lasting

Plastic cabinets are the most economical but may not handle heavy loads well. Wood cabinets offer a range of pricing, influenced by the type of wood and finishing treatments required. However, they’ll need protection from moisture and potential weathering in a garage setting. Metal cabinets are the priciest, but they stand out for their durability and ability to endure tough conditions.

Installation Costs

Hiring a professional to install prefabricated cabinets will add about $100 to $300 per cabinet to your total cost. This price depends on factors like cabinet size, material, and the complexity of the project. If you need to remove old cabinets, expect an additional charge of around $300. For those seeking more organization help, professional services typically charge $55 to $75 per hour. Custom upgrades – such as specialty shelves, drawers, workbenches, or lighting – can also increase the final cost.

Customization Options

While prefabricated cabinets don’t offer the same level of flexibility as custom designs, there’s still room for personalization. Many units allow you to pick from various colors, styles, heights, and depths to better fit your garage’s layout and your preferences. Add-ons, like upgraded door hardware, custom lighting, or storage bins, can enhance functionality but will raise the price. To keep costs manageable, focus on essential features that align with your needs.

Durability

Prefabricated cabinets are manufactured under controlled conditions, ensuring consistent quality. Metal cabinets are particularly resilient to temperature changes and moisture, while treated wood offers dependable durability. Plastic options, though lightweight and affordable, may not hold up well under heavy use. High-end prefabricated cabinets often come with features like smooth-operating drawers and sturdy doors for a premium experience. Professional installation is key here – it ensures proper mounting and alignment, reducing the risk of sagging or misaligned doors over time. This combination of affordability, customization, and long-lasting performance makes prefabricated cabinets an appealing choice before diving into custom solutions.

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3. Custom Garage Cabinets by Croc Coatings

Croc Coatings

Sometimes, off-the-shelf storage solutions just don’t cut it. That’s where custom garage cabinets come in, offering a personalized way to organize your space. Croc Coatings, a Penntek™ Certified Installer serving North Idaho and Eastern Washington, specializes in creating storage systems tailored to fit your garage’s exact dimensions and needs.

Material Costs

Custom garage cabinets from Croc Coatings generally cost between $200 and $600 per unit, depending on your specific preferences and the materials you choose. With a variety of material options available, you can balance durability with budget considerations.

Material Type Cost Range Ideal For
Laminate ~$15 per sq ft Cost-effective projects
MDF $40-$80 per sq ft Smooth finishes and painted looks
Plywood $50-$150 per sq ft Strength and versatility
Metal $200-$2,400 per linear ft Heavy-duty durability
Premium Wood $100-$1,200 per linear ft High-end, polished aesthetics

This range highlights the differences in durability and performance across materials. Custom cabinets go beyond what DIY or prefabricated options can offer, with integrated designs and professional installation. For example, metal cabinets stand out for their ability to handle temperature changes and moisture, making them a top-tier choice for garages.

Installation Costs

The installation process is where Croc Coatings really shines. Their one-day installation service minimizes labor costs and gets your cabinets set up quickly. It all starts with a free in-home estimate, followed by a consultation with their design team to create a plan tailored to your space.

Professional installation ensures everything fits perfectly – no crooked doors or uneven shelves. Using 3D modeling software, Croc Coatings provides a clear visualization of your layout before any work begins. This careful planning helps avoid surprises and costly changes during installation.

Customization Options

Croc Coatings offers plenty of ways to customize your cabinets. You can add shelves, drawers, slat walls, or even workbenches, all designed to match your chosen color, finish, and eco-friendly powder coating. These features aren’t just about storage – they’re designed to make your garage work for you.

Durability

When it comes to durability, Croc Coatings delivers. Their cabinets are built to handle the challenges of a garage environment, from temperature swings to moisture exposure. Using eco-friendly, made-in-USA materials, they ensure quality while keeping environmental concerns in mind.

Their precision manufacturing process and professional installation eliminate common issues like sagging shelves or poorly aligned doors. With a reputation for durability in concrete coatings, Croc Coatings brings the same level of expertise to their cabinets. The one-day installation doesn’t mean cutting corners – it reflects their efficient systems and skilled team, ensuring your cabinets perform beautifully for years to come.

Cost Comparison: Pros and Cons

When deciding on garage cabinets, it’s essential to weigh the trade-offs between DIY, prefabricated, and custom options. Each choice impacts your upfront costs, ease of installation, and long-term value.

DIY cabinets are the most budget-friendly option, with plastic models priced around $100–$250 and wood versions ranging from $200–$500+. The biggest advantage is cost control – you’re only paying for materials. That said, the quality and ease of installation depend heavily on your skill level. While simpler setups are manageable, more complex designs can lead to errors, which might result in unexpected expenses.

Prefabricated cabinets offer a balance between affordability and convenience, typically costing $150–$400 per unit. These are easier to install than DIY options and are readily available for quick purchase. Standardized designs keep costs predictable, and many homeowners can handle the installation themselves. However, the trade-off is limited customization, which means they might not perfectly fit your garage or meet all your storage needs over time.

Custom cabinets from Croc Coatings represent the high-end choice, priced at $200–$600 per unit. These cabinets come with several perks, including professional alignment, secure mounting, and a one-day installation process that minimizes disruption. Built with durable, high-quality materials, they are designed to last, making the higher upfront cost worthwhile.

Here’s a quick comparison of the three options:

Cabinet Type Cost Range Setup Time Durability Customization
DIY $100–$500+ Days to weeks Varies by skill Limited
Prefabricated $150–$400 Few hours Good Minimal
Custom (Croc Coatings) $200–$600 One day Excellent Fully tailored

For those seeking maximum durability, metal cabinets are a standout option. Although they often come with a higher price tag, their dado-joint construction ensures superior strength and longevity. Additionally, their powder-coated finishes protect against scratches, moisture, and stains – ideal for the garage environment.

"Powder-coated, dado-joint construction ensures maximum strength and durability – no warping, sagging, or peeling." – Croc Coatings

While DIY projects can drag on, professional installers complete custom designs quickly and efficiently, even for complex setups. The precision and care they bring to the process reduce lead times and ensure a polished result.

In the long run, the quality of construction plays a critical role. DIY cabinets might save you money upfront, but they often fall short in durability due to lower-quality materials and potential installation errors. Prefabricated cabinets provide decent value but may lack the tailored fit and advanced features that custom solutions deliver. For example, Croc Coatings’ custom cabinets include full back panels that keep out dust, bugs, and moisture – an advantage over open-back modular designs.

Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities. If you’re working with a tight budget and have basic storage needs, prefabricated cabinets might suffice. However, if you’re looking for long-lasting durability, a precise fit, and customized features, the investment in custom cabinets will provide years of reliable performance and a highly functional garage space.

Conclusion

When choosing garage cabinets, it’s essential to align your selection with your needs, budget, and long-term plans.

For budget-conscious homeowners, DIY and prefabricated cabinets offer practical solutions with varying trade-offs. DIY cabinets, priced around $100–$500+, are the most affordable upfront, but their success largely depends on your carpentry skills and effort. Prefabricated cabinets, costing about $150–$400 per unit, are a solid choice for standard garage layouts, providing a balance of affordability and easy installation. On average, most homeowners allocate $2,500 to $5,000 for overall garage storage, and prefab options often fit comfortably within this range.

If you’re looking for tailored solutions, custom cabinets are the premium option. Brands like Croc Coatings offer units priced between $200–$600 per unit, designed to meet unique storage needs while delivering long-term durability and value. These cabinets often come with powder-coated finishes, ensuring they outlast cheaper alternatives. Additionally, they boast an impressive ROI of 75%–85%, making them an excellent investment if you’re planning to stay in your home for years to come or want to boost property value.

For those prioritizing durability, metal cabinets stand out, though they come with a higher price tag, ranging from $200 to $2,400 per linear foot. Their robust construction and minimal maintenance requirements make them worth the expense, particularly for heavy-duty use.

Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you use your garage. If your space doubles as a workshop or houses heavy tools, investing in durable, custom solutions may be the smarter long-term decision. A poorly fitting $150 prefab cabinet that deteriorates quickly could cost more in the long run than a $400 custom unit designed to last decades while maximizing your storage efficiency.

The key is to focus on what truly meets your needs, rather than simply opting for the lowest price. Prioritize quality and functionality to ensure your garage cabinets serve you well for years to come.

FAQs

What should I consider when deciding between DIY, prefabricated, and custom garage cabinets?

When choosing between DIY, prefabricated, and custom garage cabinets, it’s important to weigh three key factors:

  • Budget: If you’re looking to save money, DIY cabinets are often the cheapest route, though they do require a significant time investment. Prefabricated cabinets strike a balance – they’re affordable and easy to install. On the other hand, custom cabinets come with a higher price tag but are designed specifically to meet your space and storage needs.
  • Storage needs: Think about what you plan to store. DIY cabinets can handle basic storage, but if you’re organizing tools, heavy equipment, or specialty items, custom cabinets are often the better choice for tailored functionality.
  • Installation complexity: DIY cabinets demand hands-on effort and time. Prefabricated options are simpler to assemble, while custom cabinets usually require professional installation to ensure a precise fit and polished look.

By considering these points, you’ll be well-equipped to pick the right cabinets for your garage and how you’ll use it.

How do different materials affect the cost and durability of garage cabinets?

The material you select for your garage cabinets significantly impacts both their price and how well they hold up over time. Metal cabinets, particularly those made from steel, stand out for their toughness. They resist moisture, pests, and general wear and tear, though they tend to come with a heftier price tag. On the other hand, wood cabinets bring a classic and polished look to your space. However, they’re more vulnerable to moisture and pest damage, which could mean higher maintenance costs over time. If you’re looking for a more economical option, MDF and particleboard might fit the bill, though they’re less durable and better suited for lighter use.

Choosing top-tier materials like steel or solid wood might feel like a larger upfront investment, but it can save you money in the long run by cutting down on repairs and replacements. If you’re aiming for a mix of durability and style, custom options – such as those from Croc Coatings – offer a great solution by blending functionality with an attractive design.

What makes custom garage cabinets worth the investment, even if they cost more?

Custom garage cabinets are a smart choice for anyone looking to make the most of their garage space. Unlike generic options, these cabinets are built to fit your garage perfectly, no matter its size or layout. Plus, they can be tailored to store specific items, making it easier to stay organized and keep everything within reach.

On top of their practicality, custom cabinets can transform the look of your garage. A thoughtfully designed system adds a sleek, unified appearance that complements your home’s style. Beyond just aesthetics, this upgrade can even increase your property’s value – an added bonus if you ever decide to sell.

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