A recent Ajax client got quoted $56,000 for custom cabinets. Their prefab kitchen from Floor and Bath Design? $34,000 — and it looks better than the custom design.
That's not unusual. We see Durham Region homeowners save 30–40% with prefab cabinetry without giving up quality or style. On a typical kitchen, that's $15,000–$25,000 back in your pocket.
Where the Savings Come From
The price gap between custom and prefab isn't about cheaper materials. It's about how they're made.
Manufacturing: Computerized production cuts labor costs. Standardized sizes mean less material waste. Specialized equipment improves both speed and precision.
Scale: Materials get purchased in bulk at better prices. Dedicated production teams focus on specific tasks. Factory layouts are built for efficiency.
Installation: Prefab cabinets arrive fully assembled, cutting on-site labor by days. Standardized dimensions make fitting faster. Pre-drilled hardware holes reduce errors.
Real Numbers: Custom vs. Prefab
For a typical 10×10 Durham Region kitchen:
| Component | Custom Cost | Prefab Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base cabinets | $18,000–$22,000 | $8,000–$12,000 | 45–55% |
| Wall cabinets | $12,000–$16,000 | $6,000–$9,000 | 40–50% |
| Tall cabinets | $8,000–$10,000 | $3,500–$5,500 | 45–55% |
| Installation | $6,000–$8,000 | $4,500–$6,500 | 20–30% |
| Total | $44,000–$56,000 | $22,000–$33,000 | 40–45% |
Prices vary based on materials, layout, and design choices.
Quality That Matches Custom
The biggest myth about prefab? That you're getting lesser quality. Today's premium prefab cabinets use construction methods and materials that match — and sometimes beat — custom options.
Construction: Dovetail drawer joinery for maximum strength. Multi-stage finishes for long-term durability. Computer-guided drilling for exact hardware placement. Reinforced corner bracing throughout.
Materials: ¾" MDF and solid wood doors. 3/4″ shelving that won't sag. Plywood box construction options. Crack-resistant painted finishes with full sealing.
Hardware: Soft-close drawer glides rated for 75,000+ cycles. Six-way adjustable hinges from top manufacturers. Metal drawer bottoms in premium lines.
Warranties: Many prefab manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties — matching or beating custom cabinet coverage. Replacement parts are standardized and readily available.
Where to Put the Money You Save
Saving $15,000–$25,000 on cabinets opens up real options for the rest of your kitchen. Here's where that money makes the biggest impact:
High-value upgrades:
- Quartz or stone countertops (30–40% of your cabinet savings)
- Professional design services (5–10% of total budget)
- Premium hardware and organizational inserts
- A proper backsplash and lighting package
Low-return custom features you can skip:
- Exotic wood species that add cost without visible difference
- Ultra-custom sizing when standard dimensions work fine
- Hand-applied specialty finishes that factory processes now replicate
- Fully custom interiors when prefab organizers do the same job
Peter from Floor and Bath Design puts it simply: "We help clients redirect those savings into what actually changes how the kitchen looks and feels — a statement countertop, a distinctive backsplash, or pull-out storage that makes daily life easier."
Real Projects, Real Savings in Durham Region
Whitby Executive Home
- Custom quote: $64,000 → FBD prefab: $39,700
- Saved: $24,300 (38%)
- Added: quartz countertops, premium undermount sink, upgraded lighting
Ajax Family Kitchen
- Custom quote: $52,000 → FBD prefab: $30,200
- Saved: $21,800 (42%)
- Added: engineered hardwood flooring, professional-grade range, pantry organization
Oshawa Downsizer Kitchen
- Custom quote: $43,000 → FBD prefab: $28,400
- Saved: $14,600 (34%)
- Added: under-cabinet lighting, multiple pull-out storage systems
Return on Investment
Based on Durham Region real estate data, kitchen renovations using premium prefab cabinets return 80–90% ROI vs. 65–75% for custom. The math is straightforward: same visual impact and function at a lower price point means a better return when you sell.
Why FBD for Your Prefab Kitchen
Floor and Bath Design has spent 35+ years helping Durham Region homeowners get more kitchen for less money. That means:
- Direct relationships with top prefab manufacturers — volume pricing passed on to you
- Access to full catalogs, not just what's on the retail shelf
- Strategic layouts that minimize filler pieces and wasted space
- Installation teams that make prefab cabinets look indistinguishable from custom
- A single point of contact from first consultation to final walk-through
See what's possible in our project portfolio, or hear from past clients on our testimonials page.
Ready to See How Far Your Budget Goes?
Book a free consultation with our design team. We'll show you real prefab kitchen examples in Durham Region homes and build a plan that fits your style, your space, and your budget.
Floor and Bath Design · 109 Old Kingston Road, Unit 4, Ajax ON · 905-683-0079
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do prefab kitchen cabinets cost in Durham Region?
A full set of prefab cabinets for a standard 10×10 kitchen runs $22,000–$33,000 installed — about 40–45% less than custom cabinets for the same layout. Your actual cost depends on the cabinet line, finish choices, and layout complexity.
Are prefab cabinets lower quality than custom?
Not anymore. Premium prefab lines use dovetail joinery, ¾" plywood box construction, soft-close hardware, and multi-stage finishes. Many carry limited lifetime warranties that match or beat custom cabinet coverage.
How long does a prefab kitchen installation take?
Most prefab kitchen installations take 2–5 days, compared to 4–8 weeks of lead time plus installation for custom cabinets. The cabinets arrive fully assembled, which cuts on-site labor by days.
Can you customize prefab kitchen cabinets?
Yes. Modern prefab systems offer height and width adjustments, 20+ finish options, multiple door styles, glass inserts, and specialized storage like wine racks, appliance garages, and pull-out organizers. Two-tone color combinations are available in most lines.
What's the ROI on a prefab kitchen renovation?
Durham Region homeowners typically see 80–90% return on investment with premium prefab kitchens, compared to 65–75% for custom. The lower upfront cost with the same visual result drives the better return.
Should I choose prefab or custom cabinets?
Prefab makes sense for most homeowners. Choose custom only if you need non-standard dimensions that prefab can't accommodate, or if you want a wood species or finish that isn't available in prefab lines. For 90% of kitchens, prefab delivers the same result at a much lower price.
Does Floor and Bath Design install the cabinets too?
Yes. FBD handles everything from design through installation. Our installers level each cabinet precisely, scribe-fit against walls, and apply crown molding with proper coping at every corner — so the finished kitchen looks fully custom.