If your first question when getting cabinet quotes is “how much per linear foot?”, you’re likely to receive quotes that look cheap on paper but are wildly different in what you actually get. The real factors that drive cabinet pricing aren’t just size — they’re the board material, surface finish, interior lining, and hardware. Change any of these and the cost, durability, and moisture resistance all shift significantly.

Why You Can’t Just Compare Cabinet Price Per Linear Foot

Cabinet quotes in the market frequently use a per-linear-foot price as the headline number to attract customers. But the same one foot of cabinet can be built from very different materials. Without clarifying the spec, you’ll often end up signing at a low price only to face constant add-ons later.

When comparing quotes, focus on these four things:

Whether the carcass uses chipboard or plywood
Which type of laminate is applied to the surface
Whether the interior lining is melamine paper or PVC
What colours, styles, and hardware are included in the price

What’s the Difference Between Chipboard and Plywood?

The two most common board materials for kitchen cabinets today are chipboard and plywood.

Chipboard generally costs less, which makes the per-foot price look attractive. However, it typically performs worse than plywood in terms of durability and moisture resistance. If your kitchen gets humid or you want your cabinets to last longer, choosing purely on price can be a costly mistake.

Plywood is generally regarded as the more durable and dimensionally stable option. It’s especially suited to homeowners who prioritise longevity, moisture resistance, and overall build quality. Upgrading to plywood will raise the quote, but it tends to justify the cost over time.

Why Do Cabinet Surface Finish and Colour Affect the Price?

Many plywood cabinets are wrapped with laminate on the exterior. Even though they look similar from a distance, price differences often come down to the colour, grain pattern, and style of the laminate selected.

Before signing, always confirm:

Which colours are included in the current quoted price
Whether specific wood grain, stone texture, or premium finishes cost extra
Whether the door panels and carcass use the same grade of surface material

Skipping these questions often leads to surprises like “that colour requires an upcharge” or “the door panel finish isn’t included in the base price.”

Don’t Overlook the Interior Lining: Melamine Paper vs PVC

Most people focus on the cabinet door exterior but ignore the interior lining — yet it directly affects how the cabinet looks and holds up over time.

Some lower-cost builds use melamine paper for the interior. While the initial price is lower, it’s prone to yellowing over time. The more common and practical choice today is a PVC interior lining, which delivers more consistent appearance and durability over the years.

If you want to minimise aging, discolouration, and maintenance down the line, interior lining should absolutely be part of your quote comparison.

What to Confirm Before Signing a Cabinet Quote

To avoid common cabinet pricing traps, ask these questions before committing:

Is the carcass chipboard or plywood?
What surface material is used, and which colours and styles are included?
Is the interior lining melamine paper or PVC?
Are hardware brand, quantity, and spec included in the quote?
Are there any extra charges — for premium colours, board upgrades, or additional fittings?

Conclusion: Compare Materials, Not Just the Per-Foot Price

A truly professional cabinet quote doesn’t just hand you a price per linear foot — it shows you exactly what materials and configurations that price covers. When comparing quotes, always evaluate the board type, moisture resistance, surface finish, interior lining, and hardware together. That’s the only way to find a solution that genuinely fits your budget and your long-term needs.

If you’re planning a new kitchen or renovating an existing one, this cabinet materials and pricing guide will help you avoid the most common pitfalls and make a more confident decision.