How Tariffs on Kitchen Cabinets Affect Costs—And What That Means for Your Renovation
- sabrina9740
- Apr 21
- 6 min read
Tariffs on Kitchen Cabinets - What does it mean for your kitchen renovation?
Recent tariff changes are making homeowners rethink their kitchen renovation plans. It’s unclear how these shifts will impact prices, leaving many unsure of how much more to budget. If you’re planning a renovation, it’s smart to understand how these tariffs affect kitchen materials—especially cabinets and appliances. This post will help you navigate the uncertainty and make informed decisions. You'll learn how tariffs could change your renovation costs and how to avoid budget surprises.
Table of Contents:
What Are Tariffs and Why Are They Relevant Now?
Tariffs have always been part of international trade. But recently, new ones have raised concerns. Homeowners fear higher prices. Yet many don’t fully understand how tariffs work—or who actually pays them.
A tariff is a tax added to imported goods when they enter the country. This money doesn’t go to the supplier—it goes to the government. And while it’s applied to the import price, not the final retail price, that cost gets passed down the line.
Importers raise prices to cover the tariff. Then distributors, retailers, and even installers adjust their own pricing. By the time the product reaches your home, you might be paying hundreds—or even thousands—more.
How it works:
Imported goods arrive at U.S. customs.
The tariff is calculated based on the invoice value.
Importer pays: [cost of goods + tariff].
Goods are released to the importer.
Retail price = [import + tariff] + markup.
Example:
Import value = $10,000
Tariff (10%) = $1,000
New cost = $11,000
Markup (50%) = $5,500
Final retail = $16,500
So, with a 10% tariff, you’re paying $1,000 more—not $1,650 (Retail Price:16,500$) as many would assume. The tariff is NOT applied to the retail price, but it still impacts what you pay.
What Kitchen Renovation Materials Are Most Affected?
Today’s kitchens rely on global materials. Even if you buy from a U.S. or European brand, parts may come from all over the world.
Materials most affected by tariffs include:
Cabinetry (especially custom/semi-custom lines)
Quartz and granite countertops
Porcelain and ceramic tiles
Faucets, sinks, and other fixtures
Lighting and appliances built with global parts
Yet, what about high-end Renovations? Luxury kitchens are hit harder. They often include:
Italian marble or Spanish porcelain
Austrian or German hardware
Danish or Swiss fixtures
European appliances with Asian-made parts
Designing a dream kitchen means balancing looks, quality, and cost. Tariffs can shift that balance fast.
Why Local Doesn’t Always Mean “Tariff-Free”
Buying local feels like a good way to avoid tariffs—but it’s not that simple. Many cabinetmakers rely on parts from abroad. Even if their shop is just down the street. These parts are key to function and quality. And when tariffs hit, prices rise—no matter where it's built.
Imported Hardware Is Standard, Even for Local Makers
Most shops don’t make their own hinges or drawers. They buy from trusted global brands. Blum, Hettich, and Grass are the go-tos. Their parts make kitchens feel smooth and high-end. Pull-outs, Lazy Susans, and pocket doors? All likely imported. Even in “local” builds. Tariffs raise the cost of these parts. Builders adjust pricing. That cost lands in your quote.
Lumber, Finishes, and Custom Touches Also Come from Abroad
Not all wood is local. Many use veneers or hardwoods, Plywood and MDF sourced from overseas. High-end finishes like lacquers and stains are often made in Europe or Asia. They give cabinets that smooth, durable look. But when tariffs apply, the price jumps. LED lights, drawer inserts, and appliance garages? Often imported too. These aren’t extras. They’re part of what makes a kitchen work. And they’re affected by tariffs.
Local Craftsmanship Matters—but It’s Not Immune
Working with a local maker gives you custom service and supports small business. But “local” only refers to where it’s built. The parts inside often come from across the globe. That means global prices still shape the final cost. Even for a kitchen made nearby. Always ask where parts and finishes come from. It helps you plan your budget better.
How Big Brands and Small Shops Are Affected Differently
Big cabinet brands buy in bulk. That helps them lower their costs—even with tariffs. They make more cabinets at once. This brings down the price of each unit they build. Large brands also have big networks. So they can shift prices without scaring off buyers. Sometimes, they take a smaller profit to keep prices low for you. That’s why their prices don’t always jump—even when tariffs go up.
Small cabinet shops work differently. They build fewer kitchens at a time. That means higher costs per cabinet—and less wiggle room in pricing. Most small shops still import things like hardware, wood, and finishes. So when tariffs go up, their costs go up fast. They can’t always absorb the hit. Instead, they often pass that cost on to you. It makes a big difference in price. Even if the quality is similar, the price can be much higher at a small shop.
Will Imported Cabinets and Appliances Still Be a Good Option?
Yes—but with changes. Some European cabinet makers may consider changes. They could adjust by cutting margins to stay competitive. Or consider changing materials or other strategic measures to keep prices stable.
Appliance brands do the same. American and European manufacturers both rely on global supply chains. When tariffs hit, they might invest in automation or shift production. Some may still raise prices. Others may not. The key is to ask: What’s changing? What’s staying the same?
The Impact of Exchange Rates & Automation
Exchange rates affect what we pay for imported products. A strong U.S. dollar keeps those prices more stable. When the dollar is weak, imports get more expensive. Automation also helps keep prices in check. Factories with machines work faster and waste less. That saves money—even when tariffs go up.
Timing of Orders Makes a Difference
The timing of your purchase is key to pricing. Orders made before new tariffs may still be cheaper. If cabinets and appliances were ordered before the tariff, they could be at old prices. New shipments arriving at ports will face the new tariffs, leading to higher costs. This is especially true for local millworkers or contractors. If parts are in U.S. warehouses, no price hike. Items still in stock before tariffs are imposed will remain the same price. It’s a good idea to check with suppliers about inventory and how it affects final costs.
Imported cabinets and appliances can cost more when rates or tariffs shift. Planning ahead helps. Ask when items were bought or shipped. That info can help you avoid big surprises in your budget. Global supply chains impact local projects. It’s smart to stay informed.
What Homeowners Should Consider Right Now
If you’re planning a renovation, stay informed. Tariffs are expected to raise costs on everything from cabinets to appliances. But not all prices rise at once. Many suppliers still have untaxed stock in U.S. warehouses. That means you might still grab a deal—if you act fast.
Act Early to Avoid Price Hikes
Once new, tariff-affected shipments arrive, prices go up. Simple as that. Act now to lock in lower prices before costs jump.
This applies to:
Cabinets
Appliances
Lighting
Plumbing fixtures & Other building materials
Focus on Value, Not Just Price
Don’t chase the lowest number. Focus on value. Ask: What materials are used? What’s the warranty? How’s the after-sales support? A cheaper cabinet isn’t a deal if it breaks early or has poor service.
Questions to Ask When Getting Quotes
Where are materials sourced? Even local builders might use imported parts. Ask what’s local—and what’s not.
How are prices expected to change? Some suppliers already adjusted for tariffs. Others haven’t yet.
Is the product already in the U.S.? Warehouse stock = pre-tariff pricing. New orders = higher cost.
What’s the current lead time? Long lead times may signal a pending shipment—and tariffed pricing.
Are warranty or service terms changing? Some brands cut service to offset costs. Always check what's included.
Staying informed helps you avoid surprises—and keeps your renovation on budget.
Plan Smart - Right Kitchen Designer by Your Side
When prices shift and supply chains change, it's easy to feel unsure. I won’t claim to predict the market—but I can help you make clear, confident decisions.
Our kitchen design services are built to guide you through every step. Our Kitchen designer support from selecting materials to asking the right questions. You’ll get honest advice and tailored support, no matter what’s happening in the industry.
If you're looking for expert help with your kitchen renovation - let’s connect. Kitchen Design NYC offers full-service kitchen design in NYC and beyond.
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