Quick answer: A published PH pricing guide (June 2025) places modular cabinet pricing at around PHP 8,000 to PHP 35,000 per linear meter, depending on materials, finishes, and accessories. Use this as a starting range, then compute based on your layout and specs.

TL;DR (what you should do before requesting quotes)

• Measure your cabinet runs (base LM, wall LM, and any tall units).
• Decide your non-negotiables: waterproofing near the sink, soft-close hardware, and finish type.
• Ask every supplier for the same scope: cabinet count, LM computation, board thickness, edge banding, hardware models, and what’s excluded.
• Budget separately for countertop + sink/faucet + rangehood + electrical/plumbing adjustments.

Why prices vary so much

Two kitchens can have the same cabinet length and still cost very differently. Cabinet pricing is driven by what’s inside the build (board, edging, hardware) and how the project is executed (fabrication quality, installation details, warranty).

• Board material and thickness (marine plywood vs MR/HMR MDF vs waterproof boards)
• Finish system (standard laminate vs premium laminates vs painted/lacquer doors)
• Hardware grade (hinges, drawer runners, soft-close type, load ratings)
• Accessories (pull-out pantry, corner solutions, hidden bins, organizers)
• Complexity (non-standard widths, many fillers, angled corners, appliance integrations)
• Site conditions (condo rules, hauling distance, uneven walls/floors)

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What “per linear meter” usually means

Linear meter (LM) is the length of cabinetry along the wall. It’s common in PH quotations because it’s fast to compute. The catch: suppliers don’t always compute LM the same way.

• Some use a blended LM rate for base + wall cabinets.
• Some price base cabinets higher than wall cabinets.
• Tall units (pantry/broom) may be priced as a separate category or counted as LM equivalent.

Tip: Ask for a cabinet schedule (list of modules) in addition to LM. It makes comparisons fair.

The 6 parts of a modular cabinet quote (so you know what you’re paying for)

1) Cabinet boxes (carcass)

The structure: base cabinets, wall cabinets, tall units. Durability depends on board choice, thickness, and edge protection.

2) Doors and drawer fronts

The visible finish. Smooth modern doors often use MDF variants; laminates or paint systems affect cost and maintenance.

3) Edge banding and sealing

Edges are where moisture enters. Machine-applied edge banding improves both lifespan and appearance.

4) Hardware

Hinges and drawer runners determine daily feel and long-term alignment. Upgrades are often worth it for high-use zones.

5) Installation and site work

Leveling, anchoring, sealing at sink/countertop, and cleanup. Condo hauling rules and access can affect cost.

6) Warranty and after-sales

Good suppliers define what’s covered (workmanship, hardware, board swelling) and how service calls are handled.

What’s typically included (and what’s commonly excluded)

Category	Often included	Often excluded / separate line item
Cabinet boxes	Base, wall, and standard modules	Special reinforcements, unusual cutouts
Doors/fronts	Door panels + basic pulls	Premium handles, custom profiles, specialty finishes
Hardware	Basic hinges + runners (sometimes soft-close)	Upgraded brands, higher load ratings, pull-out systems
Installation	Delivery + install + basic alignment	Hauling fees, demolition, condo permits, electrical/plumbing changes
Countertop	Sometimes excluded	Quartz/granite/solid surface/compact laminate
Appliances	Excluded	Cooktop, rangehood, sink, faucet, built-in appliances

 

Fast estimate calculator (simple formula)

If your supplier uses a blended LM rate:

• Total cabinet cost = (Total LM) x (Rate per LM)
• Total project budget = Cabinet cost + Countertop + Sink/Faucet + Rangehood + Lighting + Site works

If your supplier separates base and wall cabinets:

• Cabinet cost = (Base LM x Base rate) + (Wall LM x Wall rate) + (Tall units) + (Accessories)

Sample computation 1: blended LM rate (copy this)

Example condo layout assumptions (adjust for your kitchen):

• Base cabinets: 3.0 LM
• Wall cabinets: 3.0 LM
• Tall pantry/broom unit: counted as 0.6 LM equivalent (some suppliers quote separately)
• Countertop and appliances excluded

Scenario	Rate per LM	Total LM	Cabinet subtotal	Use case
Budget	PHP 8,000	6.6	PHP 52,800	Basic laminate + minimal pull-outs
Mid-range	PHP 18,000	6.6	PHP 118,800	Better laminates/hardware
Premium	PHP 35,000	6.6	PHP 231,000	Premium boards/finishes + accessories

 

Sample computation 2: base + wall rates (illustrative)

Some suppliers price base cabinets higher than wall cabinets. Below is an example format you can use to verify computations. Replace the rates with your supplier’s numbers.

Line item	Quantity	Rate	Subtotal	Notes
Base cabinets	3.0 LM	PHP 20,000	PHP 60,000	Often includes more drawers and heavier load
Wall cabinets	3.0 LM	PHP 15,000	PHP 45,000	May be priced lower than base
Tall unit	0.6 LM eq.	PHP 25,000	PHP 15,000	Pantry/broom; quote separately if possible

Example cabinet subtotal (illustrative): PHP 120,000

Add-ons to budget separately

• Countertop (material + fabrication + sink cutout)
• Sink and faucet
• Rangehood ducting and electrical
• Backsplash (tile/laminate/stone)
• Plumbing re-routing (if any)
• Painting/repairs after installation

How to lower the price without making it ‘cheap’

• Reduce custom sizes: use standard modules and smart fillers instead of many odd widths.
• Spend on function, not gimmicks: drawers for daily items; shelves for rarely used storage.
• Upgrade hardware where it matters (pots/pans drawers, main trash drawer, frequently used doors).
• Use waterproof materials only where needed (under-sink and laundry base), not everywhere.
• Choose durable laminates for heavy-use kitchens if you want easier maintenance than painted doors.

Quote comparison checklist (apples-to-apples)

• LM breakdown (base LM, wall LM, tall units) and cabinet schedule (module list).
• Board material + thickness for carcass and doors (name the product, not just “marine” or “HMR”).
• Edge banding type and thickness; confirm all exposed edges are sealed.
• Hardware brand/model for hinges and runners; confirm soft-close and load rating.
• Scope list: demolition, hauling, delivery, installation, sealing at sink area, and cleanup.
• Warranty terms and after-sales process.

FAQs

Does ‘per linear meter’ include the countertop?

Often no. Some suppliers include countertop only if specified. Always confirm what the LM rate covers.

Why do two quotes with the same LM look different?

Because board grade, thickness, edge banding quality, hardware models, and accessories vary. Ask for a cabinet schedule and hardware specs.

Is it better to go cheap first and upgrade later?

Often it’s better to upgrade high-use hardware early (main drawers and frequently used doors). Replacing cabinets later is usually more expensive than targeted upgrades.

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