In the world of home design and construction, one of the most significant costs that can affect your budget is cabinetry. Cabinets are essential elements in nearly every room of the house, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, and can make up a large portion of renovation expenses. However, the recent introduction of new tariffs on imported cabinets is set to significantly change how builders, remodelers, and homeowners approach these critical design elements. Let’s dive into what these tariffs mean for you and how they could affect your next renovation or construction project.

What Are the New Tariffs?

A tariff is essentially a tax imposed on goods imported into a country. In late 2025, the U.S. government implemented new tariffs on various imported wood products, including kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and certain wooden furniture. The tariffs include:

• A 10% tariff on softwood timber and lumber.
• A 25% tariff on imported kitchen cabinets and vanities.
• These tariffs are expected to rise to 50% starting in January 2026.

These changes aim to protect the domestic wood-products industry, reduce reliance on imports, and address concerns about supply-chain vulnerabilities. However, these new duties are also likely to have an impact on the price and availability of cabinets for homeowners and builders alike.

Why Does It Matter?

For those planning a home renovation, whether it’s a kitchen remodel or building a new bathroom, the price of cabinetry is often one of the largest portions of the overall budget. With these new tariffs, homeowners and builders can expect significant increases in the cost of imported cabinets. The reason for this price surge is simple: the cost of the raw materials and the manufacturing process is now higher due to the tariffs, and these increased costs are passed on to consumers.

How Will This Affect Your Renovation or Building Project?

1. Higher Costs for Imported Cabinets
   The most immediate impact will be an increase in the cost of imported kitchen and bathroom cabinets. If you have already chosen imported cabinetry or were considering it for your project, be prepared for a price hike. With the tariffs in place, you may see anywhere from a 10% to 50% increase in the price of imported cabinets, depending on the timing of your purchase and when the tariff changes take full effect.
2. Longer Wait Times for Delivery
   Tariffs can create ripple effects across the supply chain. With price hikes, manufacturers and distributors may experience delays or backlogs. This means that if you’ve been relying on imported cabinets for your renovation, your delivery times may be extended. The manufacturing process might slow down, and stock levels could be lower, leading to longer waiting times for your custom or pre-fabricated cabinets.
3. Fewer Options and Limited Selection
   Due to supply-chain disruptions, the variety of available cabinet designs, finishes, and styles could become more limited. As suppliers shift their focus to prioritize domestic production or minimize the effects of tariffs, certain popular imported cabinet lines may become harder to find. Homeowners and builders may have to adjust their plans, opting for different designs or materials that are available.
4. Increased Overall Renovation Costs
   Since cabinetry is such an integral part of many home renovations, a significant price increase can drive up the overall cost of your project. Whether you are remodeling a kitchen, a bathroom, or installing new cabinetry throughout your home, expect your budget to increase. Builders and remodelers will likely need to adjust quotes to accommodate these higher costs. Homeowners will also need to account for this increase in their project estimates.

Should You Switch to Domestic Cabinets?

With the cost of imported cabinets rising, this could be the perfect opportunity to explore domestic cabinetry options. U.S.-made cabinets are not subject to the same tariffs, which means that these products may offer more price stability. Builders and homeowners who are looking for custom-made or pre-fabricated cabinets may find that domestic manufacturers are now more cost-effective than ever. Additionally, choosing domestic cabinets could potentially reduce your project’s lead times since the production and delivery processes will be less impacted by the international supply chain.

Moreover, choosing locally sourced products aligns with a growing trend toward sustainability and supporting local economies. For those who care about reducing their environmental footprint, many domestic cabinet makers also use sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices.

What Should You Do?

If you are planning to start a renovation or construction project soon, here are a few steps you can take to manage the impact of the new tariffs:

• Review your budget. With higher cabinet costs in mind, it’s essential to adjust your renovation budget to reflect the increased price of imported products. Be prepared for potential cost overruns and be flexible in your planning.
• Consider domestic cabinet options. Domestic manufacturers might offer a better deal without the added tariff costs. Plus, they may have shorter delivery times and better availability.
• Plan for longer wait times. If you are set on using imported cabinets, expect delivery delays. Make sure to factor in these potential setbacks when planning your renovation timeline.
• Work with your builder. Builders and remodelers will likely be adjusting to these changes. Work with your contractor to explore cost-effective alternatives and stay informed about the best cabinet options available under the new tariff structure.

Conclusion

The introduction of new tariffs on imported cabinets will undoubtedly impact homeowners, builders, and remodelers. While the price increases and potential delays may be concerning, they also present an opportunity to explore alternative options, such as domestic cabinetry, which could provide more value in the long run. If you’re in the middle of a renovation or planning one, now is the time to reassess your cabinet choices, adjust your budget, and consider new suppliers to keep your project on track.

By staying informed and flexible, you can navigate these changes and still achieve the dream kitchen or bathroom you’ve envisioned — without breaking the bank.