Custom Entryway Cabinet Cost Breakdown 2025: MRETTY’s SG Guide

Introduction: Why Entryway Cabinets Matter More Than You Think in Singapore

Your entryway is the first impression of your home—and your entryway cabinetis its silent workhorse. In Singapore’s compact HDB flats and luxury condos, this compact space must balance storage, style, and resilience against humidity. But one question haunts every homeowner: “How much does a high-quality custom entryway cabinet really cost?”

At MRETTY, Singapore’s premium full-home customization brand, we’ve seen clients overwhelmed by vague quotes or cheap materials that warp within months. This 2025 guide demystifies custom entryway cabinet cost breakdown, blending industry insights, real client data, and MRETTY’s technical edge to help you budget smarter. Whether you’re in Tampines or Bukit Timah, this guide is your SG-specific cheat sheet.

Step 1: Evaluate Space & Lifestyle Needs – The Foundation of Your Budget

Before crunching numbers, measure your entryway precisely. Singaporean homes often have narrow entryways (as small as 0.8m x 1.2m), so every centimeter counts. Ask:

  • Do you need built-in shoe storage, a key tray, or a charging station?

  • Will it house a small sink (common in master ensuite entries)?

  • How much daily traffic does it endure? (High-use areas demand sturdier materials.)

MRETTY’s free 3D space-planning tool lets you visualize layouts before committing. For example, a client in Marine Parade with a 1m-wide entryway opted for a slim 30cm-deep cabinet with pull-out drawers instead of a bulky hinged door—saving S$800 in material costs while maximizing utility.

Step 2: Material & Craftsmanship – Where Quality Drives Cost (and Longevity)

Materials make up 40-50% of your custom entryway cabinet cost breakdown. Here’s how MRETTY’s premium choices stack up:

Key Material Costs Compared:

Component

Budget Options

MRETTY’s Standard

Why It Matters in SG

Core Board

Particleboard (E1)

ENF-grade OSB

Resists humidity; FSC-certified

Surface Finish

E1 Lacquer

E0-level 5-base 3-coat

Scratch-resistant; zero formaldehyde

Door Thickness

18mm

25mm reinforced

Prevents warping in heat/humidity

Hardware

Standard hinges

Hidden soft-close hinges

Sleek look; 100k+ open/close cycles

Our ENF-grade oriented strand board (OSB) outperforms particleboard by 30% in moisture resistance—a critical factor in Singapore’s year-round humidity. Paired with E0-level paint (strictly <0.05mg/m³ formaldehyde), these cabinets meet Singapore’s SS 2018-05 green building standards.

mretty

Step 3: Functionality – Custom Features That Add (Worthwhile) Cost

A “basic” cabinet starts at S$2,500, but functionality drives up costs—and value. Here’s what clients in Singapore prioritize:

High-Impact Upgrades:

  • Waterproofing for Wet Areas: If your entryway connects to a powder room, MRETTY’s full aluminum claddingfor sink cabinets prevents OSB swelling. One Bedok client saved S$1,200 in repairs after upgrading from non-protected boards.

  • Soft-Close Mechanisms: Hidden hinges with hydraulic buffers add S500 but eliminate slamming—ideal for families with kids.

  • Built-In Lighting: LED strips (S800) elevate aesthetics and safety, especially in dim entryways.

MRETTY’s design team often recommends combining these: A recent Orchard client’s entryway features a 25mm-thick door with J-groove detailing, hidden hinges, and under-cabinet lighting—all while staying under their S$4,500 budget.

Step 4: Design Details – The “Invisible” Costs That Elevate Your Space

It’s not just about materials—design choices subtly affect your custom entryway cabinet cost breakdown:

Detail-Driven Expenses:

  • Door Thickness: 25mm vs. 18mm adds S700 but feels premium and durable.

  • J-Groove Carving: Handcrafted J-grooves (S600) add texture without extra hardware.

  • Custom Hardware: Brushed brass handles (S$200/pair) vs. standard matte black (included).

At MRETTY, we work with clients to balance aesthetics and budget. A client in River Valley chose 25mm doors and J-grooves but opted for standard hardware—keeping costs at S$3,800 while achieving a high-end look.

Step 5: Hidden Fees – Avoid Surprises with MRETTY’s Transparency

Many “low-cost” quotes hide fees. With MRETTY, you pay for:

  • Measurement & Site Visit: S5,000).

  • Installation: S800 (includes floor protection and post-install cleanup).

  • Design Consultation: Free for all projects (our designers average 10 years’ SG experience).

Compare this to competitors who charge S1,200 for installation—without MRETTY’s 5-year warranty.

MRETTY vs. Competitors: A 2025 SG Cost & Value Comparison

To help you decide, here’s how MRETTY stacks up against two common alternatives:

Factor

Budget Brand X

Imported Brand Y

MRETTY

Core Material

E1 Particleboard

Solid Pine (imported)

ENF OSB (FSC-certified)

Moisture Resistance

Low (warps in 2 yrs)

Moderate

High (10+ yrs tested)

Local Warranty

1 year

2 years (overseas claims)

5 years (SG-based team)

Avg. Cost (1m cabinet)

S$2,200

S$6,500

S4,800

SG-Specific Design

Generic

European-focused

HDB/condo-optimized

Real Case Study: How a Singapore Family Saved 20% with MRETTY

Meet the Lim family in Bishan, owners of a 4-room HDB flat. Their entryway was cluttered with shoes, keys, and a bulky umbrella stand. They wanted:

  • A slim cabinet (max 35cm depth).

  • Waterproofing for occasional umbrella drips.

  • A “wow” factor for guests.

MRETTY’s Solution:

  • Material: ENF OSB core with E0 paint.

  • Features: 25mm-thick door with J-grooves, hidden hinges, and a full aluminum-clad bottom shelf for wet umbrellas.

  • Design: Soft-close drawers for keys and a hidden charging port.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Materials: S$1,800

  • Labor & Design: S$1,200

  • Upgrades (aluminum cladding, J-grooves): S$600

  • Total: S4,500 budget).

Mrs. Lim shared: “The cabinet looks expensive, but it’s saved us from replacing warped boards twice a year. MRETTY’s focus on SG’s climate made all the difference.”

Why MRETTY Leads Singapore’s Premium Entryway Market

As Singapore’s trusted custom furniture brand, MRETTY combines:

  • FSC-Certified Materials: Our ENF OSB and E0 paint meet global green standards.

  • Local Expertise: Designs tailored to HDB/condo layouts, with installers trained in SG’s building codes.

  • Innovation: Aluminum-clad water-resistant shelves and 25mm reinforced doors—built for tropical living.

Ready to transform your entryway? Book a free, no-obligation consultation with MRETTY today. Our designers will walk you through a personalized cost breakdown and 3D renderings—so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

About the Author: 杨松 (Yang Song) is MRETTY’s lead interior designer, with 12 years of experience crafting Singapore-specific spaces. His award-winning project, “The Green Entryway” (2023 Singapore Interior Design Awards), redefined eco-luxury in HDB living.

By choosing MRETTY, you’re not just buying a cabinet—you’re investing in a piece built for Singapore’s climate, your lifestyle, and lasting beauty. Let’s make your entryway unforgettable.

MRETTY: Premium Bespoke Kitchen & Cabinet Systems Provider in Singapore.