Planning a high-end home renovation in Singapore? One of the biggest expenses? Whole house cabinetry cost. With rising material costs and demand for premium, durable solutions, understanding every line item—from materials to labor—is critical. As a top full-house custom cabinet brand in Singapore, MRETTY has helped hundreds of homeowners decode cabinetry expenses while delivering luxury, functionality, and long-term value. In this 2025 guide, we break down costs, compare industry standards, and share a real Singapore case study to help you budget smarter.
Why Whole House Cabinetry Costs Vary: Key Factors (And How MRETTY Delivers Value)
Before diving into numbers, let’s clarify what drives whole house cabinetry cost breakdown. Unlike off-the-shelf furniture, custom cabinets blend design, material science, and local needs—especially in Singapore’s humid climate. Here are the 5 core cost drivers:
1. Material Quality: The Foundation of Durability & Cost
Materials make up 40-50% of total cabinetry costs. Singapore’s humidity demands moisture-resistant options to prevent warping or mold. MRETTY uses ENF-grade oriented strand board (OSB)—the gold standard for low formaldehyde emissions (≤0.025mg/m³)—paired with aviation aluminum honeycomb cores. This combo is 30% lighter than solid wood but 2x more rigid, reducing expansion risks in humid environments. Cheaper alternatives often use E1-grade particleboard, which swells faster and lacks ENF certification.
2. Design Complexity: Customization = Precision (and Cost)
From floor-to-ceiling pantry units to integrated spice racks, complex designs require more labor and engineering. MRETTY’s in-house team uses 3D modeling to visualize layouts, minimizing costly on-site adjustments. For example, our hidden hinge systems (vs. visible hinges) add 20 per door but eliminate hinge-related repairs long-term.
3. Finishing & Coatings: Aesthetics Meet Longevity
Low-quality paints chip or yellow in Singapore’s sun. MRETTY applies E0-grade lacquer with 5-base/3-top coats—a process that costs 20% more than standard 2-coat finishes but delivers scratch resistance and zero VOC emissions. Our signature 25mm thickened doors (vs. industry 18mm) also require additional coating layers, ensuring durability for high-traffic areas like kitchens.
4. Installation & Protection: The Unseen Details
Rushing installation leads to misaligned doors or scratched surfaces. MRETTY includes floor film protection, J-groove edge detailing, and certified installers trained in Singapore’s building codes. This adds 500 to projects but prevents post-installation headaches.
5. Specialized Solutions: Solving Local Pain Points
Singaporean homes often struggle with water damage in kitchen sink cabinets. MRETTY’s full aluminum cladding for sink bases—a 400 upsell—prevents moisture from seeping into OSB cores, extending cabinet life by 10+ years.

MRETTY vs. Competitors: A Transparent Cost & Quality Comparison
To help you choose, we’ve contrasted MRETTY with two common Singapore cabinetry brands. Note: Prices reflect a 3-room HDB unit (≈800 sqft) with kitchen, bedrooms, and walk-in wardrobes.
|
Factor |
MRETTY |
Brand A (Mid-Range) |
Brand B (Budget) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Core Material |
ENF OSB + aviation aluminum honeycomb |
E1 particleboard |
MDF (no moisture resistance) |
|
Door Thickness |
25mm (thickened) |
18mm |
16mm |
|
Coating Process |
5-base/3-top E0 lacquer |
2-base/1-top standard paint |
1-base paint (high VOC) |
|
Sink Base Protection |
Full aluminum cladding |
None |
Thin plastic liner |
|
Warranty |
10-year structural + 5-year finish |
5-year limited |
2-year limited |
|
Avg. Cost (per sqft) |
S550 |
S400 |
S280 |
While MRETTY sits at the premium end, our clients report 40% fewer repair costs over 5 years—making it a smarter long-term investment.
Real Singapore Case Study: A Marina One Residences Project
Let’s put theory into practice. Ms. Lee, a Marina One Residences homeowner, wanted a seamless, family-friendly whole house cabinet system. Her key needs: humidity resistance (for her kids’ art supplies), space optimization, and a sleek, modern look.
Project Scope:
-
Kitchen: 8 linear ft countertops with integrated appliances
-
Master Walk-In Wardrobe: 12 sqft with custom hanging/drawer zones
-
Kids’ Room: 6 sqft storage with built-in toy bins
-
Common Bathroom: Vanity cabinets with anti-fog mirrors
Whole House Cabinetry Cost Breakdown:
|
Component |
Cost (S$) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Materials (ENF OSB, aluminum) |
28,000 |
Includes full aluminum sink cladding |
|
Design & 3D Modeling |
5,500 |
Custom layouts + soft furnishing mockups |
|
Finishing (5-coat E0 lacquer) |
7,200 |
25mm thickened doors with J-groove edges |
|
Installation & Protection |
4,800 |
Floor film, certified crew, hidden hinges |
|
Special Add-Ons |
3,500 |
Anti-fog mirrors, toy bin organizers |
|
Total |
49,000 |
≈S$408/sqft (within MRETTY’s premium range) |
Ms. Lee now enjoys a clutter-free home with zero moisture damage after 18 months—proof that investing in quality pays off.
Why MRETTY Leads Singapore’s High-End Cabinetry Market
Beyond cost transparency, MRETTY delivers what Singapore homeowners deserve:
-
FSC-Certified Materials: All wood sources are traceable, aligning with Singapore’s green building standards.
-
Local Expertise: Our team understands humidity challenges, designing cabinets that “breathe” without warping.
-
End-to-End Service: From free 3D consultations to post-installation check-ins, we handle every step.
MRETTY: Crafting Timeless, Durable Cabinets for Singapore’s Finest Homes
As a trusted name in Singapore’s luxury interior design scene, MRETTY merges European craftsmanship with local insights. Our ENF-grade OSB cabinets, aviation aluminum honeycomb cores, and 5-coat E0 finishes aren’t just specs—they’re promises of longevity. Every project, from HDB flats to private condos, reflects our commitment to sustainability, functionality, and beauty.
Author: Yang Song | Senior Designer at MRETTY
With over 12 years of experience in high-end residential design, Yang Song has led projects featured in Singapore Home & Decor Magazineand won the 2023 Singapore Interior Design Awards for “Best Custom Cabinetry.” His expertise in humidity-resistant materials and space optimization has helped clients across Marina Bay, Orchard Road, and Sentosa achieve their dream homes.
Ready to start your whole house cabinetry cost breakdown? Book a free consultation with MRETTY today—let’s design a space that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Book a Free Consultation Now
Certified FSC® Partner | 10-Year Structural Warranty | Singapore’s #1 Premium Cabinet Brand
MRETTY: Premium Bespoke Kitchen & Cabinet Systems Provider in Singapore.