Starting October 14, 2025, new tariffs on kitchen cabinets, wood products, and stone materials will officially take effect — and for homeowners planning a remodel, that means one thing: prices are going up.
But that doesn’t mean your dream kitchen has to wait. With smart planning and the right remodeling partner, you can stay on budget, avoid unnecessary markups, and even upgrade materials strategically to get more long-term value.
Here’s how to navigate kitchen remodel pricing under the new tariffs, according to the experts at Armstrong Building Services, Michigan’s trusted remodel-and-design firm.
Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, and this round affects wood, cabinets, and stone materials from around the world. These tariffs range anywhere from 10% to 50%, depending on where the materials come from.
Here’s what’s changing most for remodelers and homeowners:
| Material | Source Region | Tariff Increase | Expected Price Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood (Cabinetry) | Taiwan, Indonesia | Up to 50% | Major cost increase by 2026 |
| Wood | Canada, Russia | 10% | Moderate |
| Stone (Counters, Facing) | Brazil, India | Up to 50% | Significant |
| Stone | Europe | 15% | Moderate |
| Stone | China | 20% | Moderate–High |
Even before these tariffs officially go into effect, suppliers have already raised prices by 5–8%, with further increases of 25% or more expected after October 14.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel in 2025 or early 2026, your timing matters more than ever.
Here’s how to get ahead of the price hikes:
Pro tip: Even if your remodel won’t start right away, securing materials in advance can save thousands on cabinets, wood flooring, and countertops.
Imported cabinets will soon cost significantly more, but there’s a bright side — U.S.-made cabinetry is now a smarter long-term investment.
“We expect an uptick in interest in our American-built product offerings,” says the team at Armstrong.
Because domestic products won’t be affected by these tariffs, American-made cabinets now offer better price stability and shorter lead times. Plus, they often deliver higher build quality and customizable options.
If your remodel involves cabinets, consider custom or shop-built cabinetry — designed and fabricated locally by trusted craftsmen.
Rising wood and stone prices are also sparking innovation in the remodeling world.
One exciting trend: stone-faced cabinets — a high-end European design now gaining popularity in the U.S.
“We expect to see stone-faced cabinets — a luxurious furnishing mostly only enjoyed in the European market — garner broader appeal here in the States,” notes Armstrong.
These cabinets offer durability, water resistance, and a sleek aesthetic, making them an excellent alternative for homeowners who want something beautiful and lasting while offsetting the wood cost increases.
When prices shift, priorities matter.
Most homeowners, when faced with higher cabinet costs, tend to adjust other budget areas first — like appliances or countertops — before compromising on cabinetry. That’s a smart move: cabinets are the backbone of your kitchen and should be built to last.
To balance costs without sacrificing quality:
The key to navigating this new pricing landscape is having the right remodeling partner — one who understands sourcing, logistics, and how to adapt to market shifts.
As a Michigan-based firm with over five decades of experience, Armstrong Building Services helps clients make informed decisions about materials, timing, and design.
They’ve already begun adapting sourcing strategies to protect homeowners from sudden cost jumps — from pre-ordering wood materials to introducing innovative, tariff-proof product lines.
The new kitchen cabinet tariffs will undoubtedly change the cost of remodeling — but they don’t have to derail your plans. By planning early, choosing American-made products, and exploring new design materials, homeowners can stay ahead of the curve and still create beautiful, lasting spaces.
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel in 2025, now’s the time to start planning.
👉 Contact Armstrong Building Services today to discuss how we can help you navigate the tariff changes and design the kitchen you’ve always wanted — at a price that still makes sense.