Kitchen Pantry Cupboard Prices in Sri Lanka (2025 Material Guide)
Kitchen Pantry Cupboard Prices in Sri Lanka (2025 Material Guide)
The pantry is the heart of the kitchen. It's where you store, cook, and create. And in Sri Lanka, the pantry is often the single most expensive item in the house after the structure itself.
A well-designed pantry makes cooking a joy. A poorly designed one creates daily frustration—doors that don't close, drawers that stick, hinges that fail.
This guide covers pantry costs from budget to premium, with 2025 Sri Lankan prices.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Pantry Pricing
- Material Options
- Countertop Choices
- Hardware (The Hidden Cost)
- Design Layouts
- Complete Pantry Budgets
- Finding the Right Carpenter
- FAQs
1. Understanding Pantry Pricing
Pantry costs are typically quoted per running foot (linear foot) of cabinetry, including both base and upper cabinets.
The Formula:
Total Cost = (Running Feet × Rate) + Countertop + Hardware + Labor
Standard Kitchen Sizes:
| Kitchen Type | Running Feet | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small (Apartment) | 8-12 ft | L-shape or single wall |
| Medium (Standard Home) | 12-18 ft | L-shape or U-shape |
| Large (Spacious Home) | 18-25 ft | Full U-shape + island |
| Premium Kitchen | 25+ ft | Custom layouts |
2. Material Options
Teak (Thekka) - The Traditional Premium
| Component | Price Per Running Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Teak (Solid) | Rs. 45,000 - 65,000 | Ultimate luxury, hand-crafted |
| Teak Frame + Plywood Panels | Rs. 30,000 - 45,000 | Most common "teak" pantry |
| Teak Veneer on MDF | Rs. 22,000 - 30,000 | Looks like teak, less durable |
Pros: Beautiful grain, durable (50+ years), can be re-polished Cons: Expensive, heavy, needs occasional polish, susceptible to wood borers if not treated
Jack Wood (Kos) - The Value Option
| Component | Price Per Running Foot |
|---|---|
| Jack Frame + Plywood | Rs. 22,000 - 32,000 |
| Full Jack (Solid) | Rs. 35,000 - 50,000 |
Pros: 30-40% cheaper than teak, still durable Cons: Needs better finishing to look premium, slightly less grain beauty
Aluminium - The Modern Choice
| Type | Price Per Running Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Aluminium | Rs. 18,000 - 25,000 | White or wood-grain finish |
| Premium Aluminium (ACP Panels) | Rs. 25,000 - 35,000 | High-gloss, colored options |
| Imported (Hafele-style) | Rs. 40,000 - 60,000 | European design |
Pros: Waterproof, termite-proof, zero maintenance, modern look Cons: Dents, scratches visible, less "warm" aesthetic
MDF/Particle Board with Laminate
| Type | Price Per Running Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Particle Board (Budget) | Rs. 12,000 - 18,000 | OK for low moisture |
| MDF with Laminate | Rs. 16,000 - 24,000 | Better quality |
| Marine Ply with Laminate | Rs. 22,000 - 30,000 | Water-resistant |
Pros: Cheapest option, wide color range Cons: Swells if wet, short lifespan (5-10 years)
3. Countertop Choices
Granite
| Type | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black Galaxy | Rs. 550 - 750 | Classic choice |
| Tan Brown | Rs. 500 - 650 | Warm tones |
| Absolute Black | Rs. 700 - 900 | Premium solid black |
| White/Grey Granite | Rs. 800 - 1,200 | Imported |
For a 12ft kitchen: ~25-30 sq ft countertop = Rs. 15,000 - 25,000
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
| Type | Price Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| Standard Quartz | Rs. 1,200 - 1,800 |
| Premium (Caesarstone-style) | Rs. 2,500 - 4,000 |
Pros: More uniform patterns, non-porous (stain resistant) Cons: Expensive, heat-sensitive
Solid Surface (Corian-type)
| Type | Price Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| Standard | Rs. 1,500 - 2,500 |
| Premium | Rs. 3,000 - 5,000 |
Pros: Seamless sink integration, repairable Cons: Softer (scratches), expensive
Tile/Ceramic Countertops
| Type | Price Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| Ceramic Tile | Rs. 350 - 550 |
Pros: Cheapest option Cons: Grout stains, dated look
4. Hardware (The Hidden Cost)
Hardware can add Rs. 50,000 - 200,000 to a pantry, depending on quality.
Hinges
| Type | Price Per Pair | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Hinge (Local) | Rs. 200 - 400 | Requires manual closing |
| Soft-Close (Budget) | Rs. 600 - 1,000 | Basic auto-close |
| Soft-Close (Hafele/Hettich) | Rs. 1,500 - 3,000 | Premium, silent |
For a 12ft pantry: ~20-30 hinges needed
Drawer Slides
| Type | Price Per Pair | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roller Slide (Budget) | Rs. 400 - 700 | Basic, loud |
| Ball Bearing Slide | Rs. 800 - 1,500 | Smooth action |
| Soft-Close Full Extension | Rs. 2,000 - 4,000 | Premium |
Handles and Knobs
| Type | Price Each | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Metal | Rs. 150 - 400 | Functional |
| Designer (Local) | Rs. 500 - 1,200 | Style variety |
| Premium (Imported) | Rs. 1,500 - 4,000 | Statement pieces |
Pull-Out Systems
| Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corner Basket (Magic Corner) | Rs. 35,000 - 80,000 | Access corner cabinets |
| Tall Unit Pull-Out | Rs. 50,000 - 100,000 | Full larder access |
| Dustbin Pull-Out | Rs. 8,000 - 20,000 | Hidden waste |
| Cutlery Tray Insert | Rs. 4,000 - 12,000 | Organized drawers |
5. Design Layouts
L-Shape (Most Common)
- Dimensions: ~10ft × 8ft
- Running Feet: 12-14 ft
- Best For: Medium kitchens
U-Shape
- Dimensions: ~10ft × 10ft with 8ft back
- Running Feet: 18-22 ft
- Best For: Larger kitchens, serious cooks
Straight/Single Wall
- Dimensions: 8-12ft single wall
- Running Feet: 8-12 ft
- Best For: Apartments, small spaces
Island Kitchen
- Extra: +6-10 ft of base cabinet
- Cost Addition: Rs. 150,000 - 300,000
- Best For: Open-plan large homes
6. Complete Pantry Budgets
12 Running Feet (Standard Medium Kitchen)
| Level | Material | Countertop | Hardware | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Laminate/MDF | Granite | Basic | Rs. 250,000 - 350,000 |
| Standard | Aluminium | Granite | Soft-close | Rs. 350,000 - 500,000 |
| Premium | Jack Wood | Quartz | Hafele/Hettich | Rs. 500,000 - 750,000 |
| Luxury | Full Teak | Solid Surface | Full pull-outs | Rs. 800,000 - 1,200,000+ |
18 Running Feet (Large Kitchen)
| Level | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget | Rs. 400,000 - 550,000 |
| Standard | Rs. 550,000 - 800,000 |
| Premium | Rs. 800,000 - 1,100,000 |
| Luxury | Rs. 1,200,000 - 1,800,000 |
7. Finding the Right Carpenter
Types of Pantry Makers
| Type | Pros | Cons | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Carpenter | Customizable, personal service | Quality varies widely | Budget-Standard |
| Specialized Pantry Shops | Showrooms, portfolio available | Less custom design | Standard-Premium |
| Modular Kitchen Companies | Factory-made, consistent quality | Expensive, fixed options | Premium-Luxury |
| Interior Designers | Full design service | Add 20-30% for design fees | Premium-Luxury |
Questions to Ask
- What wood/material grade do you use?
- Which brand hardware (hinges, slides)?
- Is countertop edge work included?
- What warranty do you provide?
- Can I visit your previous projects?
💡 Pro Tip: Ask for an itemized quote. Some quotes hide cheap hardware in a "total price." Know exactly what you're getting.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which lasts longer—Teak or Aluminium pantry?
Teak (50+ years if maintained) lasts longer than aluminium (25-30 years). However, aluminium requires zero maintenance, making it more practical for most homeowners.
Q2: Should I use soft-close hinges everywhere?
Yes. The cost difference is Rs. 500-1,000 per door. Over 20 years of daily use, the silence and durability are worth every rupee.
Q3: How long does pantry installation take?
- Carpenter-built: 2-4 weeks on-site
- Factory-made/Modular: 1-2 weeks (faster because pre-fabricated)
Q4: What's the best countertop for Sri Lankan cooking?
Black Granite (Galaxy or Absolute Black). It hides stains from turmeric and curry, resists heat, and is easy to clean.
Q5: Can I change the pantry later?
You can replace doors/drawers, but the carcass (frame) is typically permanent. Design for your long-term needs now.
Q6: Should I tile behind the pantry area first?
Yes—tile the full wall before pantry installation. If you don't, you'll have patchy tiling visible near the countertop edges.
Building your dream home? Find land on LandSale.lk →