Journal · 1 min read
Built-In Furniture Cost and What Sets the Price
Understand why two similar-looking built-ins can differ in price twofold.
2026-04-05
Built-in furniture in Thailand is usually priced per linear meter, commonly 4,500 to 16,000 baht per meter depending on materials and hardware. Melamine sits at the low end, laminate in the middle, and veneer or lacquer at the top. Carcass quality, hinges and runners, and complexity all move the final number.
Surface material sets the band
The visible finish is the first price driver. Melamine is the most economical, laminate is more durable and water-resistant, veneer gives a real-wood look at a premium, and lacquer or painted finishes cost the most for their seamless surface. Choosing the right finish per zone keeps a project on budget.
- Melamine: about 4,500 to 6,500 baht per meter
- Laminate: about 6,000 to 9,000 baht per meter
- Veneer: about 9,000 to 13,000 baht per meter
- Lacquer or painted: about 12,000 to 18,000 baht per meter
- Stone or quartz countertops: about 3,500 to 8,000 baht per meter extra
Carcass, hardware, and detail
Behind the finish, the carcass board and hardware quietly decide durability and price. Moisture-resistant board for wet zones, soft-close hinges and runners, and branded fittings cost more but last. Extra detail like glass doors, integrated lighting, curved fronts, or aluminum profiles adds labor and pushes the per-meter rate up.
How pricing is measured
Most makers quote by linear meter of frontage, sometimes adjusted for height, and countertops by running meter. Tall units, full-height wardrobes, and kitchens with many drawers cost more than the same length of simple shelving. Ask whether the quote is per linear meter or per surface area, since the two are not comparable.
How much does built-in furniture cost per meter in Thailand?
Commonly 4,500 to 16,000 baht per linear meter. Melamine sits around 4,500 to 6,500, laminate 6,000 to 9,000, veneer 9,000 to 13,000, and lacquer 12,000 to 18,000. Hardware quality and detail move the figure within each band.
Is built-in furniture better value than loose furniture?
For fitting awkward spaces and maximizing storage, yes. Built-ins use every corner and give a seamless look, which suits small Bangkok condos. Loose furniture is cheaper and movable, so a mix, built-ins where space is tight, loose pieces elsewhere, often works best.