The average cost for new kitchen cabinets in the United States typically ranges from \$3,000 to \$15,000 for materials alone, but the final price can easily exceed \$25,000 or more depending on the size of your kitchen, the quality of materials chosen, and installation complexity.
Replacing or installing new kitchen cabinets is often the biggest expense in a kitchen remodel. Cabinets form the look and function of your kitchen. Knowing what drives the cost helps you budget wisely. This guide breaks down the different cabinet types, material costs, and what you should expect to pay for installation.
Deciphering Cabinet Costs: Types and Price Ranges
Not all cabinets are created equal. Their price reflects how they are built, the wood used, and how much customization is involved. Generally, cabinets fall into three main tiers: stock, semi-custom, and custom.
Stock Cabinets: The Budget Kitchen Cabinet Options
Stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes. Think of them as “off the shelf.” They offer the lowest price point because they are mass-produced in a factory.
Pros:
* Lowest upfront cost.
* Quick turnaround time; ready to buy now.
* Easy to find replacement parts later.
Cons:
* Limited style and finish choices.
* Sizing might not fit your space perfectly, leading to filler strips.
RTA cabinet costs (Ready-To-Assemble) are a subset of stock cabinets. These come flat-packed. You assemble them yourself. This cuts down on labor costs significantly if you are a handy DIYer.
| Cabinet Type | Cost Per Linear Foot (Materials Only) | Total Project Estimate (Average Kitchen) |
|---|---|---|
| Stock (RTA Included) | \$100 – \$250 | \$2,500 – \$7,500 |
| Semi-Custom | \$200 – \$550 | \$5,000 – \$15,000 |
| Custom | \$500 – \$1,200+ | \$12,000 – \$30,000+ |
Semi-Custom Cabinet Pricing
Semi-custom cabinets blend the affordability of stock options with more design freedom. They start with standard sizes but allow you to choose from more door styles, wood species, and finishes. You can also opt for minor modifications to depth or height.
This middle ground often provides the best value for many homeowners. It lets you personalize the look without the massive price tag of fully bespoke work.
Custom Kitchen Cabinet Pricing
When you choose custom cabinets, you get exactly what you design. Everything is made to order specifically for your space. This includes unique shapes, custom heights, specialized storage solutions, and premium materials.
High-end kitchen cabinet price tags are usually associated with this category. Builders often use the finest hardwood, special glazes, and complex finishes. This option offers the best quality and fit but requires the largest investment.
Fathoming Kitchen Cabinet Material Costs
The raw material used to build the cabinet box and the door fronts greatly influences the final price. Kitchen cabinet material costs vary widely based on durability and look.
Cabinet Box Construction Materials
The box holds the cabinet together. It needs to be strong.
- Plywood: This is the preferred material for quality cabinets. It resists warping and moisture better than other materials. It costs more but lasts longer.
- Furniture Board/Particleboard/MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): These are often used in budget or stock cabinets. They are less expensive. However, they are heavier and do not handle water spills as well as plywood.
Cabinet Door and Drawer Fronts
The doors and drawer fronts make up the visible part of your kitchen. This is where aesthetics meet cost.
Wood Types
The wood species selected is a major cost driver:
- Softwoods (Pine, Alder): These are typically the most affordable wood options. They dent more easily.
- Hardwoods (Maple, Cherry, Oak): These are the mid-to-high range choices. Maple and Cherry are very popular for their smooth grain and durability. Oak is known for its prominent grain pattern.
- Exotic/Premium Woods: Woods like Walnut or Mahogany cost significantly more due to rarity and unique beauty.
Non-Wood Finishes
- Laminate/Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL): Very durable and budget-friendly. Common in modern or commercial settings.
- Thermofoil: A vinyl film heated and molded over an MDF core. Good moisture resistance at a lower cost than real wood veneer.
- Painted Finishes: The cost depends on the paint quality and the base material (MDF holds paint very well).
Installation Costs: The Price of Putting Them Up
Getting the cabinets delivered is only half the battle. You must factor in the kitchen cabinet installation cost. Installation labor varies based on location, the complexity of the job, and the type of cabinet.
Factors Affecting Installation Labor
- Cabinet Type: Installing RTA cabinet costs is lower if you assemble them yourself. Pre-assembled stock cabinets are faster for installers. Custom cabinets take the longest because they require precise fitting into non-standard spaces.
- Kitchen Layout: Kitchens with many corners, angles, or custom appliance housings take longer to install than simple straight runs.
- Demolition: If old cabinets must be removed and the area prepped, that adds to the labor bill.
- Contractor Rates: Labor rates differ greatly between regions. A contractor in a major city will charge more than one in a rural area.
On average, installation labor accounts for about 15% to 25% of the total cabinet project cost. For a \$10,000 cabinet purchase, expect installation to run between \$1,500 and \$2,500. Always get itemized quotes that separate materials from labor.
Weighing Replacement Versus Refacing
Before buying all new materials, consider if cabinet refacing vs replacement cost makes more sense for your situation.
Cabinet Refacing
Refacing involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes. You replace only the doors, drawer fronts, and sometimes the visible side panels.
When is refacing a good choice?
* Your current cabinet boxes are sturdy (usually solid wood construction).
* You like the current layout of your kitchen.
* You want a new look without major construction mess.
Refacing is substantially cheaper than full replacement. It can save you 40% to 60% of the replacement cost. The time commitment is also usually shorter.
Full Cabinet Replacement
Replacement is necessary if the existing boxes are water-damaged, sagging, or made of cheap material that cannot support new doors. Full replacement allows you to completely change the layout, add islands, or incorporate new appliance placements.
If your current cabinets are failing or you want a radical design change, replacement is the better, though more expensive, long-term investment.
Budgeting for Your Kitchen Cabinet Project
Creating a realistic budget requires looking at the big picture. Cabinets themselves are usually the largest single line item in a kitchen remodel.
Where to Buy Affordable Kitchen Cabinets
Finding good value is key. Where you shop impacts the price tag significantly.
- Big Box Home Improvement Stores: They carry a wide range of stock and semi-custom lines. They often run sales, making them good places to start your search for budget options.
- Local Cabinet Dealers: These dealers often focus on semi-custom or custom lines. They provide better design services but may have higher markups than large chain stores.
- Online Retailers: Many retailers sell RTA cabinet costs and pre-assembled stock cabinets online. Review shipping costs and return policies carefully before ordering sight unseen.
- Direct from Manufacturer: If you are ordering a very large quantity, sometimes buying direct cuts out the middleman, especially for custom kitchen cabinet pricing.
Hidden Costs to Remember
Don’t just budget for the cabinets and installation. Other costs can add up:
- Hardware: Knobs and pulls are often separate costs. High-end hardware adds to the total.
- Upgrades: Drawer slides (soft-close mechanisms), custom inserts (spice racks, pull-outs), and lighting are extras.
- Permits and Inspection: Some areas require permits for significant remodels, which includes cabinet removal/installation if plumbing or electric is affected.
- Contingency Fund: Always set aside 10% to 15% of your budget for unexpected issues found once walls are opened.
Pricing Out the Details: Hardware and Accessories
The look of your cabinets is heavily influenced by what you put on them and inside them.
Hardware Costs
Cabinet hardware (hinges, pulls, knobs) can range from \$2 per piece to over \$30 per piece.
- Budget Hardware: Simple, standard pulls often found in packs.
- Mid-Range: Designer looks, better metal finishes, and durability.
- High-End: Solid brass, unique designer collections, or specialized soft-close hinges integrated into the door itself.
Remember that hinges are crucial. Good quality soft-close hinges prevent slamming and add years to the life of the cabinet doors.
Interior Organization Enhancements
Modern kitchens use organizational inserts to maximize space. These add to the semi-custom cabinet pricing but improve daily use.
- Roll-out shelves instead of fixed shelves.
- Trash and recycling pull-outs.
- Drawer dividers for cutlery and spices.
- Lazy Susans for corner cabinets.
These features significantly increase convenience, but each added tray or mechanism adds to the bill.
Project Timelines: From Order to Installation
The time it takes to get your cabinets varies greatly depending on the type you choose. Patience is essential when waiting for quality craftsmanship.
Stock and RTA Timelines
If you opt for budget kitchen cabinet options that are stock or RTA, the timeline is short. You might pick them up the same day or wait 1–2 weeks for delivery. Installation can often happen within a week of receiving the materials.
Semi-Custom Timelines
Semi-custom orders require manufacturing based on your chosen specifications. Expect a lead time of 4 to 8 weeks from the order date to delivery. Installation follows shortly after.
Custom Timelines
Custom kitchen cabinet pricing reflects the time spent designing, drafting, building, and finishing unique pieces. This is the longest lead time. It commonly takes 8 to 16 weeks for the cabinets to be ready. Complex, high-end projects can take even longer.
Working with Professionals: Getting Quotes Right
Getting accurate pricing requires getting multiple bids. Don’t just focus on the lowest number. Look at what is included in the quote.
Requesting Itemized Quotes
A professional quote should clearly separate these costs:
- Material Cost: Broken down by cabinet type (base, wall, tall pantry).
- Hardware Cost: Hinges, handles, and specialized drawer slides.
- Delivery Fees: If applicable.
- Installation Labor: The actual kitchen cabinet installation cost.
- Contingency/Waste Allowance: For cuts and necessary adjustments.
When comparing bids, ensure everyone is pricing the same quality of material (e.g., plywood boxes vs. furniture board). A very cheap quote might mean lower-grade materials that will fail sooner.
Hiring the Right Installer
Even the most expensive, beautiful cabinets will look bad if installed poorly.
- Ask installers for photos of previous kitchen work.
- Verify they carry liability insurance.
- Check references focused specifically on cabinet installation, not just general remodeling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Cabinet Costs
Q: Does the color of the cabinet affect the price?
A: Yes, sometimes. Standard colors (white, natural maple, basic cherry stain) are often the cheapest. Highly specialized, custom paint colors or complex multi-step finishes (like glazing or distressing) add labor and material costs, increasing the overall price.
Q: Are RTA cabinets truly cheaper than pre-assembled stock cabinets?
A: Yes, RTA cabinet costs are generally lower than pre-assembled stock cabinets because you save on the factory labor required for assembly. However, you must account for your own time and potential mistakes during assembly.
Q: What is the difference between a cabinet box quote and a full quote?
A: A cabinet box quote covers the raw shell structure of the cabinets. A full quote includes the box, the doors, the drawer fronts, the necessary hardware (hinges/slides), and often the installation fee. Always clarify which one you are looking at.
Q: Can I save money by buying cabinets directly from a big box store instead of a local dealer?
A: Often, yes, especially for stock lines. Big box stores buy in massive volumes, allowing them to offer lower pricing on standard sizes. Local dealers may offer better expertise and higher-quality semi-custom cabinet pricing options, but their base prices might be higher.
Q: How much more do soft-close drawers cost than standard drawers?
A: Upgrading standard metal drawers to soft-close mechanisms usually costs about \$10 to \$25 extra per drawer, depending on the brand and quality of the slide mechanism. This is generally a worthwhile upgrade for longevity and noise reduction.