New kitchen cabinets typically cost between \$4,000 and \$25,000 for materials alone, but this wide range depends heavily on the style, quality, and size of your kitchen.
Replacing your kitchen cabinets is one of the biggest decisions you make when remodeling. Cabinets take up the most visual space. They set the tone for your whole kitchen. Knowing the costs upfront helps you plan your budget. This guide breaks down what drives the price of new kitchen cabinets. We look at different types, materials, and the extra costs you must consider.
Deciphering Cabinet Types and Their Price Tags
The type of cabinet you choose has the largest impact on the final bill. Cabinets fall into three main groups: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Each offers different levels of choice and price.
Stock Cabinets: Budget-Friendly Options
Stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes. Think of them as ready-to-go options. They are the most affordable new kitchen cabinets available.
- Pros: Low cost, fast availability.
- Cons: Limited styles, sizes, and finishes. You might have gaps if your kitchen is not a perfect fit for standard sizes.
You might find RTA cabinet pricing (Ready-to-Assemble) within this category, which saves money by having you put the pieces together yourself.
Semi-Custom Cabinets: Finding the Middle Ground
Semi-custom cabinet quotes offer more options than stock units. These cabinets can be modified in terms of depth, width, and height. You also get more choices for door styles and wood types.
They strike a great balance. You get a look that fits your space better without the huge price tag of fully custom work. This is a popular choice for many remodels.
Custom Cabinets: Total Personalization
Custom cabinets are built specifically for your kitchen. Every dimension is made to fit your exact needs. This means unique shapes, special storage solutions, and rare finishes are all possible.
Getting custom kitchen cabinet estimates usually involves detailed drawings and multiple consultations. While they offer the best look and fit, they are the most expensive option.
Material Matters: What Your Cabinets Are Made Of
Beyond the style, the raw material used to build the cabinet boxes and doors affects the price greatly.
Cabinet Box Construction
The box holds everything up. Stronger materials cost more.
- Plywood: High-quality, strong, and resists moisture well. This is generally more expensive.
- Furniture Board (Particleboard/MDF): Less expensive, but weaker, especially if exposed to water. These are common in lower-end stock options.
Door and Drawer Front Materials
The door is what everyone sees. This is where costs can really climb.
| Material | Quality Level | Price Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate/Thermofoil | Entry to Mid-Level | Lower | Durable, easy to clean, but can look less premium. |
| Solid Wood (Maple, Cherry, Oak) | Mid to High-Level | Moderate to High | Classic look, long-lasting, refinishable. |
| Veneer | Mid-Level | Moderate | A thin layer of real wood over a substrate. Good value. |
| Exotic Hardwoods | High-Level | Very High | Unique grains and colors add significant cost. |
Fathoming the Total Cost of New Kitchen Cabinets
When people ask, “How much are new cabinets?” they are usually asking for the average cost of kitchen remodel cabinets. This involves more than just the boxes and doors.
Material Cost Breakdown
The cost of the cabinets themselves (the materials) usually makes up about 40% to 50% of the total cabinet budget. For an average-sized kitchen (around 10 to 12 linear feet of cabinetry), you can expect the materials to range widely:
- Stock Cabinets: \$2,500 to \$7,000
- Semi-Custom Cabinets: \$5,000 to \$15,000
- Custom Cabinets: \$12,000 to \$30,000+
The Hidden Costs: Installation and Accessories
The price tag on the showroom floor is rarely the final price you pay. You must factor in accessories and installation.
Cabinet Hardware and Features
Modern kitchens need specialized storage. These add-ons increase the final price but improve function.
- Roll-out shelves for base cabinets.
- Spice drawer inserts.
- Trash/recycling pull-outs.
- Soft-close drawer glides and door hinges.
If you opt for high-end drawer slides or complex organizational systems, these accessories can add 10% to 20% to your material cost.
Labor Cost for Cabinet Installation
The kitchen cabinet installation cost varies based on where you live and the complexity of the job. Highly detailed or angled kitchens require more time and skill.
For standard installations, expect the labor cost to be roughly 15% to 25% of the material cost. If you have existing plumbing or electrical runs that need modification to fit the new layout, the labor cost goes up.
For example, if your materials cost \$10,000, the installation labor might run between \$1,500 and \$2,500. Always get detailed quotes that specify what is included in the labor cost for cabinet installation. Does it include hauling away old cabinets? Does it include minor drywall repair? Be sure to ask.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement Cost
Before committing to a full tear-out, many homeowners consider cabinet refacing vs replacement cost. This is an important comparison for your full kitchen cabinet replacement budget.
Refacing involves keeping the existing cabinet boxes but replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and the visible exterior surfaces (the veneer or facing).
| Factor | Cabinet Refacing | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Faster (often a few days) | Slower (weeks for order/install) |
| Cost | Typically 40% to 60% of replacement cost | Full expense based on cabinet grade |
| Style Change | Limited to available door styles | Unlimited style changes possible |
| Structural Integrity | Relies on existing, older box structure | New boxes, better longevity |
If your existing cabinet boxes are in great shape—no water damage, sturdy joints—refacing can save significant money. If the boxes are weak, warped, or you are changing the kitchen layout significantly, replacement is the only sensible choice.
Budgeting for Different Kitchen Sizes
The size of your kitchen dictates the sheer number of cabinets needed. A small galley kitchen needs far fewer units than a large L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen.
To help set expectations, here is a general guide based on cabinet grade, assuming an average layout complexity. These are estimates for materials only, excluding installation.
Small Kitchen Budget Estimate (Approx. 10-12 Linear Feet)
| Cabinet Type | Estimated Material Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Stock (RTA or Pre-assembled) | \$2,500 – \$5,000 |
| Semi-Custom | \$5,000 – \$9,000 |
| Custom | \$9,000 – \$15,000 |
Medium Kitchen Budget Estimate (Approx. 15-20 Linear Feet)
| Cabinet Type | Estimated Material Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Stock (Pre-assembled) | \$4,000 – \$8,000 |
| Semi-Custom | \$8,000 – \$16,000 |
| Custom | \$15,000 – \$25,000 |
Large Kitchen Budget Estimate (Approx. 25+ Linear Feet, Islands Included)
| Cabinet Type | Estimated Material Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Stock (Pre-assembled) | \$7,000 – \$12,000+ |
| Semi-Custom | \$14,000 – \$25,000+ |
| Custom | \$25,000 – \$40,000+ |
Remember, these figures represent only the cabinetry. Countertops, appliances, flooring, and backsplash are separate line items in your full kitchen cabinet replacement budget.
Factors That Push Cabinet Prices Higher
Several design choices can quickly turn an entry-level quote into a mid-range or high-end expense. If you are aiming for affordable new kitchen cabinets, avoid these pricier elements:
Complex Door Styles
Simple doors are cheaper. Shaker style is a good balance of popular looks and reasonable cost. Highly detailed doors significantly increase the price.
- Slab Doors: Simplest, cheapest. Flat front.
- Shaker Doors: Panel recessed. Good value.
- Cathedral or Raised Panel Doors: Require more milling time, costing more.
- Glass Inserts: Adding glass panels adds material cost and requires careful handling during installation.
Finish Choices
The finish is the final coat. Factory finishes are usually the most cost-effective.
- Stain: Usually cheaper than paint, showing the wood grain.
- Paint: Can be more expensive due to the extra prep work needed for a smooth, durable finish.
- Glazes or Distressing: Adding decorative effects requires extra labor, driving up the price.
Specialized Cabinetry
Standard cabinets are rectangular boxes. Specialized cabinets are often built differently or require more complex hardware.
- Corner Cabinets: Especially lazy Susans or blind corners, often cost more to manufacture and install correctly.
- Appliance Garages: Cabinets designed specifically to hide microwaves or toasters.
- Custom Hood Enclosures: Building a custom wooden cover for your range hood instead of using a standard metal one.
Getting Accurate Semi-Custom Cabinet Quotes
When you start looking at semi-custom cabinet quotes, you must be prepared with accurate measurements. Semi-custom lines are modular, meaning they come in increments (e.g., every 3 inches of width).
To get an accurate quote, bring your plans to the cabinet dealer or designer. They will map out the kitchen using their available modules.
What to check in your semi-custom quote:
- Cabinet Box Material: Confirm if it’s plywood or furniture board.
- Drawer Glides: Are they full-extension, soft-close?
- Lead Time: How long until the cabinets arrive? This is crucial for scheduling the rest of the remodel.
- Warranty: What does the manufacturer cover?
Considering the DIY Route (RTA Cabinets)
For the budget-conscious renovator, RTA cabinet pricing presents the lowest material barrier to entry. RTA cabinets are shipped in flat boxes. You assemble them yourself.
While this eliminates the labor cost for cabinet installation, it requires significant time and precision. If you assemble them incorrectly, you might damage the cabinets or have doors that never hang quite right. This route is best for experienced DIYers who are comfortable with basic carpentry.
The Price of Full Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Budgeting
When developing your full kitchen cabinet replacement budget, it helps to allocate percentages. A common, realistic breakdown for a full kitchen remodel often looks like this:
- Cabinetry (Materials & Hardware): 30% – 40%
- Installation Labor: 10% – 15%
- Countertops: 10% – 15%
- Appliances: 15% – 20%
- Flooring, Backsplash, Lighting, Plumbing: Remaining percentage
If you spend \$18,000 on cabinets and installation, you should budget at least another \$18,000 to \$25,000 for the remaining necessary elements of the kitchen overhaul.
Why You Should Avoid Comparing Apples to Oranges
It is tempting to compare a custom kitchen cabinet estimate from a local woodworker with a brochure price from a big box store selling stock lines. This comparison rarely works because the quality, specifications, and included services are completely different.
A local custom shop might offer thicker plywood boxes and superior joinery that lasts 50 years. A stock vendor might use thinner materials intended to last 10 to 15 years. Paying more for custom cabinets often means paying for superior longevity and perfect fit, which reduces future repair costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to install kitchen cabinets per linear foot?
The kitchen cabinet installation cost typically ranges from \$75 to \$150 per linear foot for standard installation of upper and lower cabinets. This can rise to \$200 or more per foot if the installation involves complex angles, custom molding, or specialized built-ins that require precise fitting.
Are RTA cabinets a good investment if I want to sell my house soon?
RTA cabinets are a good investment if your primary goal is saving money on the upfront cost. However, buyers often view new, fully installed, semi-custom or custom cabinets as a significant upgrade that adds more resale value than basic RTA units, even if the RTA units look nice.
What is the cheapest way to get new cabinets?
The cheapest way is usually buying stock, Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinets and installing them yourself. If you want professionally installed cabinets but still need affordable new kitchen cabinets, look for sale events on stock or builder-grade semi-custom lines during off-peak remodeling seasons (like winter).
Do I need to budget extra money for cabinet installation surprises?
Yes. Always budget a contingency fund of 10% to 15% for the installation phase. Surprises often include discovering uneven subfloors or walls that require extra shimming, scribing (cutting the cabinets precisely to fit wavy walls), or minor electrical relocation for new appliance placements.
How long does it take to get custom kitchen cabinets delivered?
Lead times for custom kitchen cabinet estimates are significantly longer than stock options. Typically, custom orders take between 8 to 16 weeks from the final design approval until delivery. Semi-custom lines are faster, often requiring 4 to 8 weeks. Stock cabinets might arrive in just a few days or weeks.