The average cost for new kitchen cabinets typically ranges from \$4,000 to \$25,000 or more, depending heavily on the quality, style, size of your kitchen, and the type of cabinets you choose. This cost covers materials and installation, but major factors like the labor cost for cabinet installation and material choices can swing that number significantly.
Getting new kitchen cabinets is a big step for any homeowner. Cabinets take up the most visual space in your kitchen. They set the look and feel of the entire room. But how much cash do you need to set aside? Figuring out your kitchen cabinet remodel budget requires looking closely at what you want and what you can afford. This guide will break down the costs for every style, from cheap options to fancy ones.
Factors Driving Kitchen Cabinet Prices
Many things make the final price go up or down. It is not just about the wood used. Think about how much work is needed. Also, consider where the cabinets come from. These key elements shape the final bill for your new look.
Cabinet Type: The Main Cost Driver
Cabinets fall into three main groups based on how they are made and sold. Each group has a different price tag.
Stock Kitchen Cabinet Prices
These cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes. They are the cheapest option.
- Pros: Lowest price point. Quickest way to get cabinets. Good for small or simple rooms.
- Cons: Limited styles and finishes. You must fit your space to their sizes.
- Typical Cost Range (Materials Only): \$100 to \$400 per linear foot.
Semi-Custom Cabinet Cost
These offer more choices than stock units. They let you mix and match sizes and features.
- Pros: Better quality than stock. More options for depth and width.
- Cons: More expensive than stock. They take longer to arrive.
- Typical Cost Range (Materials Only): \$250 to \$650 per linear foot.
Custom Kitchen Cabinet Pricing
These are built just for your space. Every piece is made to fit perfectly.
- Pros: Total control over design, size, and material. Highest quality available.
- Cons: Highest price tag. Longest lead times.
- Typical Cost Range (Materials Only): \$500 to over \$1,200 per linear foot.
Material Matters Greatly
The wood or material dictates much of the final price. Softer woods cost less than hard, dense woods.
| Material Type | Description | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate/Melamine | Faux wood look, very durable. | Low to Moderate |
| Plywood Boxes | Strong box structure. A good middle ground. | Moderate |
| Solid Wood (Maple, Oak) | Classic look, very strong. | Moderate to High |
| High-End Veneers | Thin slices of rare woods. | High |
Door Style Influence: Price of Shaker Cabinets and Others
The front of the cabinet—the door—is what you see most. Some doors need more labor to build.
- Flat Panel (Slab): Simplest design. Cheapest to make.
- Shaker Style: Very popular. A simple, clean frame and panel look. The price of shaker cabinets is usually mid-range. They are easy to clean and fit many decors.
- Raised Panel: More detail in the center panel. Takes more time to craft. Costs more.
- Distressed or Glazed: These finishes require extra steps, adding labor costs.
Hardware and Extras Add Up
Don’t forget the small parts. These add up fast when you have many drawers and doors.
- Knobs and pulls (hardware).
- Drawer slides (soft-close features cost more).
- Internal organizers like spice racks or pull-out shelves.
- Special coatings or finishes.
Breaking Down the Costs: Materials vs. Labor
When you look at your replacement kitchen cabinet prices, the total cost is split between the cabinets themselves (materials) and putting them in (labor).
Material Costs: What You Pay for the Cabinets
Material costs depend heavily on the type chosen (stock, semi-custom, or custom). For a standard-sized kitchen (about 10 feet by 10 feet), here is a general material cost breakdown:
- Budget Remodel (Stock Cabinets): \$2,500 – \$5,000
- Mid-Range Remodel (Semi-Custom): \$6,000 – \$12,000
- High-End Remodel (Custom): \$15,000 – \$30,000+
If you are looking at high-end kitchen cabinet prices, you are likely choosing custom European construction, rare woods, or complex finishes. These can easily push the material cost over \$40,000 for a large kitchen.
Labor Cost for Cabinet Installation
The kitchen cabinet installation cost is a major part of the overall project. This covers taking out the old cabinets and putting in the new ones, leveling everything, and securing it safely.
- Installation Time: A simple stock cabinet job might take 1 to 3 days. A complex custom job with many angles and cuts can take a week or more.
- Hourly Rates: Installers usually charge by the hour or by the linear foot installed. Rates vary widely by location. Big cities cost more than rural areas.
- Factors that Increase Labor Cost:
- Removing old custom work.
- Dealing with uneven floors or walls.
- Installing complex lighting or hidden features.
- Using complicated trims or crown molding.
Expect the kitchen cabinet installation cost to run between \$1,500 and \$5,000 for a standard kitchen, but this can climb much higher for detailed custom work.
Charting the Full Kitchen Cabinet Remodel Budget
The total cost for a kitchen refresh involves more than just the boxes and doors. You need to account for the whole project.
Example Cost Breakdown for a Mid-Range Kitchen (10×10 size, Semi-Custom Cabinets)
| Item | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Materials | \$7,000 – \$10,000 | Plywood boxes, decent hardware. |
| Cabinet Installation Labor | \$2,500 – \$4,000 | Includes leveling and securing. |
| Countertops (Installation Included) | \$3,000 – \$6,000 | Quartz or mid-grade granite. |
| Backsplash Installation | \$500 – \$1,500 | Tile material and labor. |
| Sink and Faucet Replacement | \$500 – \$1,000 | Does not include major plumbing changes. |
| Total Estimated Project Cost | \$13,500 – \$22,500 | This assumes existing layout remains the same. |
This table shows why knowing the average cost for new kitchen cabinets alone is not enough. The surrounding elements affect the final spend.
Decoding Custom Kitchen Cabinet Pricing Nuances
When you opt for custom work, you enter a realm where prices are less fixed. Custom kitchen cabinet pricing reflects the expertise of the craftsman and the uniqueness of the design.
The Role of Design Complexity
A simple, straight-line kitchen with all doors facing out is cheaper than a U-shaped kitchen with angled corner cabinets and lots of drawers. The more pieces that need precise angles cut, the higher the cost.
Wood Species Selection
The wood you select profoundly impacts custom quotes.
- Economical Choices: Poplar, Birch. Good for painted finishes.
- Mid-Range Favorites: Maple, Cherry, White Oak. Excellent grain and durability.
- Premium Selections: Walnut, Mahogany. Rare or highly figured woods come at a premium price.
Finish Level: Painting vs. Staining
Staining often highlights the natural wood grain and can be less expensive for custom builders. Painting, especially if it involves a multi-step process like glazing or distressing, demands more specialized labor. A simple clear coat might be \$500 per cabinet run, while a complex, hand-applied glaze could be \$1,000 or more.
Making Smart Choices for Your Kitchen Cabinet Remodel Budget
To keep your spending in check, you need to prioritize. Decide what features are must-haves versus nice-to-haves.
Saving Money with Semi-Custom Options
For many homeowners, the semi-custom cabinet cost hits the sweet spot. You gain customization without the massive price jump of full custom builds.
- Maximizing Semi-Custom: Choose standard depths but ask for unique interior configurations. Order cabinets with an unfinished top, allowing you to save a little by installing a simpler crown molding yourself or using a less expensive type.
- Door Style Savings: Stick with the price of shaker cabinets. They are easier for manufacturers to produce quickly, which can lower the price compared to highly ornate raised panels.
Strategies for Reducing Labor Costs
The labor cost for cabinet installation can sometimes be lowered by smart planning:
- Keep the Layout: Do not move walls or major plumbing lines if you can avoid it. Moving the sink or stove adds significant cost to the overall remodel budget.
- Use the Same Installer for Everything: If your cabinet installer also does the countertop templating or minor trim work, you might get a better package deal.
- Prep the Site: Clear out everything before the installers arrive. Remove old appliances and clear pathways. The less time they spend moving your junk, the lower the bill.
When Stock Cabinets Just Won’t Work
While stock kitchen cabinet prices are tempting, they often fall short for older homes or oddly shaped spaces. If you have odd measurements—say, a space that is 33 inches wide—a stock cabinet might be 30 or 36 inches. Forcing a fit usually means wasted space or custom filler pieces, which erases some of the initial savings.
Interpreting the Price of High-End Kitchen Cabinets
What puts a set of cabinets in the high-end kitchen cabinet prices category? It goes beyond just solid wood construction.
- Construction Technique: Look for dovetailed drawers and full-extension soft-close slides, often imported from Europe.
- Finish Quality: Finishes that are baked on in a factory setting (catalyzed conversion varnish) offer superior durability to hand-applied finishes.
- Materials Sourcing: Using reclaimed wood, rare veneers, or specialized metal accents drives costs up substantially.
- Warranty and Service: High-end suppliers often include better long-term guarantees and design support.
If your kitchen cabinet remodel budget allows for these features, the longevity and aesthetic payoff are usually significant.
Finalizing Your Purchase: Getting Quotes
Do not accept the first number you hear. Shop around and get at least three detailed quotes. Make sure every quote lists:
- The specific brand and model of the cabinet.
- The material (e.g., plywood vs. particle board box).
- The cost of delivery.
- A clear breakdown of the kitchen cabinet installation cost.
- What hardware (hinges, pulls) is included.
Comparing apples to apples is crucial. A low quote that excludes installation or uses lower-grade box materials might end up costing you more down the road when replacements are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to install cabinets per day?
The labor cost for cabinet installation is usually quoted per linear foot or as a flat rate for the whole job, rather than by the day. However, expect a standard installation team to work for about \$500 to \$1,000 in labor fees per day, depending on location and complexity.
Is the price of shaker cabinets more expensive than flat panel cabinets?
Yes, the price of shaker cabinets is generally slightly higher than plain flat (slab) doors because the Shaker style requires assembling the frame and panel. Flat panels are one piece, making them cheaper and faster to produce.
What is the typical price range for basic stock kitchen cabinets?
Stock kitchen cabinet prices usually fall between \$100 and \$400 per linear foot for materials only. For a small kitchen, the material total might start around \$2,500.
Does the average cost for new kitchen cabinets include countertops?
No, the average cost for new kitchen cabinets almost always refers just to the cabinets and installation. Countertops, sinks, plumbing hookups, and appliances are typically separate line items in your kitchen cabinet remodel budget.
Can I save money by buying cabinets online instead of local?
You can often find lower replacement kitchen cabinet prices online, especially for stock or semi-custom lines. However, you must factor in shipping costs, the possibility of receiving damaged goods (which is common), and the difficulty of returning large items. Local suppliers often bundle the product with professional kitchen cabinet installation cost, simplifying the process.