The kitchen cabinet replacement cost can range widely, but for a standard kitchen, you might spend anywhere from \$4,000 to over \$20,000 for new cabinets and installation. This price varies based on the quality of the cabinets you choose, the size of your kitchen, and whether you opt for stock, semi-custom, or fully custom units.
Grasping the Factors That Shape Your Cabinet Budget
Replacing kitchen cabinets is often the biggest part of any kitchen renovation. It sets the look and feel of the whole room. Many things push the price up or down. Knowing these factors helps you plan your money better.
Cabinet Style Tiers and Their Price Points
Cabinets generally fall into three main groups. Each group offers a different blend of looks, quality, and price.
Stock Cabinets: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes. Think of them as “off the shelf.” They are the least costly option.
- Pros: Quick delivery, lowest initial price tag. Good for tight budget kitchen cabinet replacement projects.
- Cons: Limited choices in style, color, and size. You must fit your kitchen layout to the cabinets.
- Price Snapshot: These usually offer the lowest stock cabinet replacement price.
Semi-Custom Cabinets: Finding a Middle Ground
Semi-custom cabinets offer more choices than stock units. Makers build them when you order them. You can pick different depths, widths, and finishes.
- Pros: Better quality than stock; good mix of personalization and price. This affects the semi-custom cabinet installation cost moderately.
- Cons: Takes longer to arrive than stock cabinets.
- Price Snapshot: A step up in price but often worth it for a better fit.
Custom Cabinets: Ultimate Personalization
Custom cabinets are made just for your kitchen. They fit every nook and cranny perfectly. This is the top-tier choice for unique designs.
- Pros: Unlimited choices in material, style, and size. They maximize storage space. This drives up the custom kitchen cabinet replacement cost.
- Cons: Most expensive route; takes the longest time to build and install.
- Price Snapshot: Prepare for the highest upfront investment.
Material Matters: What Your Cabinets Are Made Of
The material used for the cabinet boxes and doors heavily affects the final price.
- Plywood vs. Furniture Board: Plywood boxes are stronger and last longer than boxes made from particleboard or MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard). Plywood costs more upfront.
- Door Material: Solid wood doors (like maple or cherry) cost more than painted MDF or thermofoil doors. High-end veneers or exotic woods add significantly to new kitchen cabinet pricing.
Hardware and Features Add Up
Don’t forget the small things. Knobs, pulls, hinges, and drawer slides add up fast.
- Soft-close hinges are a must-have for many now, but they increase the kitchen cabinet replacement cost.
- Roll-out shelves, spice racks built into the cabinets, and lazy Susans add convenience—and dollars.
Analyzing the Cost Breakdown: What You Actually Pay For
When looking at the full kitchen cabinet remodel cost, the price is split between the product and the work needed to put it in.
The Product Cost: Cabinets Themselves
This is the price of the physical boxes, doors, and drawer fronts. For a medium-sized kitchen (about 10 to 12 linear feet of cabinets), the material cost breaks down roughly like this based on style:
| Cabinet Style | Material Cost Range (per linear foot) | Total Material Estimate (Mid-Size Kitchen) |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | \$150 – \$350 | \$2,500 – \$5,000 |
| Semi-Custom | \$300 – \$650 | \$5,000 – \$10,000 |
| Custom | \$500 – \$1,200+ | \$8,000 – \$20,000+ |
Note: These figures are for materials only and do not include installation fees or other renovation expenses.
The Service Cost: Installation and Labor
The labor cost for kitchen cabinet installation is a major part of the overall expense. This covers removing old cabinets, prepping the area, and installing the new ones perfectly.
Factors Influencing Labor Fees
- Complexity of the Layout: A simple L-shaped kitchen is cheaper to install than a kitchen with many corners, islands, or tricky angles that need custom fitting.
- Cabinet Type: Installing stock cabinets is faster and cheaper than installing complex custom cabinetry.
- Location: Labor rates vary greatly by region. Big cities usually have higher hourly rates.
- Existing Conditions: If the walls or floors are uneven, installers must spend more time shimming and adjusting, raising the average kitchen cabinet installation price.
The labor cost for kitchen cabinet installation can often run between 20% to 40% of the total material cost. For a mid-range project, expect installation labor to be anywhere from \$2,000 to \$5,000 or more.
Refacing vs. Replacing: A Cost Comparison
Sometimes, you don’t need entirely new cabinets. If the boxes are structurally sound, you can save a lot of money by choosing to reface instead of replace.
Deciphering the Cost to Reface Kitchen Cabinets
Refacing means keeping your existing cabinet boxes. You install new doors, drawer fronts, and often a new veneer or laminate over the visible parts of the box frame (the face frame).
Refacing is generally much cheaper than buying new cabinets. It’s a great option for achieving a fresh look without a massive outlay.
Key Benefits of Refacing:
- Significantly lower material costs.
- Less demolition waste.
- Shorter project time frame.
If you are trying to stick to a strict budget kitchen cabinet replacement, refacing often comes in at 50% to 60% of the price of new semi-custom cabinets. The cost to reface kitchen cabinets typically runs from \$150 to \$350 per linear foot, covering materials and specialized labor.
When Replacement is Necessary
If your current cabinets are water-damaged, structurally weak, or you need to completely change the kitchen layout (moving walls, plumbing, or appliance locations), replacement is the only viable option. A full kitchen cabinet remodel cost always includes replacement if the structure is unsound.
Deep Dive into Installation Pricing
What does the average kitchen cabinet installation price truly cover? It’s more than just screwing boxes to the wall.
The Installation Process Steps
A professional installer completes several key tasks:
- Deconstruction: Carefully removing and disposing of old units. (Sometimes this is a separate demolition fee.)
- Prep Work: Ensuring the walls are plumb and the floor is level where cabinets will sit. This is crucial for quality results.
- Base Cabinet Setting: Anchoring lower cabinets first, ensuring they are level, square, and tightly connected to each other.
- Wall Cabinet Hanging: Securing upper cabinets to wall studs. This requires precision so lines are straight.
- Trim and Molding: Adding light rails, crown molding, and toe-kicks for a finished look.
- Adjustments: Fine-tuning doors and drawers so they open and close smoothly.
If you buy stock cabinets from a big box store, they may charge a separate, often lower, installation fee. If you hire an independent custom cabinet maker, their quoted installation price usually includes the highly skilled labor needed for perfect alignment, justifying a higher average kitchen cabinet installation price.
Comparing Total Project Costs
To give a clearer picture, let’s look at estimated total costs for a medium-sized kitchen (20 linear feet total cabinets, including uppers, lowers, and an island) across the three main tiers.
| Cabinet Tier | Estimated Material Cost | Estimated Installation Cost | Estimated Total Project Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | \$3,000 – \$6,000 | \$1,500 – \$3,000 | \$4,500 – \$9,000 |
| Semi-Custom | \$7,000 – \$13,000 | \$3,000 – \$5,000 | \$10,000 – \$18,000 |
| Custom | \$15,000 – \$25,000+ | \$5,000 – \$8,000+ | \$20,000 – \$33,000+ |
These estimates represent just the cabinet portion of the renovation. They do not include countertops, appliances, backsplash, or flooring. If you are aiming for a full kitchen cabinet remodel cost, expect these other elements to add significantly more to the bill.
Decoding New Kitchen Cabinet Pricing Variables
When reviewing new kitchen cabinet pricing, always ask for a detailed breakdown. Look out for these common additions:
- Surcharges for Complex Finishes: Glazing, distressing, or custom color matching costs extra.
- Filler Strips: While small, these pieces are necessary for filling gaps against walls and are priced per piece.
- Delivery Fees: Moving heavy cabinets from the factory or supplier to your home incurs a cost.
Tips for Managing Your Cabinet Budget
Sticking to your budget requires smart choices before ordering anything.
Prioritize Spending Smartly
If you must save money, decide which features are most important to you.
- Splurge on the Boxes: Invest in better box construction (plywood over particleboard) if you plan to stay in your home long-term. Good boxes support heavy use for decades.
- Save on Doors: Choose a simpler door style or material if the budget is tight, as doors are the most visible part.
- DIY Where Possible (Cautiously): You might handle removing old hardware or even demo, but leave the precise leveling and hanging of new cabinets to professionals to avoid costly mistakes. Never attempt to cut corners on the actual installation process itself.
The Power of Semi-Custom Over Custom
For most homeowners, selecting high-end semi-custom cabinets offers the best value. You get features like varied depths and a wider range of organizational inserts without paying the premium price associated with true custom kitchen cabinet replacement cost. This sweet spot helps keep your overall renovation costs reasonable.
Shopping Around for Installation
Never accept the first quote for labor. Get at least three detailed quotes for the labor cost for kitchen cabinet installation. Compare what each contractor includes in their price—removal of old units, debris disposal, and warranty coverage on the installation itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Replacement
How long does it take to install new kitchen cabinets?
Installation time varies based on the cabinet type. Stock cabinet installation might take 1 to 3 days for a small kitchen. Semi-custom or custom cabinets, which often require more on-site adjustments, can take 3 to 7 days for installation alone.
Can I save money by installing cabinets myself?
You can save on the labor cost for kitchen cabinet installation if you have carpentry skills and experience. However, incorrect installation leads to crooked doors, gaps, and potential structural issues later. For most people, hiring a pro is safer to ensure the longevity and appearance of the cabinets.
What is the cheapest way to update my kitchen cabinets?
The cheapest route is usually cabinet refacing, provided your current cabinet boxes are in good shape. If you must replace them, choosing stock cabinets provides the lowest stock cabinet replacement price. Painting existing cabinets yourself is the lowest-cost facelift, though it’s not a replacement.
Are custom cabinets always more expensive than semi-custom?
Yes, generally. Custom cabinets involve unique design time and construction tailored specifically to your space, making the custom kitchen cabinet replacement cost higher than mass-produced (even if assembled to order) semi-custom options.
Does the full kitchen cabinet remodel cost include countertops?
No. The cabinet costs quoted usually cover only the cabinets and their installation. Countertop fabrication, materials (quartz, granite, etc.), and installation are separate line items in your overall remodel budget. Always confirm what is included in any quote you receive.