The average price for kitchen cabinets for a mid-sized kitchen remodel typically ranges from \$4,000 to \$15,000 for the cabinets alone, but this figure can change greatly based on material, style, and installation needs. If you are planning a renovation, setting a realistic budget for new kitchen cabinets is the first big step. Cabinets take up a large portion of the total kitchen remodel budget, often 30% or more.
Factors Affecting Kitchen Cabinet Pricing
Many things change how much new cabinets will cost you. Knowing these points helps you plan your spending better. We look at size, style, material, and where they come from. These are the main kitchen cabinet pricing factors.
Cabinet Type Dictates Price
The type of cabinet you choose makes a huge difference in the final price tag. You have three main paths: stock, semi-custom, and fully custom.
Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets: The Budget Choice
How much are ready-to-assemble cabinets? RTA cabinets are the most affordable option. These come flat-packed, meaning you assemble them yourself. They are great for tight budgets or DIY enthusiasts.
- Pros: Very low initial cost, fast delivery.
- Cons: Assembly required, fewer style choices, quality can vary.
If you seek cheap kitchen cabinet options, RTA is where you should start looking first.
Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets Pricing
Semi-custom kitchen cabinets pricing sits in the middle ground. These cabinets come in standard sizes, but you get more choices for features like door styles, finishes, and specific storage inserts.
- They offer a good balance between price and personalization.
- They usually require professional installation, which adds to the overall cost.
Custom Kitchen Cabinetry: The Premium Option
The cost of custom kitchen cabinetry is the highest. These are built just for your kitchen space. They fit every nook and cranny perfectly.
- Perfect Fit: Ideal for oddly shaped rooms or unique storage needs.
- High Quality: Often uses the best materials and finishes.
- Lead Time: Expect long waiting times as they are made to order.
Material Choices Impact Cost
The wood or material used for your cabinets heavily influences the price.
| Material Type | Description | Price Range (Relative) |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate/Melamine | Affordable, durable plastic coating over particleboard. | Low |
| Plywood Boxes | Stronger box construction than particleboard. | Medium |
| Solid Hardwood | Oak, Maple, Cherry. Offers the best longevity and look. | High |
| Thermofoil | Vinyl wrap heated and pressed onto an MDF core. | Medium |
High-end custom cabinets often use premium hardwoods like cherry or walnut, significantly raising the cabinet replacement cost estimate.
Door Style and Finish Complexity
Simple cabinet doors cost less than complex ones.
- Shaker Style: Flat panel with a simple frame. Generally mid-range pricing.
- Raised Panel: Features a dimensional center panel. Often costs more due to more labor.
- Specialty Finishes: Glazes, distressing, or unique paints take more time. This increases the price tag considerably compared to a standard stain or paint job.
Comparing Cabinet Renovation Options
If you are replacing cabinets, you have three main routes you can take, each with a different cost structure.
Option 1: Full Cabinet Replacement
This involves tearing out the old boxes and installing brand new ones. This method gives you the biggest change in look and functionality. This cost must include the removal of the old units and the installation of the new ones.
Option 2: Refacing Kitchen Cabinets Cost
Refacing kitchen cabinets cost much less than a full replacement. Refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes but replaces the visible parts: the doors and the drawer fronts. Sometimes, a thin veneer layer is applied over the existing box sides.
- Savings: You save on the labor of tearing out and installing new boxes.
- Limitations: You are stuck with the existing box layout. You cannot easily change the placement of drawers or add new large features unless you use a specialized refacer who can modify the boxes slightly.
Option 3: Cabinet Resurfacing or Painting
This is the cheapest route. You keep your existing doors and boxes. A professional sands, primes, and paints or stains the surfaces.
- Best For: Cabinets that are structurally sound but look dated.
- Warning: The durability highly depends on the quality of the prep work. Poor prep leads to chipping quickly.
Deciphering Installation Expenses
The cost of the cabinets themselves is only part of the equation. You must also factor in labor. The kitchen cabinet installation cost varies widely based on location and complexity.
Factors in Installation Pricing
Installation labor usually runs between \$50 and \$150 per hour per installer, or sometimes a flat fee per cabinet box installed.
- Cabinet Type: Installing RTA cabinets takes longer than setting pre-assembled semi-custom boxes. Custom cabinetry requires precise shimming and leveling, which takes skilled labor.
- Site Prep: If old cabinets need complex removal or if the walls aren’t square, installation time increases.
- Location: Labor rates in large metropolitan areas are higher than in rural areas.
- Add-ons: Installing crown molding, under-cabinet lighting, or complex pull-out shelving adds significant time to the installer’s job.
If you are getting a cabinet replacement cost estimate, make sure the quote clearly separates the material cost from the labor cost.
Budgeting for Kitchen Cabinets: A Simple Guide
To help you formulate a budget for new kitchen cabinets, consider this general cost distribution for a standard kitchen remodel:
| Component | Typical Cost Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry (Materials) | 30% – 40% | Includes hardware and box construction. |
| Installation Labor | 10% – 20% | Varies based on complexity and local rates. |
| Countertops | 10% – 15% | Granite, quartz, or laminate costs. |
| Appliances | 10% – 20% | Depends heavily on appliance quality chosen. |
| Flooring, Lighting, Backsplash | 10% – 15% | Finishing touches. |
Example Cost Scenarios (Materials Only)
Let’s look at rough estimates for a small to medium kitchen (around 10-12 base cabinets and 8-10 wall cabinets).
| Cabinet Quality Level | Material Cost Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (RTA or Basic Stock) | \$2,500 – \$5,000 | Simple finishes, standard sizing. |
| Mid-Range (Semi-Custom) | \$5,000 – \$12,000 | Better construction, more finish options. |
| High-End (Custom Wood) | \$12,000 – \$25,000+ | Premium materials, intricate designs, perfect fit. |
Remember, these figures are just for the cabinets themselves, before adding the kitchen cabinet installation cost.
Comprehending Hidden Costs and Upgrades
When moving beyond basic pricing structures, several extras can quickly inflate your total spending. Being aware of these allows for better financial control.
Hardware and Accessories
Knobs, pulls, hinges, and drawer slides are crucial. While basic hardware is cheap, high-quality soft-close hinges and premium drawer glides add durability and luxury, costing more upfront.
- Soft-Close Features: Prevent doors and drawers from slamming shut.
- Internal Organizers: Pull-out spice racks, trash bins, and vertical dividers add major utility but increase the price per cabinet box.
Specialty Cabinetry Needs
If your kitchen requires cabinets for specific uses, expect higher prices.
- Corner Cabinets: Often require specialized Lazy Susan hardware or blind corner pull-outs, which are pricier than standard shelves.
- Tall Cabinets: Pantry units or refrigerator surrounds require more material and careful structural installation.
Customization in Semi-Custom Lines
Even within semi-custom kitchen cabinets pricing, you pay extra for modifications. If you need a cabinet that is 3 inches narrower than the standard offering, the manufacturer charges a “modification fee.” These fees ensure the factory can adjust their production line for your specific order.
Choosing Between Buying Online vs. Local Showrooms
Where you buy your cabinets affects both cost and service.
Buying Online (RTA and Some Semi-Custom)
Purchasing online often gets you lower prices because you cut out the middleman (the local dealer/designer). This is common for how much are ready-to-assemble cabinets questions. However, you take on more risk.
- Pros: Lower prices, huge selection access.
- Cons: You must measure perfectly. Returns or damaged goods can be complicated and costly. You usually arrange your own installation.
Buying from a Local Dealer or Cabinet Shop
Local shops provide design services, measure your space, order the cabinets, and often coordinate the kitchen cabinet installation cost. They act as your single point of contact.
- Pros: Expert advice, professional design help, accountability if things go wrong.
- Cons: Prices include markup for overhead and design services, making them generally higher than buying direct online.
Fathoming the Longevity vs. Cost Trade-off
When setting your budget for new kitchen cabinets, think about how long you plan to stay in your home.
If you plan to move in five years, investing heavily in top-tier cost of custom kitchen cabinetry might not yield a good return on investment (ROI). In this case, quality semi-custom or even high-quality RTA might be a better financial choice.
However, if this is your forever home, investing in solid hardwood boxes and durable finishes will pay off over 15-20 years. Cheaper materials like particleboard boxes might fail much sooner, requiring premature replacement.
Achieving Affordability Without Sacrificing Too Much Quality
For homeowners needing to keep costs low, there are smart ways to save money while still getting an attractive kitchen.
Smart Saving Strategies
- Choose Simpler Doors: Opt for Shaker style over highly detailed raised panels.
- Stick to Standard Sizes: Avoid ordering too many “modifications” in semi-custom lines.
- Use Stock Cabinets for Low-Visibility Areas: Use affordable stock units for the pantry or laundry room, and spend your money on better quality for the main kitchen workspace.
- DIY the Paint (If Experienced): If you choose refacing kitchen cabinets cost, consider doing the painting yourself, provided you have the time and skill to prep properly.
- Reconsider Refacing: If your existing boxes are sturdy, refacing kitchen cabinets cost will drastically reduce your overall spending compared to a full rip-out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cabinet Costs
Q: Does the kitchen cabinet installation cost include removing the old cabinets?
A: It depends on the contractor. Always ask for a detailed quote that specifies “Demolition and Disposal” as a separate line item. If it’s not listed, assume it is extra, especially when reviewing a cabinet replacement cost estimate.
Q: Are custom cabinets always better than semi-custom?
A: Not necessarily. Custom cabinets are best if you have an unusual space or need unique storage solutions. For standard 10×10 kitchens, well-chosen semi-custom kitchen cabinets pricing often achieves nearly the same look and quality at a lower price point.
Q: What is the cheapest way to update my kitchen cabinets?
A: The cheapest method is usually resurfacing or painting your existing cabinets. The next step up for value is often choosing cheap kitchen cabinet options like RTA cabinets, provided you can handle the assembly yourself.
Q: How long should new cabinets last?
A: High-quality, solid wood cabinets can last 20 to 50 years or more. Lower-quality laminate or particleboard cabinets might only last 7 to 15 years before the exterior starts peeling or the boxes sag.
Q: Should I buy the cheapest cabinets I can find?
A: It is risky. How much are ready-to-assemble cabinets sometimes reflects poor quality materials that will not hold up to daily kitchen use. It’s better to save up a bit more for mid-range, plywood-box cabinets than to buy the absolute cheapest option that may need replacement in five years.