The average cost of kitchen cabinets typically ranges from \$4,000 to \$20,000 for a standard kitchen remodel, but the total price depends heavily on cabinet quality, style, materials, and whether you hire professionals for cabinet installation cost.
Deciding on new kitchen cabinets is a big part of any kitchen remodel budget. Cabinets take up a large portion of the space. They also greatly affect how your kitchen looks and works. Knowing the costs involved helps you plan your money well. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about kitchen cabinet pricing. We look at different types, materials, and what pushes the price up or down.
Grasping the Factors Affecting Kitchen Cabinet Pricing
Kitchen cabinet pricing is not a single fixed number. Many things change how much you will spend. Think of it like buying a car. A basic model costs much less than one loaded with all the best features.
Cabinet Construction Styles: Custom vs. Semi-Custom Cabinet Pricing
The way cabinets are built is a huge cost driver. You generally find three main categories when looking for the cost of new kitchen cabinets: Stock, Semi-Custom, and Custom.
Stock Cabinets (Ready-to-Assemble or Fully Assembled)
These are the most budget-friendly option. They come in standard sizes only. You cannot change the depth or width much, if at all. If you need just a few cabinets and your kitchen fits standard dimensions, these are great for inexpensive kitchen cabinets.
- Pros: Lowest upfront cost, quick delivery.
- Cons: Limited style and finish choices, less flexibility for odd spaces.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
These offer a good middle ground. Manufacturers start with standard sizes but allow for some changes. You can often choose different depths, widths, or add specific features like crown molding. This style fits well into most kitchen remodel cabinet budget plans.
- Pros: More style options than stock, better fit for many spaces.
- Semi-custom vs semi-custom cabinet pricing: These cost more than stock because of the personalization allowed.
Custom Cabinets
These are made just for your space. A craftsman builds every piece to your exact needs and wants. If you have a very unique kitchen layout or demand specialized storage solutions, custom is the way to go. This category sees the highest prices, pushing toward luxury kitchen cabinet prices.
- Pros: Perfect fit, unlimited design choices, highest quality control.
- Cons: Highest cost, longest lead times.
Cabinetry Material Costs: Wood, Veneers, and Laminates
What your cabinets are made of plays a major role in cabinetry material costs. The materials affect looks, durability, and price.
Cabinet Boxes (Carcasses)
Most cabinets use one of these for the main box structure:
- Plywood: Stronger and resists moisture better. It costs more than particleboard.
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) or Particleboard: Less expensive, but can swell if exposed to too much water. Look for boxes with high-quality finishes or laminates if choosing these materials.
Door and Drawer Fronts
This is what everyone sees first. The material here makes a big difference in price.
| Material Type | Description | Price Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood (Maple, Cherry, Oak) | Premium look, very durable, stainable. | High |
| Wood Veneer | Thin layer of real wood over a core (like MDF). Looks real but saves money. | Medium |
| Laminate/Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL) | Durable, easy to clean synthetic surface. Great for modern looks. | Low to Medium |
| Thermofoil (RTF) | Vinyl sheet heated and molded over an MDF core. Good for painted looks without real paint. | Low |
Inexpensive kitchen cabinets often use TFL or particleboard boxes with laminate doors.
Deconstructing the Total Kitchen Cabinet Cost
When budgeting, you need to look beyond just the price tag of the cabinet box itself. The total cost is a mix of materials, hardware, and labor.
Cabinet Material Cost Breakdown
For a typical mid-range kitchen (around 15-20 linear feet of cabinetry), the cabinet materials themselves might break down like this:
- Stock Cabinets: \$1,500 – \$4,000
- Semi-Custom Cabinets: \$4,000 – \$10,000
- Custom Cabinets: \$10,000 – \$25,000+
The Role of Hardware and Finishes
Small details add up quickly in the final tally.
Hardware
Knobs, pulls, and hinges are essential. Standard hinges are cheap. Soft-close hinges or special drawer slides (like full-extension, soft-close) cost extra but improve daily use significantly. Fancy, large handles can also add hundreds of dollars.
Finishes
A basic stained or white painted finish is standard. If you want custom glazes, distressing, or unique colors, expect to pay a premium. Exotic wood finishes also push prices higher.
Cabinet Installation Cost
You must factor in the cabinet installation cost. This covers the labor to deliver, unpack, assemble (if needed), and securely mount all the cabinets to the walls and floors.
- DIY Installation: If you are experienced, you save labor costs. This is the cheapest route.
- Hiring a Contractor: For standard stock or semi-custom cabinets, expect installation to run between 15% and 25% of the cabinet material cost. For complex custom jobs, the labor percentage might be higher due to the precise fitting required.
A standard kitchen cabinet installation might cost between \$1,000 and \$4,000, depending on the complexity of the layout and local labor rates.
Comparing Kitchen Cabinet Pricing Tiers
To give a clearer picture, let’s look at what different budgets might afford you for a small to medium-sized kitchen project.
Budget Tier: Inexpensive Kitchen Cabinets (\$3,000 – \$7,000 Total)
This tier is perfect for flippers, rental properties, or homeowners on a very tight budget.
- Style: Primarily stock cabinets.
- Materials: Particleboard or low-grade plywood boxes. Laminate or basic wood veneer doors.
- Hardware: Basic metal hinges and simple knobs.
- Source: Big box stores or online retailers specializing in ready-to-assemble (RTA) units.
- Installation: Often done by the homeowner or a handyman.
Mid-Range Tier: Standard Kitchen Remodel Cabinets (\$8,000 – \$15,000 Total)
This is where most homeowners land. It balances quality and price effectively for the average cost of kitchen cabinets.
- Style: Mostly semi-custom options.
- Materials: Better quality plywood boxes, solid wood doors (like maple or birch), or high-quality thermo-foil.
- Hardware: Better quality hinges, some soft-close features included.
- Source: Local cabinet dealers or specialized kitchen showrooms.
- Installation: Professional installation included or budgeted for.
High-End Tier: Luxury Kitchen Cabinet Prices (\$16,000 – \$35,000+ Total)
This budget allows for customization, premium materials, and specialized features.
- Style: Fully custom cabinetry.
- Materials: Premium hardwoods (e.g., walnut, cherry), high-end durable finishes, detailed moldings.
- Hardware: Top-of-the-line soft-close drawers, custom pull-outs, and specialty organizers.
- Source: Custom cabinet makers or high-end design centers.
- Installation: Expert installers specialized in high-value millwork.
Where to Buy Affordable Kitchen Cabinets
Your choice of vendor significantly impacts kitchen cabinet pricing. Where to buy affordable kitchen cabinets often means avoiding the full-service custom design showroom.
Big Box Home Improvement Stores
These stores carry large volumes of stock and some semi-custom lines. They are excellent for finding sales and immediate availability. Their pricing is often very competitive for basic needs.
Online Cabinet Retailers
Many established brands now sell directly online. This cuts out the middleman showroom markup, often leading to lower prices for comparable quality (especially with RTA stock lines). Be cautious, though; you need to manage measurements and installation yourself.
Independent Cabinet Dealers and Kitchen Showrooms
These offer personalized design services. While the design help is valuable, you pay for that expertise. They usually carry mid-range to high-end semi-custom and custom lines.
Local Custom Woodworkers
If you are looking for truly unique designs or the highest quality craftsmanship, a local shop might offer better value than a national luxury brand, though their hourly rates can be high.
Maximizing Your Kitchen Remodel Cabinet Budget
To keep your kitchen remodel cabinet budget on track, focus your spending where it matters most for daily function and longevity.
Prioritizing Investment: Where to Splurge
Invest in the parts you touch every single day:
- Drawer Construction: Spend more on full-extension, soft-close drawer boxes. Drawers are much harder and costlier to replace than door fronts later.
- High-Use Areas: Put the better quality wood or finish on cabinets around the sink or main cooking area.
- Plywood Boxes: If you can afford a small upgrade from particleboard, go for plywood boxes, especially in humid environments.
Smart Ways to Save Money
If the initial quotes are too high, consider these compromises:
- Mix and Match: Use stock cabinets for standard runs (like the pantry wall) and only use semi-custom for the tricky spots (like corner units or specialized filler pieces).
- Re-facing Existing Cabinets: If your current cabinet boxes are structurally sound and made of wood or high-quality plywood, replacing just the doors and drawer fronts (re-facing) can save 40%–60% of the cost of new kitchen cabinets.
- Standard Colors: Choose popular, standard white, grey, or natural wood stains. Custom colors require specialized paint batches, which significantly increase the finishing costs.
Cabinet Features That Add to the Price Tag
Modern kitchens boast amazing functionality, but every feature adds dollars to the kitchen cabinet pricing.
- Storage Inserts: Pull-out trash cans, spice racks, built-in utensil dividers, and deep drawer organizers are premium add-ons.
- Glass Inserts: Doors with glass panels require custom framing and the glass itself adds expense.
- Specialty Finishes: Glazing, metallic finishes, or heavy distressing requires extra manual labor time.
- Crown Molding and Trim: The more elaborate the decorative trim package, the higher the final cost.
A simple shaker door in a white laminate finish will always be significantly cheaper than a raised-panel door in a highly figured solid wood with decorative corbels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a full kitchen cabinet set cost?
For an average kitchen (about 10×10 feet), expect the materials alone to run between \$4,000 for budget stock options and up to \$15,000 or more for semi-custom solid wood selections. Installation adds another \$1,000 to \$4,000 generally.
Is it cheaper to buy cabinets online or in a store?
Buying cabinets online, especially RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) stock units, is often cheaper because you eliminate showroom overhead. However, you must handle design planning and installation logistics yourself. In-store purchases usually include design consultation.
What is the most budget-friendly cabinet material?
The most budget-friendly materials for cabinet boxes are particleboard or MDF. For doors, laminate or TFL are usually the least expensive, offering a good balance of low cost and decent durability.
Does the color of the cabinet affect the price?
Yes. Basic white or natural wood stains are the least expensive. Custom paint colors, dark glazes, or exotic wood veneers significantly increase the final cabinetry material costs due to the extra labor involved in application.
Should I prioritize budget on boxes or doors?
If you can afford a slight upgrade, prioritize the quality of the box material (plywood over particleboard) and the quality of the drawer hardware. Doors are easier and less disruptive to replace years down the line if your budget is very tight today.