The average kitchen cabinet cost for a full replacement can range widely, typically falling between $\$4,000$ and $\$25,000$ or more, but this large span depends heavily on the type of cabinets chosen, the size of the kitchen, and the installation fees.
Planning a kitchen remodel often brings up the biggest single expense: the cabinets. These pieces define your kitchen’s look, feel, and function. Knowing what to expect financially is key to a successful renovation. This guide breaks down the costs so you can budget wisely for your new kitchen cabinets.
Factors Affecting Cabinet Prices
Many things make the price of new cabinets go up or down. You need to look at several key areas when trying to figure out your budget. These factors affecting cabinet prices shift the final bill significantly.
Cabinet Construction Style: The Big Price Differences
The way a cabinet is built hugely impacts its price tag. Cabinets generally fall into four main categories, each with a different price point.
Stock Cabinet Pricing
Stock cabinets are the most budget-friendly option. These are pre-made in standard sizes and styles. Think of them like buying furniture “off the shelf.”
- Pros: Lowest initial cost, fast availability.
- Cons: Limited styles and finishes, less flexibility in fitting odd spaces.
- Cost Expectation: Usually the lowest price per linear foot.
Semi-Custom Cabinet Prices
Semi-custom cabinet prices offer a middle ground. They start with standard sizes but allow for some changes. You can often select different depths, widths, finishes, and added features like crown molding.
- Pros: Good balance of cost and choice, better customization than stock.
- Cons: Takes longer to arrive than stock cabinets.
- Cost Expectation: Moderate pricing, often 15% to 30% more than stock.
Custom Kitchen Cabinet Pricing
If you want unique designs, specific materials, or cabinets built to fit a very unusual space perfectly, you need custom cabinets. These are built from scratch just for your kitchen.
- Pros: Total control over design, materials, and size. Highest quality potential.
- Cons: Highest price point, longest lead times.
- Cost Expectation: The highest price range per unit or linear foot.
RTA Cabinet Costs (Ready-to-Assemble)
RTA cabinet costs are low because you do the final assembly yourself. These are flat-packed, similar to some ready-to-use furniture systems.
- Pros: Significant savings on labor if you assemble them.
- Cons: Requires time and skill for assembly; quality can vary widely.
- Cost Expectation: Can be very cheap, often just above the lowest stock pricing.
Material Matters
The material used for the cabinet box and the door fronts plays a huge role in the final price.
- Solid Wood: Hardwoods like maple, cherry, or oak are premium and costly, but very durable.
- Plywood Boxes: Plywood is better than particleboard for the cabinet box structure. It costs more but lasts longer.
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): Often used for painted doors, MDF is stable but heavier and not as water-resistant as wood.
- Laminate/Thermofoil: These are budget-friendly wraps applied over core materials. They offer many looks cheaply but can peel over time.
Door Style and Finish
Simple, flat-panel doors cost less than complex styles like raised-panel or detailed shaker doors. Glazes, glazes, and specialty finishes add complexity, which adds to the expense. A simple painted finish is usually cheaper than a complex, hand-applied stain.
Breaking Down the Total Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets
When budgeting for your project, remember that the cost to replace kitchen cabinets involves more than just the price of the cabinets themselves. You must account for removal, new cabinets, and installation.
Cabinet Removal and Disposal
If you are tearing out old cabinets, you must budget for demolition.
- Labor: Paying someone to carefully remove the old units.
- Disposal Fees: Dumping fees for the old wood and materials.
Cabinet Purchase and Delivery
This is the cost of the actual boxes, doors, and hardware. Always factor in tax and delivery fees from the supplier.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost
This is often a hidden expense people forget. Professional installation ensures everything is level, square, and secure. The kitchen cabinet installation cost varies based on cabinet type:
| Cabinet Type | Typical Installation Difficulty | Estimated Installation Cost Percentage (of Cabinet Cost) |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | Easiest/Fastest | 10% – 20% |
| Semi-Custom | Moderate | 15% – 25% |
| Custom | Most Complex | 20% – 35%+ |
If the kitchen layout is complex (many angles, odd walls), installation labor will rise.
Hardware and Accessories
Don’t forget the drawer slides, hinges, pulls, and knobs. High-end soft-close hardware can add hundreds or even thousands to the kitchen remodel cabinet budget. Organizing inserts, pull-out spice racks, and lazy Susans also increase the total.
The Question of Refacing vs. Replacement
Before you commit to a full replacement, you should consider cabinet refacing vs replacement cost. Refacing involves keeping the existing cabinet boxes (the carcass) and installing new doors, drawer fronts, and perhaps new side panels.
When Refacing Makes Sense
Refacing works best when:
- The existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound (no water damage or warping).
- Your layout is mostly fine, and you don’t need major changes to the structure.
- You want to save money and reduce the environmental impact of throwing away wood.
Cost Comparison
Generally, refacing costs about 40% to 60% of the price of a full replacement. For example, if new cabinets cost $\$15,000$, refacing might cost $\$7,500$ to $\$9,000$. However, if you need extensive hardware upgrades or premium door styles, the savings shrink.
Estimating Your Budget: A Sample Breakdown
To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at some typical budget scenarios for an average-sized kitchen (roughly 10 to 15 linear feet of cabinetry). These figures are estimates and can change based on your location and current market rates.
| Scenario | Cabinet Type | Estimated Material Cost (Cabinets Only) | Estimated Installation & Hardware | Total Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Saver | Stock (Laminate/Basic Wood) | $\$3,500 – \$6,000$ | $\$1,000 – \$2,000$ | $\$4,500 – \$8,000$ |
| Mid-Range | Semi-Custom (Plywood box, decent finish) | $\$7,000 – \$12,000$ | $\$2,500 – \$4,500$ | $\$9,500 – \$16,500$ |
| High-End Custom | Custom (Solid Hardwood, Specialty Finish) | $\$15,000 – \$25,000+$ | $\$5,000 – \$9,000+$ | $\$20,000 – \$34,000+$ |
Note: These estimates do not include countertops, appliances, plumbing, or electrical work.
Deciphering the Cost of Custom Kitchen Cabinet Pricing
When you pursue custom kitchen cabinet pricing, you are paying for specialized labor and design time. A truly custom cabinet shop will meet with you multiple times to finalize drawings.
Measuring and Design Fees
Custom shops often charge a design fee upfront. This fee usually covers detailed measurements, 3D renderings, and revisions. Sometimes, this fee is waived or credited back if you purchase the cabinets from them.
Specialized Features
The more intricate the interior features, the higher the custom kitchen cabinet pricing will be:
- Unique curved cabinets or specialized radius corners.
- Built-in wine racks or integrated appliance panels.
- Custom-sized drawers designed to fit specific utensils.
- Exotic wood veneers or specialty imported hardware.
Navigating Semi-Custom Cabinet Prices
Semi-custom cabinet prices offer great flexibility without the full expense of custom work. This is where most homeowners find the best value.
Upgrading Within Semi-Custom
Even within a semi-custom line, you can control the final price by choosing upgrades wisely:
- Box Construction: Opting for plywood boxes over particleboard is a smart investment for longevity, even if it adds a bit to the initial cost.
- Finish: Choosing a standard paint color is usually cheaper than choosing a custom glaze or stain applied over the wood grain.
- Features: Adding one or two high-use features (like a drawer base for pots and pans) might be worth the extra cost, but skip unnecessary decorative elements.
Getting the Best Value from Stock Cabinets
If keeping the budget tight is the priority, explore stock cabinet pricing options. To make stock cabinets look high-end, you need smart installation.
Maximizing Stock Cabinets
- Fill Gaps with Filler Strips: Use trim and filler strips to hide gaps between standard-sized cabinets and your walls. This creates a more built-in look.
- Upgrade Hardware: Swapping out cheap stock knobs and pulls for better quality hardware instantly elevates the appearance.
- Use Them Smartly: Stock cabinets work well in areas where precise sizing isn’t critical, like a laundry room or an auxiliary pantry area.
Labor Costs: The Installation Factor
It is crucial to get multiple quotes for the kitchen cabinet installation cost. Installation labor rates fluctuate based on geography. In high cost-of-living areas, labor rates will naturally be higher than in rural areas.
What Installation Includes
A good installation quote should cover:
- Unpacking and inspecting all cabinets.
- Securing the wall and base cabinets to the studs.
- Shimming and leveling everything perfectly.
- Attaching crown molding, toe kicks, and light rails.
- Basic setup of drawer boxes and doors.
If the installer is also handling countertop templates or sink/appliance cutout modifications, ensure that is clearly itemized in the quote, as this adds complexity.
Comprehending the Cabinet Lifespan and ROI
When budgeting, think about how long you plan to stay in your home. Cabinets are a significant investment.
- Stock/RTA: May last 5–10 years before showing significant wear, depending on quality.
- Semi-Custom: Can last 15–25 years with good care.
- Custom: If built well, they can last 30 years or more and may even become an asset when selling the home.
A new, high-quality kitchen cabinet setup generally gives a very high return on investment (ROI) during resale.
Budgeting Tips for Your Cabinet Project
Keep these points in mind to manage your spending effectively:
- Get Three Quotes: Always solicit detailed quotes for both the cabinets and the installation from at least three different suppliers or contractors.
- Factor in a Contingency: Always set aside 10% to 15% of your total budget for unexpected issues (like finding plumbing or structural problems once the old cabinets are out).
- Prioritize Box Quality: If you must save money, save it on door style rather than the core box material (choose plywood over particleboard, even if it means a simpler door).
- Buy Appliances First (If Applicable): If you are ordering specialized cabinets to surround a refrigerator or range, ensure the appliance dimensions are finalized before ordering the cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much should cabinets take up in a kitchen remodel budget?
Cabinets typically account for 30% to 40% of the total budget for a full kitchen remodel, making them the single largest line item.
What is the difference between custom and semi-custom cabinets?
Custom cabinets are built entirely to your specifications, allowing for unique sizes and designs. Semi-custom cabinets start with standard dimensions but allow for variations in depth, width, and finish options.
Can I save money by installing the cabinets myself?
Yes, if you choose RTA or stock cabinets, DIY installation can save you significantly on the kitchen cabinet installation cost. However, poor installation can lead to doors that don’t align or weak structures, so this is best attempted only if you have carpentry skills.
What is the cheapest way to update kitchen cabinets?
The cheapest way is usually painting or staining the existing cabinet boxes and replacing only the doors and hardware. If replacement is necessary, stock cabinets offer the lowest purchase price.
What is included in the average kitchen cabinet cost?
The average cost generally includes the cabinet boxes, doors, drawer fronts, hinges, and slides. It rarely includes installation, delivery fees, or countertops unless specifically noted by the supplier.