The average cost for kitchen cabinets in a standard-sized kitchen remodel can range widely, often falling between \$2,400 and \$13,900 for materials alone, but this figure changes based on the cabinet type, materials used, and the size of your kitchen. Knowing the kitchen cabinet pricing structure is key to setting a realistic budget for new cabinets.
Deciphering Kitchen Cabinet Pricing Factors
The price tag on your new kitchen cabinets is not a single number. It is a sum of many parts. Several big factors push the average kitchen cabinet prices up or down. Thinking about these factors first helps manage expectations and spending.
Cabinet Construction Styles: A Cost Comparison
Cabinets generally fall into three main style categories based on how they are built and sold. Each style carries a different price tag.
Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets
RTA cabinet pricing is usually the lowest option available. These cabinets come flat-packed from the factory. You or a hired hand must put them together at home.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Good for DIYers or rental properties.
- Cons: Assembly takes time. Quality can vary widely. Limited style options.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
These offer a middle ground in terms of price and choice. Semi-custom cabinet costs are higher than RTA but lower than fully custom options. They come in standard sizes but allow you to pick specific door styles, finishes, and sizes.
- Pros: More choices in looks and layout. Better quality than RTA.
- Cons: Longer lead times than stock cabinets. Still limited by standard dimensions.
Fully Custom Cabinetry
If you want something unique, this is your choice. The cost of custom cabinetry is the highest. These cabinets are built from scratch to fit your exact space and meet all your specific needs.
- Pros: Perfect fit for any space. Unlimited choices in materials and design. Highest quality.
- Cons: Most expensive option. Longest wait time.
Cabinet Material Costs Influence the Total
What your cabinets are made of matters a lot to the final price. Cabinet material costs affect durability, looks, and price point.
Box Construction Materials
The cabinet box itself needs to be strong.
- Plywood: Plywood is strong and resists moisture well. It costs more than particleboard. High-end custom cabinets often use furniture-grade plywood.
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): MDF is smooth and inexpensive. It holds paint very well. It is less water-resistant than plywood. It is common in budget and mid-range cabinets.
- Particleboard: This is the cheapest option. It is heavy and not very durable, especially if it gets wet. You often find this in very discount kitchen cabinets.
Door and Drawer Fronts
The visible parts of the cabinet drive much of the aesthetic cost.
- Laminate/Melamine: These are very budget-friendly. They are durable plastic coatings over particleboard.
- Thermofoil: A vinyl film heated and vacuum-pressed onto an MDF core. It looks seamless but can peel with high heat (like near a stove).
- Wood Veneer: A thin layer of real wood glued to a stable core. Offers a real wood look for less than solid wood.
- Solid Wood: Maple, cherry, and oak are popular choices. They cost the most but offer the best look and longevity, especially in custom builds.
Hardware and Finishes Add Up
Do not forget the extras. Small items increase the price significantly.
- Cabinet Hardware: Knobs and pulls can cost a few dollars each or hundreds. High-end soft-close hinges add a premium to kitchen cabinet pricing.
- Finishes: A simple clear coat is cheap. Multi-step staining or glazing takes more labor and costs more. Custom paint colors usually cost extra compared to standard colors.
Stock vs. Semi-Custom vs. Custom: A Cost Breakdown
To give a clearer picture, here is how the main purchasing routes compare in terms of price per linear foot (a common measurement in the industry). Note that these are estimates only.
| Cabinet Type | Typical Price Range (Per Linear Foot) | Quality Level | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | \$100 – \$300 | Basic to Mid-Grade | Standard sizes only. Ready to buy. |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | \$150 – \$650 | Mid-Grade to High-Grade | Choice of door styles/depths. |
| Custom Cabinetry | \$500 – \$1,200+ | Premium/Luxury | Built exactly to your space and needs. |
The Hidden Costs: Installation and Labor
Cabinet installation costs are a major part of the overall project budget. These costs are separate from the price of the cabinets themselves.
Installation Labor
Hiring professionals ensures your cabinets look level and function well.
- Stock Cabinets: Installation is often quicker and thus cheaper because the sizes fit standard layouts easily.
- Semi-Custom Cabinets: Installation takes slightly longer due to varied sizes that require more measuring and shimming.
- Custom Cabinetry: Installation is the most labor-intensive. Craftsmen spend more time ensuring perfect alignment in unique spaces, driving up labor costs.
In many regions, expect cabinet installation costs to run between \$50 and \$150 per linear foot, depending on complexity.
Factors Affecting Installation Prices
- Kitchen Layout Complexity: An L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen requires more cuts and fitting than a simple galley kitchen.
- Wall and Floor Levelness: If your walls or floors are not straight (common in older homes), installers must spend extra time shimming and adjusting. This adds time and labor cost.
- Appliance Integration: Fitting cabinets around unusual appliances or custom range hoods takes longer.
Alternative Cost-Saving Routes
If the initial quotes seem too high for your budget for new cabinets, there are smart alternatives to explore besides just buying discount kitchen cabinets.
Refacing Kitchen Cabinets Cost
Refacing kitchen cabinets cost is a popular way to update looks without replacing the entire structure. Refacing means keeping the existing cabinet boxes (the carcass) and replacing only the doors, drawer fronts, and sometimes the visible side panels.
- When is it cheaper? If your existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound and made of quality material (like wood or sturdy plywood), refacing can save 40% to 60% compared to buying all new cabinets.
- What’s included? You pay for new doors, new hardware, and the labor to install them, plus new veneer or facing material on the boxes.
- Cost Range: Generally, refacing kitchen cabinets cost is about 50% to 70% of the price of new semi-custom cabinets.
Buying Discount Kitchen Cabinets and Stock Options
For the tightest budgets, stock cabinets are the answer. These are mass-produced in standard sizes (e.g., 12″, 15″, 18″, 21″ widths, etc.).
- Home Improvement Stores: Large retailers offer basic, affordable stock lines. These are the easiest to source quickly.
- Online Retailers: Many online vendors specialize in RTA cabinet pricing or ready-to-ship stock lines, often beating local store prices due to lower overhead. However, you must pay shipping, and you cannot see the product beforehand.
Calculating Your Budget for New Cabinets
To set a strong budget for new cabinets, you must measure your kitchen carefully. Cabinet pricing is usually based on linear footage, not the number of cabinets.
How to Measure Linear Footage
Measure the total length of all base cabinets and all wall cabinets you plan to replace.
- Example: If you have 12 feet of wall space for base cabinets and 10 feet for wall cabinets, you need 22 linear feet of cabinetry.
Use this measurement to estimate costs based on the type of cabinet you choose (refer back to the price table).
Typical Percentage Allocation in a Kitchen Remodel
Cabinets are usually the biggest single expense in a kitchen renovation. For a medium-to-high-end remodel, cabinets often take up 30% to 40% of the total budget.
| Item | Estimated Percentage of Total Kitchen Budget |
|---|---|
| Cabinets & Hardware | 30% – 40% |
| Appliances | 10% – 15% |
| Countertops | 10% – 15% |
| Installation/Labor | 15% – 20% |
| Flooring, Lighting, Backsplash | 10% – 20% |
If your average kitchen cabinet prices quote comes in high, you may need to trim the budget elsewhere, such as choosing less expensive countertops or handling some demolition yourself.
Deep Dive into Custom Cabinetry Costs
When homeowners opt for the cost of custom cabinetry, they are paying for expertise and personalization. This cost is broken down further by wood choice and complexity.
Premium Wood Species
The type of wood you select dramatically changes the final price tag for custom work.
- Economical Woods: Birch, Alder, and sometimes Maple are generally more affordable for custom options.
- Mid-Range Woods: Oak and Cherry offer beautiful grain patterns but cost more than basic options.
- Premium Woods: Walnut and exotic veneers command the highest prices due to scarcity and difficulty in working with them.
Design Complexity and Features
The more complicated the door style, the more labor is involved in making it.
- Shaker Style: Simple, flat panel doors. Less expensive to produce.
- Raised Panel or Detailed Molding: These styles require more routing, sanding, and assembly time, significantly increasing the price.
- Special Features: Roll-out trays, built-in spice racks, custom drawer dividers, and soft-close hardware all add premium fees to the cost of custom cabinetry.
If you are looking at high-end finishes, be aware that professional painting or glazing of custom cabinets can cost several thousand dollars extra on top of the cabinet construction cost.
How RTA Cabinet Pricing Stacks Up
For homeowners focusing intensely on the budget for new cabinets, understanding the true cost of RTA requires factoring in assembly time or paying for assembly help.
Assembly Cost Comparison
| Cabinet Type | Material Cost | Assembly Labor Cost (If Outsourced) | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock (Pre-Assembled) | Medium | \$0 (Included in purchase) | Medium |
| RTA (DIY) | Low | \$0 (DIY Time) | Low |
| RTA (Hired Assembly) | Low | High (Hourly Rate) | Medium-Low |
If you choose RTA, make sure you have the right tools and patience. If you have to pay someone \$30/hour to assemble 20 cabinets, those labor costs can quickly erase the initial savings derived from the low RTA cabinet pricing.
Final Thoughts on Managing Kitchen Cabinet Costs
Getting a clear picture of kitchen cabinet pricing requires detailed planning. Do not simply ask for “a price for cabinets.” You need to know:
- Cabinet Style: Stock, semi-custom, or fully custom?
- Material Specification: Plywood vs. particleboard box; solid wood vs. veneer doors.
- Installation Plan: DIY or professional installation?
By comparing quotes based on these specific factors—and exploring options like refacing kitchen cabinets cost if your current structure allows—you can make an informed decision that fits your financial plan without sacrificing too much quality or functionality. Remember, cabinets are an investment that lasts decades, so balancing cost savings with durability is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does hardware count towards the cabinet cost?
A: Usually, the price quotes you receive for stock or semi-custom cabinets do not include the decorative hardware (knobs and pulls). However, the functional components like hinges and drawer glides often are included in the base price. Always ask the vendor if hardware is included in the quoted kitchen cabinet pricing.
Q: What is the difference between semi-custom and custom cabinetry costs?
A: Semi-custom cabinets use pre-made components, offering set widths and depths with limited stylistic variations. This standardization keeps semi-custom cabinet costs lower. Custom cabinetry involves building every piece from scratch to precise measurements, demanding more labor and specialized materials, leading to a much higher cost of custom cabinetry.
Q: Can I save money by only refacing the upper cabinets?
A: Yes, you can definitely save money by only addressing the upper cabinets if the base cabinets are in good shape. However, it can sometimes look mismatched if the new upper doors don’t align well with the existing lower doors. It is often advisable to get quotes for a full replacement versus refacing kitchen cabinets cost to see if the savings are significant enough to justify the aesthetic difference.
Q: Are IKEA cabinets considered RTA or stock?
A: IKEA cabinets are a prime example of RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinetry. They are sold flat-packed, requiring the buyer to assemble them. This puts them at the lowest end of RTA cabinet pricing structures, but buyers must account for assembly time or professional help.