The average cost of new kitchen cabinets in the United States generally ranges from \$4,000 to \$13,000 for an entire kitchen, but this price can swing wildly depending on the quality, style, and complexity of the job. Getting new kitchen cabinets is a big decision. It impacts your home’s look and feel. It also takes up a large part of your kitchen cabinet remodel budget. This guide will break down all the costs so you can plan wisely.
Deciphering the Major Elements of Cabinet Costs
When you look at kitchen cabinet pricing, you are not just paying for wood and screws. Several key factors add up to the final bill. Knowing these pieces helps you control your spending.
Material Choices: Wood vs. Alternatives
The material your cabinets are made from is the biggest cost driver. Hard, durable materials cost more upfront.
The Cost of Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Cost of solid wood kitchen cabinets often sits at the high end of the spectrum. Wood offers beauty and longevity. Different woods have different prices.
- Maple and Cherry: These woods are strong and look rich. They usually cost more than standard oak.
- Oak and Birch: These are very popular and offer good durability at a slightly lower price point than maple.
- Exotic Hardwoods: Woods like mahogany or walnut bring high style and a very high price tag.
Solid wood lasts a long time. It can be refinished multiple times. This can lower the long-term cost, even if the initial price is steep.
Plywood vs. Furniture Board Boxes
The cabinet box structure matters too. This is the frame holding the shelves and drawers.
- Plywood Boxes: Plywood is layered wood veneer. It is very strong and resists moisture well. Most mid-range and high-end cabinets use plywood boxes.
- Furniture Board (MDF/Particleboard): These composite materials are cheaper. They work fine in dry climates but can swell if they get wet often, like under a sink. These are common in more affordable kitchen cabinet options.
Cabinet Construction Style: Custom vs. Stock
Where your cabinets come from heavily influences the price. This is a key area when comparing custom vs semi-custom cabinet prices.
Stock Cabinets: Budget Friendly
Stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes. Think of them as “off the rack” clothes.
- Pros: They are the cheapest option. They ship fast. You can often find them at large home improvement stores.
- Cons: You must work around standard sizes. Filler pieces might be needed to bridge gaps, which can look less seamless. Finding where to buy kitchen cabinets cheaply often leads here first.
Semi-Custom Cabinets: The Middle Ground
Semi-custom cabinets start with standard sizes but offer modifications. You can often choose door styles, finishes, and minor size tweaks.
- Pros: Offers a better look than stock cabinets. More choice in colors and features.
- Cons: They take longer to order and arrive. Prices are noticeably higher than stock units.
Custom Cabinets: Tailored Perfection
Custom cabinets are built specifically for your kitchen layout. Every drawer, shelf, and corner is made to fit perfectly.
- Pros: Maximum use of space. Total control over materials and features. Highest quality possible.
- Cons: They are the most expensive option. Lead times can be months long.
| Cabinet Style | Typical Price Range (Per Linear Foot) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | \$100 – \$300 | Standard sizes, fast availability |
| Semi-Custom | \$250 – \$650 | Modifiable dimensions, better finish choices |
| Custom | \$500 – \$1,200+ | Built to exact specifications, highest quality |
Door Styles and Finishes
The door front is what everyone sees. It sets the entire tone for the kitchen.
- Simple Slab Doors: Flat, modern style. Often the least expensive.
- Shaker Doors: Simple frame and panel design. Very popular and moderately priced.
- Raised Panel Doors: More detail, often looking more traditional or ornate. These require more labor, increasing the cost.
- Finishes: A simple factory paint or stain is cheaper. Custom glazing, distressing, or specialty veneers add significant cost.
Installation Costs: The Hidden Expense
Having the cabinets delivered is only half the battle. Cabinet installation costs can add 15% to 30% on top of the cabinet price itself.
Factors Affecting Cabinet Installation Prices
The installer’s labor rate varies based on skill and location. But the complexity of the job also matters a lot.
- Kitchen Layout: A simple galley kitchen is faster to install than an L-shape or U-shape kitchen with many corners.
- Cabinet Type: Stock cabinets often install faster because they are standardized. Custom cabinets need precise shimming and fitting, which takes more time and skill.
- Wall Condition: If your walls are old, uneven, or bowed, the installer must spend extra time leveling and shimming the cabinets to ensure they look straight. This increases labor time and cost.
- Removal of Old Cabinets: Does the quote include tearing out the old kitchen? If not, you need to budget for demolition, debris removal, and disposal fees.
It is wise to get itemized quotes from installers. Ask if the quote includes setting the cabinets, leveling them, securing them to the wall, and installing toe kicks and basic fillers.
Hardware, Lighting, and Accessories
Do not forget the small parts! These details significantly affect the final look and functionality of your new kitchen.
Cabinet Hardware
Knobs, pulls, and hinges are often overlooked budget items.
- Hinges: Most modern cabinets come with soft-close hinges standard now, especially in mid-range and better lines. If you choose basic hinges, the upfront cost is lower, but the daily experience might be noisier.
- Pulls and Knobs: These are décor items. You can spend \$2 per knob or \$25 per handle. Shopping around at specialty hardware stores or looking for bulk deals can help you find affordable kitchen cabinet options for hardware.
Internal Organization Features
Today’s cabinets are often sold as shells unless you specify organizational upgrades.
- Drawer Inserts: Pull-out spice racks, trash pull-outs, and silverware dividers cost extra money per unit.
- Drawer Construction: Dovetail drawer construction is stronger and costs more than simple glued or stapled joints. Full-extension, soft-close drawer slides are now expected by most homeowners and are priced into the cabinet cost, but cheaper versions exist.
Navigating the Price Spectrum: From Budget to High-End
To give you a clearer picture, here is how typical projects fall based on overall cabinet costs for a standard 10×10 kitchen area. Remember, this excludes countertops, appliances, and flooring.
| Project Tier | Estimated Cabinet Cost Range | Cabinet Quality Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Remodel | \$2,500 – \$5,000 | RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) or low-end stock, melamine or thermofoil finishes. |
| Mid-Range Remodel | \$5,000 – \$10,000 | Semi-custom or high-quality stock, plywood boxes, standard wood species (e.g., maple), shaker styles. |
| High-End Remodel | \$10,000 – \$20,000+ | Fully custom build, premium solid wood kitchen cabinets, unique finishes, high-end hardware. |
Where to Buy Kitchen Cabinets Cheaply
If your goal is saving money, you need to shop smart.
- Big Box Stores: Stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s often have seasonal sales on stock lines. This is a good starting point for basic needs.
- Online Retailers: Many websites sell RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets directly to consumers. This cuts out the middleman markup. You assemble them yourself, saving on labor.
- Local Cabinet Closeout Sales: Keep an eye on local cabinet shops that might be clearing out old stock or discontinued door styles.
- Refacing vs. Replacing: If your current cabinet boxes are sound, refacing (keeping the boxes and replacing only the doors and drawer fronts) is far cheaper than a full replacement.
Financial Planning and Budget Management
A kitchen cabinet remodel budget needs realistic financial planning. Cabinets are often the single largest expense in a kitchen renovation.
Factors Affecting Kitchen Cabinet Prices Overall
Beyond material and style, these external elements tweak the final price:
- Lead Time: Rushing an order usually costs more due to expedited shipping or overtime labor charges.
- Geographic Location: Labor rates are higher in major metropolitan areas compared to rural settings.
- Appliance Cutouts: If you have unusually sized or built-in appliances (like a wine fridge or a special range hood enclosure), custom carpentry is required, raising the price.
- Warranty and Reputation: Brands with longer, more comprehensive warranties usually charge a premium for that peace of mind.
Kitchen Cabinet Financing Options
Few people pay for a full kitchen remodel in cash. Exploring kitchen cabinet financing options can ease the short-term burden.
- Home Equity Loans (HELOCs): If you have equity built up, these often offer low interest rates, as they are secured by your home.
- Personal Loans: These are unsecured loans. Rates vary based on your credit score.
- Credit Cards (Caution Advised): Some retailers offer 0% introductory APR financing for 12-18 months. This only works if you are absolutely certain you can pay the balance before the promotional period ends. High interest kicks in after that.
- Contractor Financing: Many large remodeling companies offer in-house financing plans. Review the terms carefully, as these sometimes have higher overall costs than third-party loans.
Comprehending Labor Costs for Installation
Let’s look closer at how cabinet installation costs are calculated. Installers typically charge by the day or by the linear foot of cabinets installed.
Typical Labor Rates
For a standard 10×10 kitchen, installation might take 2 to 4 days for a small crew.
- Hourly Rate: Installers might charge \$50 to \$100 per hour per worker.
- Per Cabinet Rate: Some charge a set fee per cabinet box installed, usually \$50 to \$150 per unit, depending on complexity.
If you are installing unique features like a custom pantry tower or built-in shelving surrounding a refrigerator, expect these specialty pieces to incur higher labor charges than standard base or wall cabinets.
DIY Installation Savings
Can you save money by installing them yourself? Yes, if you are skilled.
Installing cabinets requires precision tools (like a good level, shims, and measuring devices) and a strong grasp of carpentry basics. Mistakes in leveling can ruin the look of your countertops and doors later. If you choose RTA or stock cabinets, DIY installation saves significantly on labor costs, which could be 20% of your project total.
Choosing Between Materials: Solid Wood vs. Alternatives Pricing
When budgeting, the choice between cost of solid wood kitchen cabinets and engineered materials is significant.
Engineered Materials: MDF and Laminate
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) and laminates are engineered woods. They are budget-friendly and offer smooth surfaces perfect for modern, painted looks.
- Cost Advantage: They cost significantly less than solid hardwoods.
- Durability Trade-off: They do not handle major moisture well. If a leak occurs near a base cabinet, MDF can swell permanently. Laminates can chip, exposing the core material.
Thermofoil Cabinets
Thermofoil uses vinyl film heated and vacuum-pressed onto an MDF core.
- Pros: Very easy to clean. Very consistent color finish. Relatively inexpensive.
- Cons: Heat from nearby appliances (like a toaster oven left near a wall cabinet) can cause the foil to bubble or peel over time.
Creating Your Kitchen Cabinet Remodel Budget Strategy
To effectively manage your kitchen cabinet remodel budget, follow these steps:
- Define Needs vs. Wants: Do you need soft-close drawers, or do you want them? Prioritize function over luxury if money is tight.
- Get Multiple Bids: Obtain at least three written quotes covering both cabinet supply and installation costs. Compare these quotes side-by-side.
- Factor in Contingency: Always set aside 10% to 15% of your total budget for unexpected issues (like discovering poor plumbing or wiring behind old cabinets).
- Shop Around for Deals: Use the knowledge of where to buy kitchen cabinets cheaply to inform your choices. Sometimes buying cabinets from one source and having a local carpenter install them saves money versus a full-service provider.
By carefully weighing the factors affecting kitchen cabinet prices—from material grade to installation complexity—you can make informed choices that keep your renovation on track and within budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the typical markup on kitchen cabinets?
Markup varies greatly. Stock cabinets bought at a big box store might have a 40% to 60% markup over the wholesale price. Custom cabinet makers include their design time, craftsmanship, and overhead into a higher final price, often leading to a total markup that appears much higher, sometimes exceeding 100% of the raw material cost.
Can I save money by ordering cabinets unfinished?
Yes, ordering unfinished cabinets is a great way to reduce the upfront cost. You then save money by applying your own stain or paint. However, factor in the cost of quality finishing supplies and your own time. If you hire a professional to finish them, the savings might be minimal compared to buying pre-finished cabinets.
How long do new kitchen cabinets usually last?
The lifespan depends heavily on quality. Stock cabinets might last 10 to 15 years. Semi-custom cabinets often last 15 to 25 years. High-quality, cost of solid wood kitchen cabinets with plywood construction can easily last 30 years or more with proper care.
Does the price of cabinets include the countertop installation?
No. The price for new kitchen cabinets almost always covers the cabinets themselves and their installation only. Countertop fabrication, material cost, and installation are separate line items in your kitchen cabinet remodel budget. You must budget for these separately.