The average cost of kitchen cabinets is $6,386, but it can range between $2,008 and $11,064, depending on kitchen size, cost of labor, and whether they’re factory-made or a custom build.
The average cost of kitchen cabinets is $6,386, with most homeowners spending between $2,008 and $11,064. Whether it’s a standalone project or part of a larger remodel, replacing your worn, damaged, or outdated kitchen cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen. Expect to spend more for larger kitchens or if you’re going for a custom build versus pre-made factory cabinets. Learn all the factors that can impact what you’ll pay to install new kitchen cabinets.
The cost of kitchen cabinets varies based on the type and style you choose, the size of your kitchen, and more. Here are the main factors that will play into your budget.
The cost of kitchen cabinetry can vary significantly, ranging from approximately $100 to $1,200 per linear foot. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you’ll pay more or less based on square footage.
| Kitchen Size | Linear Feet of Cabinets | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10x10 | 20 | $2,000–$24,000 |
| 12x12 | 24 | $2,400–$28,800 |
| 12x15 | 27 | $2,700–$32,400 |
Cabinets come in stock, semi-custom, and custom varieties, each varying in price and customization options. Stock cabinets are premade in standard sizes and are the most affordable option, typically costing $100 to $300 per linear foot installed. They offer limited design options and may have lower quality, so it’s important to weigh cost versus value when making your selection.
Semi-custom cabinets range from $150 to $650 per linear foot installed. These provide more customization options while still being based on standard sizes, allowing you to choose from a selection of finishes, hardware, and kitchen cabinet paint colors.
Custom cabinets are the most expensive option, costing $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed, with high-end custom cabinets reaching $13,000 to $30,000. However, they offer the highest level of customization, allowing you to personalize every aspect, from dimensions and shapes to finishes and hardware.
| Type | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Pre-made stock | $100–$300 |
| Semi-custom | $150–$650 |
| Custom | $500–$1,200 |
| High-end custom | $13,000–$30,000 |
Kitchen cabinets are available in framed, frameless, or inset styles, and your choice will impact the cost of your cabinets, regardless of the material.
Framed cabinets typically fall within the price range of $5,000 to $20,000 or even higher, depending on several factors, such as materials and additional features. These have a structural frame and are considered a more traditional design.
Frameless cabinets tend to cost around 15% more compared to framed cabinets, averaging between $6,000 to $30,000. These have a more contemporary aesthetic and require a heavier box construction.
Inset cabinets typically range from $150 to $1,200 per linear foot. Their unique style offers a clean and seamless look where the doors and drawers sit within the cabinet frames and align flush with the cabinet faces when closed. However, the precision and craftsmanship required for inset cabinets contribute to their higher price, which can be approximately 20% more than framed or frameless cabinets.
| Style | Cost |
|---|---|
| Framed | $5,000–$20,000+ |
| Frameless | $6,000–$30,000 |
| Inset | $150–$1,200 per linear foot |
Different cabinet materials can drive up your costs for this project. Here are the average costs for these cabinet materials:
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood | $5,000–$25,000+ |
| Wood veneer | $2,000–$15,000+ |
| Laminate | $4,000–$15,000 |
| Acrylic | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Stainless steel | $25,000–$38,000 |
A local cabinet installation contractor will typically charge anywhere from $50 to $450 per linear foot to install kitchen cabinets. Installing stock cabinetry will typically cost the least, while custom builds will drive costs to the higher end of the spectrum.
If you are building custom hardware, or if you decide to swap what normally comes with your factory cabinets, new cabinet hardware costs anywhere from $2 to $50 per piece. Prices vary widely, and it can get pretty steep for antique or ornate varieties. If you’ve got your heart set on unique cabinet hardware, but don’t necessarily have the budget for it, consider checking your local thrift stores, antique shops, or online retailers for secondhand cabinet hardware at a much lower cost.
Aside from the labor, materials, and other basic costs of kitchen cabinets, a few other expenses might come up. Here are a few more things to factor into your final budget.
If you’re adjusting the size or setup of your kitchen cabinets, you may need to budget for the cost to repair drywall, which ranges from $300 to $900. You can save money by taking on this project yourself or ask your contractor about the potential need (and cost) for repairs afterward.
On average, the cost to have a cabinet installation pro remove and dispose of old cabinets is between $300 and $500. This expense is typically detailed in the initial estimate.
Installing trim and molding can add a decorative finish to your new kitchen cabinets. The cost to install trim averages about $0.50 to $1.20 per linear foot. Basic crown molding installation costs about $2 to $3, or from $8 to $10 for custom crown moldings.
When installing cabinets, some plumbing and electrical may need to be relocated or upgraded to suit the new cabinetry. The ultimate cost will depend on the exact type of plumbing or electrical work. However, on average, plumbers charge anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour. Electricians charge from $50 to $100 per hour. The cost to hire both types of professionals depends on the type of work you need to be done and your geographic location.
If you’re wondering how much to tip your contractor, know that tipping isn’t necessary, nor is it expected. Contractors typically charge for their services based on the agreed-upon price in the contract, which covers their labor and any overhead expenses. However, if you feel like they went above and beyond, or if you want an extra way to show your appreciation, 10% to 15% of your total cost is a generous amount to stick to. Alternatively, you can offer refreshments during the project and (most importantly) leave them a favorable review online.
While you’re replacing your kitchen cabinets, there are a number of projects to consider at the same time that will elevate your kitchen makeover even further. Here’s what your budget could look like for these popular add-ons:
Cost of new kitchen counters: $1,300–$3,300
Cost to replace kitchen appliances: $350–$8,000
Cost of a new kitchen sink: $220–$640
Cost to install tile backsplash: $600–$1,300
Cost to paint a room: $1,100–$2,000
New tile flooring installation cost: $800–$3,000
Total kitchen remodel cost: $14,600–$40,700
Installing kitchen cabinets yourself is possible, but it’s a time-consuming project that requires a lot of skill, tools, and materials. The cost of installing cabinets yourself typically costs $2,000 to $20,000, depending on your chosen cabinet type and amount of them.
From making sure everything is level to attaching them securely to the wall, there are a lot of steps that can easily go wrong without the proper expertise. If you don’t have prior carpentry experience, it’s best to go with a professional cabinet installation contractor.
Depending on their current state, deciding whether to replace or reface your kitchen cabinets can potentially save your budget. If your cabinets are otherwise in good shape and structurally sound, talk to your contractor about whether refacing them is an option. If you spring for the total cabinet replacement, you have several money-saving routes to upgrade your cabinets, such as:
Swapping out hardware
Replacing doors
Paint or stain the cabinets yourself
Choosing factory stock models over custom builds
Handle the demolition and removal of your old cabinets on your own
Get at least three quotes from different contractors
A standard kitchen cabinet installation can take between a few days to a couple of weeks to complete. The timeline for installing kitchen cabinets can vary depending on factors such as the kitchen’s size, the complexity of the cabinet design, and the skill level of your contractor. Your contractor should be able to provide a more accurate time estimate during the initial consultation.
Yes—if your cabinet structure is still sound, replacing only the doors is both a viable and economical option for a more budget-friendly cabinet makeover. This process, known as cabinet refacing, allows you to only pay to have the doors and drawers of your cabinets replaced. The cabinet boxes themselves get covered with veneer or laminate.
Whether or not you put flooring under kitchen cabinets depends on the type of flooring you’re installing. Tile and hardwood flooring can throw off the height measurement for cabinets, so the best practice is to install it first then add the cabinets on top. Laminate flooring, or any floating floor, should not be installed underneath cabinets because it expands and contracts, making the cabinets unstable.
Yes, replacing cabinet hardware is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to update the look of your cabinets. You can replace handles, knobs, hinges, and other hardware to match your desired style or to refresh the appearance of your kitchen at any point following the installation.
