Thinking about new kitchen cabinets? The kitchen cabinet cost will probably be your biggest expense in any kitchen makeover. According to Angi, most homeowners spend between $2,004 and $11,050 on new cabinets, with the average sitting at $6,369.
As a kitchen and bath cabinet maker, we see homeowners make the same mistakes over and over. They focus only on the cabinet price and forget about installation, hardware, and other hidden costs. Your total cost depends on three main things: your kitchen size, the type of cabinets you pick, and what materials you choose.
What Drives Kitchen Cabinet Cost?
Your kitchen cabinet cost starts with three main elements. Size matters most because a 10×10 kitchen needs about 20 linear feet of cabinets. Larger kitchens require more cabinets, which means higher costs for your project.
Quality comes second in determining your final price. Stock cabinets offer the most affordable option for budget-conscious homeowners. Custom cabinetry delivers superior quality at a premium price point. Semi-custom options sit in the middle ground between these two extremes.
Style rounds out the big three factors that influence pricing. Different cabinet designs carry different price tags based on construction complexity. Your choices here influence pricing significantly throughout your entire project.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost by Different Types
The type of cabinet you choose makes the biggest difference in your total kitchen cabinet cost.
Stock Cabinets Cost the Least
Stock cabinets cost $100 to $300 per linear foot installed. These are factory-made cabinets that come in standard sizes. You pick from whatever designs and finishes the manufacturer offers. Installation is faster because everything is already made to fit standard measurements.
The downside? Limited choices and sometimes lower quality. But if you’re working with a tight budget, stock cabinets get the job done.
Semi-Custom Cabinets Give You More Options
Semi-custom cabinets range from $150 to $650 per linear foot installed. You start with standard cabinet boxes but get to customize finishes, hardware, and colors. Some manufacturers let you modify sizes slightly, too.
This middle-ground option works well for most homeowners. You get more personality in your kitchen without paying full custom prices.
Custom Cabinets Cost the Most But Give You Everything
Custom cabinetry costs $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed. High-end custom builds reach $13,000 to $30,000 total project cost. You control every detail from materials to hardware selection. Dimensions, materials, finishes, and hardware all match your vision perfectly.
This represents the most expensive option but delivers unmatched quality. Custom hardware, unique dimensions, and special features become possible with this choice. The exact cost depends on your specifications and material selections.
Yes, it’s expensive. But you get exactly what you want, and the quality usually lasts decades.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost by Style
The style of cabinet you pick affects both looks and price.
Framed Cabinets Are the Traditional Choice
Traditional framed cabinets cost $5,000 to $20,000 for most kitchens. The frame construction adds strength and classic appeal to any space. This style works well with both modern and traditional kitchen designs.
Popular hardwood choices include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut for construction. Solid wood construction increases durability and extends the cabinet’s lifespan. Cabinet lifespan depends on materials and maintenance over the years.
Frameless Cabinets Look More Modern
European-style frameless cabinets run $6,000 to $30,000 for complete installations. They cost about 15% more than framed options due to construction requirements. The sleek design fits contemporary kitchens perfectly with clean lines.
No face frame means more interior space for storage needs. Hardware options vary widely to match your aesthetic preferences. Clean lines create a modern aesthetic appeal throughout your kitchen space.
Inset Cabinets Are the Premium Option
Inset-style cabinets cost $150 to $1,200 per linear foot installed. The doors and drawers sit perfectly flush inside the frame when closed. This creates a super clean, seamless look.
The precision required for inset cabinets makes them about 20% more expensive than other styles. But many homeowners think the look is worth the extra cost.
Material Costs That Influence Kitchen Cabinet Cost
What your cabinets are made from has a huge impact on kitchen cabinet cost.
Wood Cabinets Range from Affordable to Expensive
Solid wood remains the gold standard for kitchen cabinets. Oak offers durability at a moderate cost for budget-conscious buyers. Cherry provides rich color and grain patterns that many prefer. Maple works well for painted finishes due to its smooth surface. Walnut delivers a premium appearance with distinctive grain patterns.
White oak has gained popularity recently among homeowners and designers. Reclaimed wood adds character and sustainability to your kitchen design. Material choice affects both kitchen cabinet cost and cabinet lifespan significantly.
Other Materials Offer Different Benefits
Wood veneer cabinets cost $2,000 to $15,000 for average kitchens. Laminate options run $4,000 to $15,000, depending on quality levels. Acrylic surfaces range from $5,000 to $20,000 for complete installations.
Stainless steel represents the most expensive option at $25,000 to $38,000. Solid wood cabinets typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 based on species. Durable materials justify higher prices through longevity and performance.
Installation Factors Affecting Kitchen Cabinet Cost
Professional installation runs $50 to $450 per linear foot. Stock cabinet installation costs less because it’s straightforward. Custom cabinets need skilled craftsmen and cost more to install.
You’ll also pay $350 to $800 to remove and dispose of your old cabinets. Large kitchens might cost up to $1,000 for removal.
Labor Cost
Installing new cabinets sometimes requires additional updates to your kitchen’s infrastructure. Here are the most common extra jobs and what they typically cost:
- Electrical work: $50 to $100 per hour for outlet relocation or new circuits
- Plumbing changes: $45 to $200 per hour for moving water lines or gas connections
- Drywall repairs: $300 to $900 for patching holes and repainting walls
Hardware and Finishing Touches Cost
The small details add up but make a big difference in your finished kitchen. Plan for these additional costs in your budget:
- Cabinet hardware: $2 to $50 per piece, depending on style and quality
- Crown molding installation: $0.50 to $1.20 per linear foot for labor
- Basic crown molding pieces: $2 to $3 each for standard profiles
- Custom crown molding pieces: $8 to $10 each for decorative styles
Your Kitchen Size Determines How Many Cabinets You Need
Bigger kitchens need more cabinets, which means higher costs.
Small Kitchens Cost
A 10×10 kitchen needs about 20 linear feet of cabinets. The total kitchen cabinet cost runs $2,000 to $24,000 depending on what you choose. This is the most common kitchen size in many homes.
Medium Kitchens Cost
A 12×12 kitchen needs 24 linear feet of cabinets. You’ll spend $2,400 to $28,800 on cabinets. The extra space lets you add more storage and design features.
Cost of Large Kitchens
A 12×15 kitchen uses 27 linear feet of cabinets. Kitchen cabinet cost ranges from $2,700 to $32,400. More space means more opportunities for special features like corner units and pantry cabinets.
Budget-Friendly Ways for Kitchen Cabinet
You don’t have to break the bank to get nice cabinets.
Choose Stock Cabinets for Biggest Savings
Stock cabinets cost way less than custom ones. You give up some choices but save thousands of dollars. Many stock options look great in finished kitchens.
Keep Some Existing Cabinets if Possible
If your upper cabinets are in good shape, keep them and only replace the lower ones. This cuts your cabinet costs significantly while still updating your kitchen’s look.
Get Multiple Quotes
Always get at least three quotes from different contractors. Prices vary a lot between companies. This also gives you room to negotiate.
Consider Refacing Instead of Replacing
If your cabinet boxes are solid, refacing might work. New doors, drawers, and hardware can make old cabinets look new for much less money.
Other Kitchen Updates to Consider
Cabinet projects often lead to other kitchen improvements that complete your makeover. Many homeowners use cabinet installation as an opportunity to update other kitchen elements. Here’s what other upgrades typically cost so you can plan your total budget:
- New countertops: $1,300 to $3,300, depending on material choice
- Kitchen sinks: $220 to $640 for replacement units
- Backsplash installation: $600 to $1,300 for tile or stone
- New appliances: $350 to $8,000, depending on brands and features
- Room painting: $1,100 to $2,000 for professional work
- New tile floors: $800 to $3,000 for complete installation
- Complete kitchen remodel: $14,600 to $40,700 for everything
DIY Installation: Is It Worth the Savings?
DIY cabinet installation costs $2,000 to $20,000, depending on your cabinet choices. You eliminate labor expenses but take on significant challenges and responsibilities. This option requires considerable skill and proper tools for success.
Professional installation provides expertise and warranties for your investment. Mistakes during DIY projects create expensive repairs and potential safety issues. Most homeowners benefit from professional installation despite the higher upfront kitchen cabinet cost.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Quality matters more than initial price when choosing kitchen cabinets. Cheap cabinets might need replacement sooner than expected. Durable materials and solid construction provide better long-term value for homeowners.
Consider your cooking habits and storage needs before making decisions. Active cooks benefit from custom features like pull-out trays and drawers. Casual users might find stock cabinets sufficient for their needs.
Think about resale value when planning your cabinet investment. Quality cabinets add more to home value than basic options. The investment pays off when you sell your home.
Get Professional Help with Your Cabinet Project
Working with experienced professionals makes the whole process easier.
Mudosi Kitchen and Bath offers free consultations to help you understand your options. We measure your space accurately and explain different cabinet types and their costs. Our team handles everything from design to installation.
We work with trusted contractors for plumbing and electrical needs. This coordination helps avoid problems and keeps your project on schedule. The investment improves both your daily life and your home’s value. Call Mudosi Kitchen and Bath for your free consultation. We’ll help you find the perfect balance between kitchen cabinet cost and quality for your dream kitchen.
