The allure of a newly renovated kitchen is hard to resist. That is, until the first remodeling cost estimates start rolling in. The cost of kitchen cabinets can be an expensive line item in your kitchen remodel budget, accounting for approximately 30% to 35% of the final project cost. If you are wondering where all the money goes, you have come to the right place.
In this Kitchen Cabinet Cost Guide, you will learn everything you need to know about kitchen cabinet installation costs, including detailed pricing information by material, labor costs, and recommended planning considerations. You will also learn the key factors that affect your final price, as well as a few lower-cost alternatives for tighter budgets.
How Much Does it Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets?
The cost to install kitchen cabinets typicallys range between $4,000 and $13,000 as of 2024, with a national average price of $7,500. When looking at the cost by linear foot of cabinetry installed, you can expect to pay around $150 to $500 per linear foot for semi-custom cabinets, or $500 to $1,200 per linear foot for custom cabinets.
To put these costs into perspective, if you were looking to install new cabinets in your 200 square foot kitchen, you might require about 20 linear feet of cabinetry. For semi-custom cabinets, you could expect to pay between $3,000 to $10,000. For custom cabinets, you could expect to pay between $10,000 and $24,000.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost
Average Installation Cost $4,000 - $13,000
Cost Breakdown
- Materials 73.3%
- Labor 26.7%
Factors that Impact Cabinet Installation Costs
There are many different factors that will impact the total cost of your kitchen cabinet installation. The main considerations are:
- Material and quality of the cabinets
- Your kitchen’s size and layout
- The total number of cabinets and linear feet required
- Whether or not you are having hardware installed
- Labor and installation rates in your area
For example, a 10 x 10 kitchen with 12 semi-custom veneered cabinets will cost far less than a 12 x 12 kitchen with custom cabinets crafted in solid white oak. Whether you decide to go with stock (premade) cabinets, semi-custom, or fully custom will also affect the cost, as will your cabinet hardware selections.
Additionally, you will also need to plan for construction labor in your estimate. Demolition costs and any remodeling work that may be required can also add to the final price tag.
Cabinet Costs by Type and Material
The cost of new cabinets will vary by the material you choose, as well as the quality. In terms of material options, some of the most popular choices are solid wood, wood veneer, laminate, metal, and acrylic.
When it comes to choosing cabinet quality, you can choose between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets. Note that custom cabinets tend to cost 20% to 50% more than semi-custom cabinets.
- Stock: These cabinets come fully assembled by the manufacturer and ready to install. This is often the most cost-effective option. However, your choices of style, sizes, material, and color will be more limited.
- Semi-custom: Similar to stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets are manufactured in standard sizes and styles, but they offer more customization options. You will have more choices in colors, stains, hardware, and interior features like pullouts and organizational trays.
- Custom: This type of cabinet is fully customized to your kitchen’s space and your exact specifications. The sky’s the limit in your choice of material, style, finish, and hardware, but they usually come with a higher price tag.
Below you can explore average kitchen cabinet prices by material and quality as of 2024.
| Material | Stock cabinets cost per linear ft. | Semi-custom cabinets cost per linear ft. | Custom cabinets cost per linear ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid wood | $100 to $600 | $200 to $800 | $500 to $2,000 |
| Wood veneer | $60 to $200 | $100 to $300 | $500 to $1,200 |
| Laminate | $60 to $200 | $100 to $300 | $500 to $1,200 |
| Metal | $100 to $600 | $400 to $900 | $1,000 to $2,000+ |
| Acrylic | $400 to $600 | $600 to $1,200 | $1,200 to $2,000 |
Labor and Installation Costs
Installing kitchen cabinets requires some involved labor. Generally speaking, labor and installation should account for about 20% to 30% of your total project cost. Keep in mind that labor rates will vary by location. Here is a breakdown of the labor involved with a kitchen cabinet installation and what each task will cost.
Demolition and disposal: Removal of your kitchen’s old cabinets is a necessary part of the job. Your cabinet installer and their team will handle this and can cost between $300 and $500.
Preparing walls and spaces: Before the installation, your professional will ensure the walls are level and smooth, and free from damage. Your kitchen may require patching holes, sanding, and relocating electric or plumbing in some instances. This will typically cost $200 to $500.
Cabinet installation: The labor cost to install cabinetry typically ranges between $50 to $200 per linear foot, depending on the complexity of installation.
Hardware installation: From simple knobs to fancy pulls, choose from thousands of options to match cabinet style, color or stain, and your preferences. Hardware costs vary widely from budget collections from big-box retailers to hand-crafted designs. The average cost range for 12 cabinet pulls is $300 to $1,900.
Additional construction work: Sometimes drywall repair is necessary after installing kitchen cabinets. This comes at an additional cost and will include wall repainting where needed. If your project requires moving outlets, the refrigerator, or a kitchen faucet, you will need to factor in electrical or plumbing work as well.
Cabinet Installation Cost by Kitchen Size
The size of your kitchen will be a significant cost driver in your cabinet installation project. A larger kitchen usually equates to more cabinets, and a smaller kitchen requires fewer.
For example, a 10 x 10 kitchen requiring 12 cabinets should have an average cabinet installation cost between $2,800 and $6,500. For a larger kitchen 12 x 12 in size, the average installation cost range would be higher, between $3,800 to $8,500.
Kitchen sizes are increasing among resale and new homes. Households are expanding kitchens in their remodels, while more new construction homes are being built with open-concept layouts that open up the kitchen area.
Cabinet Installation Cost by Cabinet Size
Cabinet sizes impact material costs but not necessarily installation costs. Cabinet sizes are relatively standard across types and materials. As such, installation costs fall in a similar range whether you decide on stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets.
Where the cabinet is installed and the complexity of the labor required are the two main cost drivers. The more moving parts and bells and whistles included with each cabinet, the more it costs to install. Drawers, lazy susans, and pull-outs are a few examples of features that cost extra to install.
Below you will find standard cabinet sizes by type as well as what you can expect to pay for each size.
| Cabinet Type | Standard Sizes | Installation Cost per Cabinet |
|---|---|---|
| Base cabinets | Height: 35” Depth: 24” Width: 12” to 36” | $275 to $2,325 |
| Upper or wall cabinets | Height: 30” to 36” Depth: 12” to 18” Width: 24” to 30” | $250 to $1,100 |
| Utility cabinets | Height: 35” to 36” Depth: 12” to 24” Width: 18” to 36” | $1,150 to $9,485 |
How Much Does it Cost to Install Cabinet Hardware?
As mentioned, you will likely need to factor hardware installation into your project, unless you choose to do-it-yourself. The average cost to install kitchen cabinet hardware ranges from $300 to $1,900. Hardware options can run from budget-conscious collections from $1.50 per piece to hand-forged one-of-a-kind pieces at $50 or more each.
There are a few things that affect the cost of cabinet hardware and installation. The biggest factors are:
- Material
- Size
- Finish
- Intricacy of the design
For example, a stainless steel knob is a more budget-friendly option than a custom-designed handle of solid brass.
Once you get to installation, the cost comes down to the number of holes that need to be drilled. Knobs are usually less expensive to install because they require only a single hole compared to handles that require two or more.
How Much Does it Cost to Paint or Finish Cabinets?
On average, it costs between $30 and $60 per linear foot to finish cabinets after installation. Painting or finishing cabinets can be done by a professional after installation to ensure an even and consistent look. When you are finalizing your design decisions with your contractor, you can discuss painting and finishing options and whether it fits within your desired style and budget.
Let’s take a look at two popular cabinet finishes and what they cost.
Staining
The average cost for cabinet staining is $20 to $50 per linear foot. Stains can bring out the lovely grains of wood cabinets and add a rich warmth to a kitchen. Another benefit is that staining is easier to touch up than paint later on — you can easily find a touch-up marker to match your cabinet stain.
Painting
The average cost for cabinet painting is $30 to $60 per linear foot. Painting kitchen cabinets opens you up to a world of color possibilities. If it is a classic all-white kitchen you crave, painted cabinets will deliver that clean and crisp look. Paint can be 10 to 15% more than stain in some areas, which may increase your final project cost.
How Much Does Cabinet Refacing and Refinishing Cost?
If you are interested in a kitchen refresh without the cost and lifestyle disruption of cabinet replacement, cabinet refacing and refinishing are two quality alternatives.
Cabinet Refacing
The average cost to reface kitchen cabinets ranges from $4,000 to $9,500 for an average-sized kitchen, or roughly $100 to $250 per linear foot. Refacing cabinets allows you to refresh them and give them an updated look without requiring a full replacement. Cabinet drawer fronts and doors are removed and a veneer is applied to the bases. New fronts are installed to match the veneer and often include updated hardware.
Cabinet Refinishing
The average cost to refinish kitchen cabinets is $2,000 to $5,000, or about $30 to $60 per linear foot. Cabinet refinishing is a great option for tighter budgets. The process involves sanding your existing cabinets to remove paint or stain, repainting or restaining, and updating the hardware.
Tips for Saving on a Cabinet Installation
Installing new kitchen cabinets requires a significant portion of your remodeling budget. Here are a few ways to maximize your investment and save some cash on your project:
- Opt for stock or semi-custom cabinets instead of custom
- Avoid expensive glass fronts in wall cabinets
- Replace several wall cabinets with open shelving
- Opt for a more minimalist or less ornate design
- Choose cabinet staining over painting
Hiring a Qualified Professional
One of the most reliable ways to save costs and ensure a quality project is by hiring a reputable kitchen remodeler or cabinet installer. With their expertise and deep product knowledge, they can help you select the right type of cabinet material and type for your budget. They also work efficiently and cause the least amount of disruption to your household so you can begin enjoying your brand-new kitchen sooner.
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