Kitchen cabinet replacement often ranks as the biggest expense during a remodel—yet understanding real costs remains surprisingly tricky.
Many homeowners are shocked by final bills that far exceed their initial estimates.
What truly determines cabinet pricing?
From basic box store options to fully custom designs, costs vary dramatically based on materials, construction quality, and installation methods.
Examining actual price ranges helps create realistic budgets and avoid unexpected expenses.
The numbers below reflect current market rates from multiple contractors nationwide, providing you with reliable figures to plan your project.
Ready to see what new cabinets will actually cost you? Let’s break down the real numbers.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
Looking to update your kitchen?
The price of new cabinets varies widely based on several factors.
Most homeowners spend between $2,000 and $ 25,000 or more on new kitchen cabinets.
This big range exists because cabinet costs depend on size, materials, and craftsmanship.
When calculating costs, consider the price per linear foot, which ranges from $100 for basic options to over $ 1,200 for high-end designs.
Installation adds another significant cost.
Expect to pay between $1,600 and $8,000 for professional installation, depending on kitchen size and job complexity.
Not ready for a complete replacement? You have options:
- Basic refacing: $4,000-$9,500 (keeps existing cabinet boxes)
- Full replacement: $6,000-$15,000 (mid-range quality)
- Custom cabinets: $15,000-$30,000+ (fully made-to-order)
The final price tag will also change based on material quality, hardware choices, and any special features you want.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Replacement
When planning your kitchen cabinet project, several key factors will shape your final bill.
The size and layout of your kitchen directly impact the number of cabinets you’ll need.
Unusual layouts with corners or curves also add to the price, as they require special cabinet solutions.
The cabinet quality level plays a significant role in pricing.
Stock cabinets come pre-made in standard sizes from home stores.
Semi-custom cabinets provide more design options while keeping costs moderate.
Custom cabinets are built exactly to your specifications.
Your cabinet construction style also affects pricing:
- Framed cabinets have a face frame attached to the front edge of the cabinet box, providing extra strength
- Frameless cabinets lack this face frame, creating a sleek, modern look with slightly more usable space
- Inset cabinets feature doors set inside the cabinet frame, rather than overlaying it, creating a classic look that requires precise craftsmanship and is more expensive.
Material choice significantly impacts both price and durability.
Options range from basic particleboard to premium hardwoods.
Solid wood costs more than engineered wood products, such as MDF, while laminates and veneers offer a wood look at lower prices.
Cabinet Options and What They’ll Cost You
Knowing the specific costs of different cabinet types helps you make informed decisions about where to invest your money.
1. Stock Cabinet Pricing
Stock cabinets typically cost between $100 and $300 per linear foot installed.
These ready-made options ship quickly and work well for standard kitchens.
A complete stock cabinet setup for an average kitchen runs about $4,000 to $6,000, including basic installation.
While these provide the most budget-friendly option, they come in limited styles, finishes, and sizes.
2. Semi-Custom Cabinet Costs
Semi-custom cabinets fall in the middle range, priced from $150 to $650 per linear foot, installed.
These cabinets offer a wider range of size options, material choices, and storage features.
For a typical kitchen, expect to pay between $8,000 and $15,000 for semi-custom cabinets, including installation.
The flexibility makes them worth considering if stock cabinets don’t quite meet your needs.
3. Custom Cabinet Investment
Custom cabinets start around $500 per linear foot and can exceed $1,200 for premium designs.
A full custom cabinet project often ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 or more.
These made-to-order cabinets offer precise sizes tailored to your space, distinctive design elements, and premium materials.
They make sense for unusual kitchen layouts or when you want specific features not found in mass-produced options.
Material Cost Breakdown
Different materials create distinct price points:
| CABINET MATERIAL | PRICE RANGE | KEY CHARACTERISTICS |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood | $5,000–$25,000 | Natural beauty varies by wood type |
| Plywood | $2,500–$7,500 | Strong and moisture resistant |
| MDF | $2,500–$5,000 | Takes paint well; budget-friendly |
| Laminate | $4,000–$15,000 | Many colors; easy maintenance |
| Veneer | $2,000–$15,000 | Real wood looks at a lower cost |
When selecting your cabinet material, consider not only the upfront cost but also its durability and long-term maintenance needs.
Higher-quality materials typically last longer and withstand daily kitchen use better.
Professional Installation vs. DIY: What You’ll Spend and Save
The installation method you choose significantly impacts both your budget and the final results.
Let’s examine both options to help you determine which one makes more sense for your situation.
DIY Installation: The Cost Breakdown
Going the DIY route can save substantial money if you have the right skills.
Your total project cost will range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on cabinet quality, but you’ll save $1,000 to $5,000 in labor costs.
However, DIY cabinet installation requires precision, the proper use of tools, and a basic understanding of construction knowledge.
You’ll need measuring tools, levels, drills, and often a helper for the heavy lifting.
Mistakes can be costly and may void warranties.
DIY works best for stock cabinets with simple layouts.
The time commitment typically spans 1-3 weekends for an average kitchen, depending on your skill level and the complexity of the project.
Professional Installation: Value and Benefits
Professional installation typically costs $50 to $450 per linear foot, including materials and labor.
On a per-cabinet basis, expect to pay $125 to $500 per cabinet for installation.
Hiring specialists has clear benefits: faster completion, guaranteed work, and proper handling of unexpected issues like uneven walls or electrical complications.
Most professionals complete a kitchen in 2-5 days once materials arrive.
When choosing who handles your installation, consider:
- Cabinet installers (most expensive but most skilled)
- General contractors (good for whole-kitchen projects)
- Handymen (best for simple stock cabinet installations)
The timeline for professional jobs typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks, from ordering to completion, with stock cabinets being installed the fastest and custom options requiring longer manufacturing times.
Additional Costs That Catch Homeowners Off Guard
Many homeowners focus solely on cabinet costs but overlook these common additional expenses.
Being aware of these potential additions helps you build a more realistic budget.
| ADDITIONAL COST ITEM | TYPICAL PRICE RANGE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet removal/disposal | $300–$1,000 | Higher for large kitchens or special materials |
| Trim and molding | $0.50–$10 per linear ft | Crown molding costs more than basic trim |
| Hardware (knobs/pulls) | $2–$50+ per piece | An average kitchen needs 20-40 pieces |
| Backsplash | $600–$1,300 | Includes materials and installation |
| Countertops | $1,300–$4,300 | Laminate is the cheapest, natural stone most expensive |
| Plumbing modifications | $50–$200/hour | Often needed for sink or dishwasher changes |
| Electrical updates | $50–$150/hour | For new lighting or moving outlets |
| Permits | $50–$500 | Varies by location and project scope |
These costs can add up quickly, sometimes increasing your total budget by 25-50%.
Planning for these extras from the start helps avoid budget surprises midway through your project.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement: Which Saves More?
When working with a tight budget, you might consider refacing rather than full replacement.
Refacing involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes while replacing doors, drawer fronts, and visible surfaces.
This option typically costs $4,500 to $10,500 for a standard kitchen.
Refacing works best when:
- Your current cabinet boxes remain in good condition
- You’re happy with your existing kitchen layout
- You want to minimize disruption and construction time
Complete replacement costs more ($10,000 to $50,000+) but makes sense when:
- Cabinet boxes show damage or poor construction
- You want to change the kitchen layout
- Your current cabinets lack the desired storage features
From a long-term value perspective, full replacement typically provides better return on investment for homes in higher-value markets or when existing cabinets are significantly outdated.
Smart Budgeting Tips to Get the Best Value
Most homeowners are unaware that there are several ways to reduce costs without compromising quality.
The key is knowing where to save and where to spend.
Here are six proven ways to maximize your cabinet budget:
- Reserve about one-third of your total kitchen budget specifically for cabinets.
- Splurge on cabinets in high-visibility areas while saving on less-seen storage spaces.
- Install open shelving in place of some upper cabinets for significant savings.
- Keep your current layout to avoid expensive plumbing and electrical modifications.
- Gather multiple detailed quotes to compare true value beyond just bottom-line prices.
- Set aside 10-20% extra for any unexpected problems that may arise during the renovation.
By following these strategies, you can create a beautiful, functional kitchen with cabinets that meet your needs without emptying your wallet.
The Bottom Line
New kitchen cabinets represent a significant investment, but they deliver major returns in both daily enjoyment and increased home value.
With clear cost insights in hand, you can strategically decide which cabinet features deserve your budget and where to cut back without sacrificing quality.
Remember that cabinet quality directly impacts longevity; cheaper options might cost more in the long run if they need replacement sooner.
Take the time to compare quotes from multiple providers, as prices often vary by 20% or more for similar products.
Start with your budget reality, then work backward to find the best cabinet solution that fits your needs.
Achieving the perfect balance of beauty, function, and affordability in your kitchen is possible with careful planning and the right information.
