What Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost? Price Guide
Planning a kitchen remodel? Cabinet costs can be a shock if you’re not prepared.
Most homeowners spend between $3,000 and $20,000 on new kitchen cabinets. That’s a huge range that leaves many people confused about what they’ll actually pay.
The truth is, cabinet prices depend on several key factors. Material choice, cabinet style, and installation method all impact your final bill. Without knowing these details, you might overspend by thousands.
This guide breaks down real kitchen cabinet costs based on current market data. You’ll learn what drives prices up or down, and also receive practical tips to save money without sacrificing quality.
Ready to plan your cabinet budget with confidence? Let’s see the numbers that matter most for your kitchen project.
Planning a kitchen remodel? Cabinet costs can shock you if you're not prepared. Understanding the potential Kitchen Remodel ROI can help you make informed budgeting decisions.
How Your Material Choices Affect Cabinet Costs?
Think of cabinet materials as the DNA of your project costs. Solid wood cabinets command $150-$500 per linear foot because they last decades and look stunning.
But here’s a secret many contractors won’t tell you – plywood at $100-$300 per linear foot gives you 80% of the durability for half the price. MDF works well for painted cabinets, priced at $75-$200 per linear foot, especially if you prefer crisp, clean lines.
Stock cabinets often feel affordable at $100-$300 per linear foot, but their cost can be offset by the fact that they may not fit your space perfectly. Semi-custom cabinets ($150-$650 per linear foot) solve most sizing issues without breaking the bank. Custom cabinets, priced at $500-$1,200 per linear foot, can transform your kitchen into a showpiece, but only if your budget allows.
Key Cost Factors You Can’t Ignore:
- Kitchen size multiplies everything – A cozy 10×12 kitchen needs 25 linear feet of cabinets, while a spacious 15×20 kitchen demands 35-40 linear feet
- Paint saves money – Paint finishes cost $20-$50 less per linear foot compared to rich stain options, but both look fantastic when done right
- Installation varies by location – Expect $50-$150 per linear foot for professional installation, with higher rates in major cities
The devil lives in finishing details, and so does your money. Simple doors keep costs reasonable, while fancy raised panels or glass fronts can add $30-$100 per door; choose wisely based on your style goals.
Professional installation protects your investment and ensures everything works properly; however, obtain multiple quotes to avoid overpaying.
Average Cost by Kitchen Cabinet Type
Choosing the right cabinet type strikes a balance between your budget and design dreams. Here’s what each option really costs and delivers.
1. Stock Cabinets: $60 – $200 per Linear Foot
Stock cabinets are the fast food of kitchen remodeling – quick, affordable, and readily available. You’ll find them at big box stores in standard sizes that fit most kitchens. The trade-off is limited choices, but many homeowners love the instant gratification and budget-friendly prices.
- Ready to install immediately – no waiting 6-12 weeks
- Lowest cost option for tight budgets
- Good quality from major brands like KraftMaid and Diamond
- Easy to find replacement parts if needed
- Perfect for rental properties or quick flips
Note to Remember: Stock cabinets only come in 3-inch increments, so you might need filler strips to make them fit perfectly.
2. Semi-Custom Cabinets: $100 – $650 per Linear Foot
Semi-custom cabinets strike the perfect balance between cost and customization. You get more size options, door styles, and finishes without the premium price of full custom work. Most kitchen designers recommend this approach for homeowners who want a personalized look without overspending.
- Hundreds of door styles, colors, and finishes available
- Custom sizing to fit your exact space measurements
- Higher-quality materials than most stock options
- Lead time of 4-8 weeks – reasonable wait for a better fit
- Great value for money with professional results
Note to Remember: Semi-custom doesn’t mean unlimited options – you’re still choosing from preset configurations and materials.
3. Custom Cabinets: $500 – $1,200+ per Linear Foot
Custom cabinets are built specifically for your kitchen by skilled craftsmen. Every detail is personalized, from the wood species to the hardware placement. This option makes sense for unique spaces, luxury homes, or homeowners who refuse to compromise on their vision.
- Unlimited design possibilities – any size, style, or configuration
- Premium materials like exotic woods and specialty finishes
- Built by local craftsmen who take a personal interest in your project
- Perfect fit for unusual spaces or architectural challenges
- Heirloom quality that adds serious value to your home
Note to Remember: Custom cabinets require a lead time of 8-16 weeks and often cost more than your original budget; plan accordingly.
7 Ways to Save on Kitchen Cabinet Costs
Proven methods used by savvy homeowners to reduce cabinet expenses by thousands of dollars while still getting a beautiful, functional kitchen that lasts for years.
1. Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets – Pre-cut cabinets that you assemble yourself can cut costs by 30-50%, with quality options starting at $50-$150 per linear foot, compared to $100-$300 for assembled stock cabinets.
2. Cabinet Refacing – Keep your existing cabinet boxes and replace just the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware for $100-$300 per linear foot – approximately half the cost of full replacement, while achieving a fresh new look.
3. Seasonal Sales Shopping – Home improvement stores typically offer their deepest discounts during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), when demand is lower, potentially saving you 20-40% on cabinet purchases.
4. Local Carpenter vs. Big Box Stores – Independent carpenters often charge less for labor ($40-$100 per linear foot) compared to store installation teams, plus they provide more personalized service and flexibility with timing.
5. Mix Stock and Semi-Custom – Utilize stock cabinets for standard areas and semi-custom options only where special sizing is required, thereby reducing overall costs while maintaining a custom look in key areas.
6. Paint Instead of Stain – Painted finishes cost $20-$50 less per linear foot than stained wood and hide imperfections more effectively, making lower-grade materials appear more expensive than they are.
7. DIY Installation – Handle the installation yourself if you’re handy with tools and save $50-$150 per linear foot in labor costs. Just budget extra time and have a backup plan for complex situations.
Cost Breakdown: Materials vs. Installation
Understanding how your cabinet budget is split between materials and labor helps you make more informed spending decisions. Here’s the typical breakdown:
| Cost Category | Percentage of Total | Price Range per Linear Foot | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Materials | 60-70% | $100-$800 | Box construction, doors, drawers, and shelves |
| Installation Labor | 20-25% | $50-$150 | Mounting, leveling, adjustments, and cleanup |
| Hardware & Accessories | 10-15% | $20-$100 | Handles, hinges, drawer slides, and crown molding |
Popular Optional Upgrades That Add Value:
| Upgrade Type | Cost Addition | Worth It Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-close drawer slides | $15-$30 per drawer | High – prevents slamming, extends cabinet life |
| Pull-out trash bins | $75-$150 each | Medium – convenient but not essential |
| Lazy Susan corner units | $100-$200 each | High – maximizes hard-to-reach corner space |
| Under-cabinet lighting | $50-$150 per linear foot | Medium – great for task lighting and ambiance |
| Crown molding | $8-$25 per linear foot | High – gives custom custom-built-in appearance |
| Drawer organizer inserts | $25-$75 per drawer | Medium – keeps things tidy, but can buy separately |
When to Splurge and When to Save?
- Splurge on Cabinet Boxes and Hinges – Invest in plywood or solid wood construction over particleboard, and choose quality hinges that won’t sag or break. These core components determine how long your cabinets last and function properly.
- Save on Hardware and Accessories – Buy handles, knobs, and drawer pulls separately from discount retailers or online stores where you can get the same styles for 50-70% less than what cabinet companies charge.
- Splurge on Drawers Over Doors – Full-extension drawer slides and dovetail joints are worth the extra cost because drawers receive heavy daily use, while door upgrades are mostly about aesthetics.
- Save on Upper Cabinets, Invest in Base Cabinets – Base cabinets hold more weight and endure more wear, so allocate your budget to stronger construction there while keeping upper cabinets simple and affordable.
- Consider Resale Value Timeline – If selling within 2-3 years, keep costs moderate with semi-custom cabinets that appeal to most buyers; if staying 10+ years, splurge on custom features you’ll enjoy daily since you’ll recoup costs through personal satisfaction and long-term durability
Conclusion
Kitchen cabinet costs don’t have to be a mystery anymore. You now know that materials, cabinet type, and kitchen size are the primary factors driving your biggest expenses.
Stock cabinets are ideal for budget-conscious homeowners, while semi-custom options offer flexibility without the high costs associated with custom options.
Remember the 60-70% rule: most of your budget is allocated to materials, not labor. Focus your spending on quality cabinet boxes and hardware that lasts.
Save money with RTA options, seasonal sales, or by mixing and matching cabinet types throughout your kitchen.
Your dream kitchen is within reach when you plan smart. Begin by measuring your space and determining which features are most important to you.
Ready to get quotes from local contractors? Compare at least three bids and ask about material options that fit your budget. Your perfect kitchen cabinets are waiting.
