How Much Are New Kitchen Cabinets?

The average cost of new kitchen cabinets can range from $1,000 to $25,000 or more, with most homeowners spending between $4,000 and $12,000. This wide range depends heavily on the type of cabinets, materials used, design complexity, and whether you’re opting for stock, semi-custom, or fully custom options.

Embarking on a kitchen remodel or even a simple cabinet refresh is an exciting prospect. However, before you dive into selecting finishes and styles, a crucial question looms large: How much are new kitchen cabinets? This is often the largest single expense in a kitchen renovation. Getting a clear picture of kitchen cabinet costs is essential for creating a realistic budget for new kitchen cabinets and avoiding sticker shock. We’ll break down all the factors that influence new kitchen cabinet prices, from the materials themselves to the installation process.

How Much Are New Kitchen Cabinets
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Fathoming Kitchen Cabinet Costs: Key Factors at Play

Several elements contribute to the final price tag of your new kitchen cabinets. Deciphering these can help you make informed decisions and manage your expectations.

1. Cabinet Type: Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom

The first major differentiator in kitchen cabinet costs is the category they fall into:

Stock Kitchen Cabinets: These are pre-made cabinets, manufactured in standard sizes and styles. They are the most budget-friendly option, readily available at big box stores and online retailers.
- Pros: Lowest cost, quick availability, wide variety of basic styles.
- Cons: Limited customization options, may not fit awkwardly sized spaces perfectly, quality can vary.
- Average Cost: $50 – $200 per linear foot.
Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets: These offer more flexibility than stock cabinets. You can choose from a wider range of sizes, styles, finishes, and hardware, and often incorporate some custom features.
- Pros: Good balance of cost and customization, better fit for most spaces, improved quality over stock.
- Cons: Higher cost than stock, longer lead times.
- Average Cost: $100 – $500 per linear foot.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets: These are built from scratch to your exact specifications, allowing for complete control over dimensions, materials, styles, and features. This is the premium option.
- Pros: Ultimate design freedom, perfect fit for any space, highest quality craftsmanship.
- Cons: Highest cost, longest lead times, requires detailed planning.
- Average Cost: $200 – $1,000+ per linear foot.

2. Kitchen Cabinet Material Costs

The materials used for your cabinets significantly impact their overall price and durability.

Wood Types

Plywood: Often used for cabinet boxes (sides, bottom, back), plywood is strong and stable. Higher grades of plywood are more expensive.
- Cost: Varies based on grade and thickness, but a common cost factor in cabinet pricing.
Solid Wood: Used for cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and frames. The type of wood dramatically affects cost.
- Oak: Durable and affordable, with a prominent grain. A popular, mid-range choice.
- Maple: A smoother, finer grain than oak, often painted or stained. Slightly more expensive than oak.
- Cherry: A premium wood with a beautiful reddish-brown hue that deepens with age. It’s softer than oak or maple and commands a higher price.
- Hickory: Known for its strength and distinctive, often dramatic grain patterns. Can be more expensive due to its hardness and availability.
- Pine: A softer, less expensive wood. Prone to dents and scratches, often chosen for a rustic look or painted finish.
- Cost: Generally, woods like cherry and hickory are at the higher end, while oak and maple are mid-range, and pine is on the lower end.

Laminate and Thermofoil

These are manufactured materials applied over particleboard or MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard).

Laminate: A printed paper or plastic film adhered to a substrate. Durable and easy to clean, it offers a wide range of colors and patterns.
- Cost: Generally less expensive than wood, falling in the lower to mid-range of cabinet material costs.
Thermofoil: A vinyl film heated and vacuum-sealed over MDF. It creates a smooth, seamless surface, often used for painted-look cabinets. Can be susceptible to heat damage.
- Cost: Similar to laminate, offering a budget-friendly alternative to painted wood.

MDF and Particleboard

These engineered wood products are common for cabinet boxes and backs, especially in stock and some semi-custom lines.

MDF: Denser and smoother than particleboard, it’s excellent for painted finishes.
Particleboard: Made from wood chips and resin. It’s the least expensive option but can be less durable and susceptible to moisture damage.

3. Cabinet Construction and Features

Beyond basic materials, the way cabinets are built and the features they include also add to the cost.

Box Construction:
- Dowels and Glue: A strong traditional method.
- Cam Locks and Screws: Common in stock cabinets, often less durable than dowels.
- Dovetail Joints: A hallmark of high-quality drawers, providing superior strength and longevity. This adds to the cost.
Drawer Glides:
- Undermount Soft-Close Glides: Offer smooth operation and prevent slamming. More expensive but enhance user experience.
- Side-Mount Ball-Bearing Glides: A good balance of performance and cost.
- Basic Glides: Less smooth and durable, found in the most budget-friendly options.
Door and Drawer Styles:
- Shaker: Simple, clean lines, generally affordable.
- Raised Panel: More elaborate and decorative, increasing cost.
- Mullion Doors: Doors with glass inserts and decorative grids, adding significant cost.
- Beadboard: A textured style that can increase price.
Finishes:
- Stained: Enhances natural wood grain. Cost varies by stain color and application.
- Painted: Offers a vast color palette. Custom paint colors and intricate finishes (glazing, distressing) add to the cost.
- Veneers: Thin layers of wood applied to a substrate, offering the look of solid wood at a lower cost.
Hardware: Knobs and pulls can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars each.
Internal Accessories: Pull-out shelves, spice racks, lazy Susans, drawer organizers, and trash pull-outs are excellent for functionality but will increase the overall kitchen cabinet remodel cost.

4. Cabinet Design and Layout

The complexity of your kitchen’s layout and the specific design choices will influence the number of cabinets needed and their configuration.

Kitchen Size: Obviously, a larger kitchen requires more cabinets, increasing the total cost.
Number of Linear Feet: Most quotes are based on linear feet. A standard kitchen might have 20-30 linear feet of cabinetry.
Specialty Cabinets: Corner cabinets, appliance garages, microwave cabinets, and pantry cabinets can be more complex and therefore more expensive.
Custom Features: Angled cabinets, curved doors, or built-in elements demand more labor and design expertise, driving up prices.

Estimating Your Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Cost

To estimate your kitchen cabinet replacement cost, it’s helpful to know how much cabinetry you have. Measure all the walls where cabinets will be installed and calculate the linear feet.

Base Cabinets: Measure the length of the wall space they will occupy.
Wall Cabinets: Measure the length of the wall space they will occupy.
Tall Cabinets (Pantry, Oven Cabinets): Measure their width and height if they are not part of a linear run.

Once you have your linear footage, you can use the per-linear-foot costs for different cabinet types to get a rough estimate.

Example:
If you have 20 linear feet of wall cabinets and 15 linear feet of base cabinets, that’s 35 linear feet total.
For semi-custom cabinets averaging $250 per linear foot: 35 linear feet * $250/linear foot = $8,750.

This is a very basic calculation and doesn’t include hardware, installation, or other miscellaneous costs.

The Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Installation

The kitchen cabinet installation cost is a significant part of your overall budget. This cost is typically factored into the project price, but it can also be a separate line item depending on how you source your cabinets.

DIY Installation: While tempting to save money, cabinet installation requires precision. Improper installation can lead to misaligned doors, uneven drawers, and structural issues. If you’re not experienced, it’s generally best to hire professionals.
Professional Installation: This usually involves experienced carpenters or specialized kitchen installers. They ensure cabinets are level, plumb, securely fastened, and properly aligned.
- Cost: Typically ranges from $50 to $150 per linear foot, or a flat fee of $500 to $2,000+ for a whole kitchen, depending on the complexity and the installer’s rates.
- This often includes hanging wall cabinets, setting base cabinets, shimming for level installation, and securing them to the wall. It may or may not include installing countertops, backsplashes, or hardware. Always clarify what is included.

Factors Affecting Installation Costs:

Complexity of Layout: Odd angles, sloped ceilings, or intricate designs require more time and skill.
Removal of Old Cabinets: If old cabinets need to be removed and disposed of, this will add to the labor cost.
Wall Preparation: If walls are uneven or need significant repair before cabinet installation, this can increase costs.
Site Accessibility: Difficult access to the kitchen can also impact labor charges.

Budgeting for New Kitchen Cabinets: A Strategic Approach

Creating a solid budget for new kitchen cabinets is crucial for a successful renovation. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Determine Your Overall Kitchen Remodel Budget

Before focusing solely on cabinets, establish your total renovation budget. This will help you allocate funds appropriately. A general guideline is that cabinets can account for 30-50% of the total kitchen remodel cost.

2. Prioritize Your Needs and Wants

Must-Haves: Essential functionality, durable materials, and a style you love.
Nice-to-Haves: High-end hardware, premium internal organizers, custom finishes.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

For stock or semi-custom cabinets, get quotes from several retailers or manufacturers. For custom cabinets, solicit bids from multiple cabinet makers. Be sure quotes are itemized and comparable.

4. Factor in All Associated Costs

Don’t forget to include:

Hardware: Knobs, pulls, hinges, drawer slides.
Installation: Professional labor costs.
Design Fees: If you hire a kitchen designer.
Delivery: Shipping and handling charges for cabinets.
Contingency Fund: Always set aside 10-15% for unexpected expenses.

5. Explore Cost-Saving Strategies

Consider Semi-Custom: Often a great middle ground between stock and custom.
Choose More Affordable Woods: Opt for oak or maple over cherry or walnut.
Limit Customization: Stick to standard sizes and fewer specialized features.
Opt for Laminate or Thermofoil: For doors and drawer fronts if budget is tight.
DIY Some Aspects: Painting existing cabinets or installing hardware can save money if you have the skills.
Shop Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales or package deals.

Table: Typical Kitchen Cabinet Cost Breakdown (Example for Mid-Range Kitchen)

Item	Estimated Cost Range	Percentage of Cabinet Budget	Notes
Cabinet Boxes	$2,000 – $5,000	40-50%	Plywood construction, standard sizes
Cabinet Doors/Drawers	$1,500 – $4,000	30-40%	Maple or oak, Shaker style
Hardware (Knobs/Pulls)	$200 – $800	5-10%	Quality metal hardware
Hinges & Drawer Glides	$300 – $1,000	5-10%	Soft-close features
Interior Accessories	$200 – $1,500	5-15%	Pull-out shelves, basic organizers
Delivery	$100 – $500	1-5%	Varies by location and order size
Subtotal (Cabinets)	$4,300 – $12,800	85-95%
Installation Labor	$1,000 – $3,000	15-25%	Professional installation
Total Estimated Cost	$5,300 – $15,800	100%	This is for cabinets only, excluding countertops, sink, etc.

Note: This table provides a general estimate. Actual costs can vary significantly.

The Cost of Custom Kitchen Cabinets: When Quality is Paramount

The cost of custom kitchen cabinets reflects the unparalleled level of craftsmanship, material selection, and personalized design. If you have a unique vision, very specific dimensions to fill, or desire intricate details, custom cabinetry is the way to go.

What Drives Up Custom Cabinet Costs?

Exotic or Premium Woods: Rare woods, highly figured grains, or woods requiring special finishing techniques.
Intricate Designs: Detailed carvings, ornate moldings, custom inlays, or specialized joinery.
High-End Finishes: Multi-step staining, lacquering, hand-painting, or distressed finishes.
Advanced Hardware and Organizers: Motorized drawers, sophisticated pull-out systems, custom-designed interior fittings.
Designer Involvement: Working with a professional kitchen designer who creates unique plans.
Cabinet Maker’s Reputation and Experience: Highly sought-after craftspeople often command higher fees.

When opting for custom, expect to pay at least $500 to $1,000+ per linear foot, and often much more. A small kitchen with premium custom cabinets could easily reach $20,000-$50,000 or higher.

Cost of Stock Kitchen Cabinets: The Budget-Friendly Choice

Cost of stock kitchen cabinets makes them appealing for budget-conscious homeowners or those looking for a quick update.

Where to Find Stock Cabinets:

Big Box Retailers: Home Depot, Lowe’s, IKEA.
Online Retailers: Many online companies specialize in ready-to-assemble (RTA) or pre-assembled stock cabinets.

Considerations for Stock Cabinets:

Limited Sizing: You’ll need to adapt your kitchen layout to fit standard cabinet sizes. fillers can be used, but they don’t always look as seamless.
Basic Finishes: Fewer finish options and less complex door styles.
Material Quality: Often made with particleboard or MDF boxes, and less premium wood veneers or laminates for doors.
Assembly Required: Many stock cabinets, especially RTA options, require assembly.

Despite the limitations, well-chosen stock cabinets can provide a clean, functional, and attractive kitchen for a fraction of the cost of custom options.

What is the Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets?

To reiterate, the average cost of kitchen cabinets can vary greatly, but a common range for a full kitchen replacement (including installation) is between $4,000 and $12,000.

Budget Kitchens (Stock/RTA): $1,000 – $4,000
Mid-Range Kitchens (Semi-Custom): $4,000 – $12,000
High-End Kitchens (Custom): $10,000 – $30,000+

These averages are national estimates and can be influenced by local labor rates and material availability.

Can I Get New Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget?

Yes, absolutely! The key is smart planning and prioritization.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Cabinets:

Reface vs. Replace: If your cabinet boxes are in good condition, consider refacing. This involves replacing just the doors and drawer fronts, and applying a new veneer or laminate to the cabinet boxes. This can save 20-50% compared to full replacement.
Paint Existing Cabinets: A fresh coat of paint can dramatically transform your kitchen for minimal cost. Ensure proper preparation and use high-quality cabinet paint.
Shop Smart: Compare prices from different suppliers. Look for sales and clearance items.
Consider RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) Cabinets: These are typically much cheaper than pre-assembled or custom options, but require assembly.
Opt for Simpler Styles: Shaker doors are generally more affordable than raised-panel or ornate designs.
Choose Less Expensive Materials: Laminate or thermofoil fronts can mimic the look of wood at a lower cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the biggest factor influencing kitchen cabinet prices?

A1: The type of cabinets (stock, semi-custom, or custom) is usually the biggest driver of price, followed closely by the materials used for doors, drawers, and boxes.

Q2: Does the kitchen cabinet material cost include installation?

A2: Typically, no. Cabinet material costs are for the cabinets themselves. Kitchen cabinet installation cost is usually a separate charge, although some packages may include it. Always clarify what is included in any quote.

Q3: How much should I budget for hardware for new kitchen cabinets?

A3: Hardware costs can vary wildly, from $5 per knob to $50+ per pull. For a typical kitchen, budget between $200 and $1,000+ for hardware, depending on your selection and the number of cabinets and drawers.

Q4: Are custom kitchen cabinets worth the extra cost?

A4: For homeowners who desire unique designs, have unusual kitchen layouts, or prioritize premium craftsmanship and specific materials, custom cabinets can be well worth the investment. For most, semi-custom cabinets offer a better balance of customization and cost.

Q5: How long does it take to get new kitchen cabinets?

A5:
* Stock Cabinets: Can often be purchased and installed within a few days to a few weeks, especially if they are ready-to-assemble.
* Semi-Custom Cabinets: Typically take 4 to 12 weeks from order to installation.
* Custom Cabinets: Can take 8 to 20 weeks or even longer, depending on the complexity of the design and the cabinet maker’s schedule.

Q6: What are the most expensive kitchen cabinet materials?

A6: Premium hardwoods like cherry, walnut, hickory, and exotic wood species are generally the most expensive. Highly detailed finishes, intricate carvings, and specialized hardware also add significantly to the cost of custom kitchen cabinets.

Q7: What’s the difference between RTA and pre-assembled cabinets?

A7: RTA cabinets come flat-packed and require assembly by the homeowner or an installer. Pre-assembled cabinets are delivered fully constructed, which saves on assembly time but usually incurs higher shipping costs and a higher initial price.

Q8: How can I reduce the kitchen cabinet remodel cost?

A8: You can reduce the kitchen cabinet remodel cost by choosing stock or semi-custom options, opting for simpler door styles and finishes, selecting less expensive wood species or laminate, refacing instead of replacing, and potentially doing some of the work yourself (like demolition or hardware installation). Always get multiple quotes to compare pricing.

Embarking on a kitchen cabinet project is a significant undertaking, but with thorough research and careful planning, you can achieve beautiful, functional cabinetry that fits your style and budget. By deciphering the various cost components and understanding the options available, you can confidently navigate the process of acquiring your dream kitchen cabinets.