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Kitchen Cabinet Replacement: How Much Does It Cost?
The total cost to replace kitchen cabinets can range significantly, typically from $2,000 to $20,000 or more. This wide range depends heavily on the size of your kitchen, the materials chosen for the cabinets, the complexity of the installation, and whether you opt for stock, semi-custom, or fully custom options.
Replacing your kitchen cabinets is a big decision. It can dramatically change the look and feel of your home’s most used space. But before you dive in, you need to know the numbers. Let’s break down the kitchen cabinet replacement cost so you can plan your budget effectively.
Fathoming the Factors Influencing Cabinet Costs
Many things affect how much you’ll spend. Think of it like building with blocks; each choice adds to the final price.
Cabinet Material Costs Kitchen: The Foundation of Your Spend
The material your cabinets are made from is a major cost driver. Different woods and materials offer varying looks, durability, and, of course, price tags.
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Particleboard/MDF with Laminate or Veneer: This is often the most budget-friendly option.
- Pros: Affordable, wide variety of colors and patterns, easy to clean.
- Cons: Less durable than solid wood, can be susceptible to moisture damage, may not look as premium.
- Estimated Cost: $100 – $300 per linear foot.
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Plywood: A good mid-range choice, offering better durability than particleboard.
- Pros: Stronger than particleboard, more resistant to moisture, available in various grades.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than laminate options, quality can vary.
- Estimated Cost: $200 – $600 per linear foot.
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Solid Wood: This is the premium choice, offering the best durability and classic appeal. Common types include:
- Oak: Durable, prominent grain, widely available.
- Maple: Smooth grain, hard, takes stains well, can be painted.
- Cherry: Rich color, fine grain, ages beautifully.
- Hickory: Very hard and durable, distinctive grain.
- Walnut: Dark, rich color, beautiful grain, premium price.
- Pros: High durability, beautiful natural appearance, can be refinished.
- Cons: Most expensive option, can expand or contract with humidity changes.
- Estimated Cost: $400 – $1,000+ per linear foot, depending on the wood species.
Cabinet Construction: How They’re Made Matters
Beyond the material, the way cabinets are constructed also impacts their price and longevity.
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Framed Cabinets: These have a face frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. They are a traditional American style.
- Pros: Strong, generally less expensive to produce.
- Cons: The frame slightly reduces the opening size, limiting access to the back of the cabinet.
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** frameless Cabinets (European Style):** These cabinets do not have a face frame. The doors attach directly to the cabinet box.
- Pros: Offers a more modern look, provides wider access to the cabinet interior, maximizing storage space.
- Cons: Can be slightly more expensive due to the need for precise construction and door alignment.
Cabinet Styles: Looks That Cost
The style you choose for your cabinet doors and drawers also plays a role in the cost of new kitchen cabinets.
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Shaker: Simple, clean lines with a flat center panel and raised or recessed edges. Very popular and versatile.
- Estimated Cost: $300 – $800 per linear foot.
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Flat-Panel (Slab): A minimalist, modern look with a completely flat door and drawer front.
- Estimated Cost: $250 – $700 per linear foot.
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Raised-Panel: Features a center panel that is raised and often has decorative molding. Offers a more traditional or formal look.
- Estimated Cost: $400 – $900 per linear foot.
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Inset: The doors and drawer fronts are set into the cabinet frame, creating a flush, high-end look.
- Estimated Cost: $600 – $1,200+ per linear foot.
Customization and Features: Adding Value (and Cost)
Want special features or unique designs? This is where the pricing for kitchen cabinet overhaul can really increase.
- Customization: Built-in organizers, pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, spice racks, and decorative moldings all add to the price.
- Hardware: Knobs and pulls can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars each.
- Finishes: Special paint colors, glazes, or distressed finishes can add a premium.
Deciphering Installation Costs: The Labor Factor
Kitchen cabinet installation costs are a significant part of the total cost kitchen cabinet replacement. This includes the labor involved in removing old cabinets, preparing the space, and installing the new ones.
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DIY vs. Professional Installation:
- DIY: Saves on labor costs but requires significant time, skill, and the right tools. Mistakes can be costly to fix.
- Professional Installation: Ensures a precise, high-quality finish. This typically includes:
- Removal and disposal of old cabinets.
- Minor wall repairs or patching.
- Leveling and securing new cabinets.
- Installation of doors, drawers, and hardware.
- Basic cleanup.
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Factors Affecting Installation Labor:
- Kitchen Size and Layout: More complex layouts or larger kitchens take longer to install.
- Cabinet Type: Frameless cabinets may require more precise installation than framed ones.
- Wall and Floor Levelness: Uneven surfaces can complicate installation and add time.
- Plumbing and Electrical: If you need to move sinks or outlets, this will increase labor costs.
Estimated Installation Labor Costs:
- Per Hour: $50 – $100 per hour for an experienced carpenter or installer.
- Per Day: $400 – $800 per day.
- Percentage of Cabinet Cost: Some installers charge 20-40% of the cabinet material cost for installation.
Average Cost to Refurnish Kitchen Cabinets (Including Installation):
For a standard-sized kitchen (around 10-15 linear feet of cabinetry), you can expect installation costs to range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.
Comprehending the Various Cabinet Options
When planning your budget for kitchen cabinets, it’s important to know the different types of cabinets available, as they come with distinct price points.
Stock Cabinets: The Affordable Starting Point
Stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes and styles. They are the most economical option.
- Pros: Readily available, quickest to receive, lowest cost.
- Cons: Limited design choices, fewer customization options, standard sizes may not fit perfectly.
- Where to Find: Big box home improvement stores, online retailers.
- Estimated Cost: $50 – $300 per linear foot.
Semi-Custom Cabinets: A Balance of Choice and Cost
Semi-custom cabinets offer more flexibility than stock cabinets. You can choose from a wider range of door styles, finishes, and sizes, and often add a few specific features.
- Pros: More design choices than stock, some customization is possible, good balance of quality and price.
- Cons: More expensive than stock, longer lead times.
- Where to Find: Cabinet showrooms, some home improvement stores, independent kitchen designers.
- Estimated Cost: $200 – $800 per linear foot.
Custom Cabinets: Ultimate Design and Premium Price
Custom cabinets are built to your exact specifications. You have complete control over materials, styles, sizes, and features.
- Pros: Perfectly tailored to your kitchen and needs, widest range of materials and designs, highest quality.
- Cons: Most expensive option, longest lead times, requires detailed planning.
- Where to Find: Custom cabinet makers, high-end kitchen designers.
- Estimated Cost: $500 – $1,500+ per linear foot.
Fathoming Your Total Cost Kitchen Cabinet Replacement
The total cost kitchen cabinet replacement is more than just the cabinets themselves. You need to factor in all the associated expenses.
What’s Included in the Total Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Cost?
- Cabinet Materials: The cost of the actual cabinets (wood, laminate, hardware, etc.).
- Design Services: If you work with a kitchen designer.
- Demolition and Disposal: Removing old cabinets and junk.
- Installation Labor: The cost of skilled professionals to install the new cabinets.
- Countertops: New cabinets often mean new countertops, which is a separate, significant expense.
- Backsplash: May need updating after cabinet installation.
- Sink and Faucet: Might be replaced during the remodel.
- Paint and Trim: Fresh paint for the walls and any necessary trim work.
- Permits: Depending on your location and the scope of work.
- Contingency: It’s always wise to add 10-20% for unexpected issues.
Sample Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Costs (Mid-Range Example)
Let’s consider a moderately sized kitchen with approximately 15 linear feet of cabinetry.
| Item | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | $750 – $4,500 | Laminate or basic wood, framed construction. |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | $3,000 – $12,000 | Plywood boxes, wood doors (e.g., maple or oak), some pull-outs. |
| Custom Cabinets | $7,500 – $22,500+ | Solid wood (e.g., cherry or walnut), frameless, high-end hardware. |
| Hardware (Knobs/Pulls) | $150 – $1,000 | Varies greatly by style and material. |
| Installation Labor | $1,000 – $5,000 | Includes removal of old cabinets, installation, basic wall repair. |
| Design Consultation | $0 – $1,500 | Some designers offer free consultations; others charge hourly or a fee. |
| Contingency (15%) | $250 – $3,375 | For unforeseen expenses. |
| Total (Mid-Range) | $4,150 – $16,875 | This is a general estimate; actual costs can vary. |
This table provides a rough estimate. Your specific needs will dictate the final price.
Planning Your Budget for Kitchen Cabinets
Creating a realistic budget for kitchen cabinets is crucial. Here’s how to approach it:
- Measure Your Space: Accurately measure all the areas where you need cabinets. This will help you determine the linear footage required.
- Prioritize Your Needs: Decide what’s most important to you – material quality, specific features, or a particular aesthetic?
- Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote. Contact several suppliers and installers to compare prices and services.
- Factor in All Costs: Remember to include installation, hardware, and a contingency fund.
- Consider the ROI: While cabinets are an expense, they are also an investment in your home’s value and functionality.
Exploring Alternative Cabinet Overhaul Options
Replacing cabinets entirely is a major undertaking. What if you’re looking for a less drastic approach to your cabinet remodel expenses?
Refinishing Cabinets: A Cost-Effective Facelift
Refinishing involves cleaning, sanding, and repainting or restaining your existing cabinets.
- Pros: Significantly cheaper than replacement, can dramatically change the look, extends the life of your cabinets.
- Cons: Labor-intensive, requires skill to achieve a professional finish, doesn’t fix structural issues.
- Estimated Cost:
- DIY: $200 – $1,000 (for supplies)
- Professional: $2,000 – $6,000 (for a mid-sized kitchen)
Refacing Cabinets: A Middle Ground
Cabinet refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts and covering the existing cabinet boxes with a new veneer or laminate.
- Pros: Less disruptive than replacement, can update the style, generally less expensive than full replacement.
- Cons: Doesn’t address potential issues with the cabinet boxes themselves, fewer design choices than new custom cabinets.
- Estimated Cost: $4,000 – $10,000 (for a mid-sized kitchen)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinets per linear foot?
The cost per linear foot for cabinets alone typically ranges from $100 for basic stock options to $1,000 or more for high-end custom solid wood. Installation costs add another $50-$200+ per linear foot depending on the complexity.
Q2: Can I save money by installing cabinets myself?
Yes, you can save on labor costs by doing it yourself, but it requires significant skill, time, and the right tools. Mistakes can be expensive to fix, and a poor installation can lead to problems down the line.
Q3: What is the average cost to refurnish kitchen cabinets?
Refinishing, which means repainting or staining, can cost $2,000 to $6,000 professionally for a mid-sized kitchen. Refacing (replacing doors and drawer fronts) typically costs $4,000 to $10,000.
Q4: What are the most expensive cabinet materials?
Premium hardwoods like walnut, cherry, and hickory are generally the most expensive. Customization, high-end hardware, and intricate finishes also add significantly to the material cost.
Q5: Is it cheaper to buy stock or custom cabinets?
Stock cabinets are considerably cheaper than semi-custom or custom cabinets. However, custom cabinets offer greater flexibility in size and design, which may eliminate the need for costly modifications during installation.
Q6: What are common cabinet remodel expenses beyond the cabinets themselves?
Beyond the cabinets, common expenses include countertop replacement, backsplash installation, new sink and faucet, paint, trim work, lighting upgrades, and potential plumbing or electrical adjustments. Don’t forget a contingency fund for unexpected issues.
Q7: How long does kitchen cabinet replacement typically take?
The process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the project, whether you’re removing old cabinets, and the availability of your installers. Custom cabinets also have longer lead times for manufacturing.
Q8: What does “linear foot” mean when talking about cabinets?
A linear foot is a measurement of length. In cabinetry, it refers to a 12-inch section of a cabinet run. For example, a kitchen with cabinets along one wall that is 10 feet long would have 10 linear feet of cabinetry.
Q9: Are there ways to reduce the total cost kitchen cabinet replacement?
You can reduce costs by opting for stock cabinets, choosing less expensive wood species or laminate, doing some of the work yourself (like demolition or painting), selecting simpler door styles, and minimizing customizations. Refacing or refinishing existing cabinets are also significant cost-saving alternatives.
Q10: Who is responsible for kitchen cabinet installation costs?
Cabinet installation costs are typically borne by the homeowner. When you receive quotes from cabinet suppliers or contractors, the installation labor is usually itemized separately or included in a total project price.
By carefully considering these factors and planning thoroughly, you can navigate the world of kitchen cabinet replacement with confidence, ensuring you achieve the kitchen of your dreams within your budget.