What’s the average cost of new kitchen cabinets? The average cost of new kitchen cabinets can range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more. This wide range depends on many factors, including the type of cabinets, materials, size of your kitchen, and whether you opt for professional installation. Let’s break down the numbers to help you budget your dream kitchen.
Deciphering the Cost of New Kitchen Cabinets
When planning a kitchen renovation, cabinets are often the biggest ticket item. The cost of new kitchen cabinets can be a significant part of your overall budget. It’s not just about the cabinets themselves; it’s also about the quality, style, and the way they are made. From budget-friendly options to high-end custom pieces, there’s a price point for every need and taste.
Budget Kitchen Cabinets: Smart Choices for Less
For homeowners on a tighter budget, budget kitchen cabinets offer a practical solution without sacrificing too much on style. These are typically made from less expensive materials like particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) with laminate or vinyl veneers.
- Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets: These come flat-packed and require assembly. RTA kitchen cabinets cost can be significantly lower than pre-assembled or custom options. You can find basic RTA cabinets starting around $1,500 for a small kitchen.
- Stock Cabinets: These are pre-made in standard sizes and styles. They are readily available at big box home improvement stores. The wholesale kitchen cabinets price for stock options can be quite competitive, often starting at $2,000 for a modest kitchen. They offer good value but have limited design flexibility.
Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets: A Step Up in Style and Function
Semi-custom kitchen cabinets cost falls between stock and custom options, offering a good balance of affordability and personalization. You can choose from a wider range of door styles, finishes, and cabinet configurations.
- Wider Selection: You’ll have more choices in wood species (like maple, cherry, or oak) and finishes.
- Modifications: You can often modify standard sizes or add special features like pull-out shelves or decorative moldings.
- Pricing: Expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000 for a mid-sized kitchen with semi-custom cabinets.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets: The Pinnacle of Personalization
For those who want a truly unique kitchen tailored to their exact specifications, custom kitchen cabinets price is the highest. These cabinets are built to your precise measurements and design preferences by skilled craftspeople.
- Unlimited Options: You can choose any wood, finish, style, and dimension. This allows for the creation of unique storage solutions and a look that perfectly matches your vision.
- High-Quality Materials: Custom cabinets often use premium hardwoods and superior construction techniques, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Investment: The custom kitchen cabinets price can start at $10,000 and easily climb to $20,000 or more, depending on the complexity and materials used.
Factors Influencing Cabinet Costs
Several elements contribute to the final price tag of your new kitchen cabinets.
Material Matters
The type of wood or material used has a significant impact on the price.
- Hardwoods:
- Oak: Durable and classic, often a good mid-range option.
- Maple: Smooth grain and consistent color, takes stain well, a popular choice.
- Cherry: Rich color and beautiful grain, tends to be more expensive.
- Hickory: Very hard and durable, can have a striking grain pattern.
- Engineered Wood:
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Smooth surface ideal for painting, but can be damaged by moisture.
- Plywood: Strong and stable, often used for cabinet boxes.
- Laminates and Veneers: These are applied over less expensive core materials. They offer a wide range of looks at a lower cost.
Cabinet Construction and Style
How the cabinets are built and their aesthetic design also affect the price.
- Framed vs. Frameless (European) Cabinets:
- Framed: Traditional American style with a solid wood frame on the front of the cabinet box. Generally more affordable.
- Frameless: Modern European style with no face frame, allowing for wider drawers and easier access. Often slightly more expensive due to precision required.
- Door Styles: Simple shaker doors are usually less expensive than more elaborate raised-panel or decorative styles.
- Drawer Construction: Dovetail joints are a sign of quality and can increase cost compared to stapled or grooved joints. Full-extension, soft-close drawer slides are a desirable upgrade that adds to the price.
Kitchen Size and Layout
The number of cabinets you need directly correlates with the cost. A larger kitchen with more wall and base cabinets will naturally cost more. The complexity of your kitchen layout, including corner cabinets, specialty cabinets (like appliance garages or trash pull-outs), and island cabinetry, will also add to the overall expense.
Finishes and Hardware
- Stain and Paint: Custom paint colors or intricate staining techniques can increase costs.
- Hardware: Cabinet knobs and pulls are not usually included in the base cabinet replacement prices and are an additional expense. The price of hardware can range from a few dollars to over $50 per piece.
Kitchen Remodel Cabinet Cost Breakdown
When budgeting for a kitchen remodel, understanding where your money goes for cabinets is crucial. The kitchen remodel cabinet cost often represents 30-50% of the total renovation budget.
Cost of New Kitchen Cabinets: The Core Expense
This is the price of the cabinets themselves, whether stock, semi-custom, or custom.
- Materials: The wood or composite material used.
- Construction: How the cabinet boxes and doors are made.
- Style: The design of the doors, drawers, and overall cabinet.
- Finish: The stain, paint, or veneer applied.
- Features: Any added functionalities like soft-close hinges, pull-out shelves, or specialized storage.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost: The Labor Component
The kitchen cabinet installation cost is the price for skilled professionals to expertly fit and secure your new cabinets.
- Labor Rates: Varies by region and the installer’s experience.
- Complexity of Installation: Kitchens with intricate layouts, angled walls, or a need for significant modifications will incur higher installation costs.
- Preparation: This might include removing old cabinets, preparing the walls, and ensuring the cabinets are level and plumb.
- Typical Cost: Kitchen cabinet installation cost typically ranges from $100 to $200 per linear foot, or a flat fee of $1,000 to $5,000 for the entire kitchen, depending on the project’s size and complexity.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Design Services: If you use a kitchen designer, their fees will be an additional cost.
- Delivery Fees: Especially for larger orders or custom cabinets.
- Sales Tax: Applicable in most regions.
- Hardware: Knobs, pulls, hinges (if not included in the cabinet price).
- Countertops: Often purchased and installed alongside cabinets.
- Backsplash: The material and installation for the area behind the countertop.
- Plumbing and Electrical: Moving or updating fixtures may be needed.
Cabinet Replacement Prices: A Deeper Dive
Cabinet replacement prices can vary significantly. If you’re just replacing cabinets and not undertaking a full remodel, your focus will be solely on the cabinetry and its installation.
- Replacing Existing Cabinets: This usually means removing old units and installing new ones in the same locations. The complexity of removal (e.g., if they are glued or heavily anchored) can add to labor costs.
- Mid-Range Kitchen Example: For a standard 10×10 foot kitchen (approximately 20 linear feet of cabinets), you might expect:
- Budget/Stock Cabinets: $3,000 – $6,000 (cabinets only)
- Semi-Custom Cabinets: $5,000 – $10,000 (cabinets only)
- Custom Cabinets: $10,000 – $20,000+ (cabinets only)
- Installation: Add $1,000 – $4,000 for installation based on linear footage and complexity.
Wholesale Kitchen Cabinets Price: Buying Direct
Purchasing wholesale kitchen cabinets price can offer savings, especially if you’re buying in bulk or through a contractor. However, it’s essential to ensure you’re getting quality products and understand the terms of sale.
- Direct from Manufacturer: Some manufacturers sell directly to consumers.
- Kitchen Showrooms: Many showrooms offer direct-from-factory pricing.
- Contractor Discounts: If you work with a contractor, they may have access to better pricing.
Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets: Setting Expectations
The average cost of kitchen cabinets is influenced by the factors discussed above. For a typical mid-sized kitchen, the cabinet portion of a renovation often falls within these ranges:
- Budget-Friendly: $3,000 – $7,000
- Mid-Range: $7,000 – $15,000
- High-End/Custom: $15,000 – $30,000+
RTA Kitchen Cabinets Cost: The DIY Approach
RTA kitchen cabinets cost is typically the most budget-friendly option. The savings come from you doing the assembly yourself.
- What’s Included: You get all the cabinet parts, hardware for assembly, and instructions.
- Skills Needed: Basic woodworking skills and tools are required. Patience is key!
- Cost Savings: You can save 20-50% on the cabinet price by assembling RTA cabinets yourself compared to pre-assembled options.
- Typical RTA Cost: For a 10×10 kitchen, RTA cabinets can range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the quality of materials and style.
Fathoming Cabinet Costs: Tables and Comparisons
To provide a clearer picture, let’s look at how different cabinet types might stack up for a standard 10×10 kitchen (approx. 20 linear feet).
Table 1: Estimated Cabinet Costs by Type (for a 10×10 Kitchen)
| Cabinet Type | Material Examples | Estimated Cabinet Cost | Estimated Installation Cost | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (Stock/RTA) | Particleboard/MDF with laminate, RTA assembly | $1,500 – $4,000 | $1,000 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $6,500 |
| Mid-Range (Stock) | Plywood/MDF boxes, wood veneer or painted doors | $3,000 – $6,000 | $1,200 – $3,000 | $4,200 – $9,000 |
| Semi-Custom | Plywood boxes, solid wood doors, more style options | $5,000 – $10,000 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $6,500 – $13,500 |
| Custom | Solid wood, premium finishes, bespoke design | $10,000 – $20,000+ | $2,000 – $5,000+ | $12,000 – $25,000+ |
Note: These are estimates and can vary greatly.
Table 2: Material Cost Comparison
| Material | Pros | Cons | Estimated Cost Range (per linear foot for cabinets) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Particleboard | Affordable, smooth for painting | Susceptible to moisture damage, less durable | $75 – $150 |
| MDF | Smooth, good for paint, cost-effective | Susceptible to moisture, can sag | $80 – $160 |
| Plywood | Strong, durable, good for boxes | Can be more expensive than MDF/particleboard | $100 – $200 |
| Solid Hardwood | Durable, beautiful grain, premium look | Most expensive, can expand/contract | $150 – $300+ |
| Laminate/Veneer | Wide variety of looks, affordable | Can chip or peel, repairs are difficult | $90 – $170 |
Table 3: Factor Impact on Cabinet Price
| Factor | Low Impact | Medium Impact | High Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Type | Stock/RTA | Semi-Custom | Custom |
| Material | MDF/Particleboard | Plywood/Veneer | Solid Hardwood |
| Door Style | Flat/Shaker | Raised Panel | Specialty |
| Construction | Framed | Frameless | Dovetail Drawers |
| Finish | Standard Stain | Painted/Glazed | Custom Finish |
| Hardware | Basic | Mid-grade | Designer |
Saving Money on Your Cabinet Project
Achieving your dream kitchen doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. Here are some tips for saving money on new kitchen cabinets:
- Opt for Stock or RTA: These are the most budget-friendly options. If you’re comfortable with DIY assembly, RTA cabinets offer significant savings.
- Choose Simpler Door Styles: Shaker or flat-panel doors are generally less expensive than intricate raised-panel or decorative styles.
- Consider Laminate or Thermofoil Finishes: These can mimic the look of real wood at a lower cost.
- Buy Cabinets on Sale: Many retailers offer seasonal sales or promotions.
- Limit Customization: Stick to standard sizes and configurations where possible for semi-custom cabinets.
- Reuse Existing Cabinet Boxes: If your current cabinet boxes are in good condition, consider just replacing the doors and drawer fronts. This can drastically reduce cabinet replacement prices.
- Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple suppliers and installers. Compare wholesale kitchen cabinets price from different vendors.
- DIY Installation (with caution): If you have the skills and confidence, installing your own cabinets can save on labor costs. However, improper installation can lead to costly issues down the line.
- Focus on Key Areas: Splurge on cabinets for high-traffic or visible areas, and save on less prominent ones if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Cabinet Costs
Q1: What is the difference between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets?
A1: Stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes and styles, available off-the-shelf. Semi-custom cabinets offer more choices in size, style, and finishes, allowing for some personalization. Custom cabinets are built to your exact specifications by a cabinet maker, offering the most design flexibility and highest price point.
Q2: Can I install kitchen cabinets myself to save money?
A2: Yes, if you have the necessary DIY skills, tools, and patience, you can install cabinets yourself, especially RTA or stock options. However, professional installation ensures proper alignment, stability, and a polished look, which is crucial for the overall functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. If not done correctly, DIY installation can lead to more expensive repairs later.
Q3: How much does kitchen cabinet installation cost per linear foot?
A3: The kitchen cabinet installation cost typically ranges from $100 to $200 per linear foot, but this can vary based on the complexity of the installation, the type of cabinets, and your location.
Q4: What is the average cost of kitchen cabinets for a small kitchen?
A4: For a small kitchen (e.g., 8×8 or 10×10 feet), the average cost of kitchen cabinets can range from $3,000 to $7,000 for budget options, $5,000 to $12,000 for mid-range, and $10,000+ for custom.
Q5: Are RTA kitchen cabinets good quality?
A5: The quality of RTA kitchen cabinets can vary widely. Many RTA cabinets are made with durable materials like solid wood doors and plywood boxes, offering excellent value. However, some cheaper RTA options might use particleboard or MDF, which are less durable. Always check reviews and material specifications. RTA kitchen cabinets cost savings should be weighed against material quality.
Q6: What are the most expensive types of wood for kitchen cabinets?
A6: The most expensive woods for kitchen cabinets typically include exotic hardwoods, certain types of cherry, walnut, and high-grade maple. The price also depends on the cut of the wood and the complexity of the grain.
Q7: Does the kitchen cabinet installation cost include removing old cabinets?
A7: Not always. It’s essential to clarify with your installer whether the kitchen cabinet installation cost includes the removal and disposal of old cabinets. Often, this is an additional service.
Q8: Where can I find wholesale kitchen cabinets price?
A8: You can often find wholesale kitchen cabinets price through kitchen cabinet dealers who work directly with manufacturers, contractors, or through online retailers specializing in wholesale cabinetry.
By carefully considering these factors and planning your budget accordingly, you can select the best kitchen cabinets for your needs and achieve a beautiful, functional space.