How Much Is It To Replace Kitchen Cabinets: A Comprehensive Cost Breakdown

The kitchen cabinet replacement cost can vary widely, typically ranging from $4,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and whether you opt for professional installation or a DIY approach. Understanding these factors is key to budgeting for your renovation.

Exploring the Total Price of New Kitchen Cabinets

When you’re thinking about a kitchen makeover, new cabinets are often the star of the show. They dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen. But, how much does a full upgrade truly cost? The cost of new kitchen cabinets isn’t just about the boxes themselves; it’s a blend of materials, labor, and those little extras that add up.

Material Matters: The Building Blocks of Cabinet Cost

The type of wood or material you select for your cabinets plays a significant role in the overall price.

Solid Wood: This is the classic choice, known for its durability and beauty.
- Oak: A popular and strong wood, oak offers a beautiful grain and is moderately priced.
- Maple: Known for its smooth, fine grain and light color, maple is a bit more expensive than oak but very durable.
- Cherry: With its rich color and elegant grain, cherry is a premium wood that comes with a higher price tag.
- Hickory: One of the hardest woods, hickory is exceptionally durable and has a distinctive, varied grain pattern. It’s often on the higher end of solid wood costs.
Plywood: Often used for cabinet boxes (sides, bottoms, backs), plywood is a strong and stable option. The quality of plywood can vary, with higher grades costing more.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) and Particleboard: These engineered wood products are more budget-friendly. They are often used for cabinet doors or painted finishes. While they can look good, they are less durable than solid wood and can be susceptible to moisture.

Cabinet Styles: From Stock to Custom

The style of cabinet you choose also influences the kitchen cabinet renovation prices.

Stock Cabinets: These are pre-made and sold in standard sizes. They are the most affordable option and can be purchased from big-box stores or online retailers.
Semi-Custom Cabinets: These offer a bit more flexibility. You can choose from a wider range of sizes, styles, and finishes, and they often have more internal organization options. The price is in the middle ground.
Custom Cabinets: These are built to your exact specifications, from dimensions to design details. This offers the ultimate in personalization but comes with the highest price tag. Expect to pay significantly more for custom kitchen cabinets price.

Finishes and Features: The Details That Differentiate

Beyond the core material and style, various finishes and features can impact the final cost.

Finishes: Natural wood finishes, stains, paints, glazes, and specialty finishes all have different costs. High-gloss or custom paint colors can add to the expense.
Door Styles: Simple Shaker doors are generally less expensive than more intricate raised-panel or decorative styles.
Hardware: Hinges, drawer pulls, and knobs are small items, but they can add up, especially if you opt for premium materials like brushed nickel, brass, or crystal.
Interior Organizers: Features like pull-out shelves, spice racks, trash pull-outs, lazy Susans, and dividers add convenience but also increase the cost of new kitchen cabinets.

Refacing vs. Replacing: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

When considering a kitchen cabinet update, you often face a choice: replace them entirely or reface them. Both have their own price points and benefits.

Cabinet Refacing Cost: A Smart Alternative

Refacing involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes and replacing the visible parts: the doors, drawer fronts, and exposed side panels. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a significant aesthetic upgrade without the full expense of new cabinets.

What’s Included: New doors, new drawer fronts, veneer or laminate for exposed cabinet sides, and new hardware.
The Cost: Typically, cabinet refacing cost ranges from 30% to 50% of the cost of new cabinets. For an average kitchen, this could mean $2,000 to $6,000.
Pros: More affordable than full replacement, faster installation, less disruptive to your kitchen, good for structurally sound cabinets.
Cons: You are limited by the existing cabinet box layout, the interior of the cabinets remains the same, and if the boxes are damaged or warped, refacing won’t solve those issues.

Cost to Refurnish Kitchen Cabinets: A Lighter Touch

“Refurnish” can sometimes be used interchangeably with refacing, but it can also imply a simpler update like repainting or staining existing cabinets.

Repainting/Staining: This is the most budget-friendly option. It can revitalize the look of your cabinets, but it requires significant prep work and skill for a professional finish.
- DIY: If you have the time and patience, you can save a lot by doing it yourself. Costs are mainly for paint, primer, sandpaper, and tools, potentially $200-$500.
- Professional Painting: A professional painter will charge for their labor, often $50-$100 per cabinet door, plus prep and finishing. This could add $1,500 to $4,000 or more to your project.
Pros: Least expensive option, can dramatically change the look.
Cons: Durability depends heavily on the quality of the prep and application, can be very time-consuming for DIYers, and doesn’t change the cabinet style or improve functionality.

Professional Installation vs. DIY: Who Does the Work?

The decision to hire professionals or tackle the job yourself significantly impacts the kitchen cabinet replacement cost.

Professional Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost

Hiring experienced professionals ensures a precise and durable installation. This is crucial for the longevity and functionality of your cabinets.

What’s Included: Cabinet measurement, design consultation (sometimes), delivery, cabinet assembly (if needed), precise mounting, leveling, and securing of cabinets, installation of doors and drawer fronts, and potentially hardware installation.
The Cost: Labor costs for installation typically range from $50 to $150 per linear foot, or about 20% to 35% of the total cabinet cost. For a mid-range kitchen renovation, this could add $1,000 to $4,000 or more.
Factors Affecting Installation Costs:
- Kitchen Size and Layout: More complex layouts with many angles or custom pieces take longer to install.
- Type of Cabinets: Stock cabinets are generally quicker to install than custom-built ones.
- Obstacles: Plumbing, electrical outlets, or uneven walls can complicate installation and increase labor time.
- Cabinet Features: Integrated lighting or complex internal organizers might add to installation complexity.
- Geographic Location: Labor rates vary significantly by region.

DIY Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Cost: The Thrifty Approach

For those with carpentry skills and ample free time, a DIY approach can offer substantial savings.

Savings: You eliminate the professional installation labor costs, which can be a significant portion of the budget.
What You’ll Need:
- Accurate measurements of your kitchen space.
- Tools: Level, drill, measuring tape, screws, shims, stud finder, possibly a miter saw for custom cuts.
- Time and patience: Cabinet installation requires precision. Mistakes can be costly.
- Potentially: Help for lifting and maneuvering heavy cabinet boxes.
Potential Pitfalls:
- Measurement Errors: Incorrect measurements can lead to cabinets that don’t fit, requiring costly adjustments or replacements.
- Uneven Walls/Floors: Without proper shimming and leveling, cabinets won’t hang straight, affecting door alignment and overall appearance.
- Structural Issues: Ensuring cabinets are securely fastened to wall studs is vital for safety and durability.
- Time Commitment: What seems like a weekend project can easily stretch into weeks for an inexperienced DIYer.
- Aesthetics: Achieving a factory-perfect finish with door alignment and seamless integration can be challenging.

The DIY kitchen cabinet replacement cost will only be the price of the cabinets themselves, plus any tools or materials you need to purchase for the installation. This can lead to savings of thousands of dollars compared to professional installation.

Factors Influencing Your Total Kitchen Cabinet Remodel Cost

Beyond the cabinets themselves, several other elements contribute to the overall kitchen cabinet remodel cost.

Cabinet Design and Layout Changes

Are you simply swapping out old cabinets for new ones of the same size, or are you redesigning the entire kitchen layout?

Minor Updates: Replacing cabinets with similar dimensions will be less expensive.
Major Renovations: If you’re moving plumbing, electrical, or walls to change the kitchen’s footprint, this adds significant costs for related trades (plumbers, electricians, drywallers) and permits.

Countertops

New cabinets often go hand-in-hand with new countertops. The cost of countertops can be a substantial part of your renovation budget.

Laminate: Most affordable, starting around $20-$60 per square foot installed.
Solid Surface (e.g., Corian): Mid-range, typically $40-$100 per square foot installed.
Granite/Quartz: Popular premium options, ranging from $50-$200+ per square foot installed, depending on the specific stone or quartz pattern.
Marble/Butcher Block/Concrete: Can also be incorporated, with prices varying greatly.

Backsplash

A new backsplash can complete the look of your updated kitchen.

Ceramic/Porcelain Tile: Affordable, starting around $5-$15 per square foot for materials. Installation adds to the cost.
Glass Tile/Mosaic Tile: Can range from $15-$50+ per square foot for materials.
Natural Stone: Marble, granite, or slate can be $20-$60+ per square foot for materials.

Sink and Faucet

Are you upgrading your sink and faucet to match your new cabinets?

Basic Stainless Steel Sink: $100-$300.
Undermount or Farmhouse Sinks: $300-$1,000+.
Basic Faucet: $50-$150.
High-End or Touchless Faucets: $200-$600+.

Hardware and Fixtures

New cabinet knobs, pulls, lighting, and even cabinet organizers add to the overall cost.

Demolition and Disposal

Removing old cabinets and disposing of them properly can incur additional fees. This can range from $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on the amount of material and local disposal regulations.

Permits and Fees

Depending on your location and the scope of work, you may need building permits, which come with associated fees.

Estimating Your Project: Using a Kitchen Cabinet Remodel Cost Calculator

To get a clearer picture of potential expenses, using a kitchen cabinet remodel cost calculator is highly recommended. These online tools allow you to input details about your kitchen size, the type of cabinets you’re considering, desired finishes, and whether you’ll hire professionals.

While online calculators provide estimates, they are not a substitute for professional quotes. They are excellent for initial budgeting and understanding the variables involved.

Sample Cost Breakdown: A Hypothetical Kitchen

Let’s look at a hypothetical medium-sized kitchen (approximately 10 linear feet of base cabinets and 10 linear feet of wall cabinets) to illustrate potential costs.

Item	Low-End Estimate	Mid-Range Estimate	High-End Estimate
Stock Cabinets	$2,000	$4,000	$8,000
Semi-Custom Cabinets	$4,000	$7,000	$12,000
Custom Cabinets	$8,000	$15,000	$30,000+
Professional Installation	$1,000	$2,500	$5,000+
Cabinet Refacing	$1,500	$3,000	$6,000
Countertops (Laminate)	$500	$1,000	$2,000
Countertops (Quartz)	$2,000	$4,000	$8,000+
Backsplash (Basic Tile)	$200	$500	$1,500
Sink & Faucet (Mid-range)	$300	$700	$1,500
Hardware (Pulls/Knobs)	$100	$300	$1,000
Estimated Total (New Cabinets)	$4,100	$9,000	$24,000+
Estimated Total (Refacing)	$2,100	$4,500	$9,500+

Note: These are rough estimates and can vary significantly based on location, specific product choices, and contractor rates.

Tips for Managing Your Cabinet Replacement Budget

Get Multiple Quotes: Always get at least three quotes from different contractors or suppliers. Compare not only the price but also the scope of work and what’s included.
Prioritize: Decide what features are most important to you. If budget is tight, you might opt for simpler doors or fewer internal organizers.
Shop Around: Compare prices for cabinets from different manufacturers and retailers. Look for sales or discounts.
Consider Refacing: If your existing cabinet boxes are in good shape, refacing can offer a substantial upgrade for less money.
DIY Where Possible: If you’re comfortable with certain tasks (like painting old cabinets or installing hardware), doing them yourself can save money.
Factor in the Unexpected: It’s always wise to have a contingency fund (10-20%) for unforeseen issues that may arise during the renovation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Cabinet Replacement

Q1: What is the average cost to replace kitchen cabinets?
A1: The average cost kitchen cabinet replacement falls between $4,000 and $12,000 for a standard kitchen, but it can easily go up to $20,000 or more for high-end custom options and more complex renovations.

Q2: Can I save money by refacing my kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them?
A2: Yes, cabinet refacing cost is typically significantly lower than full replacement, often 30-50% less. It’s a great option if your existing cabinet boxes are in good condition.

Q3: How much does professional kitchen cabinet installation cost?
A3: Professional kitchen cabinet installation cost generally adds about 20-35% to the total cabinet price, or roughly $50-$150 per linear foot of cabinetry.

Q4: What is the difference between refacing and replacing kitchen cabinets?
A4: Replacing cabinets means removing your old cabinets entirely and installing brand-new ones. Refacing involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes and replacing only the visible parts like doors, drawer fronts, and exposed sides with new materials.

Q5: What factors influence the price of custom kitchen cabinets?
A5: The custom kitchen cabinets price is influenced by the type of wood, the complexity of the design, the finish, the hardware chosen, and any specialized features or internal storage solutions you select.

Q6: How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?
A6: Painting kitchen cabinets yourself can cost $200-$500 for materials. Hiring a professional painter typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size of the kitchen and the complexity of the job.

Q7: What should I consider when budgeting for a kitchen cabinet remodel?
A7: When budgeting for a kitchen cabinet remodel, consider the cost of the cabinets themselves, professional installation, countertops, backsplash, sink, faucet, hardware, demolition, disposal, and potential permits.

By carefully considering these costs and options, you can embark on your kitchen cabinet replacement project with confidence and achieve the beautiful, functional kitchen you’ve always wanted.