So, how much does it cost to install kitchen cabinets? The average cost to install kitchen cabinets can range from $1,500 to $4,000, but this is highly dependent on the number of cabinets, their complexity, and whether you hire a professional or tackle it yourself. This price includes the cabinet installation cost, which is largely driven by kitchen cabinet labor cost.
Installing new kitchen cabinets can transform your kitchen. But before you jump in, you need to know the costs involved. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about cabinet fitting prices, from basic installation to more complex jobs, and helps you decide if you should go the DIY route or hire a pro.
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Factors Influencing Cabinet Installation Prices
Several key elements affect the overall cost to mount kitchen cabinets. It’s not just about the cabinets themselves; the installation process has its own set of variables.
Cabinet Type and Size
The most obvious factor is the number and size of the cabinets you need installed. More cabinets mean more labor time.
- Base Cabinets: These sit on the floor and support countertops. They are generally more involved to install due to leveling and anchoring.
- Wall Cabinets: These hang on the wall. While seemingly simpler, precise leveling and secure mounting are crucial.
- Tall Cabinets: Pantries or oven cabinets require more material and often more careful handling and securing.
- Custom vs. Stock Cabinets: Custom cabinets might require more intricate fitting and adjustments, potentially increasing labor costs. Stock or RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets can be quicker to install if they are well-manufactured.
Cabinet Material and Construction
The material your cabinets are made from can also play a role. Solid wood cabinets might be heavier and require more effort to handle and secure properly compared to particleboard or MDF cabinets. The construction method (e.g., frameless vs. framed cabinets) can also affect installation speed and difficulty.
Kitchen Layout and Complexity
A simple, straight-line kitchen is easier to outfit with cabinets than a kitchen with many corners, angles, or odd shapes.
- Obstacles: Plumbing, electrical outlets, windows, and existing appliances can complicate cabinet placement and require extra work.
- Wall Structure: The type of walls (e.g., plaster and lath vs. drywall over studs) and the strength of the studs will dictate how securely cabinets can be mounted. Reinforcing walls if necessary adds to the cost.
- Leveling: Older homes may have uneven floors or walls, requiring shims and extra time to ensure cabinets are perfectly plumb and level.
Countertop Installation
Often, countertops are installed after the cabinets. The cost of installing countertops is separate, but the cabinet installation needs to be precise to ensure the countertop fits perfectly. If countertops are already in place, installers may need to work around them, which can add time.
Cabinet Hardware Installation Cost
While often a smaller portion of the overall budget, the cabinet hardware installation cost – which includes installing knobs, pulls, and hinges – adds to the total. For RTA cabinets, assembling the cabinets themselves also adds to the labor time.
Additional Services
- Electrical or Plumbing Modifications: If new cabinet placement requires moving electrical outlets or plumbing lines, these costs will be added.
- Demolition and Removal: If you’re replacing old cabinets, the cost of removing and disposing of the old ones will increase the total.
- Cabinet Painting Cost: If your new cabinets are unpainted or you plan to paint them, this is an additional expense. Cabinet painting cost can vary significantly based on the quality of paint, the number of coats, and whether you do it yourself or hire a painter.
- Cabinet Refacing Cost: While not installation of new cabinets, cabinet refacing cost is a related consideration if you’re updating existing cabinets. This typically involves new doors, drawer fronts, and a veneer applied to the cabinet boxes.
DIY Cabinet Installation Cost vs. Professional Cabinet Installation
Deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional is a major cost consideration.
DIY Cabinet Installation Cost
When you choose to install cabinets yourself, your costs are primarily for materials and tools.
Materials and Tools Needed for DIY Installation
- Cabinetry: The cost of the cabinets themselves.
- Screws and Fasteners: High-quality screws designed for cabinetry are essential.
- Shims: For leveling cabinets against uneven walls or floors.
- Adhesive/Caulk: For sealing gaps.
- Tools:
- Stud finder
- Level (various sizes)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Drill/driver with bits
- Circular saw or miter saw (if you need to cut cabinet pieces or trim)
- Jigsaw (for cutting out sink holes or outlets)
- Putty knife
- Caulking gun
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Cabinet clamps or pipe clamps
- Possibly a helper!
- Finishing Supplies: If you plan to paint or stain, add the cost of primer, paint, brushes, rollers, etc.
- Hardware: Knobs, pulls, hinges, drawer slides.
Pros of DIY Installation
- Cost Savings: This is the biggest draw. You save on labor costs, which can be a significant portion of the total project price.
- Control and Flexibility: You can work at your own pace and make adjustments as needed.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a major home improvement project yourself can be very rewarding.
Cons of DIY Installation
- Time Commitment: Installing cabinets is labor-intensive and can take considerably longer than a professional installation, especially if it’s your first time.
- Tool Investment: You might need to purchase or rent specific tools.
- Risk of Errors: Mistakes can be costly. Poorly installed cabinets can lead to alignment issues, damaged walls, or even structural problems if not properly secured. This can be especially true when considering the cabinet hardware installation cost, as incorrect hinge installation can affect door alignment.
- Lack of Experience: Professionals have the experience to anticipate and solve problems that a DIYer might not foresee.
- Warranty Issues: Some cabinet manufacturers may void warranties if installation is not done by an authorized professional.
Professional Cabinet Installation
Hiring professionals for professional cabinet installation involves paying for their expertise, tools, and time.
What’s Included in Professional Installation?
- Measuring and Planning: Professionals will often measure your space and create a precise plan.
- Cabinet Assembly: If you have RTA cabinets, they will assemble them.
- Mounting Cabinets: Securely attaching base and wall cabinets to studs.
- Leveling and Squaring: Ensuring all cabinets are perfectly aligned.
- Basic Trim and Filler Installation: Adding necessary trim pieces or filler strips to close gaps.
- Hardware Installation: Installing hinges, drawer slides, and initial door alignment.
- Clean-up: Usually, professionals will clean up their debris.
Pros of Professional Installation
- Speed and Efficiency: Professionals can install cabinets much faster than most DIYers.
- Quality and Precision: They have the experience and tools to ensure cabinets are installed perfectly, which is crucial for aesthetics and functionality, especially when it comes to cabinet fitting prices reflecting this accuracy.
- Problem Solving: They can handle unexpected issues like crooked walls or existing structural problems with expertise.
- Warranty Protection: Professional installation often ensures manufacturer warranties remain valid.
- Reduced Stress: You don’t have to worry about making mistakes or spending your weekends on a demanding task.
Cons of Professional Installation
- Higher Cost: This is the primary drawback. Labor costs can significantly increase the total price. The average kitchen cabinet installation cost is much higher when including professional labor.
- Scheduling: You need to coordinate schedules.
Average Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost Breakdown
Let’s look at how the costs typically break down. The cabinet installation cost is a major component, often making up a significant portion of the overall budget.
Labor Costs: The Bulk of the Expense
The kitchen cabinet labor cost is generally calculated per linear foot or per cabinet.
- Per Linear Foot: This is common for standard runs of cabinets. You might see prices ranging from $50 to $150 per linear foot for installation.
- Per Cabinet: For more complex installations or for pricing by individual cabinet piece, costs can range from $100 to $300 per cabinet, depending on size and type.
Table 1: Estimated Labor Costs for Cabinet Installation
| Cabinet Type | Estimated Labor Cost per Cabinet | Estimated Labor Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Cabinet | $100 – $250 | $50 – $120 |
| Base Cabinet | $150 – $300 | $75 – $150 |
| Tall Cabinet | $200 – $400 | N/A |
| Corner Cabinet | $250 – $500 | N/A |
Note: These are estimates and can vary widely based on location, installer experience, and project complexity.
The cost to mount kitchen cabinets is heavily influenced by how many are being installed and the complexity of the layout. A small kitchen with simple cabinetry might cost less in labor than a large kitchen with many custom pieces and intricate corner cabinets.
Material and Hardware Costs
- Cabinet Hardware Installation Cost: While often included in the overall labor, if you consider just the installation of new knobs and pulls on existing cabinets, it might be a few dollars per piece. If it involves drilling new holes for hinges or drawer slides, the cost is tied to the labor.
- Fasteners and Adhesives: Expect to spend $50-$200 on screws, shims, and adhesives, especially if your walls are not perfectly straight.
- Trim and Filler Pieces: These are necessary for a finished look, especially in corners or to fill gaps between cabinets and walls. Budget $100-$300 for these.
Additional Potential Costs
- Cabinet Painting Cost: If your cabinets are unpainted or you plan a color change, this can add a significant amount.
- DIY Painting: Materials ($100-$300), plus your time.
- Professional Painting: $50-$150 per cabinet door/drawer, or $1,000-$3,000+ for the entire kitchen, depending on complexity and finish.
- Cabinet Refacing Cost: This is a different service but worth mentioning. Cabinet refacing cost typically ranges from $4,000 to $9,000 for an average kitchen, focusing on updating the look of existing cabinets rather than full replacement and installation.
The DIY Cabinet Installation Process: A Simplified Look
If you’re considering the DIY cabinet installation cost, here’s a general overview of what’s involved:
1. Planning and Preparation
- Measure Everything: Accurately measure your kitchen space, including wall lengths, ceiling height, and locations of windows and doors.
- Layout Design: Plan where each cabinet will go. This often involves using graph paper or specialized software.
- Gather Tools: Make sure you have all the necessary tools.
- Clear the Space: Remove existing cabinets (if applicable) and clear the work area. Protect floors and countertops.
- Locate Studs: Use a stud finder to mark the location of wall studs. Cabinets must be securely attached to studs.
2. Assembling RTA Cabinets (If Applicable)
- Follow manufacturer instructions carefully. Ensure all connections are tight and square.
3. Hanging Wall Cabinets First
- Marking Guidelines: Use a level to draw horizontal and vertical lines on the walls to guide cabinet placement.
- Support: For heavier cabinets, you might need temporary support systems.
- Mounting: Position the first cabinet, check for level and plumb, and screw it into the studs. Use shims behind the cabinet if needed to achieve perfect alignment.
- Connecting Cabinets: Once the first cabinet is secure, install adjacent cabinets, ensuring they are level with each other and joined securely.
4. Installing Base Cabinets
- Leveling the Floor: Check if the floor is level. Shim the base cabinets as needed.
- Positioning and Securing: Place base cabinets in their intended spots, ensuring they are level and plumb. Screw them into the wall studs.
- Joining Cabinets: Secure base cabinets to each other at the face frame or side panels.
5. Installing Doors and Drawers
- Attach Hinges and Slides: Install hinges on doors and drawer slides on drawer boxes and cabinet interiors.
- Mount Doors and Drawers: Attach doors and insert drawers. Adjust hinges to ensure doors hang straight and close properly. This is a critical part of the cabinet hardware installation cost if you’re paying someone, but a time-consuming step for DIYers.
6. Adding Trim and Finishing Touches
- Install Trim: Add any necessary molding, filler strips, or toe kicks.
- Install Hardware: Attach knobs and pulls.
- Caulking and Sealing: Seal any gaps around the cabinets.
- Clean Up: Thoroughly clean the work area.
Professional Installation: What to Expect
When you hire professionals for cabinet fitting prices, their process generally follows similar steps but with greater speed and precision.
1. Consultation and Measurement
- A professional will visit your home to measure your kitchen and discuss your cabinet layout.
2. Quoting and Scheduling
- You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining the cabinet installation cost, materials, and timeline. Once agreed, a schedule is set.
3. Delivery and Preparation
- Cabinets are delivered to your home. The installers will prepare the space, protect surrounding areas, and remove old cabinets if necessary.
4. Installation
- The installation team will efficiently mount wall and base cabinets, ensuring perfect alignment, leveling, and secure attachment to the studs. They are adept at handling challenges like uneven walls, which impacts the overall average kitchen cabinet installation.
5. Finishing and Cleanup
- They will install doors, drawers, hardware, and any necessary trim. The team will then clean up the work area, leaving your kitchen ready for the next steps.
Comparing DIY vs. Professional Installation Costs
Let’s look at a hypothetical scenario. Imagine you have a standard kitchen needing 15 linear feet of cabinets.
Scenario: 15 Linear Feet of Cabinets
| Cost Component | DIY Estimate | Professional Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets (e.g., mid-range stock) | $3,000 – $6,000 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Labor (Installation only) | $0 (Your Time) | $750 – $2,250 ($50-$150/lf) |
| Fasteners, Shims, Adhesives | $100 – $200 | $50 – $100 |
| Trim/Filler Pieces | $100 – $300 | $100 – $300 |
| Tool Rental/Purchase (if needed) | $100 – $400 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,300 – $6,900 | $3,900 – $8,650 |
Note: This table excludes countertop installation, appliance installation, and demolition/disposal costs.
As you can see, the DIY cabinet installation cost can be significantly lower if you factor out the value of your time and the potential cost of mistakes. However, the professional cabinet installation offers peace of mind, speed, and expertise. The cabinet installation cost is indeed heavily weighted towards labor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take to install kitchen cabinets professionally?
A: For a standard kitchen, professional cabinet installation typically takes 1-3 days, depending on the size of the kitchen and the complexity of the cabinet layout.
Q: Can I install my own kitchen cabinets if I’m not a carpenter?
A: While possible, installing kitchen cabinets requires precision, patience, and a good understanding of basic carpentry. If you’re not comfortable with measuring accurately, using power tools, and ensuring things are perfectly level and plumb, it’s often better to hire a professional to avoid costly mistakes. The cost to mount kitchen cabinets by a pro is an investment in quality.
Q: What is the average kitchen cabinet installation cost per cabinet?
A: The average kitchen cabinet installation cost per cabinet can range from $100 to $300, but this is highly variable based on the size and type of cabinet, as well as the installer’s rates and the complexity of the installation site.
Q: Does the cost to install kitchen cabinets include hardware?
A: Generally, the cabinet installation cost covers the labor for attaching hinges and drawer slides to the cabinets and doors. However, the cost of the hardware itself (knobs, pulls, hinges) is usually separate. The cabinet hardware installation cost for just attaching pulls to pre-drilled holes is minimal, but the overall complexity of door alignment and hinge adjustment is part of the professional’s labor.
Q: When is cabinet refacing a better option than full installation?
A: Cabinet refacing cost is typically about 50-60% of the cost of new cabinets and installation. It’s a good option if your existing cabinet boxes are in good structural condition, and you’re happy with the current layout. Refacing updates the doors, drawer fronts, and applies a veneer to the cabinet frames, giving your kitchen a fresh look without the full expense and disruption of new cabinet installation.
Q: What’s included in cabinet painting cost?
A: Cabinet painting cost typically includes preparation (cleaning, sanding, priming), application of multiple coats of paint, and clear coats for durability. Professional painters may spray cabinets off-site for a smoother finish. If you opt for a DIY approach, factor in primer, paint, brushes, rollers, and significant time investment.
Q: How much should I budget for filler strips and trim?
A: For a typical kitchen, budget between $100-$300 for filler strips and trim pieces. These are essential for achieving a finished look, especially in corners, around appliances, or to fill gaps between cabinets and walls. Professionals often factor this into their cabinet fitting prices.
By carefully considering these factors and comparing the DIY cabinet installation cost against the price of professional cabinet installation, you can make an informed decision that best suits your budget and your desire for a beautifully installed new kitchen.