The average price for kitchen cupboards in a standard kitchen remodel can range widely, typically falling between \$4,000 and \$25,000 for the cabinetry alone. This large difference depends on the type of cabinet you choose, the size of your kitchen, and whether you hire professionals for installation.
When planning a kitchen update, cabinets are usually the biggest single expense. Knowing what drives the final bill helps you budget better. This guide breaks down all the costs involved so you can find the right fit for your wallet.
Image Source: static.homeguide.com
Deciphering Kitchen Cabinet Costs: Key Factors at Play
The price tag on your new kitchen cabinets is not a single number. Many things push that number up or down. To get a clear picture of the kitchen cabinet costs, you must look closely at four main areas: cabinet type, material, finish, and size.
Cabinet Construction Types
Cabinets are generally sold in three main styles based on how they are built and where they come from. Each style offers a different balance of price, quality, and customization.
Stock Kitchen Cabinet Prices
Stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes. They are ready to buy right off the shelf or order with a short lead time.
- Pros: They are the cheapest option available. They are fast to get.
- Cons: Limited styles and finishes exist. Fitting them might need extra filler pieces if they do not perfectly match your space.
- Price Point: Usually the lowest tier for budget kitchen cupboard options. Expect to pay significantly less than other types.
Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinet Pricing
These cabinets offer more flexibility than stock units. You can often choose different depths, widths, and several finish options.
- Pros: A good middle ground for price and choice. Better customization than stock.
- Cons: Still limited compared to fully custom builds. Can take several weeks to arrive.
- Price Point: Mid-range. A good choice for homeowners wanting better looks without the top-tier expense.
Custom Kitchen Cabinet Pricing
These cabinets are built just for your space. Everything, from dimensions to unique features, is tailored to your exact needs.
- Pros: Perfect fit every time. Unlimited choices in wood, color, and design. Highest quality potential.
- Cons: Most expensive option. Longest lead times, often several months.
- Price Point: Highest tier. Used often in high-end renovations or oddly shaped kitchens.
Material Matters: Wood Grades and Components
The material used heavily impacts the durability and the final price. Cheaper cabinets often use engineered wood, while high-end options use solid wood.
- Plywood Boxes: Plywood boxes are strong and resist moisture well. They cost more than particleboard.
- Particleboard/MDF Boxes: These composite materials are the least expensive. They are heavy and can swell if exposed to too much water. They are common in very low-cost units.
- Door Style: Shaker style doors are often simpler and cheaper to produce than highly detailed, raised-panel doors.
Hardware and Finish Costs
The finish—paint or stain—and the quality of the hardware (hinges, drawer slides, pulls) add significant cost.
- Soft-close hinges are standard in mid-to-high-end cabinets but cost extra on basic models.
- Specialty finishes, like high-gloss lacquer or exotic wood veneers, cost much more than standard white paint or simple stains.
What is the Average Price for Kitchen Cupboards? (The Numbers)
To give a clearer idea, here is a breakdown of what you might pay for the cabinets only, based on the type you select for an average-sized kitchen (roughly 10 to 12 linear feet of cabinetry).
| Cabinet Type | Typical Price Range (Cabinetry Only) | Estimated Percentage of Total Kitchen Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | \$3,000 – \$7,000 | 15% – 25% |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | \$7,000 – \$15,000 | 25% – 35% |
| Custom Cabinets | \$15,000 – \$30,000+ | 35% – 50% |
These figures represent the price of the cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers before they are installed.
Fathoming the Installation Cost for Kitchen Cabinets
Buying the cabinets is only part of the story. You must also pay to have them put in correctly. The installation cost for kitchen cabinets varies based on complexity and location.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
If you are handy, installing stock cabinets yourself can save you significant money. However, if you are installing semi-custom or custom units, especially those requiring precise leveling and tricky corner work, professional help is highly recommended. Poor installation can damage expensive cabinets.
- DIY Installation: Saves labor costs, but requires time and skill.
- Professional Installation: Generally costs between \$50 to \$150 per linear foot, depending on the difficulty of the wall alignment and trim work required.
In a standard remodel, expect the installation labor to add another \$1,500 to \$4,000 onto the total fitted kitchen cupboard prices. This does not include plumbing or electrical work needed around the new layout.
The Total Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets in a Full Kitchen Remodel Cupboard Cost
When people ask about the cost of cabinets, they are often thinking about a full kitchen remodel cupboard cost. Cabinets are just one part of the whole project.
A full remodel involves several major components besides the cabinets:
- Demolition: Taking out the old kitchen.
- Appliances: New refrigerators, ovens, etc.
- Countertops: A major expense that sits on top of the cabinets.
- Backsplash and Flooring.
- Plumbing and Electrical Work.
If your cabinet budget is \$10,000 (mid-range semi-custom), your total kitchen remodel cost might easily exceed \$30,000 to \$40,000 once everything else is factored in. Cabinets typically consume 30% to 40% of the entire renovation budget.
Pricing Variations by Location
Remember that labor rates vary greatly. Installing cabinets in a major metropolitan area like New York City or San Francisco will cost significantly more in labor than the exact same job in a small, rural town. Always get local quotes.
Finding Budget Kitchen Cupboard Options
If your budget is tight, you still have great choices for refreshing your kitchen. Focus on lowering the upfront cost of the boxes.
Strategies for Saving Money on Cabinets
- Go Stock or RTA (Ready-to-Assemble): RTA cabinets are unassembled boxes shipped to you. They are the absolute lowest cost way to buy cabinets, but you must assemble them yourself (or pay someone hourly).
- Choose Simple Doors: Opt for flat-panel or simple shaker doors over ornate, detailed styles.
- Use Laminate or Thermofoil Finishes: These engineered surfaces are often cheaper than solid wood and come in many colors.
- Maximize Existing Layouts: If you are only replacing doors and drawer fronts (refacing), you save immensely because you keep the existing cabinet boxes. This drastically lowers the cost to replace kitchen cabinets.
Exploring Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinet Pricing Benefits
Semi-custom often hits the sweet spot for many homeowners. They allow personalization without the extreme price tag of full custom work.
With semi-custom lines, you can usually pick:
- Specific wood species (e.g., maple, oak).
- Different color stains or paint options.
- Upgraded internal features like pull-out spice racks or lazy Susans.
This flexibility allows homeowners to splurge on key areas (like the island) while choosing more economical stock units for less visible areas. This strategy helps manage the overall fitted kitchen cupboard prices effectively.
When Custom Kitchen Cabinet Pricing Makes Sense
Sometimes, only custom will do. This is especially true if:
- Unique Dimensions: Your kitchen has awkward angles, non-standard wall lengths, or very high ceilings.
- Specific Needs: You require unique storage solutions, such as specialized accessibility features or built-in furniture matching.
- Resale Value: You plan to sell the home soon and high-end, perfectly tailored cabinetry will significantly boost appeal.
While custom kitchen cabinet pricing is high, you are paying for precision engineering that maximizes every inch of space.
Comparing Costs: Cabinet Boxes vs. Cabinet Boxes Plus Installation
It is crucial to separate the materials cost from the labor cost. Here is a simplified example comparing two different tiers for a 10-foot run of cabinets:
| Scenario | Cabinet Material Cost (10 ft) | Estimated Installation Cost (10 ft) | Total Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Stock | \$4,000 | \$1,000 (DIY or simple install) | \$5,000 |
| Mid-Range Semi-Custom | \$9,000 | \$1,500 (Professional install) | \$10,500 |
This table shows how much the installation adds to the overall investment. For higher-end projects, the labor might involve more intricate trim work, raising the labor portion further.
The Impact of Cabinet Features on Cost
The internal workings of your cabinets dramatically affect the final price, especially when comparing stock kitchen cabinet prices to custom quotes.
Drawer Organization
Simple drawers with standard metal slides are cheap. Upgraded drawer systems featuring full-extension slides, soft-close mechanisms, and internal dividers (for cutlery or pots) can add 10% to 20% to the total cabinet bill.
Accessories and Inserts
Do you want pull-out trash bins integrated seamlessly behind a cabinet door? Or maybe a built-in wine rack or plate display?
- Simple storage: Low cost.
- Specialized inserts: Can raise the kitchen cabinet costs quickly, as these often need to be ordered specifically for the unit dimensions.
Cabinets and Countertops: The Partnership
The material you choose for your countertops directly influences the budget for the cabinets underneath.
- If you choose very expensive granite or quartz countertops, you will likely need higher-grade, sturdier cabinets (plywood boxes are better than particleboard) to support the weight and justify the look.
- Lower-tier laminate counters pair better with budget kitchen cupboard options.
When getting quotes for a full kitchen remodel cupboard cost, ensure the quote separates the base cabinets from the countertop fabrication and installation fees. They are often bid separately.
How to Reduce the Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets
If you are staring down a high quote and need relief, here are proven ways to cut expenses without sacrificing all quality:
- Choose Open Shelving: Use open shelving for a few sections instead of upper cabinets. Shelving is dramatically cheaper than a fully built-out cabinet box and door.
- Mix and Match Grades: Use high-end custom kitchen cabinet pricing units only for your island or main focal wall. Use standard stock units for the perimeter walls.
- Use Standard Sizes: Avoid ordering non-standard widths (e.g., a 33.5-inch cabinet). Stick to standard 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, and 36-inch units to benefit from economies of scale in stock and semi-custom lines.
- Simplify Door Profiles: Flat slab or simple Shaker doors use less material and labor than intricate cathedral or raised-panel designs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Cupboard Pricing
How much does it cost to install just the upper kitchen cabinets?
Installing upper cabinets is often more complex due to the need for secure wall mounting and precise leveling. Labor might run between \$75 and \$120 per linear foot. For 10 feet of uppers, expect installation labor to be around \$750 to \$1,200, assuming the walls are plumb and ready.
Can I save money by buying cabinets online?
Yes, buying stock or RTA cabinets online generally lowers the sticker price because you avoid showroom overhead. However, you must factor in shipping costs, which can be high due to the weight and fragility of the items. You must also handle the installation cost for kitchen cabinets yourself or hire a local carpenter.
What is the difference between refacing and replacing cabinets?
Refacing means keeping your existing cabinet boxes, removing the old doors and drawer fronts, and applying a new veneer or finish to the visible parts of the box, then installing new doors. Replacing means tearing out the entire structure—boxes and all. Refacing is significantly cheaper than the cost to replace kitchen cabinets entirely.
Are premium wood types worth the extra cost?
For daily use, options like maple and birch offer excellent durability at a moderate price point. Exotic woods or very soft woods might cost more initially and could dent or scratch more easily. If longevity is key, pay slightly more for hardwoods like oak or maple, especially for frequently used areas.
How does the finish affect fitted kitchen cupboard prices?
A simple factory stain or painted finish on a semi-custom line is cost-effective. Hand-applied glazes, multi-step paints, or custom color matching can add 20% or more to the finish cost alone.