The average cost for kitchen cabinets in a standard kitchen remodel usually falls between \$4,000 and \$15,000. This broad range exists because cabinet costs depend on many things, like the style you choose, the size of your kitchen, and the materials used.
Deciphering Kitchen Cabinet Pricing
When planning a kitchen update, cabinets often take up the biggest chunk of the money you set aside. Knowing how to break down the kitchen cabinet pricing helps you shop smart. Cabinets are rarely sold as one set price. Instead, pricing depends on the type, size, and complexity of the units you need.
Types of Cabinets and Their Price Points
You generally find cabinets in three main categories when shopping. Each group offers a different mix of quality, customization, and price.
Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) or Stock Cabinets
These cabinets come in standard sizes only. They are built in a factory and ship flat. You put them together yourself.
- Pros: They are the cheapest option available. They are great for quick makeovers or rental properties.
- Cons: You have very few choices for colors, finishes, or sizes.
- Cost Insight: You might find wholesale kitchen cabinet prices here, often below \$150 per base cabinet unit before assembly or installation.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
These bridge the gap between cheap stock units and expensive custom pieces. They offer more choices.
- Description: Manufacturers offer standard sizes but allow you to choose specific depths, door styles, and finishes.
- Price Range: The price range for semi-custom cabinets typically starts around \$200 to \$500 per unit before installation. This is a popular middle ground for many homeowners.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
These are built just for your space. A local cabinet maker designs and builds everything to your exact needs.
- Pros: Perfect fit, unlimited style and material choices, and high quality.
- Cons: They cost the most and take the longest time to produce. The cost of custom kitchen cabinets can easily exceed \$15,000 for a medium-sized kitchen.
| Cabinet Type | Typical Cost Range (Per Linear Foot) | Customization Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock (RTA) | \$100 – \$250 | Low | Tight budgets, quick updates |
| Semi-Custom | \$250 – \$650 | Medium | Good quality, specific needs |
| Custom | \$500 – \$1,200+ | High | Unique layouts, luxury finishes |
Factors Affecting Cabinet Cost
Several major factors affecting cabinet cost will push your final bill up or down. It is vital to look at these before setting your final spending limit.
Kitchen Cabinet Material Costs
The material used for the cabinet box and the door fronts makes a huge difference in price and durability.
Cabinet Box Materials
The box structure supports the weight and holds the doors.
- Furniture Board (Particleboard/MDF): This is the most affordable option. It is heavy and less resistant to moisture damage over time.
- Plywood: This is stronger and lighter than particleboard. It handles humidity better. Plywood is a standard for mid-to-high-quality cabinets.
- Solid Wood: Used mostly for the frames or high-end custom builds. It costs much more.
Door and Drawer Front Materials
The look of your kitchen comes from the doors. They use different materials:
- Laminate/Melamine: These are budget-friendly and come in many finishes. They are easy to clean.
- Thermofoil: A vinyl film heated and pressed onto MDF. It offers a smooth, seamless look at a mid-range price.
- Solid Wood (Maple, Cherry, Oak): These offer the best look and longevity but come at the highest kitchen cabinet material costs. Expect to pay more for woods with complex grain patterns.
Finish Type
The finish protects the wood and provides the final aesthetic.
- Paint: A painted finish is popular. Darker or highly custom colors might cost more due to extra labor.
- Stain: Stains allow the natural wood grain to show. The cost often depends on the wood type beneath the stain.
- Veneer: Thin slices of real wood applied over a core material. This is often cheaper than solid wood doors but still offers a rich look.
Hardware and Accessories
Don’t forget the extras! These add up fast but improve function greatly.
- Knobs and Pulls: Simple knobs are cheap. Large, designer handles can cost \$10 to \$50 each.
- Drawer Glides: Basic metal slides are cheap. Soft-close, full-extension glides cost significantly more but prevent slamming.
- Internal Organizers: Things like pull-out spice racks, lazy Susans, and trash bin pull-outs add convenience but increase the overall price.
Figuring Out Your Total Kitchen Remodel Cabinet Budget
Setting a realistic total kitchen remodel cabinet budget is the first step in any renovation. Cabinets are typically 30% to 40% of the entire kitchen project cost.
For example, if you plan a mid-range kitchen remodel costing \$30,000, you should allocate roughly \$9,000 to \$12,000 just for the cabinets themselves. If you aim for a high-end kitchen costing \$75,000, your cabinet budget might need to be \$25,000 or more, especially if you opt for the cost of custom kitchen cabinets.
Budgeting for Installation
The price of the cabinets is only part of the story. You must factor in labor. The average kitchen cabinet installation cost can vary based on your location and the complexity of your kitchen layout.
- Simple Installation: If you have a basic, square kitchen using stock cabinets, installation might be around \$100 to \$200 per cabinet box.
- Complex Installation: If you have tricky angles, vaulted ceilings, or need custom modifications to fit the cabinets perfectly, the cost can jump to \$250 to \$400 per unit or more.
For an average kitchen, expect installation to add another 15% to 25% on top of the cabinet purchase price. Always get detailed quotes covering leveling, shimming, and securing the units.
Cost Comparison Kitchen Cabinets: Making Smart Choices
Making a direct cost comparison kitchen cabinets requires looking at the final installed price, not just the sticker price. A cheap cabinet that breaks in five years ends up costing more in the long run than a durable one you pay a bit more for upfront.
When to Choose Semi-Custom Over Stock
Many homeowners find that semi-custom cabinets offer the best value.
- Stock cabinets force you to use filler pieces where cabinets don’t meet the wall perfectly. This looks amateurish and wastes space.
- Semi-custom cabinets allow for slight size adjustments (like making a cabinet 1.5 inches narrower) to fill gaps perfectly. This small upgrade in flexibility often justifies the slightly higher cost.
When to Justify Custom Cabinetry
You should only spend more on custom work if:
- The space is highly unusual: If you have an unusually shaped room, custom cabinets guarantee a seamless, gap-free look.
- Specific functional needs: You need a very specific built-in appliance garage or a unique storage solution only a custom builder can design.
- High-end materials: You insist on rare wood species or complex, hand-applied finishes.
If your space is standard and you are trying to keep your budget for new kitchen cabinets tight, stock or semi-custom options are usually smart choices.
Shopping Strategies to Lower Cabinet Costs
If you are looking to save money, employ smart shopping strategies focused on timing and sourcing.
Buying Direct vs. Using a Dealer
Where you buy cabinets greatly impacts the price.
- Big Box Stores: They often carry entry-level stock lines. Prices are competitive, but design support might be limited.
- Independent Kitchen Designers/Dealers: They typically charge a markup for their design expertise and often work with better-quality semi-custom lines.
- Direct from Manufacturer: If you can handle the design work yourself, buying directly from a regional manufacturer can unlock better wholesale kitchen cabinet prices. This requires more personal oversight.
Timing Your Purchase
Cabinet lead times can stretch from 4 weeks for stock units to 12 weeks or more for custom orders. If you can order cabinets during the industry’s slow season (often late fall or winter), you might negotiate a small discount. Always order cabinets early—long before you need them installed. Delays in cabinet delivery derail the entire renovation timeline.
The Importance of the Finish Selection
The door style impacts cost significantly:
- Shaker Style: This simple, flat-panel design is always the most cost-effective style to manufacture across all quality levels.
- Raised Panel or Applied Molding: Doors with more layers, bevels, or intricate details require more milling time and skilled labor, which drives up the price. Choosing a simple shaker door saves money immediately.
Comprehending Cabinet Lifespan and Warranty
Cabinet quality directly relates to how long they last. This must be part of your cost assessment.
| Quality Level | Expected Lifespan (Years) | Key Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (RTA) | 5 – 10 | Thin plywood or particle board construction. |
| Mid-Range (Semi-Custom) | 10 – 20 | Plywood construction, quality hardware. |
| High-End (Custom) | 25+ | Solid wood frames, premium joinery, superior finishes. |
A high-quality cabinet with a 20-year warranty should be viewed as a better long-term investment than a cheap unit that might need replacing in 8 years. Always check what the warranty covers—does it cover hinges, wood warping, or just manufacturing defects?
Final Thoughts on Setting Your Cabinet Budget
Successfully navigating kitchen cabinet costs means balancing your dream aesthetic with your financial reality. Be honest about the level of detail you truly require versus what looks good in a magazine.
Start by defining your cabinet type: stock, semi-custom, or fully custom. Then, get at least three detailed quotes that break down material costs, hardware costs, and the average kitchen cabinet installation cost. This comprehensive view ensures you create a sensible budget for new kitchen cabinets that leads to a functional and beautiful kitchen without unnecessary surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the average cost of kitchen cabinets for a small kitchen (10×10)?
For a standard 10×10 foot kitchen, which often requires about 10 to 15 linear feet of cabinetry, expect costs to range from \$2,500 to \$7,000 for stock or basic semi-custom options, including materials only. Installation adds more cost.
Can I save money by installing cabinets myself?
Yes, if you choose Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinets, you can save significantly by skipping the average kitchen cabinet installation cost. However, DIY installation requires precision. If cabinets are not perfectly level and plumb, doors will hang crookedly, which no amount of quality saves you from later.
What are the cheapest kitchen cabinets available?
The cheapest options are Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinets made from particleboard. These are often found under the “stock” category and are frequently sold at wholesale kitchen cabinet prices if bought in bulk.
Does the cabinet color affect the price?
Generally, yes. White or natural wood stains are standard and less expensive. Highly saturated, custom colors, or complex multi-tone finishes usually require more specialized labor or paints, pushing the kitchen cabinet pricing higher.
Is a plywood box always better than MDF?
Plywood is generally considered superior, especially for durability in humid environments like kitchens, because it resists moisture swelling better than particleboard or MDF. However, high-density MDF can be very stable for painted finishes where the grain doesn’t matter. For the cabinet box structure, plywood usually wins.