The average cost of kitchen cabinets in a standard remodel can range significantly, typically falling between \$4,000 and \$13,000 for the cabinetry alone, not including installation or other remodel expenses. This wide range exists because kitchen cabinet pricing depends heavily on the type of cabinets you choose, the materials used, the size of your kitchen, and whether you opt for professional installation.
Factors Shaping Your Cabinet Budget
Figuring out what your new cabinets will cost requires looking at several key elements. Cabinets are often the largest single expense in a kitchen renovation, so planning this part well is vital for successful cabinet remodel budgeting.
Types of Kitchen Cabinets Available
The first major decision affecting your total cost is the category of cabinets you select. There are four main tiers, each offering a different mix of quality, customization, and price point.
Stock Kitchen Cabinet Costs
Stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes (like 9, 12, 15 inches wide, etc.). They are the most affordable option.
- Pros: Lowest price, quick availability.
- Cons: Limited styles, few finish options, limited sizes mean fillers might be needed.
- Pricing Note: You pay mostly for the materials and basic construction. This is the best choice for strict budgets.
Semi-Custom Cabinet Pricing
Semi-custom cabinets offer more choices than stock units. They come in standard sizes but allow for modifications to depth, material choice, and door styles.
- Pros: Better selection of finishes and styles than stock; better fit than stock.
- Cons: Takes longer to receive than stock cabinets.
- Pricing Note: This middle ground offers good value. You pay extra for the ability to alter the standard design slightly.
Custom Kitchen Cabinet Prices
These cabinets are built specifically for your space. Every dimension, material, and feature is tailored exactly to your kitchen layout and desires.
- Pros: Perfect fit, endless style options, highest quality materials possible.
- Cons: Highest cost, longest lead times.
- Pricing Note: Labor costs are high here because specialized craftsmen build them piece by piece.
RTA Kitchen Cabinet Prices (Ready-to-Assemble)
RTA cabinets ship flat-packed. You or a hired professional must assemble them on-site. They are usually found online and mimic the look of stock or semi-custom cabinets but at a lower initial price point because you handle the assembly labor.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly upfront cost.
- Cons: Assembly can be tricky; quality varies widely between brands.
Kitchen Cabinet Material Costs
The stuff cabinets are made from plays a huge role in the final price tag. Wood types, hardware, and exterior finishes all add up.
Cabinet Box Construction Materials
The structure holding the cabinet together impacts durability and cost.
| Material | Description | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | Layers of wood glued together. Strong and water-resistant. | Mid to High |
| Furniture Board/Particleboard | Wood particles mixed with resin. Least expensive. | Low |
| MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) | Very dense, smooth surface, good for painting. | Mid |
Door and Drawer Front Materials
The look of your kitchen comes from the doors. Expensive woods cost more than laminate or thermofoil.
- Solid Hardwoods (Maple, Cherry, Oak): Offer the best longevity and look, but come at a premium price.
- Thermofoil/Laminate: Plastic sheeting fused onto an MDF core. Cheaper, but less durable against heat and scratches than real wood.
- Painted Finishes: If opting for painted custom kitchen cabinet prices, expect higher costs than natural wood stains, especially for high-quality, durable paint jobs.
Hardware and Features
Do not forget the small things! Hinges, drawer slides, and handles add up, especially in a large kitchen.
- Soft-Close Mechanisms: Essential for modern kitchens, these add to the kitchen cabinet pricing.
- Pull-Out Shelves and Organizers: Specialized inserts for spices, waste bins, or pots greatly increase the price over standard fixed shelves.
- Hinges: Frameless (European-style) hinges are often more expensive than traditional face-frame hinges.
Deconstructing the Total Kitchen Cabinet Cost
When estimating your project, it helps to know how the total price breaks down. Kitchen cabinet pricing is generally split between the product cost and the installation labor.
Product Cost Breakdown
For most projects, the cabinets themselves will account for 40% to 60% of the total budget allocated just for the cabinetry.
- If you choose high-end custom kitchen cabinet prices using exotic wood, this percentage leans toward the higher end.
- If you use basic stock units, the materials cost might be closer to 40%, leaving more room in the budget for upgrades like better countertops or appliances.
Cabinet Installation Cost
This is where you pay for labor. The cabinet installation cost varies based on your location, the complexity of the kitchen layout (e.g., angled walls, many custom cuts), and the type of cabinet.
- Stock Cabinets: Installation is usually faster and therefore cheaper, as fewer adjustments are needed.
- Custom Cabinets: Installation is slower and more precise, driving the cabinet installation cost up significantly. Installers must ensure everything lines up perfectly.
Generally, expect the cabinet installation cost to add another 10% to 25% on top of the cabinet material price. In high-cost labor markets, this could be higher.
Comparing Price Points: A Cost Estimation Table
This table provides a general estimate for a medium-sized kitchen (about 20 linear feet of cabinetry) across the different types. Remember, these are product-only estimates before taxes or installation.
| Cabinet Type | Estimated Material Cost Range | Common Use Case | Key Price Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTA/Basic Stock | \$1,500 – \$4,500 | Flipping properties, very tight budgets | Basic materials, self-assembly required |
| Standard Stock | \$3,500 – \$7,000 | Quick renovations, standard layouts | Limited sizes and styles |
| Semi-Custom | \$6,000 – \$13,000 | Most homeowners seeking balance of quality/price | Added customization (depth, minor style changes) |
| Custom | \$12,000 – \$30,000+ | Unique layouts, high-end materials, specific needs | Craftsmanship, premium wood, specialized features |
Note: These figures are illustrative. Always get multiple quotes.
Deciphering Pricing: Why Costs Vary So Much
If two kitchens look similar but one costs twice as much, why is that? It comes down to the details you choose.
The Impact of Door Style
The style of the cabinet door dramatically affects the price because it dictates how much labor goes into crafting the front panel.
- Slab Doors (Flat Front): Simplest and cheapest. Just a flat panel.
- Shaker Style: Very popular. Requires more routing and assembly than slab doors, increasing kitchen cabinet pricing.
- Raised Panel Doors: These have detailed trim work and often involve multiple pieces, making them one of the most expensive styles to produce.
Assessing Cabinet Replacement Cost vs. Full Remodel
Sometimes, you only need to swap out the doors and drawer fronts, not the entire cabinet box structure. This is known as a cabinet replacement cost scenario.
If the existing cabinet boxes are sturdy (often true for older, solid wood construction), you can save substantial money by only replacing the visible parts.
- Refacing: Keeping the existing doors and drawer fronts but applying a new veneer over the existing boxes and installing new doors/drawer fronts. This is cheaper than a full replacement.
- Refacing Costs: Typically cost about 50% to 70% of the price of new semi-custom cabinet pricing.
If the boxes are water damaged, warped, or made of cheap particleboard, a full tear-out and replacement is necessary, making the cabinet replacement cost effectively the same as starting from scratch.
Where Location Affects Your Budget
Your geographic location dictates labor rates. Cabinet installation cost in a major metropolitan area like New York City or San Francisco will be substantially higher than in a rural area due to higher prevailing wages for skilled tradespeople. Always factor in local market rates when doing your cabinet remodel budgeting.
Tips for Managing Your Cabinet Budget
Controlling the expense of your cabinets requires smart compromises. You don’t have to sacrifice quality entirely, but you might need to shift priorities.
Five Ways to Save Money on Cabinets
- Choose Stock or Semi-Custom: If you can live with standard sizing, avoid the premium associated with fully custom kitchen cabinet prices.
- Stick to Simple Door Styles: Opt for Shaker or Slab fronts over intricate raised panels.
- Use Plywood for Boxes, Not Always for Doors: Get durable plywood boxes but consider a quality laminate or thermofoil for doors if the budget is extremely tight.
- Minimize Drawers: Drawers require expensive slides and more complex construction than simple shelves. Use shelving in upper cabinets where possible.
- DIY Installation (If Skilled): If you have experience, handling the cabinet installation cost yourself can save thousands, especially with RTA kitchen cabinet prices. (Be cautious: poor installation can ruin expensive cabinets.)
When Investing in Custom Makes Sense
There are times when paying for custom kitchen cabinet prices is worth the splurge:
- Unique Layouts: If your kitchen has odd angles, slopes, or requires maximizing every inch of space around non-standard appliances.
- Specific Needs: If you require specialized storage, like built-in wine racks, integrated appliance panels, or custom desk areas that standard sizes cannot accommodate.
- Long-Term Investment: Custom cabinets built with high-quality kitchen cabinet material costs (like solid wood dovetail joinery) will last decades longer than cheaper alternatives.
Finalizing Your Purchase and Installation
Once you select your cabinets, two final steps determine your final spend: delivery and installation.
Delivery Fees and Lead Times
- Stock Cabinets: Usually ready quickly, but freight delivery fees for large items can be surprisingly high.
- Custom Cabinets: Lead times can be 8 to 16 weeks. Delays happen, so factor this buffer into your overall project timeline.
The Installation Process and Inspection
A good installer will check the cabinets upon arrival for shipping damage before starting. They will account for leveling, shimming, and securing the cabinets to the wall studs and to each other. Always review their work, especially where cabinets meet, before making the final payment for the cabinet installation cost. Poor installation leads to uneven countertops and sticking doors down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much more do custom cabinets cost than stock cabinets?
Custom kitchen cabinet prices are generally 50% to 200% more expensive than basic stock kitchen cabinet costs. The exact difference depends on the level of customization chosen, such as special wood species or unique internal mechanisms.
Does the cabinet installation cost include removing old cabinets?
Usually, no. The quote for cabinet installation cost typically covers installing the new units. Debris removal and demolition of the old units are often separate line items, sometimes handled by a demolition crew rather than the cabinet installer. Confirm this clearly in your contract.
What is a good budget range for semi-custom cabinets?
For an average-sized kitchen, plan for semi-custom cabinet pricing to fall between \$6,000 and \$13,000 for the materials. This is the sweet spot for most homeowners balancing quality and cabinet remodel budgeting.
Are RTA cabinets a bad choice for long-term durability?
Not necessarily, but durability is brand-dependent. High-quality RTA kitchen cabinet prices from reputable sources can offer comparable durability to lower-end semi-custom lines. However, if the assembly hardware is weak or the laminate peels, they will fail sooner than solid wood options.