Kitchen cabinets often represent the largest single investment in a kitchen update, yet pricing can feel unclear at the start. Many homeowners worry about overspending or discovering hidden costs once decisions are already in motion. Understanding how much kitchen cabinetry costs upfront helps remove that uncertainty.
Costs vary widely based on materials, cabinet type, layout, and installation details. Without clear ranges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or misjudge where your money is actually going. A little clarity early on can prevent frustration later.
At Ambiance Creations, we believe informed decisions lead to better outcomes. This guide breaks down real-world pricing, key cost drivers, and smart ways to plan cabinetry that fits your kitchen and your long-term expectations.
Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinetry
Kitchen cabinets typically cost $150 to $500 per linear foot installed, and many full kitchens land around $6,500 to $15,000. Your final number depends on cabinet type, kitchen size, and the materials and finishes you select. If you’re wondering “how much does kitchen cabinetry cost for my space,” these ranges are the right starting point.
National Price Ranges
Most kitchen cabinet projects fall between $5,000 and $25,000 for a standard-sized kitchen. If you need a lower entry point, basic options can start around $2,000 to $3,000. On the high end, custom cabinet installations can exceed $50,000 for large kitchens with premium materials.
A standard 10′ x 10′ kitchen (about 20 linear feet of cabinets) often costs $5,000 to $25,000. Your real total varies based on the layout and how many cabinets you need. The average homeowner spends about $15,000 on their cabinet project.
Cost Per Linear Foot
Cabinet pricing per linear foot ranges from $150 to $500 installed, including cabinets and installation labor. This method makes it easier to estimate your overall kitchen investment. Measure your cabinet runs and multiply by an expected per-foot range.
- Entry-level cabinets: $150–$250 per linear foot
- Mid-range cabinets: $250–$400 per linear foot
- Premium cabinets: $400–$500+ per linear foot
Individual cabinet installation costs about $486 to $736 per cabinet unit. This can be more useful if you are swapping a few cabinets instead of replacing the full kitchen. It also helps you compare quotes with different pricing styles.
Price Comparison by Cabinet Type
Stock cabinets are the most affordable, running $3,000 to $8,000 for a full kitchen. They are pre-made in standard sizes and sold through home improvement stores. If speed and simplicity matter, stock is often the quickest route.
Semi-custom cabinets typically cost $8,000 to $20,000 and offer more style and sizing flexibility. You can choose finishes, door styles, and modest dimension adjustments. This is often the “sweet spot” for a better fit without full custom pricing.
Custom cabinets start around $20,000 and can rise well beyond $50,000. They are built specifically for your kitchen with nearly unlimited options. If you want a truly tailored result, custom is where the details live.
Factors Influencing Kitchen Cabinetry Costs
If you’re still wondering how much kitchen cabinetry costs, the answer comes down to a few core variables. Materials, cabinet type, hardware, and kitchen size drive most pricing shifts. Small choices add up quickly, so it helps to prioritize what matters most.
Material Selection
Material choice makes a big difference in final cost. Solid wood is typically the priciest, often $150 to $500 per linear foot, depending on species. Oak and maple usually cost less than premium woods like cherry or walnut.
To control spending, many homeowners choose MDF or plywood, often $75 to $200 per linear foot. Laminate and thermofoil can start around $50 to $100 per linear foot and resist moisture and stains well. Finish selection matters too, and painted finishes often cost more than stained ones.
Customization vs. Stock Options
Stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes and commonly run $60 to $200 per linear foot. They are easy to order and install quickly. This can be ideal for straightforward layouts.
Semi-custom cabinets offer more sizes, finishes, and features, often $100 to $650 per linear foot. They usually take a few weeks to arrive. You get an upgrade in fit and options without full custom pricing.
Fully custom cabinets can cost $500 to $1,500 per linear foot. You control dimensions, materials, and specialty storage features. Lead times often run 8 to 12 weeks, but the fit can be exceptional.
Cabinet Hardware Choices
Hardware includes handles, knobs, hinges, and drawer slides. Basic hardware is often $2 to $5 per piece, while high-end options can reach $15 to $50+. Upgrades like soft-close hinges and slides add about $5 to $15 per door or drawer.
Storage add-ons like pull-outs, lazy Susans, and dividers can run $30 to $200 each. Hardware finish also affects cost, with chrome and nickel typically less than brass, copper, or specialty finishes. For an average kitchen, plan for $200 to $1,000 in hardware, depending on selections.
Kitchen Size and Layout
Small kitchens with 10 to 15 linear feet of cabinets can run $1,000 to $7,500 for stock options. Custom work in the same footprint can reach $22,500 depending on complexity. Medium kitchens typically need 15 to 25 linear feet, with stock often costing $1,500 to $12,500.
Large kitchens require 25+ linear feet of cabinetry, with stock often costing $2,500 to $20,000. Custom projects can reach $50,000+ as size and detail increase. Complex layouts with corners or odd spaces can add 20% to 40% for specialty units.
Islands add cost too, starting around $500 for small islands and reaching $5,000+ for larger ones. Built-in appliances or specialty storage in an island can push totals higher. Layout complexity is a major reason the same cabinet line can be priced differently from kitchen to kitchen.
Breakdown of Cabinetry Pricing
The total cost includes more than cabinet boxes and doors. Installation labor, upgrades, and removal of existing cabinets can raise the final number quickly. When comparing quotes, scan for these line items so you’re not surprised later.
Labor and Installation Costs
Professional installation often runs $50 to $150 per hour. Most cabinet installs take 12 to 20 hours, depending on layout and complexity. Many homeowners pay $2,000 to $8,000 for labor in an average-sized kitchen.
Kitchens with odd angles, high ceilings, or special modifications take longer and cost more. Some contractors price installation per linear foot, often $50 to $200 per linear foot for labor alone. Stock cabinets can be installed faster, which can help reduce labor costs.
Finishes and Extras
Special finishes can raise cabinet costs. Glazing may add $10 to $30 per cabinet door, and distressing can add $15 to $40 per door. Common upgrades include:
- Soft-close hinges: $3–$10 per door
- Pull-out shelves: $50–$150 each
- Built-in organizers: $30–$200 per unit
- Glass door inserts: $50–$200 per door
- Under-cabinet lighting: $100–$500 total
Custom colors often add 10% to 20% to base cabinet pricing. Two-tone designs can cost more due to additional finishing work. Crown molding and trim can add $5 to $25 per linear foot for a more polished look.
Removal and Disposal Fees
Removal and disposal commonly costs $300 to $1,500, depending on quantity and condition. Basic removal can take 3 to 6 hours, and costs rise if fasteners are tricky or walls need protection. Some contractors bundle removal into installation, while others list it separately.
DIY removal can save $200 to $800, but it requires tools and physical effort. Landfills may charge $50 to $150 for cabinet disposal. If cabinets are usable, donating or reselling can reduce disposal costs.
Ways to Save on Kitchen Cabinetry
You can reduce overall cabinet spending without giving up quality by choosing the right materials and scope. Smart decisions on door styles, upgrades, and labor can keep the project efficient. These moves can also help answer the practical version of “how much does kitchen cabinetry cost” for your kitchen.
Selecting Investment-Smart Materials
Stock cabinets can offer strong savings, often $100 to $300 per linear foot, versus custom at $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. They come in standard sizes and can be available quickly. For many kitchens, this is the most direct way to control the total investment.
Wood species matters, and oak or maple can offer durability at a lower cost than cherry or walnut. Consider plywood boxes with veneer fronts for a solid feel and a refined look. Simple shaker doors often cost less than ornate raised-panel designs.
Doors can cost less than drawers, and choosing more doors may save about $70 per cabinet. Limit decorative elements, and place crown molding or glass fronts only where they matter most. Semi-custom lines can add flexibility while keeping pricing more manageable than full custom.
Refacing Versus Replacing Cabinets
Refacing can cost 30% to 50% less than full replacement when cabinet boxes are still in good shape. You replace doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, and apply veneer or laminate to visible frames. It delivers a fresh look without the expense of brand-new boxes.
Refacing is also faster, often taking a few days rather than weeks. You avoid much of the demolition mess and keep countertops aligned to existing cabinet footprints. The trade-off is limited layout change, and damaged boxes usually call for replacement.
DIY Installation Tips
DIY installation can reduce costs by 25% to 50% since labor is a major portion of the total. You’ll need a level, drill, stud finder, clamps, and patience with measurement. Start with the upper cabinets so the lower runs do not block access.
Key steps to keep it clean and safe:
- Remove old cabinets carefully to avoid wall damage.
- Level and shim each cabinet before securing it.
- Connect cabinets together before attaching them to the walls.
- Recheck measurements at every step.
Manufacturer videos and instructions can prevent costly mistakes. If you hit complex areas, like a large island or plumbing constraints, consider hiring a pro for those sections. A hybrid approach can still reduce labor spending while protecting the finished result.
Additional Considerations and Hidden Expenses
Beyond cabinet pricing and installation, several costs can catch homeowners off guard. Permits, schedule changes, and long-term maintenance often get overlooked. Planning for these helps keep your kitchen investment steady from start to finish.
Permit and Inspection Fees
Many kitchen remodels require building permits, often costing $200 to $800, depending on location and scope. Permits are common when electrical, plumbing, or structural elements are involved. Even cabinet swaps can trigger electrical permits if you add lighting or move outlets.
Inspections are often separate from permit fees and can run $50 to $150 per visit. Common permit types include:
- Electrical permit: $150–$300
- Plumbing permit: $100–$250
- General building permit: $200–$500
Timeline and Project Management
Cabinet projects rarely run perfectly on schedule. Many installations take two to four weeks, and delays can affect overall spending. Custom cabinets may take eight to twelve weeks to produce before installation starts.
If your kitchen is out of service, food costs can rise due to takeout and dining out. If issues appear during installation, contractors may charge $50 to $100 per hour for extra work. Hidden water damage or outdated wiring can require repairs before new cabinets go in.
A common rule is to set aside an extra 10% to 20% of the total project cost for surprises. This cushion helps you handle real-world conditions without compromising decisions midstream. It also keeps the project calm when the unexpected happens.
Warranties and Ongoing Maintenance
Warranty coverage varies widely by manufacturer and cabinet tier. Stock cabinets may have one-year warranties, while custom lines may offer five to ten years. Many warranties exclude water damage, daily wear, or cleaning-related issues.
Labor for warranty repairs is often not included. Plan roughly $50 to $200 per year for ongoing maintenance. Wood cabinets may need oiling or refinishing every few years, often costing $300 to $1,000.
Hardware wears too, and hinges or drawer slides may need replacement every five to ten years at $5 to $20 each. Touch-up kits for scratches and chips often cost $15 to $40. Keeping one on hand helps you address small issues before they grow.
Make Confident Cabinet Decisions
Kitchen cabinetry costs can feel unpredictable, especially when pricing ranges are wide, and details matter. Breaking the numbers into materials, layout, and labor helps you avoid surprises and make choices with confidence. Clarity upfront is the best way to protect your overall investment.
Knowing what drives cost allows you to prioritize what truly matters in your kitchen. Instead of reacting to price changes mid-project, you can plan intentionally and stay in control. That confidence makes the process far less stressful.
At Ambiance Creations, we guide homeowners through cabinetry decisions with transparency and experience. Get in touch to explore options, clarify costs, and move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does kitchen cabinetry cost on average?
Most homeowners spend between $5,000 and $25,000 on kitchen cabinetry, including materials and installation. The final total depends on cabinet type, kitchen size, materials, and labor complexity.
What factors have the biggest impact on cabinet pricing?
The largest cost drivers are cabinet type (stock, semi-custom, or custom), material selection, kitchen layout, and installation labor. Upgrades like specialty storage, finishes, and hardware can also raise the total.
Are custom cabinets worth the investment?
Custom cabinets offer the best fit and design flexibility, especially for complex layouts or unique storage needs. They cost more upfront but can deliver long-term value through durability, functionality, and tailored design.
Is refacing cabinets cheaper than replacing them?
Yes, refacing typically costs 30% to 50% less than full replacement when existing cabinet boxes are in good condition. It refreshes the look without changing the layout or structure.
How much should I expect to pay for cabinet installation labor?
Installation labor usually ranges from $2,000 to $8,000 for an average kitchen. Costs depend on layout complexity, cabinet type, and whether pricing is hourly or per linear foot.
Do cabinet prices include hardware and accessories?
Base cabinet pricing often includes standard hardware, but upgrades like soft-close hinges, pull-out organizers, and specialty finishes are usually additional. Always confirm what is included in your quote.
Can I lower costs without sacrificing quality?
Yes. Choosing stock or semi-custom cabinets, limiting decorative elements, selecting durable mid-range materials, and using a hybrid DIY installation approach can significantly reduce costs while maintaining quality.
How early should cabinetry decisions be made in a kitchen project?
Cabinet selections should be finalized early, as they affect layout, appliances, electrical planning, and timelines. Early decisions help avoid delays, rework, and unexpected cost increases later.