The cost of installing kitchen cabinets is the price paid for new cabinets to be fitted in your kitchen. This will include labor, materials, and other factors that will add up to the final cost. It depends on the type of cabinets and the complexity of the installation.
Are you planning to remodel your kitchen but have no idea about the cost? It is important to know how much cabinet installation can cost for you to budget your project. Let’s break it down so you can have a clearer picture.
The cost of kitchen cabinet installation is dependent upon various factors. Type, size, and the price of labor may come into play. In most cases, full installations will fall anywhere between $2,000 to $25,000.
Average cabinet installation cost
| Type | Average total cost to install |
| Kitchen cabinets | $4,500 – $15,000 |
| Bathroom cabinets or vanity | $400 – $4,000 |
| Laundry room cabinets | $300 – $2,000 |
| Pantry cabinets | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Garage cabinets | $300 – $3,000 |
| Built-in bookshelves with cabinets | $2,000 – $7,500 |
Cost to replace cabinets by quality
Stock or prefab cabinets are the pocket-friendly choice that falls in-between $100 and $400 for the linear foot. They are usually sold in predetermined sizes and come with some styles, as a result, they are mostly chosen by people who are looking for the least expensive ones. Often there is mass production and the majority of cabinets are more or less in the same design.
On the other hand, custom cabinets, which are the most expensive equivalents, can range in price from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed or $15,000 to $30,000 for a middle-of-the-road kitchen. These cabinets are made specifically for your house and come with various materials, finishes, and design options, so they have a distinct and personalized touch to your kitchen.
| Type | Cost per linear foot installed | Quality |
| Stock cabinets | $100 – $400 | Normal |
| Semi-custom cabinets | $150 – $700 | Medium |
| Custom cabinets | $500 – $1,200 | Best Quality |
Factors influencing kitchen cabinet costs
Costs for kitchen cabinets can have a wide range depending on the material, style and size of the whole kitchen, and whether a client will be choosing stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets.
Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Install kitchen cabinets Location
The average cost to replace kitchen cabinets is anywhere between $150 and $500 per linear foot, depending on the medium-sized kitchen, with a total range of $4,500 to $15,000. The price depends on the quality, style, size, and type of material used to create the cabinetry. The higher the quality of material, especially for custom designs, the higher the price.
2. Pantry cabinets
Pantry cabinets are places for eatables and other kitchen supplies. The price of custom pantry cabinets varies depending on the size and features; they are available from $1,000 to $5,000. Extra add-ons such as pull-out shelves and unique racks can further increase the cost.
3. Install bathroom cabinets or vanity
For your bathroom, you should expect to pay a minimum of $400 for the tiny stock vanity with the regular material. A total of $4000 might be the highest budget for buying bathroom furniture. If you choose granite or man-made quartz, the PH boundary will accumulate $50 to $200 per square foot.
4. Install built-in bookshelves
Built-in bookshelves can cost between $300 and $850 per linear foot. Total costs, depending on the size, material, and whether the shelves are custom-built or premade, can range from $2,000 to $7,500. Custom designs with special features cost more.
5. Materials & hardware
Cabinet material has the greatest impact on the overall cost. Inexpensive options like plywood, wood veneer, and laminates are priced at around $70/square foot. The price of acrylic or stainless steel which are more expensive can reach $200-700 per square foot. Wood on the other hand lies between the two extremes of cost.
Handle and knob hardware are the other components that have different prices. They may be $100 or even $10,000 the cause of the artistic concept and the materials used. While plastic knobs can be quite cheap, glass or stone ones are on the more expensive side.
At the store, usually, prices of big brands are lower in comparison with the special, designer hardware. Be aware that the material is a highly weighted factor, a plastic knob is mostly likely to be cheap than a crystal one.
When you are choosing your materials and hardware, think about how much you would like to spend and whether you want the area to look vintage or modern. Also, think about the other appliances in the kitchen and the style of them. This might also play a role in the material and color of the cabinets.
Labor cost to install cabinets
Cabinet installation labor costs normally vary in the range between $50 and $300 an hour, but the exact amount is usually the function of the scope of the project and the site of the installation. For a usual-size kitchen, the total labor cost would be in the range of $1,500 to $5,000. On the other hand, less complex designs, like the ones that have only grouped class or stock cabinets, will be cheaper, thanks to the less time and knowledge needed.
| Cost Factor | Stock Cabinets (per linear foot) | Semi-Custom Cabinets (per linear foot) | Custom Cabinets (per linear foot) |
| Materials and Hardware | $50 – $280 | $75 – $550 | $300 – $900 |
| Installation Labor | $50 – $120 | $75 – $150 | $200 – $300 |
| Total Cost | $100 – $400 | $150 – $700 | $500 – $1,200 |
Other Cabinet Installation Cost Factors
Material: Plywood cabinets with solid wood doors cost more than laminate or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) cabinets.
Cabinet Height: Ceiling-height cabinets increase costs by 10% or more.
Cabinet Design & Features: A base cabinet with three drawers costs more than a cabinet with one drawer and a door underneath. Specialty cabinets, such as tall pantries, sink bases, glass doors, or roll-out cabinets, further increase costs.
Trim & Molding: Crown molding costs between $210 and $570 for installation across the entire kitchen.
Measurement Fees: Installers may charge $50 to $150 for in-home measurements.
Appliance Installation: Installing a full set of new kitchen appliances costs between $2,500 and $6,800, including installation.
Permits: Kitchen remodeling permits range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the project.
Cost to replace cabinets and countertops
For a kitchen of 100 to 200 square feet, the replacement of countertops is going to require between $50 to $150 per square foot, or between $1,500 and $6,000. The total cost for the replacement of both cabinets and the countertops is in the range of $6,000 to $21,000 for an average-sized kitchen. The prices are subject to change depending on what materials are picked out and the installation is complicated.
| Project | Average Cost |
| Kitchen countertop replacement | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Kitchen cabinet replacement | $4,500 – $15,000 |
| Total cost | $6,000 – $21,000 |
Tips to save on kitchen cabinets
- Stock Up: Stock cabinets are a budget-friendly option, averaging around $5,441, compared to semi-custom and custom cabinets that can cost $13,000 to over $30,000. If your kitchen layout isn’t too complex, stock cabinets are a simple and affordable solution.
- Repurpose: Consider refacing or refinishing your existing cabinets. Refacing costs around $7,245, much cheaper than custom options, while refinishing can cost as little as $3,009. Updating hardware can also make a big difference at a relatively low cost, saving you money on new cabinets.
- Donate: If you’re replacing cabinets, donating your old ones to a local charity can provide a tax deduction. Additionally, removing or disposing of the cabinets yourself can help cut down on labor fees, which can be expensive.
- Go with a Specialist: Hiring a professional installation company or an interior designer can help you access wholesale discounts and liquidation sales, potentially saving you money. While stores like Ikea and Home Depot provide convenience, their added design and installation services can increase costs significantly. Be cautious of inflated prices by some interior design companies, who may charge up to three times the cost of materials.
Final Words
The amount you pay for the new kitchen cupboards goes along with the type of materials, size, and style you specify. You will spend less on low-cost stock cabinets but on the contrary a lot of money on custom and semi-custom types. Labour costs also add to the overall cost of the installation.
One way to save money is to consider refinishing or refacing the cabinets you already have. It’s also a good idea to buy during sales, choose basic designs, and do the cabinet installation on your own to minimize costs. Always look around and compare to find the best deals for your budget.
FAQS
Q1. How can I save money on kitchen cabinet installation?
You can save by choosing stock cabinets, refinishing existing ones, or installing them yourself. Look for discounts and avoid unnecessary upgrades.
Q2. What are stock cabinets?
Stock cabinets are pre-made and mass-produced in standard sizes. They are more affordable compared to custom cabinets.
Q3. Are custom cabinets worth the extra cost?
Custom cabinets offer more design flexibility and higher quality but can be much more expensive. Consider your budget before choosing custom options.
Q4. How long does it take to install kitchen cabinets?
Cabinet installation usually takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the kitchen’s size and complexity. This includes both labor and the fitting process.
