Kitchen cabinets represent one of the most significant investments when remodeling or building a new kitchen. With the wide range of options available on the market, kitchen cabinet prices can vary dramatically based on the materials, features, and overall quality. Understanding what impacts the cost of new kitchen cabinets empowers homeowners to make informed decisions when selecting the best cabinets within their budget.
Factors That Affect Kitchen Cabinet Pricing
Several key factors determine the cost of kitchen cabinets:
Materials
The materials used for cabinet boxes and fronts significantly influence price.
- Wood species: Oak, maple, cherry, and hickory tend to cost more than pine or poplar. Exotic woods like mahogany and walnut are premium options.
- Plywood: Cabinet boxes made of plywood tend to cost more than particleboard.
- Laminates: Thermally fused laminate finishes like melamine are budget-friendly options for cabinet surfaces.
- Solid wood: All-wood cabinet fronts typically cost more than veneered fronts or engineered wood.
- Glass: Glass-front cabinets or glass doors are generally higher priced than solid wood doors.
Door Styles and Finishes
Simple slab cabinet fronts are generally the most affordable option. More intricate door styles like shaker, cathedral, or raised panel designs cost more. The door finish also impacts price—painted finishes are typically less expensive than wood stains, while glazes, distressing or other specialty finishes increase costs.
Drawer and Storage Features
Details like full-extension drawer glides, soft-close hinges and drawers, pull-out shelves, and other storage accessories increase costs over standard cabinets. Custom organizational features also add price premiums.
Hardware
Standard cabinet hardware like knobs and pulls are economical choices. More ornate hardware, hidden hinges, and soft-close mechanisms raise costs.
Custom Versus Stock Design
Stock and semi-custom cabinetry is more budget-friendly than fully customized cabinets. With custom, each cabinet is built individually based on home measurements and layout. Unique storage solutions and sizing add cost.
Brand Name
Well-known cabinet brands usually come with a higher price tag than lesser-known manufacturers. Labor warranties and quality construction impact brand costs.
American Made
cabinets constructed domestically from U.S. materials are typically 50-60% higher priced than imported cabinets.
Kitchen Size
The overall number of cabinets needed directly impacts project price. More cabinets mean higher costs for materials and installation.
Cost Ranges by Cabinet Grade
Cabinet grades give homeowners a way to compare quality and price levels across manufacturers. Here are typical price ranges associated with each cabinet grade:
Economy Grade
Cost range: $75-150 per linear foot
Economy cabinets represent the most affordable option. Typical features:
- Particleboard cabinet boxes with laminate surfaces
- Limited selection of door styles and finishes
- Light-duty hardware
- Stock sizes only
Best for: Budget-driven remodels and rentals
Standard Grade
Cost range: $150-300 per linear foot
Standard grade is the midpoint for cabinet quality and pricing. Typical features:
- Plywood or solid wood cabinet boxes
- Wide range of door styles and finishes
- Sturdy drawers with side-mounted glides
- Some customization possible
Best for: Most kitchen remodels
Premium Grade
Cost range: $300-500 per linear foot
Premium grade cabinets are constructed from top-quality materials with higher-end hardware. Typical features:
- Solid wood cabinet boxes
- Full overlay or inset cabinet fronts
- Concealed soft-close hinges and drawers
- Custom sizing and storage accessories
Best for: Luxury kitchens and custom homes
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets offer an intermediate option between stock and fully custom. Cabinet sizes, accessories, and layouts can be customized within a manufacturer’s set parameters. Semi-custom cabinet prices typically range from $200-400 per linear foot.
Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Installation
In addition to the cabinet cost, homeowners need to account for the expense of having the new cabinets professionally installed. This typically costs an additional $200-300 per linear foot. The total project price also depends on if existing cabinets need removal and if any repairs are required before installing new cabinets.
Strategies for Affording New Kitchen Cabinets
For homeowners on a tight budget, investing in quality kitchen cabinets may seem out of reach. But several effective strategies can help cut costs without sacrificing style or function:
- Opt for stock cabinets: Eliminate the custom upcharge by selecting a style within the manufacturer’s stock offering.
- Limit specialty features: Avoid unnecessary expenses like glass fronts and intricate carvings.
- Consider DIY installation: Hiring a contractor accounts for nearly half the total project cost. DIY installation can yield major savings.
- Check for sales and promos: Sign up for store discounts and look for special savings like Memorial Day or year-end sales events.
- Buy factory seconds: Small cosmetic defects mean significant discounts on overstock and slight scratch-and-dent cabinets.
- Refinish existing cabinets: Refacing or repainting worn cabinets costs a fraction of full replacement.
- Watch out for extra fees: Upcharges for modifications, delivery, disposal, and installation can quickly inflate quotes.
Even on a limited budget, smart planning and cost-cutting measures can help you achieve a beautiful, functional dream kitchen. Focus your dollars on well-built cabinet boxes and functional storage options. With some savvy shopping and strategic compromises, new kitchen cabinets can be within your reach.
Kitchen Cabinet Prices
Kitchen cabinet prices vary based on the size of the kitchen, materials, features and more. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Economy cabinets – $75-$150 per linear foot
- Standard cabinets – $150-$300 per linear foot
- Premium/Custom cabinets – $300-$500+ per linear foot
- Semi-custom cabinets – $200-$400 per linear foot
- Stock cabinets – $100-$300 per linear foot
- Refinished existing cabinets – $50-$150 per linear foot
Other factors that influence cost:
- Cabinet brand
- Door style and materials
- Hardware upgrades
- Glass fronts/doors
- Custom storage accessories
- Specialty finishes
- Delivery and installation fees
With such a wide range of prices, it’s important for homeowners to determine their budget and priorities before selecting cabinets. Investing in quality cabinet boxes pays off long-term even if you opt for budget-friendly doors and finishes to cut costs. And don’t forget to account for the significant added cost of professional installation.
What Impacts the Cost of Kitchen Cabinets?
Many factors influence the price when buying new kitchen cabinets. Being aware of these cost drivers helps homeowners make informed decisions when selecting cabinets.
Cabinet Materials
The materials that make up the cabinet boxes, doors, and finishes significantly impact price. For example, solid wood fronts will cost more than veneers. Plywood construction costs more than particleboard. Thermally fused laminates are the most budget-friendly surface option. Investing in durable cabinet boxes pays off long-term.
Door Styles
Simple slab door styles offer cost savings over more complex shaker or recessed panel designs. Ornate doors with decorative moldings are typically the most expensive.
Finish Options
Painted finishes are typically more economical than wood stains. Specialty finishes like glazing or distressing add artisan appeal but also increase the cabinet price.
Storage Features & Accessories
Details like roll-out trays, spice pull outs, trash/recycling bins, cookie sheet dividers and other specialty storage items raise costs. Consider limiting these optional accessories to save money.
Drawer Construction
Standard side-mounted drawer glides keep costs down. Upgrade to full extension soft-close glides for maximum function—and higher prices.
Hardware
Forgo expensive knobs and pulls for simple brushed metal handles to save money. Hidden hinges and soft-close mechanisms also bump up costs.
Brand Reputation
Well-known brands charge a premium for the presumed quality and service that comes with their name. Lesser known brands often offer comparable construction for better prices.
Semi-Custom vs. Stock
Semi-custom cabinets include some sized modifications but eliminate the pricing premium of fully customized cabinets. Stock options keep costs down but limit personalization.
American Made
Imported cabinets are generally 50-60% less expensive than U.S.-built cabinets from domestic materials. Support American jobs and businesses by buying U.S.-made.
Installation Costs
Professional installation nearly doubles project costs. DIY installation saves significant dollars but requires skills and labor.
Stock vs. Custom Cabinet Comparison
Stock and custom cabinets represent two ends of the spectrum for kitchen cabinet selection. Comparing the key differences helps homeowners identify the best approach for their particular kitchen and budget.
Stock Kitchen Cabinets
Stock cabinets come in set styles, sizes, and configurations within a manufacturer’s lineup. Typical characteristics:
- Limited to standard widths like 12”, 15”, 18”, etc.
- Set heights of wall cabinets, base cabinets and filler sizes
- Cannot modify dimensions or design
- Economical pre-configured options
- Quick to purchase and short lead times
Best for: Budget-driven projects, smaller kitchens with standard sizes
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Custom cabinets are built individually for your unique kitchen layout. Key features:
- Each cabinet constructed to exact specifications
- Sizes, configurations tailored to your space
- Modify heights, widths, depths as needed
- Personalized storage solutions and organization
- Unique custom look
- Longer lead times and higher cost
Best for: Remodels with challenging layouts, premium projects
Many manufacturers offer semi-custom cabinets that blend features from both categories, with some size modifications possible. Semi-custom strikes a balance for cost-conscious homeowners who want a more customized result.
Cost Saving Tips for Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinet costs can quickly skyrocket. Smart planning and design decisions allow homeowners to cut expenses without sacrificing style or function. Cost-saving tips include:
- Compare several quotes to find the best value.
- Opt for stock or semi-custom over fully custom.
- Limit specialty features like glass fronts or spiced drawers.
- Use open shelving rather than upper cabinets.
- Consider IKEA systems for temporary/rental homes.
- Purchase factory seconds for slight defects at a discount.
- Refinish or reface existing cabinets rather than replace.
- Select quality door styles but economical finishes like paint.
- Install cabinets yourself to avoid labor fees if experienced.
- Watch for sales, specials and seasonal promotions when available.
- Use lighting, hardware and styling to elevate a basic cabinet design.
Focus spending on durable cabinet boxes and functional storage rather than decorative features. With clever cost-cutting tactics, you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams on a reasonable budget.
Typical Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets
What’s the typical price range to replace kitchen cabinets? Here’s what homeowners can expect to pay for new kitchen cabinets:
- Cabinets: $75-$500 per linear foot. Includes materials, construction and features. Wide range based on quality and customization.
- Installation: $200-$300 per linear foot. Professionally installed, around 50% of total project cost.
- Countertops: $40-$100 per square foot. Material choices like laminate, quartz and granite impact pricing.
- Labor: 10-25% of total costs. Includes installer’s fees for fabrication and fitting.
- Sink/Faucet: $200-$2,000. Depends on materials like porcelain, stainless steel, etc.
- Lighting: $50-$500 per fixture. Under/upper cabinet lighting crucial for kitchens.
For a 10×10 kitchen, total costs usually range $7,000-$30,000 depending on cabinet grade selected. Higher for larger, customized kitchens with premium features. Careful comparison shopping and cost-cutting measures can yield significant savings.
Painting vs. Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
Homeowners debating between painting cabinets or full replacement must weigh pros, cons and costs. Key considerations include:
Painting
- Cost: $2,000-$3,500 for 10×10 kitchen
- Timing: 1-2 days
- Process: Clean, sand, prime, paint
- Limitations: Doesn’t modify layout or storage
- Best for: Budget updates, simple style changes
Replacing
- Cost: $7,000-$30,000 for 10×10 kitchen
- Timing: Weeks for delivery/install
- Process: Remove old cabinets, install new
- Perks: Customize layout, features, storage
- Best for: Outdated layouts, quality upgrades
Painting resurfaces worn cabinets at a fraction of replacement cost. But replacing allows real design changes. Assess needs, budget and goals to determine the better investment for your kitchen and lifestyle.
How Much Do New Cabinets Increase Home Value?
A kitchen remodel with new cabinets offers one of the highest returns on investment for homeowners. The impact to home value depends on cabinet cost and overall scope.
- Economy grade refacing ~ 50-60% ROI
- Mid-range cabinet replacement ~ 75-85% ROI
- High-end custom kitchen ~ 90-100% ROI
According to real estate agents, new kitchens with updated layouts and premium features offer the highest value increase for resale.
However, minor cosmetic updates like paint or refacing also boost home value for less investment. Any cabinet upgrade modernizes the look and improves functionality.
Maximize ROI by focusing on other kitchen details beyond cabinets:
- Update countertops
- Improve task lighting
- Refresh backsplashes
- Install new sink/faucet
- Add island or peninsula
With strategic renovations and smart staging, new kitchen cabinets can yield an excellent return at resale.
Kitchen Cabinet FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about kitchen cabinet costs, construction, installation and more:
How much do RTA cabinets cost compared to custom?
RTA (ready-to-assemble) stock cabinets range $75-$300 per linear foot. Custom cabinets cost $300-$500+ per linear foot. RTA cabinets cost 50-75% less than custom due to standardized sizing andmaterials.
What is the most cost-effective kitchen cabinet material?
Laminate cabinets offer the best value, with melamine or thermally fused laminate surfacing over particleboard construction. Laminate resists moisture, wear and scratches at the lowest price point.
Should I DIY or hire a contractor to install kitchen cabinets?
Professional installation costs about $200-$300 per linear foot. DIY installation saves 50% but requires carpentry skills. Consider your skill level and time commitment when deciding.
How much do semi-custom kitchen cabinets cost?
Semi-custom cabinets cost $200-$400 per linear foot including materials and installation. Semi-custom blends customizeable sizing with value pricing between stock and custom.
What are the most affordable kitchen cabinet brands?
Affordably priced cabinet brands include IKEA, Hampton Bay, Diamond, Allen + Roth, Kraftmaid, American Woodmark, Shenandoah, and Aristokraft.
Should I choose assembled or unassembled cabinets?
Assembled cabinets cost 10-20% more for the convenience of faster installation. DIY’ers can save money with unassembled cabinets that snap together onsite.
Where can I buy discounted kitchen cabinets?
Check big box stores, warehouse clubs, online retailers and RTA dealers for lower prices. Consider clearance items, overstock specials andReturning items for the biggest bargains.
How do I choose cost-effective cabinets for a rental property?
Opt for durable laminate RTA stock cabinets from IKEA or big box stores. Save installation fees by choosing wall cabinets only or ready-to-hang systems. Avoid expensive customization.
Conclusion
The cost to replace kitchen cabinets varies immensely based on the size of your kitchen, cabinet grade and features selected. Carefully assess your budget, how long you plan to stay in the home, and overall remodel goals. Invest in quality cabinet construction for lasting value, but look for cost-cutting opportunities in door styles, finishes and added storage features. With smart planning and shopping, you can refresh your kitchen space within your budget to enjoy for years to come.
