Kitchen cabinets play a pivotal role in your cooking space. They impact the room’s functionality and dominate its aesthetic. With cabinets making up about 40% of the typical kitchen remodel budget, this is one area where strategic planning pays off. However, the real question is still, how much do kitchen cabinets cost?
But with so many kitchen cabinet options and countertop stores around, how do you determine a reasonable budget to replace kitchen cabinets? What exactly impacts the cost of new cabinets?
This in-depth guide examines the critical factors that influence kitchen cabinet pricing. We’ll break down cost considerations for custom, semi-custom, and stock cabinetry. You’ll learn where you can save money and when splurging gets you added value.
Let’s dig into everything that goes into determining your new kitchen’s cabinet style and investment.
What’s the Average Cost of New Kitchen Cabinets?
With so many variables impacting pricing, what can you expect to budget on average for new kitchen cabinets? Here are some approximate ranges:
- Stock cabinets – $100-$300 per linear foot
- Semi-custom cabinets – $200-$600 per linear foot
- Custom cabinets – $800+ per linear foot
According to Houzz’s 2023 Kitchen Trends Study, the average homeowner spent $3,000–$8,000 on cabinetry for their kitchen remodel. This breaks down to approximately:
- Small kitchen (less than 10 linear feet of cabinets): $2,500-$5,000
- Medium kitchen (10-15 linear ft): $5,000-$12,000
- Large kitchen (more than 15 linear feet): $8,000-$16,000+
Keep in mind costs rise when you incorporate high-end features like soft-close drawers, specialty hardware, integrated lighting, custom built-ins, and more. Unique kitchen layouts like galley or L-shaped spaces also increase costs due to angled cabinetry and fillers needed.
Stock vs. Semi-Custom vs. Custom Cabinets
The pricing spectrum for kitchen cabinets ranges wildly depending on whether you choose stock, semi-custom, or fully custom cabinetry. Understanding the key distinctions in construction, materials, and customization for each type is critical for setting realistic expectations.
Stock Kitchen Cabinets
Stock kitchen cabinets offer the most affordable option but the least flexibility. Stock cabinetry comes in predetermined standard sizes and configurations. You get minimal options for finishes, storage solutions cabinet doors, and other custom details.
Pros
- Lower cost
- Quick to purchase and install
Cons
- Limited size availability
- Fewest custom options
- Often lower quality materials
With the least amount of customization possible, stock cabinets carry the lowest price point. Expect to pay $100-300 per linear foot for stock kitchen cabinets.
Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets
A step above stock wood cabinets, semi-custom cabinets provide a middle ground with a wider range of choices in sizes, materials, and storage accessories. Semi-custom cabinetry uses a modular system with some interchangeable components. This allows for more flexibility in layout and options.
Pros
- More sizes and layouts to choose from
- Good mix of customization
- Higher quality construction than stock
Cons
- Less custom than fully custom
- Lead times for production and delivery
With the right combination of customization and value, semi-custom cabinets range from $200-600 per linear foot.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Fully custom cabinets enable you to customize each unit’s dimensions, materials, and functionality down to the smallest detail. Custom cabinet makers construct your kitchen completely from scratch based on your specifications. This total control allows for unlimited personalization.
Pros
- Completely tailored fit and finish
- Full range of modifications to meet your needs
- Top-quality materials and construction
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Longer lead time for design and build
For absolute one-of-a-kind artisan quality, expect custom kitchen cabinets to start around $800 or more 1,200 per linear foot.
What Impacts Kitchen Cabinet Costs?
Many variables influence the price you’ll pay for new kitchen cabinets beyond just going stock, semi-custom, or custom. Key factors impacting your overall investment include:
Cabinet Quality and Features
Higher-end cabinets made with top-notch materials and construction simply cost more.
- Solid wood doors and frames offer lasting beauty but cost more than veneers. Durable plywood box construction also increases cost compared to particleboard.
- Soft-close doors and drawers, smart organizational features like pull-out shelves, and interior lighting add functional value.
- Specialty finishes and hardware like glass fronts, concealed hinges and antique knobs also increase pricing over standard offerings.
Kitchen Layout and Cabinet Dimensions
Your cabinet box cost directly correlates to how much cabinetry you need. The overall linear footage, the number of cabinets, along sizes like depth all contribute.
- More cabinets to fill a larger kitchen means higher overall cost.
- Larger pantry units, taller wall cabinets, and deeper base cabinets cost more than standard sizes.
- Islands require cabinets on all sides, multiplying linear footage.
Take measurements and map out your layout to estimate needed cabinetry.
Custom Design Services
Developing a fully customized kitchen design has associated costs for the expertise involved.
- Design fees from kitchen designers or cabinet dealers to create layouts, select products, and handle the installation process.
- Potential site visits and consultations to review kitchen space and gather ideas.
- Cabinet shop labor for made-to-order pieces like angled cabinets or custom built-ins.
Factor in these design, coordination, and installation services costs.
Materials
The materials used in kitchen cabinet replacements and construction affect cost:
- Wood types like oak, maple, and cherry vary in price point. Durability and aesthetics drive cost differences.
- Plywood boxes cost more than particleboard. But they withstand moisture better.
- Laminates and thermofoils offer an affordable alternative to solid wood doors and fronts.
- Additional components like glass panel inserts or butcher block countertops increase costs over basic builds.
Door Styles
Ornate door designs and special finishes command higher prices:
- Intricate raised panel doors take more labor and expertise than flat slab doors.
- Specialty finishes like glazing, distressing, and antique patinas add character and cost.
- Thick solid wood doors are pricier than veneer surfaces.
Hardware
Hardware selection impacts pricing:
- Based on guidance from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), soft-close hinges and drawers are an excellent functional upgrade that increases convenience and durability long-term, despite their higher initial cost.
- Ornate glass or crystal knobs cost multiples more than simple metal pulls.
- Integrated lighting systems, outlets, and other tech carry costs.
- Self-closing drawers, pull-out shelves, and other functional additions increase the price.
Size and Configuration
Cabinet sizes, shapes, and layouts influence costs:
- More drawers, doors, and pieces multiply the costs over basic boxes.
- Deep roll-out shelves, angled units, and custom shapes add complexity.
- Extra tall pantry units or oversized island pieces mean more materials.
- Specialty built-ins like coffee stations, banquettes, or open shelving require custom labor.
Installation and Modification Work
Extra time, labor, and materials cost to install the kitchen and modify or update your existing kitchen carry costs as well.
- Demolition and removal of old cabinets add steps versus new construction.
- Modifying cabinet configurations to work with existing kitchen layouts.
- Installing kitchen cabinets requires wiring, plumbing, and finishing work.
- Any needed countertop modifications or flooring repairs after cabinet installation.
Professional installation replacing kitchen cabinets typically costs around $150 per linear foot or more on top of the cabinet price.
Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Cabinet Budget
Looking for ways to cut costs on your kitchen cabinet investment? Consider these smart savings strategies:
Buy Semi-Custom Over Fully Custom
You can likely achieve your desired aesthetic and functionality without the extended lead times and premium pricing of full custom. Semi-custom offers flexibility at a more affordable price point for most homeowners.
Stick With Standard Sizes
Skip oversized cabinets and opt for industry-standard depths and heights like 24” base cabinet depth. This minimizes special order charges.
Mix in Some Stock Cabinets
Use stock for simpler runs like a pantry cabinet. Then splurge on custom cabinetry for main cooking zones only.
Shop Online Providers
Online retailers can offer more competitive rates by cutting out the middleman. Brands like Kabinet King, Target Cabinet, and More offers quality semi-custom cabinets factory direct.
Install Yourself
Tackle installation as a DIY project to avoid paying for the labor costs. Follow good planning, prep work, and safety precautions.
Setting a Total Budget for Your Kitchen Cabinetry
With all these factors impacting pricing, how do you set a realistic overall budget? Here are tips:
- Measure your existing kitchen and create rough layouts showing cabinet locations. This approximates the needed cabinetry.
- Research price ranges for your preferred cabinet grade and style. Per linear foot ranges give you good guidelines.
- Multiply approximate linear footage by your desired price per foot. This gives you a ballpark number for cabinets alone.
- Add estimated design fees, installation costs, and other expenses like new countertops.
- Pad an extra 10-15% for contingencies or unexpected overages.
This process helps give you an educated estimate of your total cost of investment. Just be sure to get final quotes before committing to confirm exact costs.
Bottomline
Investing in gorgeous new kitchen cabinets makes a huge impact. But balancing your budget and priorities is key. Understanding what controls costs at the design stage lets you make informed trade-offs to keep your kitchen remodel on plan.
Armed with the insider knowledge above, you can feel confident navigating the process. Before you know it, you’ll be cooking nightly feasts in your dream kitchen oasis.
Now those are some savory returns you can sink your teeth into!
