So, how much does it cost to get new kitchen cabinets? The price can range widely, from $500 for a few basic RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets to over $50,000 for high-end custom designs. The average kitchen cabinet prices typically fall between $4,000 and $10,000 for a standard-sized kitchen, but this figure is highly dependent on the materials, style, and whether you opt for professional kitchen cabinet installation cost.
Renovating your kitchen is a significant undertaking, and perhaps the most impactful element is your cabinetry. Cabinets define the style, functionality, and overall feel of your kitchen. But before you dive headfirst into choosing door styles and finishes, you need to get a handle on the finances. This guide aims to break down the often-complex world of kitchen cabinet costs, helping you make informed decisions and stick to your budget for new kitchen cabinets.
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Fathoming Kitchen Cabinet Material Costs
The material your cabinets are made from plays a huge role in their price. Different woods and composite materials offer varying levels of durability, aesthetics, and cost.
Hardwood Cabinets
Hardwoods are a popular choice for their natural beauty, strength, and longevity. However, they also come with a higher price tag.
- Oak: A classic and durable option, oak is known for its prominent grain patterns. It’s a mid-to-high range material.
- Maple: With a smoother grain and lighter color, maple is versatile and takes finishes well. It’s often slightly more expensive than oak.
- Cherry: Cherry offers a rich, warm tone that darkens with age. It’s considered a premium wood and is priced accordingly.
- Hickory: Known for its strength and distinctive, often dramatic grain, hickory is a durable but can be a pricier choice.
- Walnut: A luxurious and dark hardwood, walnut is one of the most expensive options but provides a sophisticated look.
Plywood and MDF
These engineered materials are often used in cabinet construction, sometimes as alternatives to solid wood or as cabinet box materials.
- Plywood: Made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together, plywood is strong and stable. It’s a common and cost-effective material for cabinet boxes. Higher grades of plywood will cost more but offer better durability.
- Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF): MDF is made from wood fibers mixed with resin and pressed into dense panels. It’s smooth, stable, and takes paint very well, making it a good choice for painted cabinets. However, it can be susceptible to moisture damage and is heavier than plywood. It’s generally more affordable than plywood or solid wood.
Laminate and Thermofoil
These are less expensive options that offer a durable surface.
- Laminate: A plastic layer bonded to a particleboard or MDF core. Laminate is resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. It can mimic the look of wood or other materials but may not feel as authentic.
- Thermofoil: A vinyl film heated and vacuum-sealed onto an MDF core. It’s also resistant to moisture and easy to clean. It’s a budget-friendly option, but the film can peel or chip over time, especially with heat exposure.
Deciphering Cabinet Construction Styles
Beyond the materials, how the cabinets are built also affects the kitchen cabinet cost.
Stock Cabinets
These are pre-manufactured in standard sizes and styles, offering the lowest price point. They are readily available at big-box home improvement stores.
- Pros: Affordable, readily available, quick delivery.
- Cons: Limited style and size options, may require fillers or modifications to fit your space perfectly.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
These offer a wider range of styles, finishes, and sizes than stock cabinets. You can often choose door styles, finishes, and add organizational features.
- Pros: More customization options than stock, good balance of price and features.
- Cons: Longer lead times than stock, more expensive than stock.
Custom Cabinets
These are built to your exact specifications, allowing for unique designs, dimensions, and materials. This is the most expensive option.
- Pros: Complete design freedom, perfectly tailored to your kitchen, highest quality craftsmanship.
- Cons: Highest cost, longest lead times, requires detailed planning and design.
The Impact of Cabinet Style and Features on Price
The visual elements and functional add-ons you choose will significantly influence the overall kitchen cabinet replacement cost.
Door Styles
The design of your cabinet doors is a major aesthetic driver.
- Shaker: A simple, clean design with a flat center panel and a raised frame. A very popular and generally mid-priced option.
- Flat-panel (Slab): A minimalist, modern look with a completely flat door. Often cost-effective.
- Raised-panel: Features a center panel that is raised and often outlined with decorative molding. This adds a traditional and more ornate look, typically increasing the price.
- Inset doors: The doors sit flush within the cabinet frame, creating a seamless, high-end look. This requires precise construction and is more expensive.
- Beadboard: Features vertical grooves or “beads” that create a cottage or farmhouse feel.
- Glass-front doors: Allow you to display items inside. The cost varies based on the type of glass (clear, frosted, seeded) and the framing.
Finishes
The way your cabinets are finished also impacts the price.
- Stained: Enhances the natural wood grain. Stains come in various shades, from light to dark.
- Painted: Offers a uniform color and can provide a more modern or classic look. White and grey are very popular. The quality of the paint job and the type of paint (e.g., lacquer, enamel) will affect the cost.
- Glazed: Adds a layer of contrasting color over the base finish, creating an antique or distressed look. This is an additional step and adds to the cost.
- Distressed or Antiqued: Finishes that mimic wear and tear. These artisanal finishes are more labor-intensive and thus more expensive.
Hardware
Knobs, pulls, and hinges are essential components that also add to the cost.
- Hardware: The style, material (e.g., brushed nickel, brass, matte black), and brand of your hardware can vary significantly in price. Budget-friendly options are plentiful, but premium hardware can add hundreds or even thousands to your total.
- Hinges: Soft-close hinges are a popular upgrade that prevents doors from slamming and adds a touch of luxury, but they cost more than standard hinges.
Internal Features and Accessories
What you put inside your cabinets can also drive up the price.
- Drawer glides: Full-extension, soft-close drawer glides are a desirable upgrade that makes drawers easier to use and more durable.
- Roll-out shelves and trays: These are incredibly convenient for accessing items at the back of deep cabinets.
- Spice racks, trash pull-outs, lazy Susans: These specialized organizers enhance functionality but add to the overall expense.
- Custom interiors: Dividers, tiered shelves, and other custom interior solutions offer maximum organization but come at a premium.
Weighing the Cost of Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Kitchen Cabinets
Cost of RTA kitchen cabinets presents an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. These cabinets are shipped flat-packed and require assembly by the buyer.
- Pros: Significantly cheaper than pre-assembled or custom cabinets, often available in a good variety of styles and finishes.
- Cons: Requires assembly time and effort, potential for assembly errors, quality can vary greatly.
DIY kitchen cabinet cost is generally much lower for RTA cabinets, as you’re saving on labor. However, it’s crucial to factor in the cost of your time and the potential need for tools or replacement parts if assembly proves challenging.
The Price of Professional Kitchen Cabinet Installation
The kitchen cabinet installation cost is a significant portion of the total project budget. While some DIY enthusiasts might tackle this, many opt for professional help to ensure a perfect fit and finish.
Factors Influencing Installation Costs:
- Complexity of the Layout: Kitchens with many angles, awkward spaces, or unusual wall configurations will take longer to install, increasing labor costs.
- Type of Cabinets: Installing RTA cabinets is generally more time-consuming than installing pre-assembled or custom cabinets due to the assembly step.
- Number of Cabinets: Naturally, more cabinets mean more labor hours.
- Removal of Old Cabinets: If you need old cabinets removed and disposed of, this is an additional service and cost.
- Wall and Floor Preparation: If your walls are uneven or your floors aren’t level, installers may need to do extra work to ensure cabinets are installed plumb and level, adding to the cost.
- Appliance Integration: Fitting cabinets around appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves can require more precise work.
- Location: Labor rates vary by region.
Professional Kitchen Cabinet Installation Price Breakdown:
When getting quotes for professional kitchen cabinet installation price, you can expect pricing to be structured in a few ways:
- Per Linear Foot: Some installers charge a set rate per linear foot of cabinetry installed. This is common for standard layouts.
- Hourly Rate: Others may charge by the hour, which can be less predictable if the job takes longer than expected.
- Flat Project Fee: Many will provide a lump sum for the entire installation project. Always ensure this quote is detailed and includes all anticipated work.
On average, expect kitchen cabinet installation cost to range from $100 to $200 per linear foot of cabinetry. For a typical kitchen, this can add $1,000 to $4,000 to your total budget. Highly skilled installers or those working with very high-end custom cabinetry might charge more.
Cabinet Refacing Cost vs. Replacement Cost
When cabinets are looking tired but are structurally sound, cabinet refacing cost is a viable alternative to full replacement.
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Cabinet Refacing: This process involves keeping the existing cabinet boxes and replacing only the doors and drawer fronts. The exterior of the boxes is typically covered with a veneer or laminate.
- Pros: Significantly cheaper than full replacement, less disruptive, faster installation.
- Cons: Limited by the quality and style of the existing cabinet boxes, doesn’t address interior issues.
- Cost: Typically costs 30-50% of the price of new cabinets, ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 for an average kitchen.
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Cabinet Replacement: This involves removing the old cabinets entirely and installing new ones.
- Pros: Complete renovation, opportunity to change layout, choose new materials, styles, and features, addresses any underlying issues with the existing boxes.
- Cons: Most expensive option, most disruptive.
- Cost: As discussed, this can range from $4,000 to $10,000+ for new cabinets alone, plus installation.
Average Kitchen Cabinet Prices: A Table Overview
To provide a clearer picture, here’s a general breakdown of average kitchen cabinet prices based on the type and quality. These are for the cabinets themselves, before installation.
| Cabinet Type | Material Focus | Typical Price Range (for a standard kitchen) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | Plywood, MDF, Laminate | $2,000 – $6,000 | Limited choices, pre-made sizes. |
| RTA Cabinets | Plywood, MDF | $1,000 – $5,000 | Requires assembly, good budget option. |
| Semi-Custom | Plywood, Hardwood | $5,000 – $12,000 | More design choices, better quality materials, semi-standard sizes. |
| Custom Cabinets | Premium Hardwoods | $10,000 – $50,000+ | Built to exact specifications, highest quality, unique designs. |
| Cabinet Refacing | N/A (uses existing) | $2,000 – $7,000 | Replaces doors/drawer fronts, veneers boxes. |
The Cost of Custom Kitchen Cabinets: Going Bespoke
When you opt for the cost of custom kitchen cabinets, you are investing in unparalleled quality, design flexibility, and a truly unique kitchen tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic.
What Drives Custom Cabinet Costs?
- Materials: Using premium hardwoods like walnut, cherry, or exotic woods will significantly increase the price. High-grade plywood for boxes is also more expensive.
- Craftsmanship: Custom cabinets are often built by skilled artisans who employ traditional joinery techniques, which are more labor-intensive and produce a higher-quality product.
- Design Complexity: Intricate door profiles, decorative moldings, custom finishes (like hand-painted glazes), and unique hardware all add to the cost.
- Specialty Features: Incorporating built-in appliance panels, integrated lighting, intricate internal organizers, or complex drawer systems will elevate the price.
- Size and Quantity: Naturally, a larger kitchen requiring more cabinets will have a higher custom cabinet cost.
- Brand and Maker: The reputation and specialization of the cabinet maker will also play a role. High-end custom cabinet makers will command higher prices.
Typical Cost Breakdown for Custom:
While a precise figure is impossible without specific details, for a mid-sized kitchen:
- Lower-End Custom: You might start around $10,000 – $15,000, featuring good quality hardwoods and simpler custom designs.
- Mid-Range Custom: Expect $15,000 – $30,000, with more intricate designs, premium finishes, and advanced features.
- High-End Custom: For truly bespoke, luxury cabinetry with exotic materials, complex designs, and top-tier craftsmanship, the cost can easily exceed $30,000 and go up to $50,000 or more.
Creating Your Budget for New Kitchen Cabinets
A realistic budget for new kitchen cabinets is crucial for a successful renovation. Here’s how to approach it:
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Assess Your Needs:
- How much storage do you actually need?
- What functional features are essential (e.g., roll-out shelves, pantry cabinets)?
- What is your desired aesthetic?
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Determine Your Financial Capacity:
- Be honest about how much you can comfortably spend.
- Consider getting pre-approved for a home improvement loan or understanding your savings.
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Research and Get Quotes:
- Visit showrooms, browse online catalogs, and look at different materials and styles.
- Get at least three detailed quotes from different suppliers and/or installers. Ensure the quotes are comparable (e.g., include similar materials, features, and installation).
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Allocate Funds:
- Cabinets: This is usually the largest portion of the budget (40-50%).
- Installation: Factor in kitchen cabinet installation cost (15-25%).
- Hardware: Budget for hinges, knobs, and pulls (5-10%).
- Countertops: If you’re also replacing countertops, allocate funds for those (20-30%).
- Contingency: Always set aside 10-20% for unexpected issues or upgrades.
Example Budget Allocation for a $10,000 Cabinet Project:
- Cabinets: $4,000 – $5,000
- Installation: $1,500 – $2,500
- Hardware: $500 – $1,000
- Countertops (if applicable): $2,000 – $3,000 (This could be a separate budget item)
- Contingency: $1,000 – $2,000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the average cost of kitchen cabinets?
A1: The average kitchen cabinet prices for a standard kitchen usually fall between $4,000 and $10,000, but this can vary significantly based on materials, style, and customization.
Q2: How much does kitchen cabinet installation cost?
A2: Kitchen cabinet installation cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,000, or $100 to $200 per linear foot, depending on the complexity and your location.
Q3: Can I save money by using RTA kitchen cabinets?
A3: Yes, the cost of RTA kitchen cabinets is generally much lower than pre-assembled or custom options, making them a budget-friendly choice, but you’ll need to factor in assembly time and tools.
Q4: Is it cheaper to reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
A4: Cabinet refacing cost is typically 30-50% less than replacing cabinets entirely, making it a more affordable option if your existing cabinet boxes are in good condition.
Q5: What are the most expensive kitchen cabinet materials?
A5: Premium hardwoods like walnut, cherry, and hickory are generally the most expensive kitchen cabinet material costs, along with custom designs and intricate finishes.
Q6: Who installs kitchen cabinets?
A6: Kitchen cabinets can be installed by general contractors, specialized cabinet installers, or you can attempt it yourself if you have the necessary skills and tools. Always check credentials for professional kitchen cabinet installation price and quality.
Q7: How can I reduce the cost of new kitchen cabinets?
A7: To reduce costs, consider stock or RTA cabinets, choose simpler door styles and finishes, opt for less expensive materials like maple or laminate, and explore cabinet refacing if your existing boxes are sound. Having a clear budget for new kitchen cabinets will also help you make cost-effective choices.
Q8: What is included in the kitchen cabinet material costs?
A8: Kitchen cabinet material costs typically include the wood or composite material for the cabinet boxes, doors, drawer fronts, shelves, and any necessary hardware for assembly and initial function.
Q9: How much should I budget for hardware?
A9: While hardware is a smaller part of the overall cost, budget at least 5-10% of your cabinet budget for hinges, knobs, and pulls. High-end hardware can significantly increase this cost.
Q10: When is DIY kitchen cabinet cost a good idea?
A10: DIY kitchen cabinet cost is a good idea if you have carpentry skills, access to the right tools, and a significant amount of time to dedicate to assembly and installation. It’s most cost-effective with RTA cabinets.
Investing in new kitchen cabinets is a major decision that can transform your home. By carefully considering kitchen cabinet material costs, cabinet styles, and the impact of professional installation, you can create a beautiful, functional, and budget-friendly kitchen that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Remember to get detailed quotes, compare options, and always factor in that contingency fund!