Planning new kitchen cabinets comes with plenty of exciting decisions, from choosing a style and finish to finding the right storage for your space. Of course, there’s also the question of how much it will all cost.
Cabinet prices vary considerably from one kitchen to the next. Knowing what influences the cost can help you set expectations, plan your budget, and make choices that work for your home. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect to spend on kitchen cabinets.
The Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets
The cost of kitchen cabinets varies widely based on factors such as cabinet type, materials, and level of customization. On average, homeowners spend between $3,000 and $12,000 on mid-range cabinets. However, the final price depends on the project scope.
Homeowners can expect to pay the following for stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets.
Cost of Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets are the most affordable option, ranging from about $100 to $300 per linear foot.
They are pre-made in standard sizes, which gives them the shortest lead time. To keep costs low, they come in a limited selection of wood species, colors, and finishes, along with fewer options for accessories, trim, and appliance panels.
Cost of Semi-Custom Cabinets
Up next are semi-custom cabinets, which range from about $150 to $650 per linear foot.
They start as stock cabinet bases and allow modifications before production begins. This customization offers greater design flexibility, with more wood species, colors, door styles, finishes, and configuration options.
Cost of Custom Cabinets
On the higher end, custom cabinets range from about $500 to $1,200+ per linear foot.
Skilled craftsmen build them to the homeowner’s exact specifications, resulting in solutions that accommodate unique layouts, architectural details, and highly personalized design preferences. Some lines offer exotic wood species, unique door styles, or cabinetry hand-built in small, local shops.
Popular Cabinet Styles
Different styles come with varying materials, finishes, and design details, which influence pricing. Listed below are three popular options, from least to most expensive.
Flat Panel Cabinets
Flat panel cabinets have a smooth surface with no raised or recessed profiles, making them a budget-friendly option. Unlike styles that emphasize detail, these are all about minimalist appeal.
They can cost slightly more than standard paneled doors because of the staining and edge-banding process. Options include wood veneer and laminate in standard, textured, or high-gloss finishes, while some custom lines offer metal finishes.
Shaker Cabinets
Shaker Cabinets are characterized by their overall simplicity and clean lines. Like a picture frame, they feature a recessed center panel, framed by four long pieces of wood.
Their timeless design works well with a variety of wood species and paint finishes, while the simple profile allows hardware and unique trim details to stand out. Shaker cabinets are also a sought-after style and tend to be a more cost-effective door choice.
Glass-Front Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets feature glass panels rather than solid wood materials. This helps you see where everything is stored, so there’s no guessing which door hides the coffee mugs or wine glasses.
These cabinets cost a little more than a standard door. With the glass making the interior visible, the inside of the cabinet should match the exterior or coordinate with the exterior finish.
Kitchen Size and Layout Considerations
Your kitchen’s size and layout also determine cabinet costs.
- Small Kitchens: With around 20 linear feet, you can expect to pay from $4,000 to $12,000 for stock, $6,000 to $13,000 for semi-custom, and $10,000 to $24,000+ for custom.
- Medium Kitchens: With around 25 to 30 linear feet, you can expect to pay from $5,000 to $18,000 for stock, $7,500 to $19,500 for semi-custom, and $12,500 to $36,000+ for custom.
- Large Kitchens: With around 35–40 linear feet, you can expect to pay from $7,000 to $24,000 for stock, $10,500 to $26,000 for semi-custom, and $17,500 to $48,000+ for custom.
The height of your wall cabinets can also affect the final cost. For example, cabinets that leave open space below the ceiling can require less material and labor than a design where crown molding extends from the cabinets to the ceiling.
Kitchen Cabinet Materials
Choosing the right material for your kitchen cabinets affects cost and durability. To help you understand, here are three materials and how they differ.
- Particleboard – is an affordable engineered wood made from large wood chips and flakes, making it light, coarse, and weaker. It’s commonly used for budget-friendly cabinetry.
- Plywood – is made from thin layers of wood glued together to create a strong, durable material. It is commonly used for cabinet boxes and offers better moisture resistance than particleboard.
- Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) – is an engineered wood made by combining wood fibers with resin and compressing them into dense, smooth panels. It is popular for painted cabinets because it does not expand and contract like real wood when weather and humidity change.
Labor Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets
The work needed to install your cabinets can vary greatly from one project to another. Smaller jobs, such as replacing cabinet doors or hardware, may only require a handyman, while high-end trim and detailed installations may call for an experienced finish carpenter.
Contractor fees depend on the work involved and the installer’s experience and skill level. Projects that require removing old cabinets and making adjustments for the plumbing, electrical systems, or custom fittings will cost more.
Some contractors charge by the hour, others charge by the project, and some charge time and materials.
Shop Cabinets That Fit Your Style and Budget
Choosing new kitchen cabinets should be an exciting part of planning your space. At Perspective Cabinetry & Design, we’ll help you understand your options and find cabinetry that gives you the style you’re looking for at a price that works for you.
It all begins with a free consultation, where we’ll get to know your space, priorities, and budget. From there, our designers will help you make choices you’ll feel good about for years to come. Reach out to our team today, and let us help make your plans for a beautiful new kitchen a reality.
