What is the Average Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets?

Adding new cabinets to your kitchen is a nice way to refresh your room’s look while making it more functional, and this can lead a lot of people to wonder what the cost to install kitchen cabinets is today. Whether you just want to install cabinets or you’re going for a full kitchen remodel, the cost to install kitchen cabinets will have an impact on your overall budget. Cabinets come in a huge range of styles from open-faced and ultra-modern to shaker or contemporary. Traditionally, the cabinets were solid wood. However, new designs using engineered wood or decorative veneers allow you to control your cost to install kitchen cabinets while getting the look you want. 

You’ll be able to personalize your space and find cabinets that integrate into your area seamlessly, and a professional interior designer or contractor can help you pick out the best style to match your wants and needs while keeping your cost to install kitchen cabinets on the lower end of the price spectrum. On average, you’ll pay between $1,000 and $9,000 for your cost to install kitchen cabinets. This price can go up drastically if you want to do a fully custom install on an average-sized kitchen to between $13,000 and $30,000. 

Your cost to install kitchen cabinets will depend on a broad range of factors, like whether you choose a custom or semi-custom design, the materials you need, labor, and the space you have currently. The cost to install a kitchen cabinet from the standard variety costs between $200 and $400 per linear foot, and this price can easily jump to between $500 and $1,500 per linear foot for custom cabinetry. 

The good news is that new cabinets can recoup up to 70% of their initial costs with how much they can boost your home’s value if you decide to sell later. So, if you’re wondering about the cost to install kitchen cabinets, we have you covered. We will walk you through all of the important considerations you want to keep in mind before and during this project to ensure that you keep your cost to install kitchen cabinets inside your budget. 

1 Start Installing Cabinets
It is possible to install kitchen cabinets by yourself, but it’s a good idea to consult a professional if you have no hard experience in this area because it’s easy to make a mistake. If this happens, your cabinets may not be as sturdy as they need to be.
Kitchen- Day 20 by Christopher Paquette / CC BY 2.0

Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets by Linear Foot

One of the biggest factors that will decide your total cost to install kitchen cabinets is how much they cost per linear foot. There are generally four price tiers you can choose from, and each tier will increase your overall costs. However, nicer cabinets can last longer than a budget pick, so it may pay to spend more upfront to ensure that they look great for years to come. 

  • Budget Cabinets – These cabinets usually have real wood doors with MDF shelving. There are few trim or style options, and they have a very thin particle board construction with veneer. 
    • $100 to $200 per linear foot 
  • Mid-Level Cabinets – These cabinets come made to order with custom options available. They can use real wood with crown molding, and you get them already assembled with accessories included. 
    • $180 to $280 per linear foot
  • Premium Cabinets – There are many styles and storage options available in these plywood boxes. They use premium hardware, but they can cost as much as custom cabinets. 
    • $300 to $2,000 per linear foot
  • Custom Cabinets – On the high end of the cost to install kitchen cabinet spectrum, you have custom cabinets. You get endless styles, and they are specially built to fit your space. The installation will take longer. 
    • $800 to $3,000 per linear foot 

Kitchen Cabinet Material Costs 

Picking out a material for your kitchen cabinets is the next step in the process. For example, some people like timber and natural wood look while other people like something more modern or contemporary with a lot of glass. Your cost to install kitchen cabinets will reflect your materials cost, so picking it out early can give you a good idea on how much money you have left to complete the project. 

Acrylic 

First up is acrylic, and this is one of the most expensive choices, but it’s also the one that most people want. It has a high resistance to scratches, stains, moisture, and other marks. This can help your kitchen look new and fresh for years, even if you use it every day. It’s very easy to clean and durable, but your cost to install kitchen cabinets using this material will range from an impressive $5,000 up to $20,000. 

Hardwood

Hardwoods include cherry, birch, oak, and maple trees. Many people like these types of cabinets because they bring a high amount of aesthetic beauty to a space due to their grain patterns and color range. They’re also a durable option, but they can get stained or start to warp if you don’t take care of them correctly. Depending on which hardwood you pick out, your cost to install kitchen cabinets with this material will range from $150 to $600 a linear foot. 

Plywood

If you only have a small budget, you may have to settle for plywood. It’s a very affordable cabinet material that gets made by slicing wood very thin and veneering several layers together. On average, the cost to install kitchen cabinets made out of plywood ranges from $100 to $300 per linear foot. It’s stain-resistant and easy to clean, but it can swell if it’s in a constantly humid environment. This can make it stick out or warp slightly so it doesn’t close correctly. 

Stainless Steel

For those that want an industrial or very modern look, stainless steel is a nice option. It’s very sturdy and durable, and it’s relatively easy to clean. This will help you keep it stain and rust-free for years after the initial installation. However, this is a very expensive option, and it can increase your cost to install kitchen cabinets by $1,000 to $1,500 per linear foot. 

2 Cabinet Type and Designs
Picking out materials can be a challenging aspect of the process depending on the type of look you want to convey. Take you time to ensure you get a matched look with your design aesthetic that helps the space flow.
Installing dishwasher by Wendy Diedrich / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Prices for Different Wood Types

Along with those four popular cabinet materials, you can choose from several different wood types. Each type of wood will mean that your cost to install kitchen cabinets can fluctuate, but many people like the natural wood look because it’s rustic and timeless. They’re popular in both home and apartment decor, and the most popular wood types include: 

  • Ash – $150 to $250
  • Bamboo – $500 to $600
  • Beech – $100 to $250
  • Birch – $300 to $600
  • Cherry – $250 to $500
  • Mahogany – $300 to $450
  • Maple – $250 to $400
  • Oak – $250 to $400
  • Pine – $150 to $250
  • Walnut – $200 to $350

Price Points for Different Cabinet Types

There are different types of cabinets available, and they’ll have an influence on your total cost to install kitchen cabinets in one way or another. Settling on a type can be a difficult process, especially if you’re changing from one modern design to something else. 

Base Cabinets

You’ll find these types of cabinets below your countertops, and they help to support your counter while giving you plenty of storage space on the lower level of your kitchen. Since you don’t have to worry about lifting them up and attaching them to a wall, they can help keep your cost to install kitchen cabinets low because the whole process goes faster. On average, you’ll pay between $100 and $500 for your base cabinet installation. 

Corner Cabinets

These cabinets fit seamlessly into the corners of your kitchen, and they come in a range of special shapes that allow the installers to put them into these kitchen sections. You may opt to have a pull-out garbage can or a lazy susan installed in them, but you can pick from a large range of designs and sizes. The cost to install kitchen cabinets of this type range from $200 to $1,000. 

Utility Cabinets

A utility cabinet is a much bigger version of your standard wall or base cabinet. They usually come with two doors, and the inside has several storage spaces and drawers. This gives you flexibility when it comes to using it. However, the larger size also means that they can increase your cost to install kitchen cabinets extensively. You can expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 to install utility cabinets in your kitchen or home. 

Wall Cabinets

As the name suggests, these types of cabinets adhere straight to the wall and hang in the air above your countertop. They give you additional storage space in your kitchen without minimizing the amount of floor space you have. You can have them in a place that is comfortable for your height so you can simply reach out and grab your items. The materials used and the size will dictate your cost to install kitchen cabinets, but expect them to range between $100 and $300 each. 

3 Different Finishes and Faces
Different woods, finishes, and faces will all factor into your cost to install kitchen cabinets. There are several to choose from, and each one will bring something new to the space while offering a different price point. 
Cabinets: *Builds, Renovations, Refinishing, & Installs* by T.K.F. Handy Construction / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Kitchen Cabinet Size Cost and How to Measure Them

If you choose to order standard cabinets, they are always the same size. However, you can get a huge size range with custom cabinetry. Custom cabinets can be deeper or shallower than standard cabinets, and they can be useful if you have an odd-shaped area or a small kitchen where you’re trying to organize and maximize your space. The following are standard kitchen cabinet measurements. 

  • Base Cabinets – 34 to 36”H by 24 to 26”D by 12 to 48”W
  • Utility Cabinets – 84 to 96”H by 12 to 24”D by 12 to 36”W
  • Wall Cabinets – 12 to 42”H by 12 to 24”D by 9 to 48”W

Figuring out how to measure your cabinets will give you a good idea on the cost to install kitchen cabinets if you go with the standard options because you can measure out the area and compare them to the standard measurements for the cabinets. You’ll get an idea on how many cabinets you need to complete your project, and you’ll be able to find out the cost to install kitchen cabinets to keep it inside your budget. To start, make a sketch of your kitchen and mark off any appliances or windows. 

You’ll measure from the floor to ceiling where you plan on having  your cabinets installed, and you want to record your measurements on your sketch. Repeat this measuring process anywhere in the kitchen you plan to install new cabinets. From corner to corner, measure the width of your walls. Write these numbers of your sketch. 

If there are windows, you’ll want to measure from the windowsill to the floor. Measure and write down your oven, sink, windows, and other objects in the space. Draw in any light switches, power outlets, ventilation shafts, and range outlets. Finally, take measurements of each cabinet for the depth and width. Take these measurements back to your sketch and put them where the cabinets will go. 

A standard base cabinet has a 24-inch depth with a 36-inch height, and a wall cabinet usually has a 12-inch depth with varying heights. Once you have a good idea of your chosen cabinet size and the size of your space, you can estimate how many cabinets you need. This will give you a rough starting point on your final cost to install kitchen cabinets. 

Cabinet Design and Price Points

When it comes to your cabinet design, you’re not short on choices. Each design style will give your kitchen a different look and feel. If you have a country-style kitchen, you may want to go for a framed design, but a more contemporary kitchen would look nice with a frameless design. The four main designs are below with their price points. 

  • Framed – These cabinets are available in a large range of materials, and they have very well on uneven or even walls. They’re affordable but take more time to hang. For a 10 by 10 kitchen, you’ll pay around $5,000 for this style for your cost to install kitchen cabinets. 
  • Frameless – Best in contemporary kitchens, these types of cabinets are easy to hang and very accessible. They’re also made out of durable materials, but you have fewer colors to choose from. They’ll cost around $5,600 for a 10 by 10 kitchen. 
  • Raised – Raised-style cabinets are very accessible with a lot of different design and wood choices, and they can come with decorative edging and molding. They are expensive, and you can expect your cost to install kitchen cabinets to be around $5,500 with this style. 
  • Shaker – These cabinets typically use frameless construction from many woods or materials, and they’re affordable. However, you’ll have to do more maintenance, and you’ll need tall cabinets to reach the ceiling. You’ll pay around $4,700 to outfit a 10 by 10 kitchen with these cabinets. 

4 Kitchen Cabinet Styles
Your cabinet’s design can influence how the kitchen looks and functions, so it’s a good idea to consider how each type will fit into your existing space and make it easier to reach your items.
New Bank of Cabinets by rjcox / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Kitchen Cabinet Replacement, Refaced, and Refinished Costs

Your cost to install kitchen cabinets will go up if you already have cabinets installed and you need to pay to take them out and dispose of them. You’ll also have to pay for your new cabinets and the labor costs that come with installing them. The number of cabinets will be a large factor in your cost to install kitchen cabinets total, but you should expect to pay between $300 and $500 to tear out and dispose of your old cabinets. 

If you want to keep your cabinets because you’re on a very tight budget, you can have them refaced instead. This allows you to keep your new cabinets and avoid the whole demolishing process that comes with a remodel project. This will increase your cost to install kitchen cabinets by $1,000 to $10,000 for your kitchen. However, this can save you as much as 50% compared to replacing everything. 

Finally, the most cost-effective option you have is to refinish your current cabinets. This process involves applying stain, paint, lacquer, or varnish to your existing cabinets to update their look. You can do it on your own, or you can hire professionals to take it on for you. If you hire someone, you could end up paying between $1,000 and $3,000 for the whole project. 

Prices to Improve or Enhance Your Cabinets

There are several things you can add to your cabinets that will improve how well they function or enhance their overall look. However, each thing will add into your final cost to install kitchen cabinets. You have to decide if you can budget for these items or if they’re out of your price range. 

Countertops

You could choose from tile, concrete, quartz, marble, or lower-end formica for your countertop. Depending on the materials, the price range starts at $50.00 a square foot and goes up to over $250 per square foot. Decide which countertops match your aesthetic and budget and go with that pick. 

Crown Molding

Crown molding goes around the edges of your cabinets and it can give the whole room a neat and finished look. This is completely optional, but it’s nice if you don’t want your cabinets to suddenly stop at the ceiling or floor without any buffer for them. This will add between $10.00 and $80.00 a linear foot to your cost to install kitchen cabinets. 

Faucet

You could have a faucet that features touchless controls or one with a standard knob or lever design. Your design choice will cause your prices to fluctuate significantly, so you could easily pay between $80.00 and $1,000 per faucet you choose to have installed. 

Glass Doors

Glass doors are very popular on kitchen cabinets, especially for people who want a more modern or contemporary look and feel. You’ll pay around $100 per panel for standard glass, but leaded glass can cost upwards of $225 per panel. 

Hardware

Your hardware is your cabinet hinges, knobs, and handles. Some of the higher-end cabinets come with all of the hardware figured into the price, but more budget-friendly options usually don’t. Hardware will increase your cost to install kitchen cabinets by $1.00 to $100 per piece. 

Lazy Susan

This is a rotating shelf that is very popular in corner cabinets. It gives you easy access to every area of the cabinet while freeing up some storage space. Depending on the materials and the size, any cabinet that has a lazy susan can cost between $300 and $900. 

Sink and Sink Base

Kitchen sinks are very versatile but necessary items to consider when  you’re budgeting for your cost to install kitchen cabinets. This is especially true if you’re installing bottom cabinets. A sink base is around $300 per linear foot, and it’s a special cabinet that the sink sits into. You can choose ceramic, stainless, steel, a farm basin, and much more with your sink, and prices will range from $300 to $1,000. 

Under Cabinet Lighting

This lighting attaches directly to the base of your wall cabinets, and it’s a nice way to light up your existing work area without having to have the larger overhead lights on. They have a price range that averages between $200 and $300 each. 

Wine Rack

Finally, a wine rack is a nice touch if you’re someone who drinks or collects wine. You can build it right into your cabinet or display it beneath one. Depending on the location and the size, a wine rack can add $100 to $400 to your cost to install kitchen cabinets. 

Labor Costs

Your labor costs will make up a decent part of your overall cost to install kitchen cabinets. You can choose a cabinet installer or a general contractor to complete this home improvement project. You’ll install your top cabinets first and then the base cabinets. If you have to assemble the cabinets before you install them, most contractors will charge between $40.00 and $80.00 a cabinet. You’ll add this to the total cost to hang the cabinets in your kitchen. 

Each cabinet will take around an hour and a half to install, and you’ll pay between $35.00 and $85.00 per hour for a cabinet installer. Contractors will charge between $60.00 and $90.00 per hour, and they usually don’t factor labor costs in when they give you an estimate. Instead, the estimate is purely for the materials. If you choose to work with a kitchen design for this project, you’ll pay between $100 and $120 per hour. 

Where to Find Kitchen Cabinet Installers Near Me

Frequently Asked Questions

5 Questions About Cabinet Installation
It’s easy to have a lot of questions if you decide to install your cabinets yourself, and getting the advice of a professional contractor can reduce the chances of making mistakes while helping to ensure you get a clean and neat finished project.
Cabinet Install by TWP inc. / CC BY 2.0

1. Can you install your cabinets on concrete?

Yes. It’s possible to install your cabinets on concrete. However, you should budget for a longer installation time and a more involved process that can drive your costs up. They may also need specialized tools to complete the project. 

2. How long does it take on average to install kitchen cabinets?

It can take around an hour and a half to install one cabinet. This means that, for the average kitchen, it can take between 25 and 35 hours to complete it. This will add to your cost to install kitchen cabinets due to labor. If you have to assemble the cabinets, this can take longer. 

3. Which screws do you need to hang cabinets?

You want to ensure that your cabinets stay put when you hang then, and this is why you should use No. 8 or No. 10 screws. These screws should be at least 3 ½ inches long. 

4. What is the cost to install kitchen cabinets in a small area?

To replace cabinets in a small kitchen, you’ll pay between $1,000 or $9,000. The design, type, and material choices will all factor in. For the entire project, you’ll pay between $2,000 and $4,000. 

Bottom Line

Your cost to install kitchen cabinets will range depending on several factors. We’ve outlined all of the most important factors to consider, and you can use them to see which ones apply to you. This way, you can get a decent estimate and call around to cabinet installers. You’ll be able to better stay within your set budget will getting the new cabinets that can refresh your home and add value to your home’s price. 

Kitchen Cabinet Cost 1 Kitchen Cabinet Cost 2