Upgrading your kitchen and have a low budget for cabinets? Or are you just trying to get a cabinet’s cost estimate so you can plan your budget accordingly? In either case, your search ends here.
In this article, we’ll provide everything you need to know about kitchen cabinet cost. We will share the factors that affect the price, as well as the cost breakdown based on cabinet materials, design, and finishes.
Moreover, you will also learn installation expenses and cost-saving tips. Ready to uncover it all? Let’s get started!
What Are Kitchen Cabinets?
Kitchen cabinets are airtight boxes that are installed on the wall. They also have doors and shelves, allowing them to be used for storing plates, pots, and food containers. They can be put either above the kitchen counter or under. Cabinets help keep everything in place. It simplifies cooking and makes it fun.
They also make the kitchen look more complete. You can get them in different styles, colors, and materials. You can add special features like soft-close doors or pull-out drawers with your cabinets to make the storage more convenient as well.
Factors That Affect Kitchen Cabinet Costs
When budgeting for cabinets, it’s essential to understand the key cost influencers:
Kitchen Size
A large kitchen needs bigger cabinets, and smaller ones require less space, and the cost is directly proportional to it.
- Small kitchens: $2,000 to $10,000
- Big kitchens: May cost more than 25,000 dollars
Material Quality
The materials also affect the kitchen cabinet cost per square foot. There are multiple options to choose from. MDF and Laminate are affordable, while solid wood and other such materials are expensive.
For example, walnut is one of the most expensive solid woods, and prices can reach $ 1,200 per foot. Mid-range ones are made of oak, maple, and some thermofoil. They are durable materials that are relatively inexpensive.
Imported materials or environmentally friendly materials can further increase the price. The material you select yields a considerable difference in your budget, so choose wisely.
Customization Level
More custom designs cost more money.
- Stock cabinets are the cheapest. You can easily get them for $100 and $400 per linear foot. They come in standard sizes.
- Semi-custom cabinets can be customized in terms of size, finish, or features. They range between $150 and $700 per linear foot.
- Custom cabinets are made just for your kitchen. They use better materials and details. They cost between $500 and $1,200, or more, per linear foot.
You pay more for the skill, time, and freedom to design your dream kitchen.
Installation and Labor
The cost of installing kitchen cabinets generally ranges from $50 to $300 per linear foot, depending on the style, labor required, and other factors.
It can be more expensive when plumbing or electrical work is required. Installing in small corners or irregular walls is time-consuming and costly. Custom cabinets often require specialized tools and additional labor. This makes them more expensive to install.
Design Features and Hardware
Additional features, such as soft-closing drawers and pull-out shelves, may add $ 1,000 to $ 5,000. It adds extra costs to include details such as glass doors or crown molding. These improvements enhance the appearance of the kitchen but will increase your budget. Other improvements include the provision of spice racks, in-built dustbins, and charging points. There are also custom drawer dividers and lazy Susans. These make your kitchen prettier and more functional.
However, all these features make the product more expensive overall. These will bring some comfort and style, but not every one of them is essential. Select the upgrades that best suit your requirements. This assists you with the budget.
Location
Cities or coastal areas may have kitchen cabinet costs up to 10 to 20 percent higher. This is because labor is more expensive, and materials may be challenging to obtain. There is also a likelihood of incurring site-specific permit costs. The construction regulations may influence the cost of your budgetary requirements, particularly in case you make a substantial change.
Additional charges may apply for delivery to areas with high traffic or remote locations. There may be additional costs, as contractors in popular areas can request extra payment. Imported materials or special finishes may take longer to arrive, or they may not be available.
Want a deeper look at how location affects other renovation costs? Read this breakdown of bathroom renovation costs in LA.
Cabinet Finish
Selecting a finish for your cabinets impacts the cost. Less expensive finishes include the painted or stained options, while the more costly finishes are the lacquer and high-gloss finishes.
Should you require a special shade or perhaps a multilayered finish, that will also be a costly addition, and even more so with high-end brands.
And some finishes are also more limited in the care they require over time. It would save you the maintenance costs. Consider this when calculating costs as well.
Types of Kitchen Cabinets and Their Costs
Kitchen cabinet costs vary depending on whether you opt for stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinetry. Here’s a quick overview:
Stock Cabinets
- Stock Kitchen Cabinets Cost: $100 to $400 per foot
- Best Suited To: Low-budget schemes and no-fuss plans
Stock cabinets are manufactured in factories to standard sizes and are ready to go or ready to assemble (RTA). These are affordable and easy to install.
You can buy them from stores such as Lowe’s, IKEA, etc. The advantages and disadvantages of these cabinets include:
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective | Limited customization |
| Readily available | Basic finishes and materials |
| Quick delivery | Not ideal for irregular layouts |
Semi-Custom Cabinets
- Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets Cost: $150-$700 per linear foot
- Ideas For: Medium budgets in need of some design freedom
Semi-custom cabinets are in the middle ground between cost and customization. You have more finishes to choose from. You can also change the cabinet dimensions.
You also have the option to select features like soft-close drawers and pull-out shelves. The following are the pros and cons of these cabinets:
| Pros | Cons |
| More flexible than stock | Higher cost than stock |
| Better fit and finish | Limited customization compared to fully custom options |
| Wider range of colors and materials |
Custom Cabinets
- Custom Kitchen Cabinets Cost: $500 to $1,200+ per linear foot
- Ideal For: High-end kitchens or unique layouts.
Custom cabinets are made just for you. They are built based on your exact needs and preferences. From materials and design to features and finishes, you can customize everything. That’s why these are more expensive. Here’s a quick look at their pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
| Tailored to your kitchen layout | Expensive |
| Unlimited style and finish options | Longer production time |
| High-quality craftsmanship |
Would you like to know which option is better for you among the ones above? Read this guide comparing IKEA, DIY, and custom kitchen cabinets.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost Material Wise
The type of material used has a significant impact on both price and durability. Here’s how different materials compare:
Wood Veneer
Veneer cabinets cost between $2,500 and $6,000. It has the appearance and feel of real wood at an affordable price. It is an easy way of achieving that lovely, warm, and natural feel without incurring significant costs.
Veneer cabinets are a popular choice among many homeowners. They are as beautiful as wood grain and are considerably less expensive than solid wood.
Solid Wood
Kitchen cabinets are made of hardwood, which is very stiff. It is stubborn and durable. The solid wood kitchen cabinets cost between $5,000 and $ 25,000.
The top woods that are most commonly used in the construction of kitchen cabinets include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. They have various grains and colors of all these woods. Wood cabinets are not only beautiful but also very durable.
MDF and Laminate
Kitchen cabinets are commonly made of laminate. The average cost of new laminate kitchen cabinets is $ 1,500 to $8,000. These can be good as they are modern and cheaper.
The production of laminate cabinets involves gluing a small piece of color or print on boards such as MDF or particle board.
They are not as good as solid wood. But they are not easy to wrap. Plus, they are easy to wash in the hectic kitchen. They also have different colors and styles. This is why numerous individuals choose them as a tool in their current kitchens.
Need ideas for your next makeover with MDF and Laminate? Check out these 20 bathroom tile ideas! They can also spark creativity for kitchen backsplashes.
Kitchen Cabinets Design Wise Costs
Your cabinet style also plays a role in the total cost of the kitchen cabinet. Here are the most popular designs and how they compare:
Shaker Cabinets
Shaker cabinets cost between $100- $400 per linear foot. They look clean and straightforward. It will fit in traditional and modern kitchens.
Shaker cabinets are also a good option, particularly when you want something modern and more affordable. They can match most of the design styles and remain fashionable for several years.
Inset Cabinets
Inset cabinets cost between $500 and $1200 per foot in length. Their doors are not attached directly to the cabinet frame. This provides a crispy look, but these are very costly. They are well-constructed and well-measured. This is why they are regarded as a luxury option of choice.
Louvered Cabinets
Louvered cabinets cost $100 to $300 per linear foot. They have slatted doors that let the air pass through. This will also bring texture and style to your kitchen. They cost more because they require additional labor to construct.
Frameless Cabinets
Frameless cabinets are also known as full-access cabinets. Their prices usually range between $275 and 700 per linear foot. They are cabinetry with no face frame, which makes them look very modern and clean.
They also provide you with more space and easy access inside. Their precision build makes them more expensive than standard framed cabinet designs.
By the way, if you are also considering upgrading other furniture pieces, such as sofas, you may be interested in reading this brief article on sofa costs.
Kitchen Cabinet Finish Wise Cost
Choosing a finish is about both aesthetics and price. Here’s how finishes affect your kitchen cabinet costs:
Painted Finish
Painted cabinetry could be your choice if you prefer a contemporary and crisp look. It can cost between $100 and $300 per linear foot. It may be pretty expensive due to specialty paint or additional layers of paint, so be aware of this.
Stained Wood
A staining finish is more expensive than a painted finish when it comes to kitchen cabinets. It can cost you $150 to $400 per linear foot, depending on the type of wood. It makes your kitchen an earthy feel.
Lacquer or High-Gloss
Lacquer or high-gloss finishes add a touch of luxury but incur an extra $200 to $500 or more than stock finishes. That’s because they take longer and are labor-intensive to apply, but the result is dramatic and modern.
Need a beautiful and modern cabinet? Explore these 20 two-tone kitchen cabinet ideas and select the one that suits you best.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost
Installation kitchen cabinet costs depend on whether you’re working with stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets.
| Type | Installation cost per linear foot |
| Stock cabinets | $50 – $150 |
| Semi-custom cabinets | $150 – $250 |
| Custom cabinets | $250 – $300 |
Labor costs can include delivery, assembly, wall preparation, leveling, and finish carpentry. And if you want to save on all these costs, here is how to install kitchen cabinets yourself.
Tips to Save Money on Kitchen Cabinets
Your kitchen renovation costs can be reduced. Here are some intelligent tips on how you can save on kitchen cabinets cost while never sacrificing design and performance:
- Stock Cabinets: They cost significantly less than custom cabinets and yet appear great if one chooses standard dimensions.
- Do-It-Yourself Installation: Are You Handy with Tools? You can also save significantly on cost by doing the installment yourself.
- Mix It Up: Preserve luxury materials where people look (like the island) and utilize less expensive materials in less noticeable locations.
- Skip the Bells and Whistles: Consider what you need. Bells and whistles come fast at a price with minimal benefit.
Conclusion
In short, there is no fixed amount for kitchen cabinet cost. It can significantly vary depending on the size of your kitchen, the design, materials, finishes, additional features, etc. Before you start checking out the cabinets, keep these factors in mind: plan and then buy according to your budget and needs.
Only focus on what you need if you have a low budget. Avoid the extra features that are not practical. Get a few quotes from manufacturers, compare, finalize one, and get it installed. Believe me, it will make you happier every time you step into the kitchen.
