Installing new kitchen cabinets can make a huge difference in the look and functionality of your kitchen. However, cabinet installation does come at a cost. The total price to install kitchen cabinets depends on several factors, including the type of cabinets, the complexity of the installation, and any modifications needed in your home. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 per linear foot for basic cabinet installation.
Factors That Affect Cabinet Installation Cost
There are several variables that impact the overall cost to install kitchen cabinets:
Type of Cabinets
The type of cabinetry you select is the biggest factor in determining installation costs.
- Stock cabinets – These ready-made cabinets are the most affordable option, with installation costs starting around $100 per linear foot. Stock cabinets come in standard sizes and configurations.
- Semi-custom cabinets – Semi-custom cabinets are tailored to your kitchen’s layout, with some customization options for finishes and storage. Expect installation costs between $150-$200 per linear foot.
- Custom cabinets – Fully customized cabinets are built specifically for your kitchen. With endless options for sizes, materials and configurations, custom cabinet installation usually starts around $200 per linear foot.
Installation Complexity
Simple cabinet installations in kitchens with easy layouts will be on the lower end of the price spectrum. Complex projects with angled walls, soffits, plumbing challenges and other unique requirements will cost more for labor and modifications during the installation.
Modifications
Some cabinet installations require extra work like removing walls, relocating plumbing or electrical, or installing additional lighting or wiring. These modifications add costs in materials and labor.
Location
Like all home improvement projects, labor costs for installation vary by location. Expect to pay more for cabinet installation in areas with a higher cost of living.
Contractor Rates
Individual contractors set their own rates for cabinet installations, which affects the total price. More experienced installers or those with specialty skills for complex projects typically charge more.
Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets by Type
Here is a breakdown of typical costs to install common types of kitchen cabinets:
Stock Cabinets
- Cabinet Cost: $80-150 per linear foot
- Installation Cost: Around $100-150 per linear foot
- Total Cost: $180-300 per linear foot
Stock or builder-grade cabinets make up over 50% of cabinet purchases due to their affordability. Simple installations of these ready-made cabinets start around $100 per linear foot.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
- Cabinet Cost: $200-350 per linear foot
- Installation Cost: $150-200 per linear foot
- Total Cost: $350-550 per linear foot
With more custom options and higher-end materials, semi-custom cabinets have a higher installed cost. The total for cabinet purchase and professional installation averages $400-500 per linear foot.
Custom Cabinets
- Cabinet Cost: $500-1000+ per linear foot
- Installation Cost: $200+ per linear foot
- Total Cost: $700-1200+ per linear foot
Custom cabinets offer fully customized sizing, layouts, and designs. With specialty materials and high-end finishes, the installation of custom cabinetry averages between $700-1200+ per linear foot.
Additional Costs to Consider
Aside from the cabinet and installation costs, also factor in expenses for:
- Countertops – Most cabinet installations also involve installing new countertops, which cost $40-100 per linear foot for materials and labor.
- Modifications – Electrical, walls, flooring etc – $500-5000
- Permits – Building permits average $200-500.
- Design fees – If using a kitchen designer, design service fees range from $50-$200 per hour.
- Miscellaneous supplies – Expect to spend $500-2000 on supplies like new sink/faucet, fittings, lighting, knobs and pulls etc.
Tips for Installing Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget
If you want to install new kitchen cabinets cost-effectively, consider these money-saving tips:
- Purchase stock cabinets and do a simple layout. Skip custom sizes or designs.
- Do demo and prep work yourself, like removing old cabinets, flooring etc.
- Hire an experienced independent contractor rather than a large company.
- Provide your own miscellaneous supplies like lighting fixtures.
- Install countertops yourself to save on labor costs.
- Work with an affordable kitchen designer or do your own design.
- Get quotes from at least 3 installers and negotiate rates.
- Avoid major modifications like moving walls or plumbing.
- Consider refacing existing cabinet boxes rather than a full replacement.
Even with a tight budget, investing in new cabinets can make a huge difference in your enjoyment of your kitchen. Careful planning and cost-comparison allow you to balance affordability with the look you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install cabinets yourself?
If you have some DIY experience, you can save on labor by installing cabinets yourself. The costs for supplies like tools, hardware, fittings and materials for modifications would total $1000-4000 or more, in addition to the cost of the cabinets.
Are Ikea cabinets cheaper to install?
Ikea cabinets are generally cheaper than other retail cabinet options. Expect to pay around $100-150 per linear foot for basic Ikea cabinet installation. The cabinets themselves are priced 20-50% lower than big box stores.
Can you install just upper or lower cabinets?
Yes, you can do a partial cabinet installation. The costs would depend on the number of cabinets needed. Expect to pay the typical rate of $100-200 per linear foot for just uppers or lowers.
How long does it take to install kitchen cabinets?
The time to install an average 10×10 kitchen is usually 2-5 days. Larger or more complex layouts take 5-10 days. Experienced installers can usually complete one cabinet per hour.
What are signs of a bad cabinet installation?
Red flags of shoddy cabinet installation include uneven cabinets, misalignment with walls or ceilings, sagging doors and drawers, uneven gaps, and cabinets pulling away from walls.
Conclusion
While cabinet installation is not an inexpensive project, choosing affordable cabinet styles and working with an experienced contractor can allow you to install new kitchen cabinets within a reasonable budget. Investing in well-installed, durable cabinets recoups costs through added home value, not to mention many years of improved functionality and enjoyment of your kitchen. Careful shopping, planning and cost comparison helps keep your cabinet installation on budget.