Kitchen cabinets are one of the most important elements in any kitchen remodel or renovation. They can transform the look and feel of your kitchen while also providing essential storage and organization. However, kitchen cabinets can also be a significant investment. So how much do average kitchen cabinets cost? Here is a detailed overview of the factors that influence the cost of kitchen cabinets and what you can expect to budget for your kitchen cabinetry.
Kitchen Cabinet Pricing Factors
Several key factors determine the cost of kitchen cabinets:
Cabinet Quality
The quality of the cabinets has a major impact on price. High-end custom cabinetry made from solid wood with dovetail joinery can cost $1,000 or more per linear foot. Stock cabinets made from plywood and particle board are considerably less expensive, in the $100 to $300 per linear foot range.
Door Style and Materials
The style and material of the cabinet doors also affects cost. Simple slab cabinet doors are the least expensive. Elaborate raised panel or recessed panel doors cost more. Solid wood doors are pricier than veneered particleboard or MDF. Exotic veneers and glass panel inserts raise costs as well. Expect to pay a premium for specialty door styles and materials.
Finish and Color
Laminate and plastic laminate cabinets in standard colors tend to be the most affordable. Wood cabinets with stains, glazes, and paints in custom colors cost more. The more elaborate the finish, the higher the price.
Brand
Well-known cabinet brands tend to be more expensive than lesser-known brands, even when comparing similar construction and materials. The brand cachet allows top brands like KraftMaid and Kemper to command higher prices.
Custom vs Stock
Custom cabinets built to your specifications tend to cost 50-100% more than stock cabinets. With custom, you pay for the custom sizing, accessories, modifications, and finishing touches.
Location
Location affects labor and material costs for cabinet installation. Urban areas and affluent suburbs will command higher prices for both materials and installation.
Average Costs for Kitchen Cabinets
Given these factors, what can you expect to pay for average kitchen cabinets?
Economy Cabinets
Economy-grade cabinets made from particle board with laminate fronts and doors typically run $50 to $100 per linear foot, not including installation. This equates to $2,500 to $5,000 for a typical 10×10 kitchen. You can spend less by buying stock cabinets at home improvement stores and handling the installation yourself.
Mid-Range Cabinets
Mid-range cabinets with plywood boxes, solid wood doors, and veneer finishes generally cost $100 to $200 per linear foot installed. This translates to $5,000 to $10,000 for a medium-sized kitchen. These offer better quality than economy cabinets for a moderate price point.
Premium Cabinets
For top-quality cabinets with all plywood construction, intricate door styles, and luxury finishes, expect to pay $200 to $400 per linear foot installed. This equals $10,000 to $20,000 for a 10×10 kitchen. While not essential, premium cabinets really make a kitchen stand out.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets with some customized sizing and options will fall between mid-range and premium pricing, from $150 to $300 per foot. This allows some customization at a lower cost than fully custom cabinets.
DIY Stock Cabinets
If you purchase stock cabinets at a home improvement store and install them yourself, you can save substantially on labor costs. Cabinets alone will run $50 to $150 per foot – so $2,500 to $7,500 for a medium kitchen. The DIY route makes the most sense if you have the skills.
Additional Costs to Factor In
When budgeting for kitchen cabinets, be sure to account for more than just the cabinetry:
- Installation: Roughly $100 to $200 per foot for professional installation labor.
- Countertops: Starting around $50 per square foot for economical options like laminate, up to $100+ per square foot for natural stone.
- Backsplash: Tile or other materials, $5-$25 per square foot installed.
- Hardware and accessories: Knobs, pulls, shelves, organizers – allow $1,000 or more for a full kitchen.
- Delivery: For cabinet shipment or delivery fees if not included.
- Tax: Sales tax on materials, 6-10% depending on location.
Factors That Impact Total Costs
Some key factors that influence the all-in cost for a kitchen cabinet installation:
- Size of the kitchen
- Complexity of cabinetry design
- Accessories and organizational features included
- Pricing of countertops, backsplash, hardware, etc selected
- Cost of labor in your geographic area
- Level of customization for sizing and storage
A small kitchen with simple cabinetry and economical finishes can be done for under $10,000. A large, luxurious kitchen with premium custom cabinets and high-end countertops could easily exceed $50,000. The average middle-ground would be $15,000 to $30,000 for a complete kitchen cabinet installation.
Tips for Managing Cabinet Costs
If your budget is tight, here are some tips to reduce the costs of your kitchen cabinetry:
- Choose stock cabinets over custom cabinets
- Opt for simple cabinet door styles like slab or shaker
- Consider paint or stain grade instead of expensive wood finishes
- Examine costs carefully and cut back on accessories
- Install cabinets yourself if possible
- Shop sales and clearance for deals on floor models or overstock
- Comparison shop and get quotes from several cabinet suppliers
With some smart choices, you can get great looking kitchen cabinets that don’t break the budget. Prioritize your must-have features and look for ways to save on the rest.
How Much Do Average Kitchen Cabinets Cost: Key Takeaways
- Expect to pay $50 – $100 per linear foot for economy cabinets, $100 – $200/foot for mid-range cabinets, and $200 – $400/foot for premium cabinets.
- Total costs for a 10×10 kitchen could range from $2,500 for DIY stock cabinets up to $20,000+ for high-end custom cabinets.
- The quality of cabinets and door materials plus customization are key factors impacting costs.
- Be sure to account for countertops, installation, hardware, tax and other costs beyond just cabinets.
- With smart choices, you can balance your budget with the features and look you want.
Knowing typical costs for kitchen cabinets helps set realistic expectations for your project. Carefully weigh options and prices to get beautiful, functional cabinets tailored to your budget. With some savvy decisions, you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams.