Kitchen and bathroom remodels are among the most popular home improvement projects. Updating your cabinets and countertops can have a big impact on the look and functionality of these important spaces. But before diving into a renovation, it’s important to understand how much new cabinets and countertops typically cost.
The prices can really vary based on the types of materials you choose, who you hire to do the installation, and other factors like the size of your space. This guide breaks down the average costs for different cabinet and countertop options to help you budget and plan your dream kitchen or bath.
What Impacts the Cost of New Cabinets?
Several key factors determine the total price you’ll pay for new kitchen or bathroom cabinets:
Cabinet Quality and Materials
As you might expect, higher-end cabinetry made from premium materials costs more. Some typical cabinet material options include:
- Wood: The most common type of cabinetry. Options range from inexpensive particleboard to high-end solid wood like cherry or maple.
- Plywood: More durable and stable than particleboard. Often used for cabinet boxes while doors are finished with veneers.
- Thermofoil: Made from wood composite covered in plastic laminate for a durable finish. Budget-friendly option.
- Metal: Usually made from steel, metal cabinets are very durable. Often used for utility rooms or workshops.
- Laminate: Particleboard or MDF covered in plastic laminate. Provides good durability at lower cost.
Solid hardwood cabinets are generally the highest quality while lower-end laminates and particleboard options are the most budget friendly. Exotic veneers and luxury finishes will also increase costs.
Cabinet Door Styles
You’ll find a range of door options including traditional framed and frameless styles. Framed cabinets have a faceframe that partially covers the cabinet box while frameless cabinet doors attach directly to the box.
Other door options like recessed panel, glass insert, and shaker styles will have an impact on the final price tag. Unique designs and custom cabinetry will be pricier than standard ready-to-assemble options.
Cabinet Brand
Well-known cabinet brands like KraftMaid, Merillat, and Wellborn generally come with a higher price tag than lesser-known brands or local cabinet shops. Production costs play a role in the price differences.
Stock vs. Custom Cabinets
Stock, or ready-to-assemble, cabinets are mass produced in standard kitchen sizes. This makes them a more affordable choice.
Custom cabinets are made to your specifications for a tailored fit. While they come at a higher cost, custom cabinets can maximize storage in your unique layout.
Location and Installation
The cost of living and labor rates for your area will impact the price of cabinet installation. Complex installation jobs in expensive metro areas will be pricier than quick DIY projects in rural locations.
Factors that Influence Countertop Costs
The material you choose for your new countertop will largely determine the cost. But other factors come into play as well:
Type of Material
Countertop materials range from affordable laminate and wood to premium natural stone, quartz, and metal. Some typical costs:
- Laminate: $20 – $35 per linear foot
- Wood: $40 – $100 per linear foot
- Engineered quartz: $75 – $120 per square foot
- Granite: $60 – $175 per square foot
- Marble: $70 – $250 per square foot
- Soapstone: $70 – $100 per square foot
- Stainless steel: $75 – $200 per square foot
Durability and perceived value influence cost differences between materials. For example, solid surface materials like granite may last longer than concrete, warranting their higher price tags.
Fabrication & Installation
Complex countertop layouts with seams, edges, custom cutouts, and other fabrication details will increase costs. Local labor rates also impact the installed price.
Countertop Overhang
Having your countertop extended beyond the cabinets to create an overhang will increase linear footage and materials needed. Common overhangs are between 6 to 16 inches.
Backsplash
Adding a tiled or stone backsplash along the walls behind the countertops creates additional costs for materials and labor.
Edges & Surface Finishes
Upgrades like decorative edges, inlays, stone polishing, laminate patterns, and other finishes will add cost to your countertops.
Average Cost to Install New Kitchen Cabinets
Let’s break down the typical price range for new kitchen cabinets depending on the quality and style:
- Economy: Particleboard cabinets without a lot of bells and whistles cost between $2,500 and $5,500 on average for an average 10×10 kitchen.
- Mid-Range: Many homeowners choose mid-range cabinets for the best value. Pricing averages $5,500 to $9,000 for a 10×10 kitchen.
- Premium/Custom: High-end cabinets with exotic woods and custom designs range from $9,000 to $14,500 for a 10×10 kitchen.
These are rough estimates assuming new cabinets on the perimeter walls and peninsula area. Costs may be higher if you need storage cabinetry for a large pantry or island area.
The figures are for material and installation costs only – they don’t include demolition, modifications to electrical or plumbing, or new countertops. You should also account for increased costs based on your kitchen size and layout complexity.
What’s the Average Cost for New Bathroom Cabinets?
Bathroom cabinet replacement costs will depend on size and if you’re replacing just the vanity or all cabinets. Typical price ranges:
- Budget: $300 – $900
- Mid-Range: $1,000 – $2,500
- Premium/Custom: $3,000+
Outfitting a half-bath with a simple vanity can cost around $300. A full master bath with dual vanities and linen storage might cost $2,500 or more with mid-range cabinets. High-end custom cabinetry in a large bathroom could exceed $5,000.
Countertop Installation Costs
Here are the typical price ranges for countertop installation in both kitchens and bathrooms:
Kitchen Countertops
Kitchen countertop costs for a 10×10 kitchen:
- Laminate: $1,000 – $2,000
- Wood: $1,500 – $3,500
- Quartz: $2,500 – $5,500
- Granite: $3,500 – $5,500
- Marble: $5,000 – $8,500
- Soapstone: $3,500 – $7,000
- Stainless Steel: $3,500 – $7,000
Costs scale up for larger kitchens. Using a more premium material like granite or extra details like a backsplash add to the total project cost.
Bathroom Countertops
For a standard 5-foot single vanity, approximate costs are:
- Laminate: $200 – $430
- Quartz: $325 – $700
- Granite: $465 – $800
- Marble: $600 – $1,100
Smaller baths under 20 square feet in total countertop size will be at the lower end of the price range. With dual vanities or more counter space, costs quickly increase.
Cost Saving Tips for Cabinet and Countertop Projects
To save money on your next kitchen or bath remodel, keep these tips in mind:
Choose standard sizes. Odd-shaped cabinets and sizing requires extra fabrication and wasted material expenses.
Install countertops yourself. Skip contractor fees by installing pre-fab countertop pieces if you’re comfortable tackling the project.
Buy factory direct. Cabinet dealers offer significant savings compared to big box home improvement stores.
Use specials wisely. Manufacturer discounts and seasonal sales can offer nice cost savings if you avoid overbuying just because something is on sale.
DIY demolition. Doing the cabinet and countertop removal yourself saves on labor costs.
Shop warehouse stores. Retailers like Costco have very competitive pricing for countertops and cabinets.
Stick with a budget. Having a firm budget beforehand prevents “upgraditis” from impacting affordability.
FAQs About Cabinet and Countertop Costs
Homeowners researching kitchen and bath remodels often have these common questions about pricing.
Does it cost more to replace kitchen cabinets or countertops?
In most cases, new cabinets cost more than countertops since you likely need new cabinet boxes, doors, and hardware. Budget about 60% of your total project cost for cabinets and 40% for new countertops.
Should I replace cabinets and countertops together?
It’s generally recommended to do both cabinet and countertop replacement together. The demolition, modifications to electrical and plumbing lines, and installation work can be combined in one project.
Can I install new cabinets over existing countertops?
It is possible to install new cabinets without replacing the countertops. This may be a good option if your countertops are in good condition but your cabinets are very outdated or worn.
Should I reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
Cabinet refacing just replaces the doors and drawer fronts, keeping the cabinet boxes intact. It costs about 50% less than full replacement. If the boxes are in good shape, refacing can save thousands in cost.
Is it cheaper to build your own kitchen cabinets?
For an in-depth DIYer with woodworking skills, building your own cabinets can provide big savings. But it requires significant expertise and time for construction and installation.
How much does Ikea charge for kitchen cabinet installation?
Ikea cabinet installation typically runs $200 – $400 per cabinet. So a 10-cabinet kitchen would cost around $2,000 – $4,000 for installation services through Ikea.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully this overview gives you a better understanding of the factors that influence the cost of new kitchen and bathroom cabinets and countertops. While prices can vary based on materials, quality, and installation complexity, you can expect to budget the following amounts for your next remodel:
- Kitchen cabinets: $2,500 – $14,500
- Bathroom cabinets: $300 – $5,000
- Kitchen countertops: $1,000 – $8,500
- Bathroom countertops: $200 – $1,100 Getting quotes from a few local contractors is the best way to estimate pricing for your specific project. And focusing on finding the right balance between cost, aesthetics, and functionality will lead to long-lasting kitchen and bath cabinetry you’ll enjoy for years to come.