Installing new kitchen cabinets can greatly improve the look and functionality of your kitchen. However, kitchen cabinet installation is a complex project that requires skilled contractors to get it right. When budgeting for new kitchen cabinets, one of the biggest questions is: how much will professional installation cost?
The cost to install kitchen cabinets can vary greatly based on numerous factors. These include the skill level of the contractors, the number of cabinets and complexity of the layout, the need for any structural or electrical work, the materials and finishes chosen, and even your geographic location. On average, you can expect to pay $50 to $100 per hour for basic cabinet installation. Most full kitchen cabinet installation projects end up costing $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
Let’s take a detailed look at the different factors that influence the cost to install kitchen cabinets so you can budget accurately and get quotes you can trust from contractors.
Factors That Impact the Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets
Many different variables contribute to the overall price charged by contractors to install your new kitchen cabinets. Getting quotes from at least 3 reputable local general contractors is advisable so you can compare rates directly. However, being aware of these cost factors will prepare you to understand the quotes you receive.
Labor Rates for Cabinet Installers
The largest portion of your installation cost will be labor. Most cabinet installers charge between $50 and $100 per hour. Fully trained and experienced carpenters tend to charge rates at the higher end of the range. The labor costs add up quickly for a full kitchen cabinet install, which can take 20 hours for an average 10×10 foot kitchen.
Some contractors may charge flat rates instead of hourly rates. For a full kitchen install, flat rate quotes generally fall between $1,500 to $3,000. Make sure you understand exactly what is included (and not included) when comparing flat rate quotes.
Number of Cabinets and Complexity of Install
The more cabinets being installed, the longer the project takes. A larger kitchen or custom layout with more cabinets or specialty storage features will cost more in labor compared to a simpler 10×10 foot kitchen with just 10 base cabinets and 10 wall cabinets.
Complex projects that require skilled installers to fit cabinets precisely around pipes, electrical lines, windows and other obstructions will also take much longer and have higher rates.
Type of Cabinets and Materials
Stock or semi-custom cabinets tend to install faster and require less precise work compared to full custom cabinets that are built on site. Simple flat panel styles are also faster to install versus intricate raised panel or inset cabinet designs.
More expensive cabinet materials like solid hardwood also take longer to install correctly compared to laminates. The hardware choices, such as soft-close hinges and drawers, impact install time as well.
Electrical and Plumbing Modifications
If any appliances or fixtures are being moved during the kitchen remodel, the cabinet installers may need to collaborate with electricians and plumbers to remove or reroute wiring and pipes. Any structural modifications add time and costs to the install.
Cabinet Finishes and Moldings
Fancy trimwork and crown moldings require extra time and carpentry skills to cut and mount correctly on your new cabinets. The same applies if any custom finish work like glazing or distressing will be applied to visible cabinet surfaces.
Location and Accessibility
It’s more challenging and time consuming for cabinet installers to haul cabinets and tools down to a basement or through narrow hallways and doorways. Elevators and staircases can complicate the process. Parking limitations and distances for loading/unloading also impact costs.
Contractor’s Skill Level, Experience and Licensure
The more training, expertise and certifications a cabinet installation contractor has, the higher their rates are likely to be. However, highly skilled contractors work faster and more efficiently, saving you money compared to novice DIYers making rookie mistakes. Many states also require contractor’s licenses for major remodels.
Geographical Region
Like with all construction services, rates for a professional kitchen cabinet install vary by location. Contractors in major metro areas like Los Angeles or New York City often charge $100+ per hour for labor, while smaller towns may have rates closer to $50/hour. Get quotes from local general contractors to compare rates in your area.
Amount of Demolition Required
If you’re replacing existing cabinets, the demolition and removal process adds time and labor to the overall project. Contractors must disconnect plumbing and electric before safely removing old cabinets without damaging floors, walls or countertops. Renting a dumpster for debris is another expense that may be included.
Average Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets per Hour or Day
Most professional kitchen cabinet installation contractors will charge between $50-$100 per hour:
- $50-$70 per hour for simple projects with stock or mid-range semi-custom cabinets
- $70-$100+ per hour for intricate custom cabinetry or complex layouts involving electrical or plumbing work
A full kitchen install typically takes 15-30 hours for an average 10×10 foot kitchen space. For proper installation, most pros estimate spending:
- 1-2 days for small kitchens under 8 linear feet of cabinetry
- 3-5 days for medium kitchens from 8-15 linear feet
- 5+ days for larger, customized layouts over 15 linear feet
Assuming average rates of $70/hour, the estimated costs break down as:
- Small kitchen install (1-2 days): $560 – $1,120
- Medium kitchen install (3-5 days): $1,680 – $2,800
- Large kitchen install (5+ days): $2,800+
Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets by Type
The specific type of kitchen cabinets you select also impacts the installation price due to differences in assembly time, construction methods and finishing needs.
Stock Kitchen Cabinets
Stock kitchen cabinets are mass produced in standard sizes and come ready to assemble. Stock cabinet installation averages $50 to $70 per hour. A 10×10 kitchen would likely cost $1,500 to $2,500 for professional stock cabinet installation.
Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets are adapted from stock cabinet components to fit your layout and style needs. The customization adds some extra installation time and cost, averaging $60 to $80 per hour. Expect to pay $2,000 to $4,000 to install semi-custom cabinets in a medium-sized kitchen.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Professionally designed and constructed custom cabinets require the most installation expertise, with labor rates ranging from $70 to $100+ per hour. The extensive customization also means more time spent adjusting and fitting the cabinets on site. The total costs to install custom cabinets often exceed $4,000 to $10,000 depending on kitchen size.
IKEA Kitchen Cabinets
IKEA’s affordable cabinet systems are designed for DIYers and have some unique assembly methods. Hiring an installer for IKEA cabinets averages $50 to $70 per hour. Completing a full IKEA kitchen install generally ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the kitchen size.
Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets by Size of Kitchen
Kitchen size is a major cost factor since more cabinets takes more time to install. Here are estimates for professional kitchen cabinet installation based on typical kitchen dimensions:
- Small kitchen (up to 8 linear ft of cabinets): $800 – $1,500
- Medium kitchen (8 – 15 linear ft of cabinets): $1,500 – $3,500
- Large kitchen (15 – 25 linear ft of cabinets): $3,000 – $7,000
- Extra large kitchen (25+ linear ft of cabinets): $7,000+
These cost ranges assume stock or mid-range cabinetry. Fully custom cabinets add $1,000 to $3,000+ to the total depending on kitchen size. Any major electrical or plumbing modifications also increase costs.
DIY vs Professional Kitchen Cabinet Installation
Can you save money by installing kitchen cabinets yourself? While DIY kitchen cabinet installation is technically possible for skilled do-it-yourselfers, it’s a very complex project requiring specialized tools and expertise. Safety issues are also a major concern.
Pros recommend hiring professional contractors for kitchen cabinet installs because:
- They have the right tools, experience and skills to do the job properly. Mistakes can be very costly down the road.
- They know all the local regulations and standards to follow.
- They have insurance to cover damages or injuries.
- A proper professional install will have longer-lasting results.
- Contractors can complete the work much faster than DIYers.
Unless you have advanced carpentry skills and access to professional construction tools, it is not advisable for safety and quality reasons to try installing kitchen cabinets yourself as an amateur DIYer.
However, there are some smaller cabinet installation tasks skilled DIYers can sometimes handle on their own:
- Adding a single vanity cabinet in a bathroom
- Replacing a few existing kitchen cabinets with no layout changes
- Adding basic roll-out trays or pull-out shelves inside cabinets
But comprehensive kitchen cabinet installations are complex projects best left to the experts.
Hiring Professional Cabinet Installers: What to Look For
When hiring a kitchen cabinet installer, here are some top tips for choosing the right pro:
- Verify they have a valid contractor’s license for your state if required for home remodeling projects. Unlicensed contractors often do lower quality work.
- Check reviews and references to confirm they have a proven track record installing kitchen cabinets with satisfied customers.
- Look for true carpentry experts with several years of cabinetry experience, rather than general handymen.
- Make sure they are insured for property damage and worker’s compensation.
- Get a detailed written contract outlining the full scope of work, materials being installed, timeline, warranties, and payment terms.
- Choose a pro who communicates well. They should answer all your questions clearly and provide regular project updates.
- Ask about their cabinet manufacturer relationships. Many top pros have partnerships with brands like KraftMaid or Wood-Mode.
Avoid amateurs advertising cabinet install services on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, as quality will be inconsistent. Always hire insured and licensed pros for kitchen cabinet replacements.
How Long Does It Take to Install Kitchen Cabinets?
The time it takes for complete kitchen cabinet installation typically ranges from:
- 1-3 days for a small kitchen with just a few cabinets.
- 3-5 days for an average 10×10 foot kitchen with about 10 wall and base cabinets.
- 5-10 days for a very large, customized kitchen with high-end cabinetry.
However, this does not include cabinet delivery lead times, which can take 4-8+ weeks if custom cabinets need to be ordered and built.
The installation timeframe depends on factors like:
- Total number of cabinets/drawers being installed
- Complexity of layout and design
- Skill level of installers
- Customizations or modifications needed
- Demolition of old cabinets if replacing existing
A good contractor should provide a written timeline estimate for your kitchen cabinet installation project. Coordinate cabinet delivery dates appropriately so installers are ready to start when cabinets arrive.
Cost to Install Just Upper or Just Lower Cabinets
Sometimes you may only need either new upper or new lower cabinets rather than a matching full set. Here are typical price ranges for installing only wall cabinets or base cabinets:
Just Upper Cabinet Installation
- Small kitchen (up to 8 linear ft): $400 – $800
- Medium kitchen (8 – 15 linear ft): $800 – $1,500
- Large kitchen (15+ linear ft): $1,500 – $3,500
Just Lower Cabinet Installation
- Small kitchen (up to 8 linear ft): $500 – $1,000
- Medium kitchen (8 – 15 linear ft): $1,000 – $2,000
- Large kitchen (15+ linear ft): $2,000 – $4,500
Labor prices to install lower (base) cabinets tend to be a bit higher than just upper cabinets, as base cabinets need to be perfectly leveled and secured. However, you can still achieve significant cost savings by only replacing one or the other if possible.
Additional Costs for New Cabinet Installation
Beyond the cabinet purchase price and basic installation charges, also factor in these potential additional costs:
- Electrical modifications: $500 to $2,000+ if electricians need to move or add circuits/outlets
- Plumbing modifications: $500 to $2,000+ if plumbers must reroute pipes for sink or appliance changes
- New countertops: $1,500 to $5,000+ for material and fabrication
- Backsplash tile: $5 to $25 per sq ft for materials and labor, if adding a new backsplash
- Removal/disposal of old cabinets: $500 to $2,000+ for demolition, loading and dumpster fees
- Tools: $500+ if installers need to rent or buy specialty tools specific for your job
- Permits/inspections: $200 to $500+ depending on your locality’s requirements
Always clarify exactly what is and isn’t included in a contractor’s cabinet installation quote to avoid surprise add-ons halfway through the job. Get all quotes and agreements in writing upfront before project start.
DIY Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost
While DIY kitchen cabinet installation is not advisable for most homeowners without carpentry experience, here is an overview of potential costs:
- Cabinets: $100 to $1,000+ per cabinet
- Tools: $500+ for saws, drills, nail guns, clamps, etc.
- Misc Materials: $500+ for lumber, screws, construction adhesive, filler, hardware
- YouTube tutorials & guides: Free to $50+
Major drawbacks to attempting DIY cabinet installs include:
- Inability to get a professional-grade precise fit
- Safety risks of inexperienced use of power tools
- Cabinets not adequately mounted to studs
- No warranty or insurance coverage
Given the complexity and labor intensity, even DIYers should consider hiring cabinet installers and only doing prep, demo and finishing work themselves. This allows you to get professional results.
New Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost Calculator
Use this cost calculator to estimate your total costs for installing new kitchen cabinets:
- For cabinet purchase budget:
- Allow $100 – $300 per linear foot for stock or mid-range cabinets
- $300 – $600+ per linear foot for semi-custom or custom cabinets
- For installation labor costs:
- Estimate $50 – $100 per hour or $400 – $800 per day
- 15 – 40 hours for a full kitchen install depending on size
- Add at least 20% for unforeseen issues or customization needs
- Include costs for countertops, electrical/plumbing changes, disposal, etc if needed
With an accurate budget, you can request quotes confidently knowing what fair cabinet installation rates are for your area.
FAQs About Installing Kitchen Cabinets
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about kitchen cabinet installation costs and what to expect from the process:
What are typical per linear foot costs to install kitchen cabinets?
On average, expect to pay $50 – $150 per linear foot for professional kitchen cabinet installation. This includes labor and basic materials like fasteners and adhesive. The per linear foot costs can reach $200+ for intricate custom cabinetry requiring extensive fitting.
Should I get quotes by the hour or a flat rate for installation?
Quotes by the hour allow you to know exactly what labor rates to expect. Flat rate quotes can also work for simple standard layouts, but get binding clauses on what is included to avoid surprise fees. Make sure rates are clearly specified in a written contract.
How are installation costs calculated for corner cabinets or lazy susans?
For specialty cabinets like corners, installers typically charge around 1.5 times their normal hourly rate due to the extra fitting complexities. Lazy susans and other accessories add relatively minimal install time.
Can I install just a few cabinets rather than the whole kitchen?
Yes, you can absolutely hire installers to just add or replace a few cabinets rather than doing the whole kitchen. Rates may be charged per cabinet or daily instead of hourly. Get quotes for your specific project scope.
Should I tip kitchen cabinet installers?
Tipping is appreciated for exceptional service if the installers go above and beyond, just as you would for any tradespeople. However, tipping 15-20% on top of agreed quotes is not typically expected or required.
What preparation work should I do before the installers arrive?
At minimum, clear out the full kitchen area removing everything from cabinets, walls, and countertops. If possible, prep the install by removing old cabinets, appliances, and flooring that will be replaced.
How soon after ordering can new cabinets be installed?
Stock cabinets ship within 5-7 business days generally. Custom cabinets require 4-8+ weeks of production time. Make sure to coordinate cabinet delivery dates with your contracted installers’ schedules.
Enhance Your Kitchen with Professionally Installed Cabinets
Installing new kitchen cabinets is one of the most complex and labor-intensive home remodeling projects. While DIY cabinet installation is technically possible, it requires advanced carpentry skills along with specialty tools most homeowners don’t own.
Hiring professional cabinet installers is strongly advised to get your new kitchen designed and built right the first time. Replacing any cabinets installed incorrectly would be extremely costly and time consuming. Investing in an experienced local contractor pays off in the long run with cabinets that function flawlessly and add beauty and value to your home for decades to come.