Kitchen cabinet costs vary greatly depending on the type of cabinets you choose, the materials they are made from, and any customizations or special features. Generally speaking, stock cabinets are the most affordable option starting around $60 per linear foot, semi-custom cabinets range from $100-200 per linear foot, and custom cabinets can cost $200-1000+ per linear foot. Beyond the cabinets themselves, additional costs will come from cabinet hardware, delivery and installation fees, countertop material, and any lighting, sinks, or appliances being added or replaced. With careful planning and budgeting, you can upgrade your kitchen with stylish new cabinets without breaking the bank.
Factors That Impact the Cost of New Kitchen Cabinets
Several key factors influence how much your new kitchen cabinets will cost. As you plan your kitchen remodel or new construction project, keep these in mind:
Cabinet Quality and Type
The main driver of cost is the type of cabinets you select.
- Stock cabinets: Pre-assembled cabinets in standard sizes from home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Stock cabinets range from $60-100 per linear foot.
- Semi-custom: More sizes and materials to choose from, including wood species, stains, door styles. Pricing starts around $100 per linear foot.
- Custom: Fully customized cabinets designed for your exact kitchen layout and specifications. Custom cabinets range from $200 up to $1000+ per linear foot.
within those types, cost is also affected by:
- Materials: Solid wood is more expensive than engineered wood or laminates. Hardware costs more for thicker gauges and premium finishes like stainless steel.
- Door styles and finishes: Simple slab cabinet fronts are affordable. Decorative raised panels, inset doors, and special finishes add cost.
- Quality of construction: Dovetail joinery, soft-close hinges, and full extensions drawers are higher quality than stapled boxes, basic hinges, and limited extension slides.
Installation
In addition to the cabinet cost, installation fees typically run $50-100 per hour. Basic installs can often be done in 25-35 hours, but complex designs take longer. Be sure to get an itemized estimate so you understand what is included.
Countertops
Your countertop material is another significant expense, ranging from:
- Laminate – $20-30 per linear foot
- Quartz – $80-120 per linear foot
- Granite – $60-150 per linear foot
- Marble – $100-250 per linear foot
- Concrete – $100-300 per linear foot
- Stainless steel – $100-200 per linear foot
Measure the linear footage needed and multiply by material prices above to budget for countertops. Most quotes include fabrication and installation.
Sink and Fixtures
If replacing your sink or faucet, allow $200-800 for a quality sink and $100-500 for the faucet. Built-in accessories like wine fridges or charging stations could add $500 or more.
Lighting
Task lighting, pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting or LED strips will impact your bottom line. Allow $50-150 per light fixture, plus electrician fees.
Cost by Cabinet Brand
Brand names give a general sense of price for stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinet options:
Stock Cabinet Brands
- IKEA: $90-190 per linear foot
- Home Depot/Hampton Bay: $60-100 per linear foot
- Lowe’s/Kraftmaid: $100-200 per linear foot
- Costco: $130-150 per linear foot
- Wayfair: $120-250 per linear foot
Semi-Custom Cabinet Brands
- Canyon Creek: $160-260 per linear foot
- Diamond: $130-180 per linear foot
- Aristokraft: $170-220 per linear foot
- Shenandoah: $160-260 per linear foot
- Wellborn: $190-300 per linear foot
- Kraftmaid: $200-400 per linear foot
Custom Cabinet Brands
- Omega: $250-500 per linear foot
- Woodmont: $300-600 per linear foot
- Merillat: $400-800 per linear foot
- SieMatic: $500-1,000 per linear foot
- Poggenpohl: $800-1,500 per linear foot
- Smallbone: $2,000+ per linear foot
Within each brand, you’ll pay more for premium features like solid wood construction, unique finishes, and high-end hardware.
Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets Only
For a simple cabinet replacement keeping existing layout, countertops, and appliances, budget:
- Economy: $2,500 – $5,000
- Mid-Range: $5,000 – $15,000
- Premium: $15,000 – $30,000+
Costs include demolition and disposal of old cabinets, new stock or semi-custom cabinets, and installation.
Factors that increase costs:
- Large kitchen footprint
- High-end cabinetry
- Complex cabinetry like angled cabinets or custom storage solutions
- Modifications to improve workflow
- Electrical or plumbing work
Getting quotes from 2-3 cabinet suppliers will help you zero in on a realistic number for your specific kitchen.
Cost to Reface Existing Kitchen Cabinets
Refacing cabinets by replacing doors and drawer fronts can cost half as much as full cabinet replacement. Typically $50-150 per door, with $3,000-$8,000 total for a full kitchen remodel.
Benefits:
- Retains existing cabinet box
- Much lower cost
- Faster remodel time
- Eco-friendly by reusing boxes
Limitations:
- Limited to existing layout
- Aging boxes may need repairs
- Less dramatic transformation
Refacing works best for structurally sound cabinets in a layout you like. Weigh the cost difference with your goals before deciding between refacing and replacement.
Cost of New Cabinets in Budget Kitchen Remodel
For a full kitchen remodel on a budget, expect to spend $10,000 to $22,000.
This includes:
- Economy stock cabinets $2,500 – $4,000
- Laminate countertops $1,500 – $2,500
- Flooring $1,000 – $3,000
- Basic appliances $2,000 – $4,000
- Lighting & hardware $500 – $1,500
- Sink & faucet $500 – $1,500
- Installation & labor $3,000 – $5,000
By choosing more affordable stock cabinetry and avoiding high-end finishes, you can give your kitchen a beautiful facelift at the lower end of this price range.
Cost of New Cabinets in Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel
For a mid-range remodel, expect to spend $25,000 to $50,000 on average.
Upgrades may include:
- Semi-custom cabinets $8,000 – $15,000
- Quartz or granite countertops $4,000 – $10,000
- Porcelain or stone tile flooring $3,000 – $7,000
- Stainless steel appliances $3,000 – $8,000
- Decorative lighting & hardware $1,500 – $3,000
- Undermount sink $500 – $1,500
- Pull-out faucet $400 – $1,000
- Installation & labor $5,000 – $10,000
With good value engineering, you can transform your kitchen with stylish mid-range materials for $25,000-35,000.
Cost of New Cabinets in High End Kitchen Remodel
For a luxury kitchen remodel, expect to spend $50,000 to $250,000 or more.
High-end kitchens may include upgrades like:
- Fully custom cabinets $20,000 – $60,000
- Exotic countertops like marble or soapstone $8,000 – $20,000
- Natural stone flooring $10,000 – $20,000
- Pro-style appliances and extras like a wine fridge or beverage center $15,000 – $50,000
- Stylish fixtures and statement lighting $5,000 – $10,000
- Integrated smart home tech like IPad docking stations or auto-opening drawers $3,000 – $15,000
- Installation, delivery, and labor $15,000 – $30,000
With refined tastes and generous budgets, luxury kitchens often exceed $100,000. Work with a designer to include your most desired features while keeping costs in check.
DIY vs Professional Cabinet Installation
Installing kitchen cabinets yourself can save thousands in labor costs, but has some limitations:
Benefits of DIY Install
- Saves on installation fees
- Flexible timing
Drawbacks of DIY Install
- Learning curve to install properly
- May take 2-3 times longer
- Physical challenges of lifting heavy cabinets
- Increased margin of error
- No certified warranty or insurance protections
Unless you are an experienced DIYer, professional installation is recommended for long-lasting, safe kitchen cabinets. The incremental cost is usually money well spent.
New Cabinet Cost Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate the cost of your new kitchen cabinets:
Cabinets
Cabinet type:
- [ ] Stock $60-100 per linear ft
- [ ] Semi-custom $100-200 per linear ft
- [ ] Custom $200-500+ per linear ft
Linear feet of cabinets needed: __
Estimated cabinet cost: _
Countertops
Countertop material:
- [ ] Laminate $20-50 per linear ft
- [ ] Quartz $80-150 per linear ft
- [ ] Marble $100-250 per linear ft
- [ ] Other: _ $_ per linear ft
Linear feet of countertop needed: __
Estimated countertop cost: _
Additional Costs
Sink: $______
Faucet: $______
Lighting: $______
Hardware: $______
Other: $______
Total Estimated Cost of New Kitchen Cabinets: $________________
Use this basic calculator to tally up costs for your new kitchen cabinets. Adjust to reflect your actual cabinet quote, countertop quote, and other costs from contractors.
Tips to Reduce Cost of New Kitchen Cabinets
Some savvy ways to cut costs on your new kitchen cabinets include:
- Measure carefully and do not overbuy cabinets.
- Select stock cabinets over custom if layout allows.
- Choose economical species like oak over more expensive hardwoods.
- Opt for laminate over solid surface or stone countertops.
- Install counters and backsplash yourself.
- Reuse existing quality hardware and light fixtures.
- Take advantage of seasonal sales and specials.
- Provide your own demolition and prep work prior to installation.
- Schedule install as one continuous workflow to reduce trips.
- Keep door styles and finishes simple.
- Forgo unnecessary interior fittings and adjustments.
- Work with an affordable local cabinet maker vs a luxury brand.
- Order cabinets unfinished and stain or paint them yourself.
With smart choices, you can dramatically reduce new cabinet costs while still gaining beautiful, functional storage.
Financing Options for New Kitchen Cabinets
If you need help funding new kitchen cabinets, consider:
- Home improvement loan: Unsecured financing from $5k to $100k+ with set monthly payments. Rates from 6-36% based on credit score, loan amount, and term length.
- 401k or Retirement Account Loan: Borrow against your own retirement savings. Interest goes back into your account and you repay yourself.
- Credit cards: Useful for smaller projects or to earn points/cash back. Compare rates across cards. Avoid high-fee cash advance checks.
- Home equity loan: Secured financing using home equity as collateral. Rates around 5% but closing costs apply. Risks losing home if unable to repay.
- Refinancing: Take cash out during a mortgage refi to fund the remodel, trading lower rate for higher balance.
- Personal loan from friends/family: May get better terms than institutional lenders. Define repayment plan upfront.
10 Tips for Planning Your New Kitchen Cabinet Project
- Set your budget upfront and get multiple quotes before finalizing plans.
- Measure carefully to determine the linear footage and kitchen layout needs.
- Weigh the pros and cons of stock, semi-custom, and full custom cabinets for your goals, timeline, and budget.
- Decide if you’ll tackle any demolition, prep work, finishing, or installation yourself to reduce costs.
- Select coordinating countertop, flooring, lighting and hardware options early to ensure consistent design.
- Create a mood board with inspirational kitchen photos to share your vision with contractors.
- Ask about current sales, specials or clearance options to maximize value.
- Involve all decision-makers early in the process to get buy-in.
- Leave wiggle room in your budget for unexpected issues or minor change orders.
- Create a detailed project timeline mapping out all phases from design to completion.
Following these planning tips will set your kitchen cabinet upgrade off on the right foot for a smooth, enjoyable project that adds beauty and function to your home.
FAQs about New Kitchen Cabinet Costs
How much do installed kitchen cabinets cost?
On average, expect to pay $135-300 per linear foot for semi-custom installed cabinets or $300-500+ for custom. Installation, delivery, hardware, and other costs add 30-50% over the base cabinet price.
Should I choose stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets?
Stock cabinets are the most affordable at $60-150 per linear foot. Semi-custom offers more flexibility for $100-250 per linear foot. Full custom allows total design control for $200-1000+ per linear foot.
What impacts the cost of kitchen cabinets?
The biggest factors are materials (solid wood vs engineered wood), door styles and finishes, quality of construction and hardware, brand, and customizations. Unique storage solutions, corner cabinets, and special sizes increase cost.
How much do Bertch kitchen cabinets cost?
Bertch makes semi-custom, all-wood cabinets. Expect to pay $150-300 per linear foot including hardware and installation. They are known for quality construction and wide range of styles.
Should I reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
Refacing costs about 50% less than full replacement. It only makes sense if cabinets are structurally sound, in a workable layout, and style is acceptable. Replacement allows changing footprint and style.
How do I save money on kitchen cabinets?
Choose stock over custom, limit special sizes, opt for simple slab door styles, avoid luxury brands, install yourself, reuse existing hardware/lighting, take advantage of sales and specials, and provide your own demolition/prep work.
Should I install kitchen cabinets myself?
DIY installation can save thousands in labor but requires woodworking skills, tools, heavy lifting, and patience. Experienced DIYers can handle it. For most, professional installation provides peace of mind.
Conclusion
The cost of new kitchen cabinets ranges widely depending on the type of cabinets selected, materials used, door styles and finishes chosen, and custom alterations made. Stock cabinets offer an affordable option starting around $60 per linear foot. Semi-custom cabinets range from $100-200 per linear foot for styles like Shaker or traditional. Custom cabinets allow the ultimate design flexibility for $200-1000+ per linear foot.
Additional costs like installation, hardware, countertops and new lighting can also impact your total kitchen remodel budget. Carefully weigh your needs versus your budget to determine the best cabinet solution for your home. With some savvy choices, you can install gorgeous new cabinets without breaking the bank using smart budgeting tactics and help from kitchen design experts.