Installing new kitchen cabinets can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. However, kitchen cabinetry is a significant investment that requires careful planning and budgeting. Here is a detailed overview of the factors that influence the cost of new kitchen cabinets and what you can expect to pay on average.
Average Cost of New Kitchen Cabinets
The average cost to install new kitchen cabinets ranges between $100 – $300 per linear foot, with the total cost hovering between $5,000 – $15,000 for a standard 10×10 kitchen.
Several factors impact the total price, such as:
- Type of cabinets – stock, semi-custom, or custom
- Door styles and finishes
- Quality of materials and hardware
- Number of cabinets and kitchen layout
- Local labor costs for installation
You can expect to pay on the lower end for basic stock cabinets made with plywood boxes and simple slab doors. The price goes up for solid wood boxes, dovetail joinery, and special finishes like glazing and distressing. Fully customized cabinets are the most expensive.
Factors That Determine the Cost of New Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinet Quality
The quality of the cabinets and materials largely determines the price. Here is an overview:
- Stock or Ready-to-Assemble: Pre-fabricated and mass produced. Made from plywood with laminate exteriors. Approximately $100 – $300 per linear foot installed.
- Semi-Custom: Slightly more customizable than stock. Wider range of materials, finishes, and storage options. $200 – $500 per linear foot installed.
- Custom: Fully customizable and made to order. Solid wood frames and wide choice of design details. $500 – $1000+ per linear foot installed.
The quality of hinges, drawer slides, and other hardware also impacts cost. Soft-close hinges and full extension drawer slides are more expensive than basic hardware.
Cabinet Materials
Common cabinet box materials from low to high price:
- Plywood – Most affordable option
- Particleboard – Prone to swelling from moisture
- MDF – More stable than particleboard
- Melamine – Scratch and moisture resistant
- Solid Wood – Most expensive but very durable
Doors are commonly made from wood, thermofoil, acrylic, or glass. Different species of wood have varying price points.
Door Styles and Finishes
Door styles like inset, full overlay, and flat panel cost more than basic slab cabinet doors. The finish adds cost as well. For example, painted cabinets are cheaper than stained, and glazed or distressed finishes are most expensive.
Size and Layout
The overall size of your kitchen and the number of cabinets impacts the total price. More cabinets mean higher cost. The layout also affects price – angled, curved cabinets or cabinets with custom rollouts or built-ins will be pricier than standard cabinetry.
Location and Installation Costs
Labor costs account for 50-70% of the total kitchen cabinet installation cost. These can vary greatly by region. Large metropolitan areas typically have the highest labor rates.
How to Save on New Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some tips to get quality kitchen cabinets within your budget:
- Opt for stock or RTA cabinets rather than custom.
- Choose a simple and clean shaker or slab door style.
- Use a less expensive wood species like pine instead of maple or cherry.
- Consider thermofoil or painted finishes rather than stained wood.
- Install the cabinets yourself if you have the DIY skills.
- Purchase cabinets and hardware from a home improvement store during a sale or promotion.
- Use an independent contractor rather than a kitchen design showroom.
- Keep your existing cabinet footprint rather than reconfiguring your whole layout.
Key Takeaways
- The total cost to install new kitchen cabinets ranges between $5,000 – $15,000 with the national average price per linear foot coming in between $100 – $300.
- The quality of the cabinets and materials along with door styles and finishes play a major role in price.
- Opting for stock or RTA cabinets rather than custom, as well as choosing simple slab door styles and thermofoil finishes can reduce costs.
- Cabinet costs take up about 40-50% of a kitchen remodel budget on average. Carefully compare materials and installation quotes to find the best value.
Replacing your outdated or worn-out kitchen cabinets can make a huge difference in the look and functionality of your kitchen. Set a realistic budget and shop wisely to get beautiful new cabinets that fit your needs and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets cost?
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) or stock kitchen cabinets range in price from $50-$250 per linear foot. As an affordable option, RTA cabinets are constructed with plywood rather than solid wood and have a laminate exterior.
What is the most affordable option for kitchen cabinets?
The most budget-friendly kitchen cabinets are RTA cabinets made with plywood construction, laminate exteriors, and basic slab doors. Opting for a painted finish rather than wood stain can also save money.
What factors increase the cost of kitchen cabinets?
The main factors that increase kitchen cabinet costs are choosing custom or semi-custom cabinets, solid wood construction, premium finishes like glazing or distressing, ornate door styles, and adding organizational features or specialty storage solutions.
Should I choose custom or stock kitchen cabinets?
Stock cabinets provide an affordable option that still offers some customization of sizes and finishes. Custom cabinets are made to order with customized storage and design but come with a hefty price tag. Semi-custom offers a middle ground in terms of options versus cost.
How much does it cost to get kitchen cabinets professionally installed?
Professional installation usually costs $50-$100 per linear foot. So for a 10×10 kitchen, total installation costs average $1,500-$3,000 for the cabinets. This accounts for 50-70% of the total project cost.