Average Cost Range
$3,000 – $15,000
National Average
$8,000
Cabinet installation costs between $3,000 and $15,000 for a typical kitchen, with the national average around $8,000. Stock cabinets are the most affordable option, while custom cabinets can cost $20,000–$40,000 or more. Cabinet refacing offers a cost-effective alternative at 40–60% of the cost of full replacement.
Cost Breakdown
| Item / Type | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | $100 | $300 | $175 per linear ft |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | $200 | $600 | $350 per linear ft |
| Custom Cabinets | $500 | $1,200 | $800 per linear ft |
| Cabinet Refacing | $3,000 | $10,000 | $6,000 |
| Cabinet Painting / Staining | $1,000 | $3,500 | $2,000 |
| Hardware Replacement | $100 | $500 | $250 |
| Bathroom Vanity Cabinet | $500 | $3,000 | $1,500 |
| Pantry Cabinet | $300 | $2,000 | $800 |
Labor Costs
Cabinet installation labor costs $50–$200 per linear foot or $75–$150 per hour. Custom and semi-custom installations take longer due to precise fitting requirements and more complex configurations.
Factors That Affect Cabinets Cost
Cabinet Type
Stock cabinets from home centers are the most affordable at $100–$300 per linear foot. Semi-custom offers more options at $200–$600, while full custom cabinets at $500–$1,200 per linear foot provide unlimited design flexibility.
Material & Construction
Particle board cabinets with laminate finishes are the cheapest. Plywood construction with solid wood doors and dovetail joints costs more but lasts significantly longer and handles moisture better.
Kitchen Size & Layout
An average kitchen has 25–30 linear feet of cabinets. L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens require more cabinets than galley kitchens. Corner cabinets and specialty storage solutions add to the total cost.
Door Style & Finish
Shaker-style doors are affordable and popular. Raised-panel, inset, and glass-front doors cost more. High-gloss, painted, and glazed finishes require more labor and materials than stained finishes.
Interior Accessories
Soft-close hinges, pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and drawer organizers add $50–$300 per cabinet. These features improve functionality and are increasingly expected in modern kitchens.
Tips To Save Money On Cabinets
Choose Stock or RTA Cabinets
Stock and ready-to-assemble cabinets cost 50–70% less than semi-custom and offer many popular styles. Quality has improved significantly, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
Reface Instead of Replace
Cabinet refacing preserves your existing cabinet boxes and replaces only the doors and drawer fronts. This costs 40–60% less than full replacement and can be completed in 3–5 days.
Paint Your Existing Cabinets
Professional cabinet painting costs $1,000–$3,500 and can dramatically transform your kitchen's appearance. This is the most affordable option if your cabinet boxes and layout are in good condition.
Skip Unnecessary Upgrades
Soft-close hinges and basic pull-out shelves are worthwhile upgrades, but exotic wood species and decorative corbels add cost without significant functional benefit. Focus your budget on quality construction and practical features.