Kitchen cabinet cost varies widely by run length, material, and finish. This guide breaks down typical price ranges and explains what drives final pricing for U.S. homes.
Understanding the main cost drivers helps buyers plan a budget and compare bids from contractors and manufacturers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets (full kitchen, 10–15 ft run) | $2,500 | $7,500 | $18,000 | Stock to semi-custom; installation included |
| Doors, Drawers & Hardware | $1,000 | $2,750 | $5,500 | Hinges, pulls, soft-close |
| Labor & Installation | $1,000 | $3,000 | $6,500 | Removal of old cabinets may add time |
| Delivery & Disposal | $100 | $600 | $2,000 | Distance and access impact cost |
| Finish & Warranty | $200 | $900 | $2,000 | Paint/varnish options; warranty varies |
Typical Cost Range
Typical cabinet pricing spans a wide range from stock to custom options. The overall cost depends on run length, materials, and finish quality. Labor time and delivery also influence final price.
For a typical kitchen, buyers should expect a broad spectrum: low-cost setups with basic stock cabinets, midrange projects with semi-custom options, and high-end installations featuring full-custom designs and premium finishes. The exact numbers depend on the kitchen size, layout, and local labor markets.
The main drivers are run length, cabinet construction (box, doors, and plywood or particleboard cores), finish or veneer, and whether additional features such as soft-close hardware or glass fronts are included. Variations in installation complexity and access can shift totals by several thousand dollars in either direction.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
The following table shows a level-based view across primary cost categories. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
| Level | Materials | Labor | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | $1,000 | $2,000 | $0 | $100 | $0 |
| Average | $3,000 | $3,000 | $50 | $350 | $600 |
| High | $5,000 | $6,000 | $75 | $700 | $1,400 |
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Factors That Affect Price
Longer cabinet runs significantly raise labor and material costs. The price of cabinetry is sensitive to layout, door style, and material quality.
- Cabinet Run Length: Run length is measured in linear feet. Typical thresholds are 8 ft, 8–20 ft, and 20 ft or longer. Each step up generally adds both materials and labor hours.
- Material Core and Doors: Particleboard with melamine faces is cheaper than plywood boxes with solid wood doors. A common premium is 15–40% for plywood boxes and solid wood doors, with higher-end woods pushing costs higher still.
- Finish and Hardware: Painted or stained finishes, UV-resistant lacquers, and premium hardware add costs. Soft-close hinges and full-extension slides are standard upgrades in midrange projects.
- Installation Complexity: Open floor plans, bulkheads, or multi-level cabinetry require more time and skilled labor, boosting both labor and access fees.
- Access & Timing: Homes with limited access (stairs, tight doorways) or off-hours installation can incur added charges.
The combination of run length, material choice, and finish determines the final price range more than any single factor.
Ways To Save
- Start with stock or semi-custom cabinets instead of full custom designs to reduce both materials and labor.
- Limit door style complexity and avoid glass fronts on every cabinet to cut finish and hardware costs.
- Plan a straightforward, linear layout to minimize waste and installation time.
- Do some prep work yourself, such as removing old cabinetry, to reduce labor hours.
Regional Price Differences
Regional labor costs and material availability create meaningful price variation by region.
- Northeast: Labor and certain materials price up; typical regional adjustments range from +8% to +15% above national averages.
- Midwest: Generally lower labor costs; price variation often runs −5% to +5% relative to national averages.
- South and Southwest: Mixed markets; some areas show −5% to −10% while others track closer to national norms due to supply chains.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Basic Scenario
Specs: 8–10 ft run, stock doors, standard finish. Labor is limited to routine installation and removal of old cabinets.
| Item | Specs | Labor Hours | Price Per Unit (per ft) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 8–10 ft stock, basic finish | 16–20 | $120–$170 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Doors & Hardware | Stock doors, basic pulls | 4–6 | Included in cabinet price | Included |
| Labor & Installation | Removal + install | 16–20 | N/A | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Delivery & Disposal | Local delivery | 1–2 | $0–$60 | $100–$300 |
Mid-Range Scenario
Specs: 12–16 ft run, semi-custom doors, wood veneer, upgraded finish.
| Item | Specs | Labor Hours | Price Per Unit (per ft) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 12–16 ft semi-custom | 22–28 | $170–$230 | $4,500–$9,000 |
| Doors & Hardware | Wood veneer doors, premium pulls | 6–10 | Included in cabinet price | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Labor & Installation | Rough-in + finish work | 22–30 | N/A | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Delivery & Disposal | Local delivery | 1–2 | $50–$150 | $300–$900 |
Premium Scenario
Specs: 20–25 ft run, full-custom cabinets, solid wood frames, premium finish.
| Item | Specs | Labor Hours | Price Per Unit (per ft) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 20–25 ft full-custom | 40–60 | $300–$420 | $14,000–$28,000 |
| Doors & Hardware | Solid wood doors, premium hardware | 8–12 | Included | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Labor & Installation | High-detail install | 40–60 | N/A | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Delivery & Disposal | Expedited or difficult access | 1–3 | $100–$350 | $2,000–$6,000 |