Prices for installing cabinets are driven by box size, mounting method, and the number of boxes. The following cost ranges reflect typical labor charges per box, including framing, leveling, and securing the cabinet to walls, but exclude materials. The term cost and price appear early to align with search intent.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor per Box | $150 | $350 | $650 | Includes setup, mounting, and alignment |
| Materials & Supplies | $0 | $0 | $0 | Assumes client supplies cabinets |
| Equipment & Tools | $0 | $25 | $75 | Table saw, level, screw guns, basic rentals |
| Permits & Inspections | $0 | $0 | $0 | Typically not required for cabinet installs |
| Delivery/Access Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | If applicable, per-box or per-project |
Overview Of Costs
Labor cost per box is the primary driver. On average, a straightforward wall- or base-cabinet install runs in the mid-range, while complex cabinets, tall units, or tight spaces increase the per-box cost. Assumptions: standard 24″ base boxes, horizontal mounting, single-person crew.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $150 | $350 | $650 | Per cabinet box; may scale with height and complexity |
| Labor Efficiency | $0 | $0 | $0 | Faster installs reduce per-box cost |
| Equipment | $0 | $25 | $75 | Drills, levels, shims, clamps |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 | Usually not required for typical residential installs |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $0 | $0 | Assumes existing cabinets bundled on-site |
What Drives Price
Cabinet size and layout strongly affect labor time. Deep or tall boxes, irregular shapes, corner configurations, and heavy box materials increase handling and leveling work. Assumptions: standard 24″ base cabinets and 30″ uppers; typical wall stud spacing.
Mounting method and hardware impact time and skill level. Screwed-in or screwed-and-bracket mounting with wall anchors adds steps. Complex trim or decorative hardware can add minutes per box.
Crew experience & time influences the per-box rate. Journeymen may complete a box faster than a novice, shifting total project cost. Formula: labor hours × hourly rate approximates per-box cost when hours per box vary by design.
Ways To Save
Pre-assembly and planning reduce on-site labor. If cabinets are delivered pre-assembled or pre-checked, installation time per box drops. Assumptions: client provides accurate wall references and plumb lines.
Bundle installations become cost-efficient. Installing a full run of boxes at once typically lowers per-box labor due to synchronized setup and fewer trips.
Regional Price Differences
Urban vs. Suburban vs. Rural pricing can vary by installer density and travel. In Urban markets, per-box labor may be 5–15% higher due to higher overhead, while Rural areas may see 5–10% lower rates. Delta examples: Urban +8%, Suburban +2%, Rural -6% relative to national average.
Labor & Installation Time
Average install time per box ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on complexity. A simple 24″ base cabinet may take around 1.5–2 hours; taller units or corner configurations extend to 2.5–3 hours. Assumptions: single installer, standard wall condition.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic scenario: 10 simple base boxes, standard mounting, no extra trim. Labor: 1.5–2 hours per box; total labor $1,500–$2,000. Per-box average: $150–$200.
Mid-Range scenario: 15 boxes, some uppers, moderate trim, one corner unit. Labor: 2–2.5 hours per box; total labor $3,000–$4,000. Per-box average: $180–$270.
Premium scenario: 20 boxes with tall uppers, decorative molding, and specialty hardware. Labor: 2.5–3 hours per box; total labor $5,000–$7,000. Per-box average: $250–$350.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost By Region
Regional snapshots summarize typical per-box labor costs by region, using ranges to reflect local labor markets. Midwest regions often land in the $250–$420 per box band; West Coast markets can push $300–$650 per box for complex layouts; Southeast markets commonly fall in the $200–$380 range. Notes: ranges are illustrative and depend on cabinet complexity and crew experience.
5-Year Cost Outlook
Ownership perspective sees labor cost per box as a one-time installation expense, with minor maintenance costs thereafter. If reconfigurations occur, per-box labor can rise due to access challenges. Assumptions: no structural changes after install.
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Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.