New Cabinet Cost Guide for U.S. Homes 2026

Homeowners commonly pay for new cabinets in the $4,000-$20,000 range depending on size, materials, and installation complexity. The price can swing based on cabinet construction, door style, and whether the project includes demolition, modifications, or new hardware. This guide explains typical costs and drivers for new cabinets, with clear price estimates and practical budgeting tips.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Cabinets (base + wall, 10–15 cabinets)	$2,000	$8,000	$20,000	Includes framed boxes, hinges, doors; varies by material and box construction
Installation & Labor	$1,500	$4,000	$10,000	Labor hours depend on layout and plumbing/electrical tweaks
Hardware & Accessories	$200	$1,200	$3,000	Soft-close hinges, pulls, shelf pins, misc.
Delivery	$100	$500	$1,200	Distance and weight affect cost
Permits & Inspections	$0	$400	$2,000	Rare for simple kitchen updates; may apply in some jurisdictions

Assumptions: region, cabinet specifications, and labor hours.

Overview Of Costs

Costs typically combine cabinet price and installation labor, with regional differences and material choices driving most of the variance. The total project range is commonly $4,000-$20,000, with per-cabinet units priced separately. For planning, expect mid-range materials (solid wood or plywood boxes with thermofoil or veneer doors) to land near the average range, while all-wood or custom layouts push toward the high end. Per-linear-foot pricing helps compare layouts; price tiers often run from roughly $150-$750 per linear foot installed, depending on materials and design complexity.

Cost Breakdown

Component	Low	Average	High	Typical Per-Unit or Basis	Notes
Materials	$1,500	$6,000	$16,000	$150-$750 per linear foot installed	Material choice affects durability and look; plywood boxes are common mid-range
Labor & Installation	$1,000	$3,500	$9,000	$30-$90 per hour per worker; total hours vary by layout	Includes removal, install, and minor adjustments
Hardware & Accessories	$150	$900	$2,400	$10-$60 per door/drawer	Soft-close options add mid-range premium
Delivery	$50	$350	$1,000	Varies by distance and weight	Crates and padding may affect cost
Permits / Inspections	$0	$200	$1,000	Depends on local rules	Often not required for cabinet replacement alone
Extras & Add-Ons	$0	$600	$2,400	Lighting upgrades, toe-kick lighting, pull-out organizers	Can substantially raise price if included

Labor hours × hourly rate: data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>

What Drives Price

Key price levers are cabinet materials, box construction, and door style. Solid wood doors and dovetail drawers cost more than engineered wood or thermofoil. The box construction (sturdy plywood vs. MDF) and the number of drawers or pull-out features also shift pricing. Additionally, kitchen size, ceiling height, and wall layout influence labor time and waste, affecting overall cost. For small or simple kitchens, savings come from standard sizes and fewer custom cuts.

Ways To Save

Budget-conscious shoppers can trim costs by choosing standard sizes and mid-range materials. Planning ahead for layout efficiency reduces labor complexity. Alternatives include prefinished doors, fewer custom moldings, and selecting hardware in standard finishes. Some savings appear when selecting a single vendor for design, materials, and installation, which can reduce freight and coordination costs. It’s also common to defer upscale features like glass-front doors or premium finishes to a future refresh.

Regional Price Differences

Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material availability. In the Northeast, installed cabinet costs tend to be higher than the national average, driven by labor rates and urban logistics. The Midwest often sits near the average, with moderate material costs. The South and parts of the West may show lower or similar pricing but with regional delivery differences. Expect a typical delta of ±15-20% across regions for the same configuration.

Labor, Hours & Rates

Labor costs can be a major portion of the budget. A standard kitchen may require 20–60 hours of work, depending on layout complexity, plumbing/electrical rerouting, and cabinet mounting challenges. Rates generally range from $30-$90 per hour per worker, with crews often including installers, a cabinet installer, and sometimes a carpenter for finishing touches. When estimating, include time for seam gaps, toe-kick installation, and access panel alignment.

Regional Price Differences

Three representative pricing snapshots show how location matters.
– Urban (Coast): higher delivery and labor rates; cabinets typically at the upper end of the range.
– Suburban: balanced costs, often near the national average.
– Rural: lower labor rates, potential higher transport margins; overall sometimes cheaper but with fewer vendor options.

Real-World Pricing Examples

Three scenario cards illustrate typical quotes for common kitchen projects.