New cabinet fronts cost about $1,000-$5,500 for a typical kitchen, with many projects averaging around $2,800. The final price depends on the number and size of doors and drawer fronts, material and finish, labor, and whether hinges or hardware also need replacing.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fronts only | $500 | $1,800 | $4,000 | Materials for roughly 15-25 pieces |
| Installed project | $1,000 | $2,800 | $5,500 | Doors, drawer fronts, and standard installation |
| Per cabinet door | $40 | $110 | $250 | Varies by material, size, and finish |
| Per drawer front | $25 | $65 | $150 | Custom sizes and premium finishes cost more |
What new cabinet fronts cost for a typical kitchen
For a kitchen with 15-25 doors and drawer fronts, buyers typically pay $1,000-$5,500 installed. A straightforward project using stock or standard-size painted fronts may fall near $1,500-$2,800; custom hardwood, detailed profiles, or a large kitchen can push the total above $4,000. These figures assume the existing cabinet boxes are sound and remain in place.
Budget about $100-$220 per opening installed for a standard project, including an allowance for labor and ordinary hardware. Price per opening is only a planning figure: a wide door or paired doors may cost more than a small drawer front. Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor rates, standard access, and no cabinet-box repairs.
How door, drawer, and installation charges add up
Quotes may list fronts by piece, by opening, or as a project total. Ask whether the price includes measuring, finishing, hinges, pulls, removal, and installation. The table gives typical ranges for a kitchen with standard access; custom work and local labor rates change the totals.
| Cost component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet doors | $40-$250 each | Size, wood species, panel style, and finish |
| Drawer fronts | $25-$150 each | Dimensions, material, and edge detail |
| Labor and fitting | $500-$1,800 total | Piece count, adjustment, and installation scope |
| Hinges and pulls | $5-$35 per hinge; $4-$30 per pull | Soft-close features and hardware grade |
| Removal and disposal | $100-$400 total | Old-front removal and haul-away needs |
Labor commonly works out to $50-$100 per hour, though contractors often quote a fixed installation fee. A small kitchen may take 6-12 hours for removal, fitting, and adjustments; a larger or irregular layout can take longer.
Why piece count, material, and custom sizing shift the quote
Piece count is a major driver: 30 fronts can cost substantially more than 15, even when the kitchen footprint is similar. Custom sizing also adds expense when openings are nonstandard or doors need unusual profiles. Measure each front separately rather than estimating from cabinet width alone.
Material and finish create another price gap. Thermofoil or laminate fronts often cost $40-$120 per door, while painted MDF commonly runs $70-$180 and solid wood can reach $120-$250 or more. A 3/4-inch-thick front, a raised panel, or a specialty stain may cost more than a flat, standard-size option. Replacing hinges or correcting out-of-square boxes can add labor.
Even a 1-inch size difference can make a stock front unusable and trigger a custom order. If a kitchen has more than 25 pieces, several oversized doors over 24 inches wide, or uneven cabinet openings, buyers should expect more measuring and fitting time. Assumptions: prices are per individual front, before unusual repairs or premium finish upgrades.
How long fitting takes and what installers charge
Installation usually involves removing old fronts, aligning new doors, drilling or adjusting hinges, and fitting drawer faces. A typical crew may complete a simple 15-25-piece project in one day, while a larger kitchen or custom order may require 1-2 days on site. The fronts themselves may take several weeks to manufacture, especially when custom finishes are involved.
Confirm whether the estimate covers hinge adjustments and return visits, not just mounting. Some installers charge $50-$100 per hour; others price labor by the door or opening. If the cabinet boxes are damaged, warped, or loose, repairs are usually quoted separately.
Which extras can add removal, hinge, and delivery fees
Old-front disposal may cost $100-$400, while delivery for bulky or custom orders may add $50-$250 depending on distance and supplier terms. New hinges can add $5-$35 each, and pulls typically cost $4-$30 each before installation. Soft-close hardware, specialty knobs, and matching end panels can raise the bill quickly.
Painting or repairing cabinet boxes is not usually included in a fronts-only quote. Box painting may add roughly $1,000-$3,000 for a typical kitchen, depending on preparation and finish quality. Request separate prices for fronts, hardware, delivery, disposal, and cabinet-box work so optional charges are visible.
How regional labor rates affect cabinet-front pricing
Labor and delivery can vary by market. Large metropolitan areas in the Northeast, West Coast, and major coastal cities may run 10%-25% above a national midrange estimate. Smaller cities and rural markets may be 5%-15% lower, although limited installer availability or long delivery routes can erase those savings.
Material prices are less predictable by region because supplier inventory and shipping distance matter. Compare at least two local quotes using the same piece count, material, finish, and hardware assumptions. A low bid that excludes measuring or installation adjustments may not be comparable to a complete installed price.
When replacement fronts cost less than refacing or new cabinets
Replacing fronts keeps existing cabinet boxes and layout, so it often costs less than full cabinet replacement. A basic fronts-only project may be $1,000-$5,500 installed, whereas refacing that also covers visible cabinet sides and face frames commonly runs about $4,000-$12,000. New cabinets with installation may cost $8,000-$25,000 or more, depending on kitchen size and cabinet grade.
Front replacement makes financial sense only when the boxes are sturdy, level enough to adjust, and worth keeping. If boxes have water damage, loose joints, or a poor layout, front replacement can leave the main problems untouched. Ask contractors to price repairs separately before choosing between new fronts and a broader remodel.
Ways to lower the bill without sacrificing fit
Keep the existing cabinet layout and use standard sizes where possible. Choose a simple slab or shaker profile, compare painted MDF with laminate and wood, and retain usable hinges and pulls if they fit the new fronts. Provide a complete opening list and photos to reduce measuring confusion, but have the installer verify dimensions before production.
Bundling all doors and drawer fronts into one order can reduce delivery charges and finish-matching problems. Avoid ordering from rough measurements alone: a remake for incorrect sizing can cost more than the initial savings. Get itemized quotes that identify material, finish, hardware, installation, disposal, and warranty terms. Verify that color samples and final finish expectations are documented before approving production.