Cabinet replacement typically costs $4,000-$15,000 for a small to midsize kitchen, with an average near $8,500; large kitchens or custom work can exceed $25,000. Cabinet construction, kitchen size, removal, installation labor, and regional rates drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet replacement project | $4,000 | $8,500 | $25,000+ | Small stock job to large custom kitchen |
| Cabinet materials | $100 per linear ft | $250 per linear ft | $700+ per linear ft | Stock to custom cabinetry |
| Installation labor | $50 per hour | $85 per hour | $150 per hour | Rates vary by location and scope |
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for a standard kitchen, with costs varying by region, cabinet layout, and finish.
What a 10-by-10-foot kitchen typically costs
A common 10-by-10-foot kitchen has roughly 20-25 linear feet of cabinets. Replacing it with stock cabinets and standard installation often totals $4,000-$8,000. Semi-custom units and upgraded finishes commonly bring the project to $8,000-$15,000, while custom cabinetry can reach $15,000-$30,000 or more.
For a straightforward stock-cabinet replacement, budgeting about $5,000-$10,000 is a practical starting point. That estimate assumes the existing layout stays in place, access is normal, and countertops are not included. Per-linear-foot figures usually cover cabinet boxes and doors, not every project expense.
How cabinet boxes, removal, and labor shape the quote
Contractor estimates may group several tasks together, so buyers should confirm what is included. The ranges below show common line items for a standard kitchen replacement; totals depend on cabinet quantity and local labor.
| Cost item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock cabinet materials | $2,000 | $4,000 | $7,000 |
| Semi-custom or custom materials | $5,000 | $9,000 | $20,000+ |
| Removal and disposal | $300 | $700 | $1,500 |
| Installation labor | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Hardware, trim, and fillers | $150 | $500 | $1,500 |
Labor can be estimated as . A crew may quote by the project rather than by the hour; the formula is useful for checking whether labor hours and rates seem consistent. Countertops, plumbing, electrical work, and painting may be separate.
Ask whether the quote includes demolition, haul-away, fillers, toe kicks, and installation adjustments. Missing line items can make two apparently similar bids difficult to compare.
Door style, cabinet grade, and layout changes move prices
Stock cabinets use standard widths and finishes, making them the lowest-priced option. Semi-custom cabinets offer more sizing and finish choices, while custom cabinets are built for specific dimensions and typically cost the most. Solid-wood doors, specialty finishes, soft-close hardware, and decorative panels can raise the materials bill.
Kitchen size matters, but the layout can matter just as much. A 20-linear-foot run with standard cabinets is usually less expensive than the same length with many narrow drawers, corner solutions, or tall pantry units. Moving a sink, range, or refrigerator may require plumbing or electrical changes beyond the cabinet quote.
Layout changes and specialty storage can add several thousand dollars compared with replacing cabinets in their existing positions. For example, adding a 24-inch pantry cabinet or multiple pull-out units adds both material cost and installation time.
How far regional labor rates shift cabinet replacement quotes
Prices tend to be higher in large coastal cities and expensive metro areas than in many rural markets. As a rough planning adjustment, urban Northeast, West Coast, and high-cost metro quotes may run 10%-25% above a national baseline. Smaller cities and rural areas may fall 5%-15% below it, though limited contractor availability can erase that difference.
These percentages are not fixed regional price lists. Local demand, travel distance, disposal fees, and the availability of installers can shift bids. Compare at least two detailed local estimates using the same cabinet grade and project scope rather than relying on a national average alone.
How long removal and cabinet installation usually take
Removing old cabinets may take one day, while installation commonly takes two to five working days for a standard kitchen. A larger kitchen, uneven walls, extensive trim work, or custom-built units can extend the schedule. The kitchen may be partly or fully unusable during portions of the work.
Installation labor commonly falls around $50-$150 per hour, depending on the market and trade. Some contractors instead charge a flat project rate, often $1,000-$5,000 for labor on a typical replacement. Confirm whether the bid includes leveling, wall repairs, and adjustments for out-of-square corners.
What demolition, delivery, and countertop work add
Cabinet removal and disposal often cost $300-$1,500, with higher charges for heavy materials, difficult access, or paid landfill disposal. Delivery may be included, but special handling or long-distance delivery can add $100-$500 or more. Ask whether the contractor protects floors and removes debris.
Replacing countertops at the same time can add roughly $1,500-$6,000 for common materials and standard kitchen sizes; stone or complex layouts may cost more. Sink reconnection, backsplash replacement, and appliance adjustments can also be separate charges. Request a written list of exclusions before approving the cabinet price.
Where to cut the cabinet budget without cutting essential work
Keeping the current layout avoids many plumbing, electrical, and finish costs. Stock cabinets, simple door profiles, standard colors, and fewer specialty inserts can reduce the materials bill. Homeowners may also lower labor charges by clearing the kitchen and arranging appliance removal when the contractor allows it.
Cabinet refacing can be a lower-cost alternative when the boxes are sturdy and the layout works. It often costs about $4,000-$10,000 for a standard kitchen, depending on door material and surface preparation, but it does not replace damaged or poorly configured cabinet boxes. Compare refacing and replacement quotes with the same door style and hardware allowances.
Obtain itemized bids that specify cabinet brand or grade, linear footage, hardware, removal, installation, delivery, and warranty. Avoid choosing solely by the lowest total if the quote omits fillers, trim, or disposal. Holding the layout steady and comparing equal scopes usually provides the clearest opportunity to control the final price.