For a typical 10-by-10-foot kitchen, prefabricated cabinets cost about $6,000-$15,000 installed, while custom cabinets run roughly $15,000-$35,000. Door style, material, cabinet length, hardware, installation labor, and how much the room needs to be modified drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prefabricated cabinets | $6,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 | Installed in a typical 10-by-10-foot kitchen |
| Custom cabinets | $15,000 | $24,000 | $35,000 | Installed, standard hardwood or quality plywood construction |
| Prefabricated, installed | $150/linear ft | $350/linear ft | $600/linear ft | Price varies by cabinet style and installation scope |
| Custom, installed | $500/linear ft | $850/linear ft | $1,400/linear ft | Higher for premium finishes or complex layouts |
Typical kitchen prices for custom and prefabricated cabinets
Prefabricated, or stock, cabinets are made in standard sizes and finishes. For a 20-30-linear-foot kitchen, materials may cost $3,000-$9,000; installation, fillers, and ordinary trim bring many projects to $6,000-$15,000. Semi-custom cabinets, which offer some size and finish choices, often land between stock and fully custom pricing.
Custom cabinets are built to the room’s measurements and selected specifications. A comparable kitchen commonly totals $15,000-$35,000 installed, with intricate layouts or premium woods pushing the bill higher. For most standard layouts, prefabricated cabinets cost less; custom work buys a closer fit and more design control.
Assumptions: 20-30 linear feet, midrange finish, ordinary access, and professional installation; regional rates and project scope can change totals.
What cabinet materials and installation add to the quote
Cabinet quotes may bundle several charges, so the estimate should state what is included. These typical ranges show common components for a kitchen project; custom shops may combine design, fabrication, and finish charges into one price.
| Cost component | Prefabricated range | Custom range | What changes the price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet boxes and fronts | $3,000-$9,000 | $9,000-$24,000 | Wood species, plywood, door style, finish |
| Installation labor | $1,500-$4,000 | $3,000-$8,000 | Cabinet count, leveling, scribing, modifications |
| Hardware and accessories | $200-$1,500 | $500-$3,000 | Pulls, soft-close hinges, pull-outs, organizers |
| Removal and disposal | $500-$2,000 | $500-$2,000 | Existing cabinet condition and dump fees |
| Delivery and finishing | $200-$1,000 | $500-$2,500 | Distance, touch-ups, trim, finish complexity |
Some installers charge separately for countertop removal, plumbing or electrical work, wall repairs, and permits when layout changes require them. Check whether the quote covers fillers, finished end panels, crown molding, delivery, removal, and touch-up work. A low cabinet-only price may not represent the installed project total.
How cabinet length, wood grade, and layout shift prices
Linear footage is a useful first comparison, but it does not account for tall pantry units, corner cabinets, or drawer-heavy designs. A kitchen with 30-40 linear feet may cost 25%-50% more than a 20-25-foot layout, especially when upper cabinets extend to the ceiling or the plan includes multiple islands.
Material and finish choices matter, too. Stock cabinets with laminate or basic painted fronts can cost substantially less than custom solid-wood doors. Within custom work, a simple shaker door typically costs less than inset doors, unusual profiles, or hand-applied finishes. Ask for prices by cabinet type and finish, not just by room.
Wall conditions can add labor: uneven floors, out-of-square corners, and plumbing or vent obstacles may require scribing or cabinet adjustments. Labor estimate formula: Typical cabinet installers charge about $50-$100 per hour, although many quote by the job.
Ways to lower the cabinet bill without sacrificing fit
Keeping the existing footprint avoids expenses for moving plumbing, electrical lines, and appliances. Standard cabinet widths and heights also reduce custom fabrication and the need for extensive fillers. A mixed approach can work well: use stock boxes for straightforward runs and custom pieces only for an awkward corner, pantry, or built-in.
Choose a durable midrange finish and limit costly add-ons such as interior organizers, specialty drawers, and decorative trim. Confirm whether existing cabinets can be refaced or repaired before replacing them; sound cabinet boxes may accept new doors and hardware for less than a full installation. Compare itemized quotes using the same cabinet count, finish, delivery, and removal scope.
Installation time and labor for each cabinet type
Stock cabinets can often be installed in 2-5 working days once the room is ready and all units are on site. Custom work usually takes longer overall because measurement, design approval, fabrication, and finishing precede installation; shop production commonly takes 6-12 weeks, followed by several days of fitting and adjustment.
Labor totals rise when installers must remove old cabinets, level long runs, modify units, or coordinate with countertop crews. A straightforward installation may require a two-person crew for 20-30 hours, while a complex kitchen can take 40-70 hours or more. Ask for separate timing and labor allowances for removal, installation, and finishing.
How regional labor rates change installed cabinet prices
Costs in major coastal cities and other high-wage metro areas may run 15%-30% above the national midrange. Smaller cities and rural markets can be 5%-15% lower, but fewer nearby cabinet shops may increase delivery charges or lead times. Local demand, contractor availability, and travel distance affect labor and installation quotes as much as cabinet style does.
Compare at least two local estimates and verify that each includes the same material grade and labor tasks. Use regional quotes for budgeting rather than treating a national per-foot figure as a guaranteed price. A contractor may also apply a minimum installation charge for a small job.
Three kitchen layouts and their likely installed totals
A compact 18-linear-foot kitchen with basic stock cabinets, standard hardware, and minimal removal might total $5,000-$9,000 installed. A 25-foot kitchen with midrange stock or semi-custom units, soft-close drawers, and ordinary demolition may fall around $10,000-$19,000.
A 32-foot custom kitchen with hardwood fronts, several drawer stacks, a pantry, and careful fitting could reach $22,000-$40,000. These examples assume no major plumbing relocation, structural changes, or premium appliance panels. Cabinet count and configuration explain why two kitchens of similar size can have very different bids.
When refacing or semi-custom cabinets beat full custom
Refacing can be a lower-cost alternative when cabinet boxes are sturdy and the existing layout works. Replacing doors and drawer fronts with new veneers or finishes often costs about $4,000-$12,000 for a typical kitchen, depending on size and material. It will not correct damaged boxes or create a new layout.
Semi-custom cabinets offer more sizes, finishes, and storage options than stock lines while avoiding some fully custom fabrication charges. They can suit rooms that need modest adjustments but not one-off cabinetry throughout. Compare the full installed price of semi-custom units with a custom bid before paying for extensive modifications to stock cabinets.