The cost to install base cabinets typically ranges from $1,500 to $8,000 for a 10- to 20-linear-foot kitchen run, including cabinets and standard installation. Cabinet grade, run length, removal work, and local labor rates have the biggest effect; labor alone is often priced separately.
For a typical 12-linear-foot stock-cabinet run, a practical installed budget is about $3,600.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-linear-foot installed run | $1,800 | $3,600 | $7,800 | Stock through semi-custom cabinets |
| Cabinet materials | $75/linear ft | $180/linear ft | $500/linear ft | Custom designs can exceed this |
| Installation labor | $40/linear ft | $75/linear ft | $150/linear ft | Excludes major repairs |
| Removal and disposal | $150 | $450 | $900 | Depends on cabinet quantity |
What a 10- to 20-foot base cabinet run costs
For a straightforward kitchen project, stock base cabinets and installation commonly total $150-$400 per linear foot. Semi-custom cabinets often bring the installed rate to $250-$650 per linear foot. A custom run with upgraded finishes, unusual dimensions, or built-in features may reach $500-$1,000 or more per linear foot.
Labor-only installation is commonly $40-$150 per linear foot. The lower end assumes an empty, accessible room and standard cabinet sizes; the upper end can reflect careful fitting, uneven floors, filler strips, and extra leveling. These estimates exclude countertops, sink installation, and major plumbing or electrical changes.
Assumptions: Standard 24-inch-deep cabinets, normal room access, and typical U.S. contractor pricing.
Cabinet materials, installation labor, and site work
Quotes may bundle cabinets and labor or list them separately. Comparing line items helps identify whether delivery, old-cabinet removal, and finishing details are included. A modest project can also have a minimum labor charge, even when the cabinet run is short.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | What changes the price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock cabinets | $75/linear ft | $180/linear ft | $350/linear ft | Door style, finish, and box construction |
| Installation labor | $40/linear ft | $75/linear ft | $150/linear ft | Leveling, cuts, and fitting |
| Delivery | $75 | $175 | $350 | Distance and order size |
| Removal and disposal | $150 | $450 | $900 | Existing cabinet condition and haul-away fees |
| Trim and fillers | $50 | $200 | $600 | Number of end panels and wall gaps |
Ask whether the estimate includes delivery, fastening, leveling, fillers, and cleanup. For labor estimates, a useful comparison is ; typical carpenter rates are about $50-$100 per hour, though contractors may quote by linear foot or project.
How run length and drawer specs change the quote
Cabinet length is a major price driver, but the layout matters too. A 10-foot straight run is usually less costly to fit than the same length split across corners, appliances, and narrow gaps. Each corner or irregular wall can require extra measurement, fillers, or a custom cabinet.
Basic door-and-shelf units generally cost less than drawer-heavy cabinets. Adding pull-out drawers, deep drawer boxes, or specialty corner storage can add roughly $100-$500 or more per cabinet, depending on hardware and construction. A run longer than 20 feet may increase the material total substantially, even if installation labor per foot falls slightly on a larger, simple job.
Measure in linear feet and count each specialty unit before comparing bids. A floor that varies by more than about 1/2 inch across the run may also require added shimming and adjustment; significant floor or wall correction is usually priced separately.
Keep the cabinet scope simple to control spending
Keeping the existing layout can avoid costs for moving plumbing, outlets, or appliances. If cabinet boxes are sound, replacing doors or repairing damaged sections may cost less than installing a full new run, although matching finishes can be difficult. Reuse is less practical when boxes are swollen, loose, or poorly aligned.
Stock sizes, standard finishes, and fewer specialty pull-outs help limit material costs. Buyers can also remove empty cabinets themselves if the installer permits it, but should avoid damaging floors, walls, or plumbing. Get at least three itemized quotes based on the same cabinet specifications and confirm who handles delivery and disposal.
Changing the layout and upgrading every cabinet feature are two choices that commonly expand the budget. Avoid paying for countertop or backsplash work in a cabinet-only comparison unless those tasks are included in every bid.
What installers charge for leveling and securing cabinets
A basic installation often takes one or two workers about 6-12 hours for a 10- to 15-foot run, assuming the room is clear and cabinets arrive assembled. More complex projects may take 1-3 days, especially when cabinets need assembly, walls are uneven, or the run includes several corners. Contractor minimums can make a small job cost more per foot.
Installation typically includes positioning, leveling, joining cabinet boxes, and fastening them to wall studs. Plumbing reconnection, countertop fitting, and appliance work may require separate trades. Confirm the scope and expected crew hours rather than assuming “installation” includes every kitchen task.
When removal, plumbing, or floor repairs add expense
Removing old cabinets commonly adds $150-$900, with higher charges for heavy stone countertops, difficult access, or disposal restrictions. Floor repairs may cost $3-$12 per square foot, while plumbing changes can add $200-$1,000 or more depending on whether a sink or dishwasher connection moves. Electrical changes and wall repairs are often separate quote items.
These costs are avoidable only when the existing surfaces and connections are usable. Have the installer inspect the floor, wall, and utility locations before the estimate is finalized. A low initial bid can rise if demolition or concealed damage is excluded.
How regional labor rates shift cabinet installation prices
Labor and delivery costs tend to be higher in major coastal metros and other high-cost urban areas than in many rural markets. As a planning allowance, urban quotes may run about 15%-30% above a national midrange, while rural areas may be 5%-15% below it; local demand and contractor availability can outweigh these broad differences.
For example, a $3,600 midrange project might land around $4,100-$4,700 in a high-cost metro or $3,050-$3,400 in a lower-cost rural market. Use local written estimates for budgeting because these regional percentages are approximate, not fixed rates.
Three base cabinet quotes for different kitchen sizes
A 6-foot stock run with straightforward access might cost $900-$2,100 installed, including about 6-8 labor hours. A 12-foot stock run with standard doors might total $2,000-$4,800, with roughly 8-12 labor hours. These examples assume no major demolition or utility relocation.
A 16-foot semi-custom run with several drawers and corner fitting could cost $5,000-$10,400 installed, including roughly 12-20 labor hours. These scenarios show why cabinet grade and layout can matter as much as total length. Exact quotes depend on local labor rates, cabinet specifications, and whether removal, delivery, and trim are included.