Kitchen cabinet costs commonly range from $4,000 to $15,000 for stock cabinets and installation, with custom projects often exceeding $30,000. The estimate depends on cabinet count and size, material and construction, labor, removal, and whether the layout changes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock cabinets and installation | $4,000 | $8,000 | $15,000 | Typical 10-by-10-foot kitchen |
| Semi-custom cabinets and installation | $8,000 | $16,000 | $28,000 | More sizes and finish choices |
| Custom cabinets and installation | $18,000 | $32,000 | $60,000+ | Built to order; complex designs cost more |
| Cabinet-only pricing | $100 | $250 | $800+ | Per linear foot; varies by type |
Cabinet replacement prices by kitchen size
For a straightforward 10-by-10-foot kitchen with about 20-25 linear feet of cabinets, stock units typically cost $2,000-$6,000 before installation. Installed totals are often $4,000-$15,000. Semi-custom projects commonly reach $8,000-$28,000 installed, while custom cabinetry may run $18,000-$60,000 or more.
For a first estimate, multiply cabinet run length by the installed rate, then add removal and finish work. A broad installed allowance is $200-$600 per linear foot for stock and $400-$1,100 for semi-custom; custom work can exceed $1,500 per linear foot. Linear feet measure cabinet frontage, not floor area, and upper and lower runs may be counted separately by contractors.
Assumptions: U.S. midrange pricing, standard-height ceilings, ordinary access, and no major plumbing or electrical relocation.
What cabinet materials and labor add to a quote
Ask for separate line items so cabinet prices can be compared consistently. The table shows common ranges for a typical kitchen; individual quotes can fall outside them based on location and scope.
| Quote item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock cabinet boxes and doors | $2,000-$6,000 | $100-$300 per linear ft | Door style, finish, and cabinet count |
| Semi-custom or custom units | $5,000-$30,000+ | $250-$1,500+ per linear ft | Materials, dimensions, and detailing |
| Installation labor | $1,500-$6,000 | $50-$125 per hour | Leveling, scribing, and site access |
| Removal and disposal | $300-$1,500 | Per kitchen | Cabinet weight and haul distance |
| Hardware and trim | $200-$2,000 | Per project | Pulls, crown molding, and fillers |
Materials and installation are usually the largest quote lines. Labor is often estimated as a fixed project charge rather than a simple hourly bill. For a planning check, can estimate labor, but confirm whether the contractor includes measuring, delivery coordination, cleanup, and adjustment visits.
How cabinet dimensions and construction change the estimate
Count each cabinet by width, height, and depth, noting whether it is a base, wall, pantry, corner, or specialty unit. A kitchen with 25 linear feet of cabinetry will generally cost more than one with 15 feet, but tall pantry cabinets and corner solutions can raise the total faster than simple run length suggests.
Every nonstandard dimension can affect both unit price and installation time. Stock boxes are commonly sold in set width increments, while a run needing several fillers or altered openings may call for semi-custom sizing. Plywood boxes, solid-wood fronts, soft-close hardware, finished ends, and integrated organizers can add hundreds to several thousand dollars. Moving a sink or range can also require separate trade work.
For a comparison, request the cabinet count, linear footage, box material, door material, finish, and included accessories in writing.
How many installation hours should the estimate include
A standard replacement with 20-25 linear feet may take a two-person crew about 2-4 days, or roughly 32-64 combined labor hours. Removing old cabinets, uneven walls, tile or countertop work, and extensive scribing can extend the schedule. New cabinet installation often requires accurate leveling and fastening to wall framing.
Compare labor scope as well as the quoted total. One installer may include only hanging and leveling, while another includes fillers, toe kicks, crown molding, hardware, and cleanup. Confirm who handles countertop removal and reconnection of plumbing, electrical, or appliances; those services are not always part of the cabinet installer’s price.
Stock cabinets compared with semi-custom and custom
Stock cabinets are generally the least expensive and can work when standard sizes suit the existing layout. Semi-custom units offer more dimensions, finishes, and storage options for a middle-range budget. Custom cabinets are built to the room and can solve unusual layouts, but detailed drawings, specialty finishes, and one-off construction increase cost and lead time.
Choose the least expensive category that fits the room without costly workarounds. If stock dimensions leave large gaps or require extensive fillers, compare the installed quote with semi-custom pricing. Refacing existing cabinet boxes may be another alternative when they are sound and the layout works; it does not replace damaged or poorly configured boxes.
Why cabinet labor rates vary across U.S. regions
Labor and delivery can make identical cabinet plans cost different amounts. As a planning comparison, metropolitan markets with high contractor demand may run about 10%-25% above a national midrange estimate, while some rural markets may be 5%-15% lower. These are broad budgeting adjustments, not guaranteed local quotes.
Use local bids to replace any national allowance before setting a final budget. Freight distance, parking, stairs, building access, and contractor availability may matter as much as the city or state. Compare at least two itemized estimates based on the same cabinet specifications and installation scope.
Which add-ons can push a cabinet quote higher
Old cabinet removal may cost $300-$1,500, while delivery can add $150-$800, especially for a large order or difficult access. Crown molding, decorative panels, finished cabinet ends, rollout trays, and pull-out waste bins can add $100-$2,000 or more depending on quantity and quality.
Separate required work from optional upgrades before accepting the estimate. Countertop replacement, backsplash installation, sink reconnection, and electrical changes are often quoted separately. Ask whether the price includes sales tax, delivery, disposal, fillers, toe kicks, and final adjustments to avoid a low initial bid that grows during installation.
How to lower the cabinet estimate without rework
Keep plumbing, appliances, and cabinet layout in place when possible; changing the footprint can trigger extra labor and trade charges. Choose standard stock widths, limit specialty pull-outs, and select a durable midrange finish rather than paying for custom details that do not solve a storage or fit problem.
Control scope first, then compare equivalent quotes. Measure the cabinet runs, photograph the existing kitchen, and provide each bidder the same list of units and requested features. Ask whether sound cabinet boxes can be refaced, and schedule delivery only when the site is ready to reduce storage or rescheduling charges. Check written exclusions before choosing the lowest total.