A replacement cabinet drawer typically costs $50-$350, with many homeowners paying about $175-$225 for a standard-size drawer box and installation. Price depends on dimensions, wood or engineered material, slide hardware, custom work, and whether the cabinet opening needs repairs.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drawer box only | $25 | $90 | $300 | Stock to custom construction |
| Box with slides | $45 | $135 | $400 | Hardware quality and size vary |
| Installed replacement | $80 | $200 | $500 | Includes typical labor |
| New drawer front | $20 | $75 | $250 | Finish and matching affect price |
Assumptions: One standard kitchen or bathroom cabinet drawer, ordinary access, and U.S. midrange labor rates.
What a replacement cabinet drawer costs by size
A basic drawer replacement is usually far less expensive than replacing the cabinet. A stock drawer box measuring roughly 15-24 inches wide often costs $25-$100; a box with compatible slides commonly runs $45-$150. A carpenter or cabinet installer may charge $50-$150 to measure, fit, and install one drawer, putting a straightforward installed job near $100-$300.
Custom hardwood boxes, unusual dimensions, dovetail joints, matching finishes, or soft-close slides can bring a single replacement to $250-$500 or more. Replacing several drawers at once may lower the per-drawer labor charge because measuring and setup are shared. A drawer front may be priced separately if the existing front is damaged or does not transfer.
How drawer-box materials and slide installation shape the quote
Quotes may separate the box, hardware, fitting labor, and finishing. The ranges below reflect typical U.S. prices for one drawer; custom cabinetry and high-cost metro areas may exceed them.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drawer box materials | $25 | $90 | $300 | Particleboard, plywood, or hardwood |
| Slides and hardware | $15 | $45 | $120 | Basic, full-extension, or soft-close |
| Installation labor | $50 | $100 | $200 | Fit, alignment, and access |
| Front and finish | $20 | $75 | $250 | Paint, stain, profile, and matching |
| Removal or disposal | $0 | $20 | $60 | Often waived for one small box |
Installers may set a minimum service charge, so one drawer can cost more per unit than a multi-drawer order. Labor estimates often use roughly $50-$100 per hour, though flat-rate quotes are common.
Which drawer dimensions and slide types raise the price?
Fit and hardware can matter as much as the drawer material. A standard opening under about 24 inches wide is more likely to accept a stock box; widths above 24 inches, depths beyond 21 inches, or nonstandard heights often require custom sizing. Confirm the opening width, height, depth, and slide clearance before ordering.
Basic side-mount slides typically add $15-$40 per drawer, while full-extension or soft-close hardware may add $30-$120. Undermount systems can cost more because they need compatible box dimensions and careful installation. A warped cabinet side, loose face frame, or damaged slide mounting surface may add $50-$250 in repair labor and materials.
Where homeowners can trim the drawer replacement bill
Keeping a sound drawer front and cabinet opening can avoid the most avoidable charges. If only the box has failed, transferring the existing front and handle can save roughly $20-$250. Replacing slides alone may cost $15-$120 in hardware, plus installation, if the box remains square and structurally sound.
Measure carefully and compare quotes that specify box material, dimensions, slide type, finish, labor, and removal. Stock sizes generally cost less than custom construction, but a low-priced box that does not fit can lead to return fees or extra labor. If multiple drawers need work, request a combined price rather than separate minimum service calls. Avoid paying for soft-close or premium hardwood if those upgrades do not suit the cabinet or budget.
How stock, custom, and DIY drawers compare
Stock drawer boxes are the least expensive option when the opening matches a standard size. A ready-made box may cost $25-$100, with slides adding $15-$60. Custom plywood or hardwood construction can run $100-$300 for the box alone, with finished fronts and premium joinery pushing the installed price higher.
DIY replacement can keep labor off the bill, but the box, slides, fasteners, and tools still count. A homeowner may spend $40-$180 on a basic materials package, or $150-$450 for a custom hardwood build. Incorrect measurements, uneven slide placement, or a drawer front that sits crooked can erase the savings; professional fitting is more valuable when several openings are out of square.
How much time does a cabinet drawer replacement take?
A straightforward swap usually takes about 30-90 minutes once the correct drawer and slides are on site. A custom replacement may require 1-3 hours of measuring, fitting, and adjustment, while a cabinet repair can add another 1-2 hours. At $50-$100 per labor hour, a visit with a minimum charge may cost more than the hands-on time suggests.
Custom fabrication also adds calendar time: allow several days to a few weeks depending on the shop and finish. Ask whether the quote includes measurement, delivery, removal, installation, and a return visit for adjustments. A delivery or trip charge may be $20-$100, especially for a one-item order or a distant service area.
When do delivery, removal, or cabinet repairs add charges?
Removing one damaged drawer is often included in installation, but haul-away may cost $10-$60. Local delivery for a custom box can add $20-$100; rush fabrication or a difficult-to-match finish may add 10%-30%. These charges vary by provider and are worth confirming before approving the quote.
Cabinet damage can change the job from a drawer swap to a repair. Reattaching a loose slide or tightening a face frame may add $25-$100; replacing a damaged cabinet rail or rebuilding a drawer opening can add $100-$400 or more. If several cabinets are affected by moisture or structural movement, a contractor should assess the underlying issue before ordering replacement drawers.