Kitchen cabinet prices typically range from about $2,000 for stock cabinets to more than $30,000 for custom cabinetry, with size, construction, finish, and installation driving the total. Standard dimensions fit many kitchens, but unusual layouts, upgraded materials, and local labor rates can raise the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock cabinets, installed | $2,000 | $5,000 | $8,000 | Typical 10-by-10-foot kitchen |
| Semi-custom cabinets, installed | $4,000 | $9,000 | $15,000 | More sizes and finish choices |
| Custom cabinets, installed | $10,000 | $20,000 | $35,000+ | Made to fit the room and specifications |
| Cabinet installation labor | $50 | $100 | $150 per linear ft | Removal and repairs may cost extra |
Kitchen cabinet prices by size and construction
Cabinet prices depend on the kitchen’s total cabinet run, not just room floor area. As a planning benchmark, a 10-by-10-foot kitchen often has about 20-25 linear feet of cabinets. Installed stock cabinets commonly cost $100-$300 per linear foot, semi-custom cabinets $200-$600, and custom cabinets $500-$1,200 or more.
Typical base cabinets are 34.5 inches high and 24 inches deep, before the countertop. Wall cabinets are often 12 inches deep and 30-42 inches tall. Standard pantry cabinets can range from about 84 to 96 inches high. For a basic 10-by-10 layout, a practical installed budget is $2,000-$8,000 for stock, $4,000-$15,000 for semi-custom, or $10,000-$35,000+ for custom.
Assumptions: U.S. mid-range labor, standard finishes, roughly 20-25 linear feet, and no major plumbing or electrical changes.
What cabinet materials and installation add to the quote
The cabinet line is only part of the bill. The table shows common installed-project components for a mid-range kitchen; exact amounts shift with the cabinet tier, room condition, and amount of demolition.
| Cost component | Low | Average | High | Typical basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet boxes and doors | $2,000 | $6,000 | $18,000+ | Stock through custom package |
| Installation labor | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | $50-$150 per linear ft |
| Removal and disposal | $300 | $700 | $1,500 | Existing cabinets and haul-away |
| Hardware and accessories | $100 | $500 | $1,500 | Knobs, pulls, organizers |
| Delivery and finishing work | $150 | $500 | $1,200 | Freight, trim, fillers, touch-ups |
Installation may be quoted by the linear foot or as a project fee. Labor excludes countertop replacement, backsplash work, and significant wall repairs unless the quote says otherwise. Check whether the written estimate includes removal, delivery, trim, hardware, and finish repairs before comparing totals.
How 10-by-10 and larger kitchens change totals
A compact kitchen with 15 linear feet of stock cabinets may cost around $1,500-$4,500 for cabinets and installation, excluding removal and extras. A 20-25-foot standard layout can run $2,000-$8,000, while a 30-35-foot kitchen may reach $3,000-$10,500 for stock units. Semi-custom and custom prices rise more sharply as each added foot includes higher-priced boxes, doors, and labor.
These examples assume straightforward access and standard cabinet heights. A large island, tall pantry wall, or many corner units can cost more than an equivalent straight run because they require additional boxes, panels, or specialty hardware. Use the measured cabinet run and configuration, rather than room square footage alone, to compare estimates.
Which dimensions and upgrades raise a cabinet quote?
Nonstandard widths, ceiling-height wall cabinets, and deep pantry units can push a project beyond stock pricing. Stock boxes commonly come in width increments such as 3 inches, so a 27-inch opening may use a standard cabinet, while an awkward 25-inch opening may need a filler or a modified unit. Custom sizing becomes more valuable when fillers would waste substantial storage or leave an unfinished appearance.
Material and construction matter too. Particleboard boxes with laminate finishes tend to cost less than plywood boxes, solid-wood doors, or furniture-grade finishes. Soft-close hinges, pull-out trays, and built-in waste bins add roughly $50-$500 or more per feature, depending on the product. Measure openings, ceiling height, and appliance clearances before choosing a cabinet tier.
How regional labor shifts cabinet installation prices
Installation labor and delivery can vary by location. Busy metro markets in the Northeast, West Coast, and large coastal cities may price 10%-25% above a national mid-range estimate. Smaller cities and rural areas may fall 5%-15% below it, although long delivery distances or limited installer availability can erase that difference.
Labor is also affected by access and site conditions. Stairs, narrow doorways, uneven floors, or walls that need leveling can add $200-$1,500 or more. Removal of old cabinets often costs $300-$1,500, depending on volume and disposal fees. Ask each contractor to separate labor, delivery, demolition, and site-preparation charges.
Can stock cabinets replace custom sizes?
Stock cabinets are usually the least expensive choice when standard widths and heights work with the room. Semi-custom lines offer additional widths, finishes, and modifications without requiring every cabinet to be made from scratch. Custom cabinets suit unusual layouts or exact built-ins, but the premium can be substantial.
Refacing can be another alternative if cabinet boxes are sound and the layout works. Replacing doors and drawer fronts often costs about $4,000-$10,000 for a typical kitchen, while cabinet replacement changes both boxes and fronts. Compare the full cost of refacing, including hardware and repairs, with a stock replacement quote before deciding.
Where can homeowners trim cabinet spending?
Keep the layout close to its existing footprint to avoid extra plumbing, electrical, and finish work. Choose standard widths, use stock cabinets where they fit, and reserve semi-custom or custom units for problem areas. Open shelving in a limited spot may reduce the number of wall cabinets, but it should be weighed against storage needs and the cost of finishing the wall.
Get at least three itemized quotes based on the same cabinet count, dimensions, material, and accessories. Check whether sales pricing includes delivery or required trim, and avoid paying for organizers or premium hinges that are not useful for the household. Accurate measurements and a fixed scope are two of the most reliable ways to prevent cabinet-budget surprises.