Kitchen cabinets ordered online typically cost $2,000-$12,000 for a standard kitchen, before or including installation depending on the seller and cabinet type. Kitchen cabinets prices online vary most with cabinet construction, kitchen size, finish, delivery, and whether the quote includes assembly and installation.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock or RTA cabinet package | $2,000 | $4,500 | $8,000 | Typical 10-by-10-foot kitchen; cabinets only |
| Semi-custom cabinet package | $4,500 | $8,500 | $14,000 | More sizes, finishes, and modifications |
| Custom cabinet package | $10,000 | $18,000 | $30,000+ | Built to order; complex layouts can cost more |
| Installation | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | Varies with cabinet count and site conditions |
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for a standard-size kitchen, ordinary access, and midrange finishes; countertops and appliances are excluded.
What online cabinet packages cost by construction type
For a typical 10-by-10-foot layout, stock or ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets commonly run $2,000-$8,000, with a midpoint near $4,500. Fully assembled stock cabinets often cost more because factory labor and packaging are included. Online retailers may price individual units rather than a complete kitchen, so the displayed starting price may not reflect a full layout.
Semi-custom packages generally fall around $4,500-$14,000, while custom cabinets can reach $30,000 or more. On a linear-foot basis, budget approximately $100-$300 for RTA, $200-$650 for semi-custom, and $500-$1,200 or more for custom cabinetry. Compare complete cabinet lists, not just the advertised price for one cabinet or a sample kitchen.
How cabinet materials, labor, and freight shape the quote
Online estimates often separate the cabinet package from assembly, delivery, and installation. The table shows typical charges for a standard kitchen; some sellers bundle them, while others leave several costs to local contractors.
| Quote component | Typical price | How it is charged | What changes the amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet boxes and fronts | $2,000-$14,000 | Package or $100-$650 per linear ft | Construction, finish, door style |
| RTA assembly | $50-$150 per cabinet | Per cabinet | Cabinet size and local labor |
| Installation | $1,000-$5,000 | Per project or $75-$150 per hour | Removal, leveling, trim work |
| Delivery and handling | $150-$800 | Per order | Distance, freight service, access |
| Removal and disposal | $300-$1,000 | Per kitchen | Cabinet quantity and haul-away fees |
Labor pricing depends on whether the installer assembles RTA units, removes old cabinets, modifies fillers, or handles uneven walls. For example, 20-35 installation hours at $75-$150 per hour equals roughly $1,500-$5,250 before separate removal or repair charges. Ask whether the quote includes assembly, installation, trim, and disposal.
Which kitchen measurements change cabinet prices most?
Cabinet quantity and layout are major price drivers. A compact kitchen with 15-20 linear feet of cabinets may need $2,000-$6,000 in stock units, while a larger 30-40-foot layout can exceed $8,000 before installation. These figures assume standard sizes and do not include countertops.
Islands, tall pantry units, and specialty storage add cost because they require more material and often use higher-priced fittings. A 6-foot island with storage may add $800-$2,500 for stock cabinets, excluding countertop and electrical work. Switching from a standard 30-inch wall cabinet to a 42-inch unit, or choosing plywood boxes instead of particleboard, can also raise the package price. Accurate wall lengths, ceiling height, appliance openings, and corner measurements reduce ordering errors and costly replacement pieces.
Does shipping assembled cabinets cost more than RTA?
RTA cabinets ship in flat boxes and typically cost less to transport, but assembly takes time and may require tools and a level work area. Fully assembled cabinets arrive ready to install and can save labor, though freight can be higher because shipments take more space and may need special handling.
Online delivery charges commonly range from $150-$800, but remote delivery, limited-access roads, liftgate service, or indoor placement can add fees. Inspect boxes promptly and photograph damage before signing delivery paperwork. A missing or damaged cabinet can delay the project, and expedited replacement shipping may not be included in the original quote. Check the delivery method, damage-claim deadline, and replacement policy before placing the order.
RTA, assembled, and custom cabinets at a similar size
For a 25-linear-foot kitchen, an RTA package may cost $2,500-$7,500, an assembled stock package $4,000-$9,000, and semi-custom cabinetry $5,000-$16,000. Custom work for the same run may reach $12,500-$30,000 or more. Finishes and construction vary, so price alone does not establish durability.
RTA makes sense when standard sizes fit and the buyer can arrange assembly. Assembled stock is a middle option when faster installation matters. Semi-custom and custom lines allow more sizing and finish choices but can have longer production times and higher modification charges. Request the same cabinet list and finish level from each seller to make the comparison meaningful.
Why online cabinet quotes differ by U.S. region
National online cabinet prices may be similar, but delivered project totals vary with freight distance and local installer rates. In high-cost metro areas, installation can run about 15%-30% above typical national labor pricing; smaller markets may be 10%-20% lower when installers are readily available. Remote locations can offset lower labor rates with higher delivery costs.
Local permitting is usually not required for a cabinet-only replacement, but rules can apply when the project changes plumbing, electrical circuits, or structural walls. Those trades may add $300-$2,000 or more, depending on the work and inspection requirements. Get a local labor quote before buying cabinets online, especially when the layout changes.
Where buyers can trim an online cabinet budget
Keeping the sink, range, and refrigerator in their current positions avoids some plumbing and electrical costs. Standard-width cabinets, simple door profiles, and fewer specialty pullouts generally cost less than custom sizes and elaborate storage. Reusing sound cabinets in a pantry or laundry area can also reduce replacement needs.
Compare at least three itemized quotes and check whether each includes fillers, toe kicks, finished end panels, hardware, freight, and taxes. Ordering extra pieces may be unnecessary if the seller can supply replacements, but a small allowance for damaged or mismeasured parts can prevent project delays. Control the cabinet list and installation scope before paying a deposit.
Three sample online cabinet budgets for real layouts
A small 15-linear-foot kitchen using RTA cabinets might total $3,500-$6,500: $2,000-$4,000 for units, $750-$1,500 for assembly and installation, and $200-$500 for delivery. This assumes standard finishes and no old-cabinet removal.
A 25-linear-foot kitchen with assembled stock cabinets might run $6,000-$11,000, including approximately $4,000-$7,000 in cabinets, $1,500-$3,000 for installation, and $300-$700 for freight and handling. A 35-linear-foot semi-custom kitchen with an island may reach $12,000-$22,000, depending on upgrades and installation complexity. These examples exclude countertops, appliances, plumbing changes, and sales tax.