Readers typically pay for a full kitchen refresh by totaling cabinets, countertops, appliances, and fixtures. The price depends on material choices, unit sizes, and labor requirements. This guide covers the cost you can expect for common kitchen items, with low, average, and high ranges to help with budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base cabinets (per linear foot) | $100 | $260 | $550 | Laminate to mid-grade plywood, 24″-30″ tall |
| Countertops (per sq ft) | $25 | $60 | $120 | Laminate to quartz options |
| Kitchen sink (single bowl) | $120 | $350 | $800 | Stainless steel or composite |
| Faucet | $40 | $170 | $450 | Basic to premium finish |
| Appliance package (range, fridge, dishwasher) | $2,000 | $6,500 | $12,000 | Budget to stainless steel+smart features |
| Backsplash (per sq ft) | $7 | $20 | $60 | Ceramic to glass mosaic |
| Paint and prep for cabinets | $300 | $1,000 | $2,000 | DIY-ready to professional finish |
| Hardware (handles/knobs per piece) | $2 | $8 | $20 | Metal or specialty finishes |
| Lighting (under-cabinet and ceiling) | $100 | $550 | $1,300 | LED fixtures, dimmable options |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 36″ counters, typical 10-12 ft kitchen footprint, mid-grade materials.
Cost of Kitchen Cabinets by Material Type and Size
Base cabinetry price hinges on material and footprint. For a typical 10–15 ft run, stock plywood or particleboard boxes with thermofoil or a basic door finish cost about $1,000-$2,200 for the entire run, while mid-range plywood with solid wood doors runs $2,300-$5,000. Premium solid wood cabinetry or custom cabinetry can push totals to $8,000-$15,000 or more, depending on height, depth, and organizers. The per-linear-foot range helps planners budget: $100-$550 per ft. Assumptions: standard 24″ depth, 36″ height, single-wall layout, standard door styles.
Countertops Per Square Foot by Material
Material choice drives the range from economy to luxury. Laminate countertops commonly cost $25-$40 per sq ft installed, quartz $60-$90, marble or granite $70-$120, and custom solid-surface options can top $120-$200 per sq ft. For a 10 ft by 10 ft island or broad workspace, expect $2,500-$5,000 in laminate, $6,000-$9,000 in quartz, or $7,000-$15,000 for stone slabs with edge detailing. Assumptions: single-color top, standard edge profile, under-mount sink, and professional installation.
Sinks and Faucets: Dual-Bowl, Single-Bowl, and Upgrades
Per-item pricing helps compare packages. Stainless single-bowl sinks run $120-$350; double-bowl variants $180-$500. High-end solid-surface or apron-front sinks can reach $500-$1,200. Faucets range $40-$450 depending on features like pull-down spray, touchless operation, and durable finishes. Installed kitchen sink and faucet kits typically total $300-$900 for mid-range setups. For premium configurations with filtration and built-in disposal, budgets may exceed $1,000. Assumptions: standard 33″ sink base, 1-1/2″ drain, basic installation.
Major Appliance Package: Range, Refrigerator, and Dishwasher
Appliance bundles vary by configuration and energy rating. A basic stainless steel package might start around $2,000-$3,500, mid-range suites $4,500-$8,000, and high-end smart appliances or professional-series sets $9,000-$15,000+. Installed package pricing can include delivery, haul-away, and disconnect/reconnect fees totaling $150-$800. Expect higher costs in regions with strict energy codes. Assumptions: standard 30–36″ freestanding range, 24″ built dishwasher, 36″ counter-depth fridge.
Backsplash Costs by Tile Type and Coverage
Layout and tile choice drive the price spread. Ceramic tile backsplashes typically run $7-$20 per sq ft installed; glass or natural stone can reach $25-$60 per sq ft. Labor adds about $10-$20 per sq ft for cutting and grouting on complex layouts. For a 40 sq ft backsplash, expect $280-$800 for ceramic, $400-$1,200 for glass, and $1,000-$2,400 for stone options. Assumptions: standard 4″ x 12″ or 3″ x 6″ tile, full-height behind stove.
Kitchen Lighting: Under-Cabinet Plus Ceiling Fixtures
Lighting budgets reflect fixture quality and design goals. Under-cabinet LED strips cost $50-$350 per 10 ft run plus installation; ceiling fixtures range $80-$300 each; total lighting packages typically $350-$1,200 for moderate kitchens, with premium fixtures pushing $2,000+. Dimmable controls and smart hubs add $100-$300. Assumptions: typical 8-12 ft run of under-cabinet lighting, 6-8 ceiling fixtures in a standard layout.
Labor, Permits, and Disposal: What Sits Behind the Price
Labor and permits are often the largest variable in a kitchen project. General contractor labor for full remodel might be $60-$125 per hour, with project totals ranging $5,000-$20,000 depending on scope. Permits in many municipalities range $100-$1,000 and vary by scope; disposal and removal of old cabinets and countertops can add $300-$1,500. Assumptions: standard kitchen, no structural changes, single-family home, normal access.
Regional Price Variations: Midwest, South, Northeast, and West
Geography changes base costs by 10% to 25% on average. Midwest projects may run 10-15% lower than coastal regions, while Northeast and West Coast averages can be 15-25% higher due to labor and material costs. A mid-range 12 ft kitchen could be $12,000 in the Midwest, $14,000 in the South, $16,000 in the Northeast, or $17,000 in the West for a full cabinet and countertop refresh with basic appliances. Assumptions: similar scope and materials across regions, standard labor availability.
Strategies to Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Scope control and material choices alone can trim total spend. Consider refacing existing cabinets instead of full replacement, reuse existing countertops if feasible, select mid-range quartz instead of marble, or stagger appliance upgrades to timelines. Scheduling work in off-peak seasons can reduce labor rates by 5%–15%. Bundling purchases from the same vendor often lowers delivery or install fees. Assumptions: no major structural changes, reasonable access and delivery windows.