Material costs for a kitchen remodel vary widely by cabinet type, countertop material, and flooring. This guide focuses on material pricing, presenting low, average, and high ranges in USD and key drivers that affect total spend.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets (stock to semi-custom) | $2,000 | $6,000 | $24,000 | Materials only; price varies by box material and door style |
| Countertops (laminate to quartz) | $1,000 | $4,000 | $15,000 | Includes slab material and edge treatment |
| Flooring (vinyl to hardwood) | $1,000 | $3,000 | $8,000 | Material cost; installation separate |
| Backsplash (tile) | $200 | $1,200 | $4,000 | Tile type and area influence cost |
| Sinks & Faucets | $130 | $700 | $2,000 | Fixtures and finish options |
| Hardware & Accessories | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Handles, pulls, organizers |
| Delivery / Disposal | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Cabinet delivery and old material removal |
Overview Of Costs
Material choices often determine the total project budget more than labor. For a typical kitchen remodel, material costs can span from roughly $6,000 to $25,000, depending on cabinetry and countertops. Per-unit ranges include cabinets by style, countertops by material and thickness, and flooring by type. The main drivers are cabinet material and finish, countertop type and thickness, flooring material, and backsplash/faucet selections.
These figures assume mid-range kitchen dimensions (about 150–180 square feet of usable area) and do not include professional installation costs. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery / Disposal | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | $2,000–$12,000 | $2,000–$5,000 | $150–$600 | $0–$300 | $120–$500 | $500–$2,000 |
| Countertops | $1,000–$5,000 | $1,000–$3,000 | $0–$300 | $0–$100 | $80–$300 | $400–$1,600 |
| Flooring | $800–$4,000 | $1,000–$3,000 | $0–$200 | $0–$50 | $80–$300 | $300–$1,200 |
| Backsplash | $150–$1,000 | $300–$800 | $0–$100 | $0 | $20–$150 | $100–$400 |
| Sinks & Faucets | $150–$1,000 | $100–$300 | $0–$50 | $0 | $20–$100 | $50–$250 |
What Drives Price
Cabinet construction and finish are the largest material-cost levers. The choice between particleboard, plywood, and solid wood boxes—or between a full wood face frame versus a framed panel—can swing cabinet costs by 15%–40% or more. Countertop selection matters as much as thickness; laminate is typically $15–$40 per square foot, while quartz runs about $60–$100 per square foot installed. Flooring cost scales with material density, wear layer, and installation complexity (glue-down vinyl vs nail-down hardwood).
- Cabinets: construction and finish – Particleboard with melamine veneer is usually the lowest-cost option; plywood boxes with solid wood fronts rise markedly in price (often 15%–40% more).
- Countertops: material and thickness – Laminate is budget-friendly; quartz and granite add significant cost, with edge profiles and 2 cm vs 3 cm thickness influencing price by 10%–25%+
- Flooring: material type and installation – Vinyl plank or ceramic tile lowers cost relative to hardwood or natural stone, with installation method driving labor hours (40–90 hours typical for mid-size kitchen).
- Backsplash: material and area – Ceramic tile is economical; glass or natural stone increases material costs and installation time.
- Fixtures: sinks & faucets – Single-basin stainless steel with standard faucet is cheaper than premium composites or designer finishes.
- Regional differences – Shipping, taxes, and local labor rates can add 5%–20% to material costs depending on region.
Ways To Save
Strategic choices can meaningfully reduce material spend without compromising function. Plan around stock cabinetry, standard finishes, and mid-range materials. Price-conscious decisions should balance durability and aesthetics to avoid higher replacement costs later.
- Choose stock or semi-custom cabinetry rather than fully custom to trim costs.
- Opt for laminate countertops or quartz with a standard edge rather than high-end edge profiles.
- Use vinyl or mid-grade hardwood options instead of premium solid wood in high-moisture zones.
- Source fixtures in standard finishes and fixtures with reliable warranties.
- Time purchases to off-peak seasons and watch for bulk-delivery savings or package deals.
Regional Price Differences
| Region | Material Cost Delta | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | +6% to +12% | Higher labor costs and shipping to coastal markets |
| Midwest | -2% to +5% | Generally more competitive material pricing and shorter supply chains |
| West | +8% to +15% | Remote sourcing and higher demand in some metros |
Labor, Hours & Rates
Installation time and crew rates influence total project spend beyond materials. Installation time for kitchen materials typically ranges from 40 to 90 hours, depending on scope and layout. Labor rates vary by region, roughly $50–$125 per hour for qualified crews. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Substantial savings can come from coordinating cabinet installation with countertop fabrication to reduce double handling and scheduling gaps.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs often catch homeowners by surprise when planning a remodel. Waste disposal, old cabinet removal, and dust protection add to the bill. Adhesives, sealants, and waste-haul fees accumulate, and delivery fees may apply to large items. Budget a buffer for unplanned fixes or adjustments once walls or utilities are opened.
- Waste disposal and old material removal
- Adhesives, sealants, and protective coverings
- Delivery fees for cabinets and bulky materials
- Potential permits or inspection fees if local rules apply
Real-World Pricing Examples
-
Basic Kitchen (stock cabinets, laminate countertops, vinyl flooring, ceramic backsplash, budget fixtures)
- Cabinets: 2,000; Countertops: 800; Flooring: 1,000; Backsplash: 200; Sinks/Faucets: 150; Hardware: 0
- Labor: 1,000–2,500; Materials total: 4,150; Per-unit: countertops $15–$40/ft²
- Total materials estimate: about $4,150; Assumptions: standard 150–180 sq ft layout; mid-range edges
-
Mid-Range Kitchen (stock to mid-range semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank, glass backsplash)
- Cabinets: 6,000; Countertops: 3,000; Flooring: 2,000; Backsplash: 800; Sinks/Faucets: 400
- Labor: 2,000–4,000; Materials total: 12,400; Per-unit: countertops $60–$100/ft² installed
- Total materials estimate: about $12,400; Assumptions: 150–180 sq ft, standard edges, 2–3 decorative details
-
Premium Kitchen (custom cabinetry, premium quartz, wide-plank hardwood, stone backsplash, designer fixtures)
- Cabinets: 14,000; Countertops: 7,000; Flooring: 4,000; Backsplash: 2,500; Sinks/Faucets: 600
- Labor: 4,000–7,500; Materials total: 28,100; Per-unit: countertops $90–$150/ft² installed (premium)
- Total materials estimate: about $28,500; Assumptions: larger footprint, complex layout, high-end finishes