Low-cost kitchen cabinets typically run $1,500-$6,500 for materials in a small to midsize kitchen, or about $100-$300 per linear foot; installed totals are often $3,000-$10,000. The best price depends on cabinet type, kitchen size, assembly and installation labor, and whether old cabinets or countertops must be removed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock cabinets, materials | $1,500 | $3,500 | $6,500 | Small to midsize kitchen |
| Ready-to-assemble cabinets | $1,200 | $3,000 | $6,000 | Assembly may be DIY |
| Installed stock cabinets | $3,000 | $6,500 | $10,000 | Basic installation, no major layout change |
| Cabinet refacing | $4,000 | $7,500 | $12,000 | Existing cabinet boxes remain |
What low-cost stock cabinets cost for a typical kitchen
For a 10-by-10-foot kitchen with roughly 20-25 linear feet of cabinets, economical stock or ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets usually cost $1,500-$5,000 for materials. A basic installed project commonly reaches $3,500-$8,500, while a larger kitchen, more drawers, or upgraded finishes can push the bill above $10,000. Prices assume standard sizes, straightforward access, and no plumbing or electrical relocation.
Stock cabinets are usually the least expensive new option because they come in standard dimensions and limited finishes. RTA units can cost less when the buyer assembles them, but assembly takes time and errors can damage panels or affect fit. Assumptions: Standard cabinet heights, economical finishes, and U.S. midrange labor rates. For the lowest installed price, compare complete project quotes rather than cabinet-only prices.
Cabinet materials, installation labor, and removal charges
Cabinet quotes bundle several expenses, and the split varies by installer and market. The ranges below reflect a typical 20-25-linear-foot stock cabinet project; removal and disposal may be quoted separately.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet materials | $1,500-$5,000 | $75-$200 per linear ft | Door style, finish, drawer count |
| Installation labor | $1,200-$3,500 | $50-$100 per linear ft | Assembly, leveling, trim work |
| Old cabinet removal | $300-$900 | $15-$40 per linear ft | Fasteners, wall damage, disposal |
| Delivery and accessories | $150-$800 | Per order or item | Distance, fillers, handles, freight |
| Countertop reconnection or prep | $200-$1,200 | Per project | Countertop type and plumbing scope |
Labor may be estimated by cabinet count, linear footage, or time on site. A simple installation may take a two-person crew one to three days; assembly, uneven walls, or extensive trim can add hours. Confirm whether the quote includes assembly, hardware, fillers, removal, disposal, and countertop handling.
How cabinet size, door material, and layout raise the quote
Kitchen dimensions affect more than the number of boxes. A 10-by-10-foot layout with 20-25 linear feet of cabinets is a useful budget benchmark; adding 5 linear feet can add roughly $375-$1,000 for basic materials, plus labor. Tall pantry cabinets, corner units, and custom-width pieces typically cost more than standard base and wall cabinets.
Door construction also matters. Thermofoil or basic laminate fronts often sit at the low end, while painted finishes, solid-wood doors, soft-close hardware, and decorative end panels add cost. Changing the sink location or appliance layout can require plumbing or electrical work beyond the cabinet quote. Keeping standard widths and the existing kitchen footprint is one of the strongest ways to control the final price.
When refacing or repainting beats replacing cabinet boxes
Refacing can cost about $4,000-$12,000 for a typical kitchen because it replaces doors and drawer fronts and covers visible box surfaces while keeping sound cabinet boxes. Professional repainting commonly runs $1,500-$4,500, depending on preparation, door count, and finish. Both options can cost less than replacement when the layout works and boxes are sturdy.
Replacement is more practical when cabinet boxes are swollen, loose, water-damaged, or poorly configured. Refacing does not fix weak shelves or create storage in an awkward layout, and repainting requires durable preparation to resist grease and cleaning. Compare repair or refacing against the full installed replacement price, not against cabinet materials alone.
Why cabinet installation prices differ by U.S. region
Labor prices tend to be higher in major coastal metros and dense urban areas than in many rural and lower-cost markets. As a planning estimate, installation labor in a high-cost metro may run 15%-30% above a national midrange quote; rural markets may come in 5%-15% below it, although travel or limited contractor availability can erase the difference.
Cabinet freight also affects remote locations, while local sales tax and disposal fees vary. Compare bids with the same cabinet brand, door style, linear footage, removal scope, and installation details. Use local written quotes to adjust national price ranges because regional labor can outweigh small differences in cabinet price.
Three kitchen layouts show how cabinet quotes add up
A small 12-linear-foot kitchenette using basic RTA cabinets may cost $900-$2,400 for materials and $700-$1,500 for installation, for a rough total of $1,600-$3,900 before removal or countertop work. Assembly by the homeowner can lower labor, but delivery and hardware still need to be counted.
A standard 22-linear-foot kitchen with stock laminate cabinets may total $4,000-$8,000 installed, including roughly $2,000-$4,500 for cabinets and $1,300-$2,800 for labor. A larger 30-linear-foot kitchen with pantry units, added trim, and removal can reach $7,000-$12,000 or more. These examples assume standard layouts and show why cabinet footage and job scope matter.
Which delivery, assembly, and disposal fees to check
RTA shipping may add $100-$500 or more, especially for heavy orders or long-distance delivery. Some suppliers charge a restocking fee for returned cabinets, and damaged items may delay installation. Professional assembly can add several hundred dollars, while old cabinet removal and disposal commonly add $300-$900. Wall repair, floor patching, and countertop removal are often separate.
Before ordering, check the delivery area, inspection deadline, return policy, and whether the installer handles damaged or missing parts. Ask for a written allowance for disposal and repair rather than assuming those tasks are included. A low cabinet price can become an expensive project when delivery and site-prep charges are excluded.
How to cut cabinet costs without sacrificing useful storage
Keep the sink, range, and refrigerator in their existing locations, choose standard cabinet widths, and limit decorative panels and specialty pullouts. A simpler door style and laminate or thermofoil finish can reduce material costs without changing cabinet function. Measure carefully and confirm appliance clearances before ordering to avoid costly returns or filler adjustments.
Compare at least three itemized quotes using the same cabinet count, finish, hardware, removal, and installation scope. Ask whether a contractor can install buyer-supplied cabinets, but verify responsibility for shortages, damage, and fit. Spend on sturdy cabinet boxes and practical drawers first; defer cosmetic upgrades that can be added later.