Solid wood kitchen cabinets typically cost $10,000-$50,000 installed, with a midrange project around $22,000 for a standard-size kitchen. Final pricing depends on cabinet footage, wood species, whether the cabinets are stock or custom, and the amount of removal and installation work.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed kitchen project | $10,000 | $22,000 | $50,000 | About 20 linear feet; cabinets only |
| Installed price per linear foot | $400 | $900 | $2,000 | Varies with construction and customization |
| Cabinet materials, per linear foot | $250 | $600 | $1,400 | Before installation and related work |
| Installation labor | $2,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | Depends on kitchen layout and site conditions |
What a 20-foot solid wood cabinet project usually costs
For roughly 20 linear feet of cabinets, a basic stock or semi-custom layout may run $10,000-$18,000 installed. A typical semi-custom project with upgraded doors and a practical mix of drawers and cupboards often lands around $18,000-$30,000. Custom cabinetry, premium wood, or detailed finishes can push the total to $35,000-$50,000 or more.
These estimates cover cabinets and standard installation, not countertops, appliances, plumbing, flooring, or major electrical work. Cabinet pricing per linear foot is a useful comparison, but it usually combines upper and lower cabinets and does not reflect differences in drawer count or corner units. For an apples-to-apples estimate, compare the same layout, cabinet height, wood species, and finish.
Assumptions: A 20-foot kitchen, standard ceiling height, ordinary access, and U.S. midrange labor rates; regional quotes can differ.
How wood, hardware, labor, and removal shape the quote
A cabinet estimate may list materials separately or bundle them into a package. Ask whether “solid wood” describes the doors and face frames, the cabinet boxes, or every component. Many quality cabinets use solid wood for visible frames and doors with plywood or engineered panels for box sides.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | What changes the price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet materials, per linear foot | $250 | $600 | $1,400 | Species, construction, finish, and order type |
| Installation labor | $2,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | Layout complexity and adjustment work |
| Old cabinet removal | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Cabinet weight, fasteners, and disposal distance |
| Hardware and organizers | $300 | $1,200 | $3,500 | Pulls, soft-close hinges, and drawer inserts |
| Delivery and disposal | $200 | $600 | $1,500 | Delivery access and local hauling fees |
Labor is commonly priced as a project fee or at about $50-$125 per hour. A crew may need 2-5 days for removal, cabinet setting, leveling, fastening, and trim, with extra time for an uneven floor or walls. Confirm whether the quote includes fillers, toe kicks, crown molding, handles, and disposal.
Which species and cabinet construction raise material prices?
Maple and birch are common choices for painted or lightly stained cabinets; oak has a prominent grain, while cherry and walnut generally cost more. As a broad material comparison, maple or birch cabinetry may be around $250-$700 per linear foot, oak around $300-$850, and cherry or walnut around $450-$1,400. These are indicative cabinet-material ranges, not fixed national rates.
Custom sizing, inset doors, full-overlay styles, and specialty stains can add 15%-40% compared with simpler configurations. Solid wood can also move with humidity, so cabinet makers may use stable plywood boxes rather than solid panels for large cabinet sides. Request a written material specification instead of relying on the phrase “all wood.”
How kitchen size and layout change the installed total
More cabinet footage increases the material bill, but layout details also matter. A corner cabinet, tall pantry, appliance garage, or bank of deep drawers can cost more than a basic cupboard of similar width. These examples assume standard installation and exclude countertops and appliances.
| Kitchen scenario | Cabinet length | Typical installed range | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small galley | 12-15 linear feet | $7,000-$18,000 | Stock or semi-custom, straightforward layout |
| Average kitchen | 18-24 linear feet | $12,000-$32,000 | Mixed uppers and lowers, moderate options |
| Large or custom kitchen | 25-35 linear feet | $25,000-$60,000+ | More storage, specialty units, or custom sizing |
Count cabinets by the actual plan, not just room size; two kitchens with the same floor area can need very different cabinet runs.
What regional labor rates do to cabinet installation prices
Cabinet and installation quotes tend to be higher in high-cost metro areas, including parts of the Northeast, California, and the Pacific Northwest. A comparable job may cost roughly 10%-25% more than the national midrange in expensive urban markets. Smaller cities and rural areas may come in about 5%-15% below it, although delivery distance and limited contractor availability can offset the savings.
These are planning differences, not guaranteed regional price lists. Local demand, union labor, shop location, and the number of installers available affect bids. Compare at least three local quotes using the same cabinet schedule and installation scope.
How long removal and installation take in a lived-in kitchen
For a typical 20-foot kitchen, removal may take 1-2 days and installation about 2-5 days. Custom cabinets can require several weeks to manufacture before work begins; stock units may be available sooner, depending on inventory. Installation timing can lengthen if walls need repair, floors are out of level, or plumbing and electrical lines must move.
Some contractors charge $500-$2,500 for removal and disposal, while others include it in the labor price. Moving plumbing, correcting damaged drywall, or replacing a subfloor is usually an additional trade cost. Ask for separate prices for cabinet work and any repairs discovered after the old units come out.
Where to trim the solid wood cabinet budget
Choose a standard cabinet size and door style before paying for custom dimensions or decorative details. Use a moderately priced species for painted cabinets, reserve premium wood for visible features, and compare simple hardware with upgraded organizers priced separately. Keeping plumbing and appliances in place can also avoid added trade work.
Refacing may cost about $5,000-$13,000 when the cabinet boxes are sound, but it does not provide new cabinet interiors or correct a poor layout. Replacing only damaged units can be less expensive, though matching an older finish may be difficult. Prioritize durable construction and usable storage before paying for optional upgrades.