Looking to remodel your kitchen with new cabinetry? How do you know what to budget for your new cabinets? The kitchen cabinet cost can seem overwhelming when starting a remodel project.
Many homeowners underestimate the true price tag of a kitchen renovation. We’ll walk you through what impacts your price per linear foot and share tips to avoid overspending at the cabinet store. You’ll gain the confidence to get quotes and make smart choices for your new dream kitchen.
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What Impacts the Price of New Kitchen Cabinets?
The average total cost for new kitchen cabinets including materials and professional installation is around $6,270, with most homeowners spending between $2,006 to $10,899 for their cabinet remodel. But what exactly impacts the price you’ll pay to replace kitchen cabinets? Several important factors determine your overall kitchen cabinet costs:
Cabinet Types
The type of cabinets makes a significant difference in cost.
Stock cabinets are prefabricated and offer limited design flexibility. They typically range from $100 to $300 per linear foot. As mass-produced cabinets, the materials and finishes may be of lower quality. However, stock cabinets are affordable if you have a smaller kitchen or budget.
Semi-custom cabinets allow for more personalized selections for the cabinet materials, finishes, hardware, and kitchen cabinet paint colors. Pricing is mid-range, from about $150 to $650 per linear foot. The semi-custom category enables some customization of look and storage options. This strikes a good balance for many homeowners.
Custom cabinets are built completely to your unique specifications, with the highest level of customization. This top-tier cabinet design option ranges from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. Going fully custom provides personalized storage solutions, materials, sizes, and design details. It’s the ultimate in luxury kitchen craftsmanship.
Labor and Installation
Labor and installation fees are another big cost to account for. Hiring a professional cabinet installer to handle the process properly usually adds 25-50% to the total project cost. Doing it yourself can save significantly on labor, but make sure you have the necessary carpentry skills.
Materials
The materials used for cabinet boxes and doors significantly sway costs. Hardware choices add up as well.
- Wood species like oak, maple, and hickory range from $5,000–$25,000+
- Wood veneers like birch or ash cost $2,000–$15,000+
- Laminates and melamines run $4,000–$15,000
- Acrylics or glass cabinets are $5,000–$20,000+
- Stainless steel cabinets cost $25,000–$38,000+
Finishes also impact the price. Custom glazes, distressing, inlays, and other detailing add to wood cabinet costs.
Hardware
For hardware, new cabinet knobs pulls, and hinges cost anywhere from $2 to $50 per piece retail. However, you can also save money on hardware by sourcing vintage and antique pieces from thrift stores, antique shops, or online retailers.
Opting for more expensive solid wood species or commercial-grade construction often increases durability and lifespan. Consider how long you plan to stay in the home when weighing options.
Kitchen Cabinet Designs
Framed cabinets utilize a face frame attached to the front of the cabinet box for structural support. According to HomeAdvisor, framed kitchen cabinets range from $5,000 to $20,000 for an average kitchen.
Frameless cabinets have a modern, sleek appearance with concealed hinges and no face frame. Frameless cabinets tend to cost around 15% more than framed, averaging between $6,000 to $30,000 for a kitchen. The precise joints require expert construction.
Inset cabinetry has the cabinet doors set inside the face frame openings. According to Lowe’s, this intricate cabinet style typically ranges from $150 to $1,200 per linear foot. The complex joinery and hand-crafted fit of inset cabinetry commands a premium price.
Other design choices like angled cabinets, glass doors, pull-out shelves, bottom drawers, and built-in appliances boost costs but add functionality. Evaluate how these storage solutions improve workflow to help justify added expenses.
Kitchen Size
Kitchen size is a major determinant of total cabinet costs. The amount of linear feet needed to replace kitchen cabinets and layout complexity impact labor and materials. Here is an overview of estimated cabinet pricing based on kitchen dimensions:
- 10 x 10 foot kitchen = $2,000–$24,000
- 12×12 foot kitchen = $2,400–$28,800
- 12×15 foot kitchen = $2,700–$32,400
These ranges account for differences in cabinet material, grade, and design features. Larger, more intricate kitchens with more cabinetry will fall at the higher end of the price spectrum.
Cost to DIY Kitchen Cabinet Installation
Installing new kitchen cabinets on your own is possible, but it’s a big project requiring skills. The cost of a DIY kitchen cabinet project and installation typically runs from $2,000 to $20,000.
While you save significantly on labor by doing it yourself, it’s very time-consuming. You need carpentry know-how for properly fitting and leveling cabinets, making structural modifications, and doing finish work. Electrical skills are required for installing under-cabinet lighting. Plumbing skills ensure proper sink, faucet, and appliance hookups.
Make sure you have the necessary tools like drills, saws, sanders, and lumber. Study up on techniques or consider taking a cabinetry course first. An experienced helper is a wise idea. Gather helpers for moving heavy cabinets.
Tips to Save on Kitchen Cabinet Costs
Looking to give your kitchen a facelift but don’t want to break the bank by replacing cabinets? Not to worry, there are several budget-friendly routes to upgrade your kitchen layout and existing cabinetry:
- Repurpose existing cabinets – Give your existing cabinets a makeover! Refacing or repainting cabinets when they’re still in good shape saves big time compared to replacing them. A coat of paint works wonders.
- Donate-removed cabinets – If you’re removing old cabinets, check if they could be donated rather than tossed.
- Hire a professional installer – Hiring pros speed up installation since they know how to fit and connect cabinets correctly. But if you’ve got carpentry skills, DIY projects can pocket major labor savings.
- Swap out hardware – Freshen things up with new knobs, pulls or hinges. Way cheaper than buying all new cabinets! Hit up discount home stores for deals.
- Paint or stain cabinets yourself – Redoing the cabinets with stain or paint can give your kitchen a new look. Just be sure to prep the surfaces well first.
- Get multiple quotes – To find the best value, always get at least 3 quotes on comparable stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinetry. Knowing your options prevents overpaying.
- Ask about sales and specials – Cabinet manufacturers frequently offer discounts on overstock cabinets or discontinued styles which you can take advantage of for significant savings if timed right for your kitchen remodel.
- Size standard cabinets carefully – Design layouts using common incremental cabinet dimensions like 12”, 18”, and 24” widths to maximize efficiency and avoid expensive custom fabrication charges for odd cabinet sizes.
- Mix stock and semi-custom – Mixing cabinet grades in different areas keeps costs reasonable while letting you splurge on showstopper focal points.
Stay savvy, and you can have the cool kitchen you’ve always envisioned on a budget you can feel good about.
Bottomline
Don’t risk a sloppy kitchen remodel by attempting to take on too much yourself. While DIY projects can save money, major renovations like installing new cabinets require specialized skills. Rushing through the process or making mistakes results in crooked, damaged cabinets and problems down the road. Always get multiple quotes and look for sales. With some savvy shopping strategies and creativity, you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams at a cost that fits your budget. The result will be a beautiful, functional heart of your home for years to come.