Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets – 2024 Price Guide
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Your kitchen is generally the focal point of your home. It is where you and the family gather while cooking holiday meals or simply spending time together each day.
If you want to make a first and lasting impression on your guests, as well as create a functional space that your family can enjoy every day, it usually starts in your kitchen. The largest component of a kitchen remodel is often the cabinetry.
Keep reading to learn more about the most popular options for kitchen cabinets and the average cost for the installation.
2024 Kitchen Cabinets Costs
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| National Average Price | $8,000 |
| Typical Price Range | $5,000 - $13,000 |
| Maximum Price | $30,000 |
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How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost?
Many homeowners are planning to renovate their kitchens. And why not? It is the best method of adding value to your home. It’s also one of the most expensive, so be careful not to overspend when looking to sell.
To get a better idea of the equity boost you could see, ask a local realtor how much similar homes in your neighborhood are going for and get an appraisal. Then you know how much equity you have and how much value a renovated kitchen can add.
Of the 1,337 Houzz readers who responded to their survey and reported remodeling their kitchens within the previous year, 78 percent upgraded their kitchen cabinets. Fifty-five percent chose either light gray or white colors for their kitchen, with 69 percent choosing stainless steel appliances.
While white kitchens are considered timeless and are universally popular, other popular colors include shades of blue, natural wood tones, and the occasional pop of color like yellow or black.
One of the most substantial elements of any beautiful kitchen is an impressive row of cabinets.
Although there are less expensive options, such as repainting, refinishing, or resurfacing your kitchen cabinets, a new set may be in order. Especially when the old set is vinyl-clad or made of pressed board with a veneer covering, new paint or varnish might not be possible.
Likewise, if your old cabinets are in poor condition or are in the wrong configuration for your kitchen, new ones can help solve these issues. New cabinets can also include many options that can help make your kitchen more functional, such as pull-out racks, appliance shelves, and sliding pan drawers.
Therefore, if you choose to install new cabinets, there are three fundamental choices: off-the-shelf (or “stock”), semi-customized, and fully-customized and made-to-order. Whichever you prefer, the prices will vary widely, though the national average for a new 30 linear foot set is $5,000 to $13,000, with a high end of $15,000 to $30,000 for fully-customized cabinets.
Stock Off-the-Shelf Kitchen Cabinets Costs
The problem many people have with stock cabinets is they will see the same cabinets in many homes. They want something original, and when you are spending that much money, you should get what you want.
In addition, stock cabinets will limit your choices for things like size and options. If you have a unique space, stock cabinets won’t necessarily fit it best.
However, stock cabinets are much more affordable. You can expect to pay $50 to $200 per linear foot for cabinets and materials. Another $50 to $100 for installation. Therefore, your total should be around $100 to $300 per linear foot installed.
Be careful choosing laminates and veneers that will get placed next to the stove, as many homeowners report bubbling and lifting due to steam and heat. Ask a cabinet installer before you buy.
If the cabinets do not come with preset pull, knobs, and hinges, we suggest buying those and installing them yourself. The manufacturer usually pre-drills the holes, and all you need to do is screw them in place. There’s no sense in paying $32 to $100 per hour to have someone do that unless you have more money than time.
Semi-Custom Cabinets Costs
These are basically the same as stock cabinets, however, the purchaser can ask for different doors, deeper cabinets, and resized drawers. These changes are usually not free unless you find a dealer willing to adjust to make the sale.
Semi-custom cabinets are a good choice if you only need a few changes to the cabinets. For example, you need one larger cabinet than the others to fill a gap in a wall, but the rest of the cabinets can be stock. Semi-custom cabinets can help you save money while still getting the best fit for your kitchen.
With minor changes, expect to pay $75 to $400 per linear foot for materials and hardware. As with stock cabinets, you might get the dealer to change the hardware for a price or leave those out for a discount and add your own. Expect your final price installed to be $200 to $500 per linear foot.
Fully Customized Cabinets Costs
Fully customized cabinets usually begin with a designer who will charge $200 to $300. Then, depending on the number of units, material quality, and the amount of customization needed, you could spend up to $30,000 for the final project.
Fully custom cabinets are a good idea if you have a very unusual space or if you have specific needs, such as a higher or lower than average countertop or very high ceilings. They’re also a way to create a bespoke kitchen when you use things like appliance panels or want decorative features in the cabinetry.
New high-quality woods such as cherry, walnut, or mahogany cost $15 to $30 per linear foot just for the door and face-frame materials, and then there’s the expense to the cabinetmaker and the installer. Installation alone will cost $50 to $200 per linear foot. Plus, new hardware if you are replacing those.
Getting that Island to Look the Same
You may run into a problem where the supplier does not carry an island in the same material as your cabinets. Always ask the dealer if you don’t see an island on display.
Stock cabinet makers typically make some islands to go with cabinets, but others require special order, and the island may take longer to get. You can often choose a semi-custom or custom island to match stock or semi-custom cabinets. Keep in mind that islands can be installed at a later date than the rest of the cabinets.
However, unless you are in a hurry, most items can have a lead time of 6 to 8 weeks – including countertops, faucets, and sinks. Therefore, waiting for an island won’t necessarily delay your project.
Another option is to hire a local carpenter to refinish your current island to match your new cabinets. Most woodworkers will have no problem matching the wood and color. On the other hand, if you buy cabinets made of laminates or PVC, those might be more difficult to match. If the dealer cannot get those for you, it might be wise to make another choice.
Get Installation Estimates for New Kitchen Cabinets
Now that you have a general idea of how much it will cost for new kitchen cabinets, you can shop smarter. Then, after you choose your new cabinets, it’s time to get them installed.
Get a few estimates from local contractors who are licensed, insured, and have references. We suggest getting at least three estimates to get a good idea of the options available and to be able to select the best contractor for your project.
Checking in with your local Better Business Bureau and the Building Inspector’s office will not only give you valuable information on possible contractors, but the building inspector will tell you if you need a permit and if your chosen contractor has multiple open jobs that have lingered.
Whether you choose stock, semi-customized, or fully-customized kitchen cabinets, a professional install can make a world of difference.
All pricing information on this page is based on average industry costs, and is subject to variance for project-specific materials, labor rates, and requirements.