How Much Does It Cost to Install Cabinets in a Kitchen?

Updated kitchen cabinets are both functional and they refresh a home’s appearance. You spend a lot of time in the kitchen and so does your family, so having a nice, easy-to-use room is essential. In addition, kitchen remodels recoup up to 70 percent of the cost if you decide to sell your home.

The cost of standard kitchen cabinets ranges from $180 - $380 per linear foot, depending on the type of cabinets you install. If you opt to install custom cabinets then you will be looking at $500 - $1,500 per linear foot. The average cost of installing kitchen cabinets is $4,000 - $9,000. The average homeowner spends $5,900 for a set of medium-priced, standard, mid-level installed cabinets/RTA cabinets.

Cost to Install Cabinets

Cost of Kitchen Cabinets Per Linear Foot

You are probably wondering what are the pros and cons of each cabinet type. There are three main types of cabinets: budget, mid-level, and premium.

New Kitchen Cabinets Prices by Type

When shopping for cabinets, you will find a variety of standard-sized units to fit in your kitchen.

Cost to Install Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets hang on the walls, above the countertop. They offer the advantage of providing additional storage for the kitchen without taking up any floor space, while also being at a comfortable height for you to simply reach out and grab the items you need. These cabinets cost around $100 to $300 each, with the price depending on the size and materials used.

Cost to Install Base Cabinets

Base cabinets are placed beneath the countertop, helping to support it and providing a lower level of storage for the kitchen. They are often easier to install than wall cabinets because they do not need to be lifted up and securely attached to the wall. The average cost for base cabinets varies from $100 to $500.

Corner Cabinets Prices

As the name implies, corner cabinets fit into the corners of the room and have special shapes that allow them to slip into these kitchen sections. In some cases, they may contain a lazy Susan or pull-out garbage can but can be found in various sizes and designs. The average cost of corner cabinets ranges from $180 to $1,000.

Utility Cabinets Prices

Utility cabinets are often much larger than either base or wall cabinets. They often feature various doors, drawers, and storage spaces, offering a flexible array of uses. Due to their larger size, these cabinets tend to be the most expensive. The average cost for utility cabinets ranges from $500 up to $3,000.

Kitchen Cabinets Cost by Material

You can purchase kitchen cabinets made of numerous types of materials and designs to fit every taste and decor. Plywood, MDF, veneer, and particle board are the most affordable. Hardwood varies depending on the type of wood. Steel and acrylic are both high end materials.

The type of cabinet material you choose depends on your budget and taste. Although steel cabinets and acrylic are very high end, they may not fit into your home’s decor. Ideally, you should study all of the pros and cons to decide which one fits your needs:

This graphic shows the comparison of the various materials that could be used to create kitchen cabinet doors. Because materials can be combined to create cabinets, such as plywood boxes with veneer doors, and doors are the area of the cabinet most commonly interacted with, this graphic shows you how door materials stack up against one another. They’re rated for cost, their durability, and how easy they are to keep clean. Each attribute is ranked from 1 - 5, with 1 being the worst score that something can get and 5 being the best. Each material is also given a total score, so you can see at a glance how they stack up against one another:

Plywood Kitchen Cabinets Price

Plywood is a highly affordable material made by sticking several thin layers of wood veneer together. It is a great choice for kitchen cabinets if you are working on a budget because you can buy plywood kitchen cabinets for just $100 - $300 per linear foot, on average. This material is also easy-to-clean and stain-resistant but can swell in humid environments.

Hardwood Cabinets Cost

Hardwoods include maple, oak, birch, and cherry. They are favored by many people for their aesthetic beauty, with a range of colors and beautiful grain patterns. They are also very durable, although they are prone to warping and staining when not cared for properly. Depending on the wood, the average cost of hardwood cabinets ranges from $150 to $600 per linear foot.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Cabinets Cost

Stainless steel is another material you might choose for your kitchen cabinets. It is very strong and sturdy, as well as being easy to keep clean and staying rust and stain-free for many years. It is, however, expensive, costing between $1,000 and $1,500 on average for each linear foot.

Acrylic Kitchen Cabinets Cost

Acrylic is one of the most desirable but also one of the most expensive materials for use in kitchen cabinets. Very resistant to moisture, stains, scratches, and other marks, acrylic is very strong and easy-to-clean, but you will pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 per linear foot.

Cabinet Wood Types and Costs

If you decide to buy wooden kitchen cabinets, you must choose the type of wood. There are many options to choose between, ranging from affordable pine to more exotic and expensive variants.

There are clear advantages when it comes to wood kitchen cabinets.

• They are durable and strong.
• They will not stain or mark easily.
• They can handle temperature changes and humidity levels without warping or swelling.
• They are attractive, bringing warmth and elegance into the home.

Kitchen Cabinets Prices by Design

You have several choices when it comes to cabinets–framed versus frameless or shaker versus raised. Each one gives your kitchen a different look. If your home boasts a contemporary style then you might want to go with a frameless cabinet, but if you love the appearance of a country kitchen then a framed cabinet might be ideal.

Labor Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet installers will plan and prepare the area for setup. You can also opt to hire a handyman who has experience installing kitchen cabinets.

Top cabinets are installed first, followed by base cabinets. If the cabinets must be put together prior to installation, then most installers charge $40 - $80 per cabinet and then the cost of hanging the cabinet.

Cabinet installation takes about 1.25 hours for each cabinet. Cabinet installers average $35 - $65 per hour and handymen charge $60 - $90 per hour. The cost of labor is not included in the cost of the cabinet.

Some people choose to work with a kitchen designer to create the layout of their dreams. Designers charge $100 to $125 per hour.

Cost Factors of Installing Kitchen Cabinets

Ultimately, the size of your kitchen is going to determine the cost of the cabinets. A larger area with additional cabinets will cost significantly more. Also, is it a new installation or a replacement? A new installation is much easier and requires no removal of old cabinets or demo work. If you must have the old cabinets removed then a carpenter or handyman will charge an average of $60 - $90 per hour to tear out old cabinets and customize various installation aspects, such as affixing custom molding. It takes a handyman approximately 1.5 hours to install each cabinet. The shape of your kitchen might also affect the price. If there are numerous curves or windows then the cabinet might require customization to fit.

The type of wood cabinets you decide to install will also affect the price. Remember, the final cost varies greatly depending on the materials. For example, mid-range kitchen cabinets average $200 - $250 per cabinet, stock MDF cabinets average $100 - $280 per linear foot, semi-custom cabinets range from $200 - $550 per linear foot depending on the type of wood, and custom cabinets average $500 to $1,200 per linear foot, while steel cabinets average $1,000 to $1,500 per linear foot and acrylic cabinets are sold per cabinet and average $5,000 - $20,000. To arrive at an accurate price estimate you must determine how many cabinets you will require, the type of cabinets, and the size of the area measured in linear feet.

Kitchen Cabinet Sizes

Standard cabinets are always the same size. However, custom cabinets can differ dramatically. Base cabinets measure 36 inches high by 24 inches deep. Custom cabinets are often 27 inches deep. The cabinets sit atop a 4-inch recessed riser. Upper cabinets measure 12 inches deep but customs cabinets might measure 17 inches deep. The upper cabinet will always be positioned 18 inches above the countertop and measure from 30 to 42 inches tall. There is normally an 18-inch backsplash ³. Tall cabinets average 83.5 inches in height. They are often used as a broom closet or pantry.

Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes Chart

How to Measure Kitchen Cabinets

Here are the steps required to measure for kitchen cabinets:

• Make a sketch of the kitchen. Make marks on the sketch to indicate any windows or appliances.
• Measure from floor to ceiling where you plan on placing your cabinets. Record the measurement on your sketch. Repeat this everywhere in the kitchen that you plan on installing a cabinet.
• Measure the width of the walls from corner to corner. Write the numbers on the blueprint ⁴.
• Record the measurements that go from floor to windowsill, if there is a window.
• Write down the measurements for objects such as sink, windows, and oven.
• Draw on the blueprint any power outlets, light switches, range outlets, or ventilation shafts.
• Measure the width and depth of each cabinet. Record them on your blueprint in the spaces where they will go. Remember, a standard base cabinet stands 36 inches tall and has a depth of 24 inches. Wall cabinets have a depth of 12 inches, but will have differing heights depending on the style and height of your ceiling.
• Once you have a good idea of size and measurements, then you can determine how many cabinets will fit into your kitchen blueprint.

How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are a great storage source for all your pots, pans, plates, and other cooking essentials, as well as foods, drinks, and other supplies. But to make the most of your cabinets, you need to keep them organized. This can save you a lot of time in the long run, and it is much easier to cook when you know where everything is.

A good way to begin is to empty all your cabinets and get rid of any unnecessary items. Then, give each cabinet a purpose and start placing the items back in. For example, one cabinet could be used for all your plates and dishes, while another for baking essentials like flour and sugar. For example, try to position things in places that make sense, putting the pots and pans by the stove.

When placing items into the cabinets, put the things you use the most at the front, for easy access, and items you rarely use toward the back. It is also wise to place heavier things at the bottom and lighter items on top. Finally, once you have a system in place, stick to it. Always put things back where they belong, and you will not have to keep reorganizing your kitchen all the time.

Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets

If you already have kitchen cabinets and need them to be replaced, you must cover the cost of removing and disposing of the old cabinets. In addition, you will pay for the new cabinets and the labor to install them. The cost varies depending on the number of cabinets, but in general, expect to pay between $300 and $500 for the removal of your old cabinets.

Another option is to have your cabinets refaced or refinished rather than replaced. Refacing cabinets allows you to keep the current cabinets in place and give them a new look. It costs anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000+ for the entire kitchen. This helps you save up to 50% of the cost when compared to replacing all the cabinets.

The cheapest option is to have your cabinets refinished. This involves applying paint, stain, varnish, or lacquer to the cabinets to give them a fresh look. If you hire professionals to do this, the average costs for the entire kitchen will be around $1,000 to $3,000

Extra Features for Kitchen Cabinets

There are several nice features that you can choose from, such as self-closing to prevent the cabinet doors from banging shut, roll-out islands ⁵ to place trash receptacles, pull out shelves so you can clearly see what is in each cabinet, double trash cabinets, ironing board pullouts, ergonomic drawers, vertical dividers for cooking sheets, corner storage, and cabinets with a lazy susan. Such features can be plain or fancy. Spice pullouts average $245 per linear foot and wine racks run $100 - $400. Pullout cabinets and slide out organizers average around $400 per cabinet. The prices vary dramatically depending on the type, manufacturer, and materials.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Cabinet Hardware

Cabinet knobs, hinges ⁶, and handles average $1 - $100 each.

Lazy Susan

A Lazy Susan is a rotating shelf that gives you easy access to all areas of the cabinet. A cabinet that contains a lazy Susan averages $300 - $850, depending on the size and materials.

Wine Rack

A wine rack cradles the bottles. It can be displayed beneath a cabinet or a built in feature. The price averages $100 - $400.

Crown Molding Trim

Crown molding ⁷ trim provides a finished appearance to your cabinets. It runs $10 - $80/linear foot.

Sink

Kitchen sinks are highly versatile. You can go with farm basin, stainless steel, ceramic, and many more. Prices vary according to style, ranging from $300 - $1,000.

Sink Base

The sink base is a cabinet that the sink sits in. It averages $300 per linear foot.

Faucet

The faucet can be a standard lever or knob design, or it could feacher touchless controls. Prices vary greatly according to design. They average $80 - $1,000.

Countertop

The countertop could be low-end formica ⁸, marble, quartz, concrete, or tile. Prices vary greatly from $50 - $250 per sq.ft. depending on the material.

Glass Doors

Some people love glass doors in their kitchen cabinets. The price is around $100 per panel. Leaded glass averages $225 per panel.

Undercabinet Lighting

Undercabinet lighting lights up your countertop space to make food preparation a breeze. The prices average $233 - $315.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Where you live affects the price of installing kitchen cabinets. This is because of supply and demand. Large cities have more competition so may offer lower prices, though higher cost of living in general may balance out any potential savings.
• You can have matching cabinets installed in your bathroom, laundry room, or supply room that match your kitchen cabinets. Installing matching cabinets creates a cohesive style throughout the house.
• You will have to remove the old cabinets yourself or pay to have them removed. The cost averages $55 - $85 per cabinet for removal and disposal.
• Prepare for the day of cabinet installation by removing all breakables, valuables, and other items from the old cabinets. Clear a path for the old cabinets to be removed and the new cabinets brought into the home.
• You must always take kitchen appliances into consideration when designing your kitchen and picking out cabinets.
• Many cabinet retailers work with dedicated cabinet installers. If you want to hire a handyman or solo kitchen cabinet installer then make sure that they are licensed and bonded.
• Maintenance will depend on the type of cabinets you have installed. Most are easily wiped clean with a mild cleanser. However, wood cabinets require a wood cleaner.
• Many cabinet manufacturers offer free shipping on their cabinets.
• Renovating your kitchen might seem expensive, but remember you will garner a 65 to 80 percent return on your investment if you decide to sell your home.
• If you are looking for saving tips, then perform as much of the project as you can alone before you call in the professionals. Many people can easily remove their own old kitchen cabinets and save on removal costs.
• If you are wondering how long your kitchen cabinets will last after you have them installed, take note that the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors states that most cabinets will last for around 50 years after installation.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ White oak: A higher-quality hardwood commonly found in eastern North America. It is used for construction, fencing, flooring, shipbuilding, making wine barrels, and in home interiors

³ Backsplash: The upright surface, often made of tile, behind a kitchen counter, sink, or stove, that protects the wall from damage from splatter due to kitchen activities

⁴ Blueprint: A technical drawing of an architectural design. Traditionally these were made using a printing process that produced a white line on a blue background. They can also be made with CAD software and a large-scale printer

⁵ Islands: A kitchen counter that is not attached to walls or other surfaces, and that can be accessed from all sides

⁶ Hinges: A type of joint that attaches two items together but allows one of them to swing back and forth, such as a door attached to a door frame

⁷ Crown molding: A decorative finish that adds interest to the area where the top of a window meets the wall, or lines the area where the wall meets the ceiling

⁸ Formica: A brand name laminate very commonly used for countertops, made of several layers of paper or fabric with melamine resin. Formica solid surfacing is a different type of material. It is a single layer, made of acrylic resin mixed with mineral fillers. It is non-porous and durable.