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 $160-$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 total cost for 30 linear feet of medium-priced standard mid level cabinets/RTA cabinets installed averages $6,412.

Cost factors

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.

Measurements

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 ¹.
• 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.

Sizing

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 ². Tall cabinets average 83.5 inches in height. They are often used as a broom closet or pantry.

Comparing cabinets

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.

Types of cabinets

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

You can purchase the following types of cabinets:

• Wall cabinets which hang above the countertop.
• Base cabinets which support the countertop.
• Specialty or utility cabinets act as pantries, broom closets, etc.. They are typically tall and narrow.
• Corner cabinets fit into the corner. They often contain a lazy susan or pull out trash holder.

Features

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 ⁷ 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.

Materials

You can purchase kitchen cabinets made of numerous types of materials and designs to fit every taste and decor. Plywood ⁶, MDF, veneer, and particle board ⁴ 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.

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.

Finishes

Some people love the appearance of wood and others like the rainbow of hues that paint offers. You can have either painted or smooth finish cabinets in your home. You simply must decide which type best fits your home and style.

Painted cabinets provide a smooth finish in any shade you desire to match your kitchen. Less expensive cabinets, such as MDF-constructed models, can be used which saves money. Painted cabinets are often less dusty.

If you prefer the appearance and grain of wood then go with a stained cabinet, which can highlight hardwoods wonderfully. They are easy to clean and maintain. You can easily touch up a stained cabinet, but it is harder to do likewise on a painted cabinet because it can be difficult to match the paint.

Labor

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 $100 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.

Brands

There many brands of kitchen cabinets. Each has various prices. Here are five of the top brands.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Cabinet hardware

Cabinet knobs, hinges ¹⁰, 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 ⁵ 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 ¹¹, 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 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

² 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 Particle board: An engineered wood product used in construction projects and composed of wood chips, sawmill shavings, and/or sawdust and a suitable binding agent, such as resin.

⁵ 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

⁶ Plywood: An engineered construction material manufactured from thin slices of wood glued together in alternating grain patterns for strength

⁷ Islands: A kitchen counter that is not attached to walls or other surfaces, and that can be accessed from all sides

⁸ 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

¹⁰ 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

¹¹ 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.