How Much Does it Cost to Install or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?

Cabinet Installation or Replacement Costs

Cabinetry comes in many styles from contemporary and Shaker to ultra-modern and open-faced. Though they’re traditionally composed of solid wood, many types of engineered woods with decorative veneers create opportunities to personalize your space and integrate your new kitchen seamlessly into your home’s aesthetic. A professional installer or interior designer can help you decide on the type, style and configuration that best suits your home and budget.

Average Cost to Install New Cabinets Per Linear Foot

Though installation costs vary, the project’s linear foot estimate includes this line item in the overall quote.

Average Labor Cost to Hang Kitchen Cabinets

Labor costs range from $50 to $450 per linear foot depending on whether you decide on stock or custom cabinetry. Custom work takes far longer than stock units, increasing the overall price. However, most contractors include this price in their quote and figure pricing based on hourly or daily rates. Square foot pricing is rarely used.

Price to Install Cabinet Hardware

Hardware runs anywhere from $2 to $50 or more for pulls and handles. Stock cabinets include hinges and should appear as a line item in custom quotes. Contractors include all hardware in project costs.

Kitchen Installation by Size

Though pricing isn’t by the square foot, it’s possible to estimate total project costs based on the size of your kitchen. For a more accurate estimate, measure the linear feet in the room, measuring along the wall or the “long side” of your countertops.

*These prices assume stock or semi-custom with average linear foot pricing. Custom jobs increase the price by 50% to 100%.

Kitchen Cabinet Costs by Material & Design

Cabinet material costs make up 25% to 50% of project pricing. You’ll pay 1 to 3 times the cost of materials in labor. With high-end custom work that includes materials such as exotic hardwoods and are made on-site, materials may make up an even smaller percentage of the price.

• Stock materials: $50-$200 per linear foot or $100-$650 per unit.

• Semi-Custom materials: $75-$400 per linear foot with a single unit ranging from $150-$800 or more.

• Custom work: $300-$750 per linear foot for materials with single units starting at $600. You might expect to pay slightly more for labor, up to 3 times the price of materials, for custom installs.

The materials you choose can be an even bigger factor than your level of customization. Wood cabinets are the most common and have a huge range from pine and red oak to white oak or cherry. If you want to go the cheaper route, you might consider laminate or thermofoil. These non-wood alternatives often mimic wood, and they're usually durable. But they're difficult to repair when damaged and they usually lack the richness and authenticity of real wood.

Stock Cabinets

Stock cabinets run $50 to $200 per linear foot or $100 to $650 per unit. Sometimes you get lucky. Within the stock category, you may have a few choices of different colors or trim styles. Costs are low as they’re manufactured in large quantities.

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Semi-Custom cabinets run $75 to $400 per linear foot or $150 to $800 per unit or more. These can serve as an excellent compromise between stock and custom for price and flexibility.

• They offer more flexibility than the stock option.

• Usually offered in a few popular traditional and contemporary styles with limited finishes.

• You also might be able to choose sizes, though they'll be within standard dimensions.

Custom

Custom cabinets cost anywhere from $300 to $750 per linear foot or $600 and up per unit. As the name suggests, they take you far from cookie-cutter territory.

You can get cabinets that fit odd-shaped rooms and the most eccentric of tastes. But be ready to see dollar signs. You're buying a one-of-a-kind piece, something that might be closer to art than furniture.

Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets

Completely replacing your kitchen cabinets can run anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000 or more. Simply replacing your current kitchen setup with new cabinets still varies greatly depending on the type, style and customization level you want.

Cost to Remove Cabinets

Removing old cabinets generally runs $300 to $500 for demolition and disposal. Most contractors include this in remodel project fees often as a line item. Consider donating the old ones in good condition for a small tax break, or sell or upcycle them through an online marketplace like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle. An additional benefit of this is that the buyer will haul your cabinets away, saving you disposal fees.

Changing Kitchen Cabinet Placement

Moving kitchen cabinets around doesn’t increase installation or material costs. But you will have to consider moving electrical outlets, plumbing, redoing drywall and painting.

• Moving electrical costs $300 and up depending on the complexity of the project.

• Drywall patching costs $560 on average. Opening walls to move plumbing or electrical requires wall repair.

• Plumbing pricing runs $650 to $800 to reroute a single line.

• Painting a wall costs at least $100 but may rise as high as $500 if your painter has a minimum charge.

Refacing vs. Replacing vs. Refinishing

Refacing cabinets costs an average of $7,150 but can range anywhere from $1,400 to $15,000. However, professionals report that you can save up to 50% on a new installation and give your kitchen an updated look. Another option is to keep the cabinets but replace the doors and hardware.

It’s an environmentally-friendly choice that reduces waste through reusing your current boxes and simply updating the doors and drawer faces.

Refinishing cabinets costs an average of $2,900. A more economical way to update the look and feel of your kitchen without the waste. However, refinishing doesn’t last as long as refacing or replacing.

Ikea, Home Depot & Lowes Cabinet Installation Cost

Most installers charge 1.5 to 3 times the cost of materials. Big box stores and name brands often have those charges included in the project pricing or at a much lower rate. Big box retailers sub-contract the installation work out to local professionals and guarantee the work.

*installation costs included on custom orders. In stock supplies are not installed by Home Depot contractors.

DIY vs. Hiring a Cabinet Installation Pro

DIY installations are possible with the right equipment and experience, but the work is incredibly detail-oriented. Pros have experience with a wide range of products and know what works and what doesn’t. Avoid redoing your work or paying someone else to by hiring a professional cabinet installer.

FAQs

How much does it cost to replace cabinets in a small kitchen?

Small kitchen replacements can run anywhere from $1,000 to $9,000 depending on the type, design and material choices. The average for the project will fall in the $2,000 to $4,000 range.

What's the cost to install bathroom cabinets?

The average vanity installation costs $300 to $3,000 though full custom installs in large bathrooms can exceed $5,000.

How long does it take to install kitchen cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets take about 1.25 hours to install per unit. An average kitchen usually requires about 25 to 35 hours of labor. Custom work can easily take two or three times as long.

Who installs cabinets?

Contractors who specialize in home remodel finishing work typically install cabinets. Find a cabinet installer near you today. Often, the retailer will supply the labor as part of the project cost.

How much does it cost to install kitchen cabinets and countertops?

Doing just the cabinets and countertops costs an average of $4,000 to $12,000. A complete kitchen remodel costs $23,000 on average which includes appliances, flooring and fixtures. High-end upgrades can push that number upwards of $55,000.

How much does kitchen kitting cost?

The cost of kitting out the average kitchen runs anywhere from $13,000 to $35,000. “Kitting” simply means to package everything together. In terms of a kitchen, this means doing all the remodeling at the same time – cabinets, floors, countertops, appliances and fixtures.