how much are cabinets for a small kitchen
May 18, 2025
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Cost of Cabinets for a Small Kitchen
The price of cabinets for a small kitchen (typically 10–15 linear feet) depends on the cabinet type, material, and whether you choose DIY or professional installation. Here's a detailed breakdown:
1. Cabinet Types & Average Costs
| Type | Price per Linear Foot | Total for 10–15 LF |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | 100–100–100–300 | 1,000–1,000–1,000–4,500 |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | 300–300–300–650 | 3,000–3,000–3,000–9,750 |
| Custom Cabinets | 500–500–500–1,200+ | 5,000–5,000–5,000–18,000+ |
Stock Cabinets: Pre-made sizes (e.g., IKEA, Home Depot).
Semi-Custom: Adjustable sizes/finishes (e.g., Barker, KraftMaid).
Custom: Built-to-order (local carpenter or high-end brands).
2. Material Costs
| Material | Price per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Laminate | 80–80–80–200 |
| Thermofoil | 100–100–100–300 |
| Plywood | 150–150–150–400 |
| Solid Wood | 300–300–300–700+ |
3. Labor Costs
Professional Installation: 50–50–50–100 per hour (or 2,000–2,000–2,000–6,000 total).
DIY: $0 (if you install stock cabinets yourself).
4. Budget-Friendly Options
IKEA Cabinets: 1,500–1,500–1,500–4,000 for a small kitchen (10–15 LF).
Refacing Existing Cabinets: 1,000–1,000–1,000–3,500 (replacing doors + veneer).
Open Shelving: Replace upper cabinets with shelves (200–200–200–800).
5. Total Cost Ranges
| Scenario | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY Stock Cabinets | 1,000–1,000–1,000–4,500 |
| Semi-Custom + Pro Install | 5,000–5,000–5,000–12,000 |
| Custom Cabinets + Pro | 8,000–8,000–8,000–20,000+ |
6. What Impacts Cost?
Finish: Painted vs. stained.
Hardware: Knobs/pulls add 2–2–2–20 per piece.
Extras: Soft-close hinges, pull-out trays, or lazy Susans (+10–30%).
Pro Tips to Save
Prioritize base cabinets (more storage) over uppers.
Use stock cabinets for uppers and splurge on semi-custom lowers.
Buy during sales (Black Friday, Memorial Day).
By balancing quality and budget, you can outfit a small kitchen with cabinets for 2,000–2,000–2,000–15,000, depending on your priorities! 🛠️💰