How much to remodel kitchen cabinets
May 14, 2025
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The cost to remodel kitchen cabinets varies widely based on the scope of work, materials, and location. Here's a breakdown of average costs in the US and Canada (in USD and CAD):
1. Refacing Cabinets
Cost: 4,000–4,000–4,000–13,000 USD / 5,000–5,000–5,000–16,000 CAD
What's Included:
Replacing doors/drawers.
Applying veneer or laminate to cabinet boxes.
Updating hardware (hinges, handles).
Best For: Good-quality existing cabinets with outdated finishes.
2. Repainting/Refinishing
Cost: 1,500–1,500–1,500–6,000 USD / 2,000–2,000–2,000–7,500 CAD
What's Included:
Cleaning, sanding, priming, and repainting.
Professional spray finish for durability.
Best For: Solid wood or MDF cabinets in need of a color refresh.
3. Replacing Doors Only
Cost: 3,000–3,000–3,000–10,000 USD / 4,000–4,000–4,000–12,000 CAD
What's Included:
Custom or stock doors (Shaker, flat-panel, etc.).
Soft-close hinges and modern hardware.
Best For: Updating style without changing cabinet boxes.
4. Full Cabinet Replacement
Cost: 10,000–10,000–10,000–40,000+ USD / 13,000–13,000–13,000–50,000+ CAD
What's Included:
Custom or semi-custom cabinets.
Installation, hardware, and trim.
Material Costs:
Stock Cabinets (IKEA/Home Depot): 80–80–80–200 per linear foot.
Semi-Custom: 200–200–200–500 per linear foot.
Custom: 500–500–500–1,500+ per linear foot.
Key Cost Factors
Cabinet Material:
Laminate: 100–100–100–250 per linear foot.
Plywood: 200–200–200–400 per linear foot.
Solid Wood: 300–300–300–800+ per linear foot (cherry, maple, walnut).
Labor: 20–35% of total cost (higher in urban areas like NYC or Toronto).
Extras:
Pull-out shelves: 50–50–50–200 each.
Soft-close hinges: 5–5–5–15 per hinge.
Under-cabinet lighting: 200–200–200–1,000.
DIY vs. Professional Costs
| Task | DIY Cost | Pro Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Repainting | 300–300–300–1,000 | 2,000–2,000–2,000–7,500 |
| Refacing | 1,000–1,000–1,000–3,000 | 5,000–5,000–5,000–16,000 |
| New Stock Cabinets | 3,000–3,000–3,000–8,000 | 10,000–10,000–10,000–25,000 |
Regional Price Examples
Midwest US: 8,000–8,000–8,000–25,000 for a full remodel.
California/NYC: 15,000–15,000–15,000–50,000+.
Canada (Toronto/Vancouver): 15,000–15,000–15,000–45,000 CAD.
Ways to Save
Keep existing cabinet boxes; replace doors/hardware.
Use stock cabinets from IKEA or big-box stores.
Opt for open shelving instead of upper cabinets.
Paint cabinets yourself (use cabinet-grade paint like Benjamin Moore Advance).
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Structural repairs (water damage, rot).
Electrical/plumbing updates.
Permit fees (required for major remodels in some areas).
Final Tip
Get 3–5 quotes from local contractors and compare warranties. For midrange remodels, expect to spend 15,000–15,000–15,000–30,000 USD or 20,000–20,000–20,000–40,000 CAD for a full, professional-grade kitchen cabinet overhaul.