What is the average cost of kitchen cabinets
May 16, 2025
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Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets
The cost of kitchen cabinets varies widely based on material, type (stock, semi-custom, custom), and size. Here's a detailed breakdown for U.S. kitchens:
1. Average Costs by Cabinet Type
| Type | Price Per Linear Foot | 10x10 Kitchen (20–25 LF) |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | 60–60–60–200 | 4,000–4,000–4,000–15,000 |
| Semi-Custom | 200–200–200–600 | 15,000–15,000–15,000–35,000 |
| Custom | 500–500–500–1,200+ | 35,000–35,000–35,000–75,000+ |
Cost Breakdown by Material
| Material | Price Per Linear Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate/MDF | 60–60–60–200 | Budget-friendly, easy to clean. |
| Plywood | 150–150–150–400 | Durable, moisture-resistant. |
| Solid Wood | 300–300–300–1,000+ | High-end (e.g., oak, cherry). |
| Thermofoil | 100–100–100–300 | Affordable, moisture-resistant. |
| Stainless Steel | 500–500–500–1,200+ | Industrial, commercial-grade. |
Factors Affecting Cost
Cabinet Type:
Stock: Pre-made sizes (e.g., IKEA, Home Depot).
Semi-Custom: Adjustable sizes/finishes (e.g., KraftMaid).
Custom: Fully bespoke (handcrafted by local artisans).
Labor:
Installation costs 50–50–50–150 per hour (or 2,000–2,000–2,000–8,000 total).
Extras:
Soft-close hinges (5–5–5–20 per hinge).
Pull-out shelves (100–100–100–300 each).
Glass inserts (50–50–50–200 per door).
Location:
Urban areas (NYC, SF) cost 20–30% more than rural regions.
Cost-Saving Tips
Reface Instead of Replace: Update doors/drawers for 50–70% less.
Buy RTA (Ready-to-Assemble): Flat-pack cabinets (e.g., IKEA, CabinetIQ).
Mix Materials: Use plywood for lowers, MDF for uppers.
Shop Sales: Look for holiday discounts at Home Depot, Lowe's, or Wayfair.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Removal/disposal of old cabinets: 200–200–200–1,000.
Structural changes (e.g., moving walls/plumbing): 1,000–1,000–1,000–10,000+.
Custom finishes (e.g., glazed, distressed): +15–30%.
Examples of Total Project Costs
| Kitchen Size | Stock Cabinets | Semi-Custom | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10x10) | 4,000–4,000–4,000–15,000 | 15,000–15,000–15,000–35,000 | 35,000–35,000–35,000–75,000+ |
| Large (15x15) | 10,000–10,000–10,000–30,000 | 30,000–30,000–30,000–60,000 | 75,000–75,000–75,000–150,000+ |
Final Tip: Get quotes from 3–5 contractors and prioritize quality hardware (e.g., Blum hinges) for longevity. Balance your budget with durable materials like plywood for high-use areas! 🛠️💡