The True Price of Kitchen Cabinets
Ever wonder why one set of kitchen cabinets can cost as much as a new car while another barely makes a dent in your budget? Curious which options give you the most style for your dollar?
In this post, you’ll learn the real numbers behind kitchen cabinet costs, including pricing by type, size, materials, labor, and more.
By the end, you’ll know how to plan your cabinet budget so you can get a beautiful, functional kitchen without wasting a penny.
What is the Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets?
Expect to pay $15,000 to $60,000 for kitchen cabinets, with most homeowners spending $20,000 installed. Budget $150 to $500 per linear foot or $250 to $600 per cabinet box.
Stock Kitchen Cabinet Cost
Stock cabinets cost between $100 and $400 per linear foot, or $220 to $500 per cabinet box.
Stock cabinets, sometimes called factory cabinets, are the most affordable option for many households—just like grabbing a quick bite at Collierville’s farmers market keeps your meals simple and budget-friendly. Since they come in standard sizes, they are easier to install kitchen cabinets quickly, making them an accessible choice for smaller projects.
Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinet Cost
Semi-custom cabinets typically cost $150 to $700 per linear foot or $250 to $850 per box.
They bridge the gap between ready-made and fully custom cabinets. This option allows for more flexibility in cabinet design, with adjustments to depth, width, or materials. Many homeowners choose semi-custom for a balance of style and value.
Custom Kitchen Cabinet Cost
Custom cabinet costs from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot or $600 to $1,600 and higher per box.
Custom cabinets are built to fit your kitchen’s exact dimensions and layout, with the same attention to detail you’d admire in the hand-carved woodwork at Shiloh Church in East Memphis. The higher costs reflect premium materials like solid wood, advanced joinery, and custom hardware. Custom cabinets are often the most expensive option, but they can transform your space with a master craftsman’s precision.
We’re ready to help with your kitchen remodel.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost by Cabinet Style
- Modern styles start at $2,000 for low-end builds and exceed $15,000 for high-end designs.
- Shaker cabinets average $3,000 to $12,000.
- Farmhouse styles run $1,500 to $10,000.
- Glass-front cabinets range from $500 to $7,000.
- Open shelving starts at $500 and tops out around $5,000.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost by Kitchen Size
Small Kitchens (Up to 10×10 ft or 12–16 linear feet)
A smaller kitchen size reduces material costs and labor time.
Stock cabinets or semi-custom cabinets in this range typically cost between $6,000 and $12,000, while custom cabinets go from $15,000 to $25,000.
Medium Kitchens (20–30 linear feet)
In an average kitchen size, the total cost depends on your material choices and cabinet design.
Stock cabinets or semi-custom options cost $8,000 to $15,000, while custom cabinets range from $18,000 to $30,000.
Large Kitchens (Over 30 linear feet)
Larger kitchens require more materials, longer cabinet installation times, and higher labor costs.
Stock cabinets or semi-custom in this category cost between $20,000 and $35,000, while custom cabinets can go from $50,000 to $80,000 for premium materials and specialty designs.
Kitchen Cabinet Material Costs
Laminate Kitchen Cabinets Cost
Laminate cabinets are an affordable option at $1,500 to $12,000, offering easy cleaning and a variety of styles.
The core is usually particleboard or MDF with a printed or textured surface bonded on top, which keeps material costs low and speeds production.
Prices climb with high‑pressure laminate, thicker substrates, and modern textures that mimic wood grain. Edgebanding quality matters and can add cost, especially on upper cabinets and tall panels where edges are visible.
MDF Kitchen Cabinets Cost
MDF is one of the most affordable options, with prices from $1,500 to $15,000 for a full kitchen.
It costs less because it is made from wood fibers and resin pressed into uniform sheets that are easy to cut, paint, and batch-produce. That factory efficiency keeps the price per linear foot down, especially for stock cabinets in standard sizes.
You pay more when thicker panels, moisture‑resistant cores, or detailed door profiles are added.
MDF is heavy and can swell if water gets in, so better paint, careful cabinet installation, and quality hardware help the boxes hold up, which can raise the total cost slightly.
Plywood Kitchen Cabinets Cost
Plywood is known for its durability and is often used in higher-quality cabinets. Expect to pay $3,000 to $25,000 or more.
The higher price comes from how plywood is built. Thin wood veneers are stacked with grains crossing, then bonded under heat and pressure, which creates strong, stable panels that resist sagging and warping.
Costs rise with thicker panels, more plies, and better face veneers like maple or oak that finish smoothly. Edge banding, interior finishes, and upgraded drawer boxes add to the price.
Because plywood holds screws well, it is a favorite in semi-custom cabinets and custom cabinets, and that performance in everyday use is a key reason for the higher costs.
Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets Cost
Solid wood cabinets, including maple, oak, and walnut, start around $5,000 and can exceed $30,000. These are valued for their timeless look and long cabinet lifespan.
These are valued for their timeless look and long cabinet lifespan. Solid lumber costs more due to species rarity, kiln drying, milling, and the waste created when boards are cut for doors, frames, and drawers.
You also pay for skilled joinery and finishing. A master craftsman allows for seasonal wood movement and fits parts so doors stay true, which adds labor.
Premium materials like cherry or walnut, hand‑applied stains, and custom hardware increase the total cost but also elevate the feel and value of the kitchen cabinetry over time.
Kitchen Cabinet Design and Style Costs
Overlay and Framing
Choosing full-overlay or frameless cabinets increases costs by 20% to 50% compared to framed styles. Inset cabinets can cost twice as much as framed units because of the precision required.
Door Styles and Replacements
Replacing just the cabinet doors costs between $2,200 and $6,600, allowing you to refresh the look without replacing the entire structure.
Kitchen Cabinet Accessories and Add-Ons
Accessories improve function and can be added during the initial cabinet installation.
Common upgrades include:
- Pull-out trash or recycling units ($200 to $450+)
- Spice racks ($200 to $500+)
- Lazy Susans ($200 to $600+)
- Under-cabinet lighting ($200 to $350 per fixture)
Adding custom hardware, drawer organizers, and specialty racks can enhance your kitchen’s usability but will increase the total cost.
What about kitchen cabinet costs?
Labor and Installation Costs
Labor plays a major role in the total cost of your project.
Cabinet installation averages $40 to $80 per hour or $50 to $300 per linear foot.
In some cases, installing new kitchen cabinets can cost up to $450 per linear foot if modifications are needed.
Hardware installation ranges from $6 to $60 per piece, depending on the quality of the materials.
Removing old cabinets generally costs $300 to $800.
Plumbing or electrical adjustments for a new layout can add $2,000 to $8,500.
Alternatives to Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
Refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts while keeping the cabinet boxes. This option typically costs $5,000 to $13,000.
Refinishing involves sanding and applying a new stain or paint to the existing cabinets, costing between $1,500 and $4,500.
A professional paint job costs $2,000 to $6,500 and can refresh your kitchen cabinetry without a full replacement.
How Long Can it Take to Install Kitchen Cabinets?
Installing stock cabinets in a small kitchen can take 2 to 5 days, while larger kitchens or custom designs may require up to 14 days. Custom cabinet production can take an additional month or more before installation begins.
How Long Can Kitchen Cabinets Last?
Cabinet lifespan depends on build quality and materials.
- RTA cabinets last 5 to 25 years.
- Stock cabinets average 10 to 15 years.
- Semi-custom cabinets last 20 to 30 years.
- Custom cabinets can remain functional for 40 years or more.
Price Meets Precision in Every TruVine Renovations Project
TruVine Renovations understands that kitchen cabinets are more than storage—they’re a focal point of your home’s style and functionality. By blending thoughtful cabinet design with premium materials, we help you create a kitchen remodel that matches your lifestyle and enhances your space.
If you’re ready to invest in quality craftsmanship and lasting value, our team is here to guide you from concept to completion. Fill out our contact form today or give us a call, and let’s start planning your perfect kitchen together.
