How Much Does Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
smallbackyard_admin
- May 28, 2025
- 4 Min Read
Putting in new kitchen cabinets is like giving your kitchen a whole new outfit—it can make the whole place look fresh and fancy! On average, people spend about $6,373 on this project. But depending on what kind of cabinets you pick and how big your kitchen is, you might pay anywhere from $2,000 to over $11,000.
If your kitchen is big or you want custom-made cabinets (which are like designer clothes for your kitchen), you’ll pay more. Let’s look at what affects the price.
What Changes the Price of Kitchen Cabinets?
1. Kitchen Size
Think of cabinets like building blocks. The more space you have, the more blocks (cabinets) you’ll need. Cabinet prices are often calculated by linear feet—that just means the length of cabinets running along your walls.
| Kitchen Size | Cabinet Length | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft | 20 linear ft | $2,000–$24,000 |
| 12×12 ft | 24 linear ft | $2,400–$28,800 |
| 12×15 ft | 27 linear ft | $2,700–$32,400 |
Pro Tip: Bring some ideas and photos of what you want, but be flexible! A good cabinet pro can help design something that fits your kitchen and looks great.
2. Types of Cabinets
Cabinets come in 3 main types—kind of like choosing between a toy from the store, one you customize a bit, or one made just for you from scratch.
| Type | Cost Per Linear Foot | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | $100–$300 | Ready-made, cheapest option |
| Semi-Custom | $150–$650 | Pick some features, like colors |
| Custom | $500–$1,200 | Made exactly how you want |
| High-End Custom | $13,000–$30,000 | Designer-level, totally personalized |
3. Cabinet Style: Frames or No Frames?
Framed Cabinets ($5,000–$20,000+): Traditional look with a face around the door.
Frameless Cabinets ($6,000–$30,000): Sleek, modern design, usually a bit more expensive.
Inset Cabinets ($150–$1,200/linear foot): Doors sit inside the frame for a clean look. These cost more because they take precision to build.
4. What Cabinets Are Made Of (Materials)
Some materials are more budget-friendly, and others are super fancy. Here’s a quick look:
| Material | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wood | $5,000–$25,000+ |
| Wood Veneer | $2,000–$15,000 |
| Laminate | $4,000–$15,000 |
| Acrylic | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Stainless Steel | $25,000–$38,000 |
Expert Tip: Paint-grade woods like maple or alder are great if you want a nice look without the high cost. Fancy types like walnut and oak cost more but look amazing.
5. Labor (What You Pay the Pros)
Professionals usually charge $50 to $450 per linear foot to install cabinets. Stock cabinets are quicker and easier to install, so they cost less. Custom cabinets take more time and skill, so they cost more.
6. Hardware (Handles and Knobs)
The little pieces like handles, hinges, and knobs can cost $2 to $50 each. Fancy or antique ones are more expensive, but you can find deals at thrift stores or online.
Other Extra Costs to Think About
Besides the cabinets themselves, here are a few more things that could affect your final price:
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Drywall Repair | $300–$900 |
| Removal of Old Cabinets | $350–$1,000 |
| Trim & Crown Molding | $0.50–$10 per foot |
| Plumbing Adjustments | $45–$200/hour |
| Electrical Work | $50–$100/hour |
Optional: If you really appreciate the work your contractor did, you can tip them (usually 10–15% is generous) or offer drinks/snacks and a kind review online.
Add-On Projects (While You're At It)
Many homeowners add other upgrades while redoing their cabinets. Here’s what they might cost:
| Upgrade | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| New Countertops | $1,300–$3,300 |
| New Kitchen Sink | $220–$640 |
| Replace Appliances | $350–$8,000 |
| Tile Backsplash | $600–$1,300 |
| New Tile Flooring | $800–$3,000 |
| Paint the Room | $1,100–$2,000 |
| Full Kitchen Remodel | $14,600–$40,700 |
Should You Install Cabinets Yourself?
Sure, you can do it yourself—but only if you’re handy and have the right tools. DIY can cost $2,000 to $20,000, depending on what kind of cabinets you buy.
But if things go wrong (like crooked cabinets or weak screws), you might have to hire someone anyway. Most people save time and stress by hiring a pro.
Smart Ways to Save Money
Want to make your kitchen look amazing without spending too much? Try these:
Use your current cabinets but paint or reface them.
Only replace the doors and hardware.
Go with factory-made cabinets instead of custom ones.
Do your own demolition (take out old cabinets yourself).
Get multiple quotes from at least 3 contractors to compare prices.
