How Much Are New Kitchen Cabinets? Cost Breakdown for 2023

Installing new kitchen cabinets can greatly improve the look and functionality of your kitchen. However, cabinetry is one of the biggest expenses in a kitchen remodel with the average cost ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 or more.

There are several factors that impact the total cost of new kitchen cabinets including the type of cabinets, materials, special features and installation.

Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets

The cost of kitchen cabinets varies dramatically based on whether you choose stock, semi-custom or full custom cabinetry. Here's an overview of average installed costs per linear foot for each category:

• Stock Cabinets - $100 to $300 per linear foot
• Semi-Custom Cabinets - $200 to $800 per linear foot
• Custom Cabinets - $500 to $1,500+ per linear foot

Stock cabinets offer the most affordable option but the least customization. They come in standard sizes and configurations and typically have limited material and finish options. The quality of construction and materials is lower than custom cabinets.

Semi-custom cabinets allow you to customize sizing, storage options and finishes within a range of modular cabinet components. The quality and options fall in between stock and custom.

Custom cabinets are built completely from scratch to your specifications. This allows for the highest quality materials and completely personalized storage solutions. Custom typically offers limitless options for sizes, finishes, features and configurations.

Custom vs Stock Cabinets

Custom cabinets typically have higher grade plywood boxes, dovetail joinery, full extension drawers, soft-close hardware and premium finishes. The higher cost comes from the bespoke construction and hand-built quality.

Stock cabinets rely on lower grade materials, standard sizes and limited options to offer a more affordable solution. But you sacrifice some quality, customization and long-term durability.

Factors that Impact the Cost of Kitchen Cabinets

While the type of cabinet (stock, semi-custom, custom) is the biggest factor in cost, your choice of materials, features and specifications also impact the bottom line. Here are some of the options that increase cabinet costs.

Cabinet Materials

Higher grade plywood, exotic woods and alternative materials drive up costs quickly. For example, cherry or maple cabinets will cost $1,200 per linear foot while thermofoil options are under $200 per linear foot. Sustainable or specialty materials like bamboo or recycled aluminum can also add cost premiums.

Door Styles

Intricate door styles require more materials and hand labor to construct. For example, inset cabinet doors often cost $100+ more per square foot than simpler shaker styles. Distressed, curved and decorative door treatments also add cost.

Hardware

Standard exposed hinges may be included in the cost of stock cabinets. But soft-close mechanisms, decorative hinges and pulls in metal finishes like brushed nickel or antique brass all increase the cost at around $5-20 per hardware piece.

Finish Options

Specialty paint techniques like rubbed finishes, glazes and distressing require additional preparation and labor hours. Stained finishes in darker tones may require multiple coats and also cost more in labor. Expect to pay at least 15% more for premium paint or stain options versus standard colors.

Installation and Labor Costs

In addition to the cabinet cost, installation and labor typically add 25-50% more for the fully installed price. Simple stock cabinet installations may start around $50 per linear foot. But expect pricing closer to $100 per linear foot for specialty cabinetry installs requiring a higher skill level.

island cabinets or angled layouts also take more time and labor to install properly. DIY installation can save on the labor costs but has risks if improperly installed.

How Kitchen Size Impacts Cost

Larger and more complex kitchen layouts require more cabinets and specialty fittings. Additional cabinets, drawer stacks, roll outs and other storage additions is where costs multiply quickly. Here are examples of how kitchen size impacts cabinet costs:

• Small 10 x 10 kitchen - $3,000 - $7,000 range
• Medium 15 x 15 kitchen - $7,000 - $15,000 range
• Large 20 x 20 kitchen - $12,000 - $28,000 range

Careful planning of your kitchen layout and workflow is key to optimizing storage and minimizing unnecessary cabinetry costs.

Additional Expenses

When budgeting your kitchen remodel remember to account for expenses beyond just the cabinetry:

• Countertops - $40 to $200 per square foot
• Demolition and preparation work - $1,000 to $4,000
• Plumbing and electrical - $2,000 to $7,000
• Pull-outs, roll-outs and other fittings - $250 to $2,000

To reduce your kitchen cabinet costs consider the following money-saving tips:

• Buy stock or semi-custom instead of full custom cabinets
• Choose a simple shaker door style
• Opt for value engineered wood species like maple over cherry or exotic woods
• Install cabinets yourself if possible
• Limit specialty hardware and choose standard exposed hinges
• Have an efficient, compact kitchen footprint
• Buy cabinets strategically timed with seasonal sales and clearance discounts

With careful planning and budgeting, you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams while maximizing the value from your cabinet investment.