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Replacing your kitchen cabinets is an exciting project. An old, dated kitchen can feel like a liability, but investing in it automatically adds value to your home. Updating your cabinets not only improves your kitchen’s appearance and functionality but can also significantly increase your home’s resale value.
So, how much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinets? The answer isn’t simple, as it depends on several key factors. This guide will break down all the costs and options to help you plan your kitchen renovation with confidence.
Your kitchen is often called the heart of your home. It’s where you cook, gather, and create memories. If your cabinets are outdated, damaged, or just not your style, it can bring down the whole feel of the space.
Replacing old cabinets breathes new life into your kitchen. It provides easy-to-access storage and a fresh look that reflects your personal taste. Think of it as an investment in both your daily life and your property value.
So, what’s the bottom line? The average cost to replace kitchen cabinets ranges from $3,000 to $12,000 or more. Some sources place the average closer to $11,100, with a typical range between $4,000 and $13,000.
This wide price range exists because costs depend on the type of cabinets you choose. To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown by cost category:
High-End: Over $15,000 for premium materials and fully custom designs.
The final kitchen cabinet replacement cost is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these will help you see where your money is going and where you can potentially save.
Cabinet material is a major driver of cost and durability. Common options include particle board, MDF, plywood, and solid wood like maple or cherry. More exotic woods or premium finishes will increase the price.
The type of cabinet you choose—stock, semi-custom, or custom—will have the biggest impact on your budget. We’ll explore these options in more detail below.
A larger kitchen naturally requires more cabinetry. This increases both material and labor costs. Complex layouts with tricky corners or unique dimensions also add to the overall price.
Your choice of installer affects labor costs. A DIY installation can save money, but hiring a professional ensures a quality finish, especially for custom jobs. Labor rates vary by region and the complexity of the installation.
Little details add up. Features like glass inserts, decorative molding (like crown molding), soft-close hinges, and special paint colors all contribute to the final cost. The more custom features you add, the more the price rises.
Let’s break down the three main types of cabinets to help you decide which is right for your home and budget.
Stock cabinets are mass-produced in standard sizes and styles. They are the most affordable choice, making them perfect for standard kitchen layouts and tight budgets.
You can find them at large home improvement stores. Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets, like those from IKEA, are a popular stock option for DIYers looking to cut costs.
Cost: $100 to $280 per linear foot installed, or $200 to $350 per cabinet.
Semi-custom cabinets offer a middle ground. They start as stock cabinets but allow for more modifications, such as different dimensions, finishes, and detailing.
This option provides more design flexibility without the high price tag of fully custom work. It’s a great way to get a more personalized look while managing your budget.
For a truly unique kitchen, custom cabinets are the way to go. They are built to your exact specifications, fitting your space perfectly and matching your design dream.
You get to choose everything—the material, style, finish, and hardware. While this is the most expensive option, it offers unmatched quality and craftsmanship for a one-of-a-kind kitchen.
Cost: $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed, or $500+ per cabinet.
Let’s look more closely at the numbers, including installation and other potential expenses you might encounter during your renovation.
An average homeowner can expect to spend between $3,000 and $8,000 to replace kitchen cabinets. For a standard 10×12 kitchen, you can estimate the cost of cabinets to be a significant portion of your total remodel budget. For example, using the per-linear-foot averages, a kitchen with 20 linear feet of cabinetry could cost:
These figures are for the cabinets alone. Installation adds more to the total.
Labor is a major part of the budget when you replace kitchen cabinets. Installation can cost an additional $2,000 to $5,000, depending on your location and the complexity of the job.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for installation based on cabinet type:
Hourly rates for professional installers generally range from $60 to $90. Some may charge per cabinet, typically between $80 and $190.
When you replace kitchen cabinets, other expenses often come up. It’s smart to budget for them from the start.
A more budget-friendly alternative is to only replace kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts. The cost to replace kitchen cabinet doors is much lower than a full replacement but can still give your kitchen a fresh, new look.
The average cost to replace kitchen cabinets typically ranges from $3,000 to $12,000. However, this can vary significantly based on your choices. For a budget-friendly project using stock cabinets, you might spend between $2,000 and $5,000. Mid-range, semi-custom cabinets generally fall between $7,000 and $15,000, while high-end, fully custom cabinets can exceed $15,000.
Yes, you can absolutely redo a kitchen for $10,000, but it requires careful planning and smart choices. This budget is often sufficient for a small to medium-sized kitchen remodel, especially if you opt for budget-friendly materials. To stay within this budget, consider using stock or semi-custom cabinets, laminate countertops, and handling some of the labor, like painting, yourself.
Absolutely. Replacing kitchen cabinets is one of the most impactful home improvement projects. It not only modernizes the look and improves the functionality of your kitchen but also significantly increases your home’s resale value. New cabinets can transform the entire feel of your home’s central gathering space, making it a worthwhile investment for both your daily enjoyment and long-term property value.
Cabinets are typically the most expensive component of a kitchen remodel, often accounting for a significant portion of the total budget. Following cabinets, countertops and labor/installation costs are the next largest expenses. Custom cabinets, in particular, can drive up the price substantially due to their tailored design and high-quality materials.
A $10,000 budget is realistic for a minor-to-mid-range kitchen remodel. This amount can cover new stock cabinets, laminate or budget-friendly quartz countertops, a new sink, and fresh paint. To make this budget work, you’ll need to prioritize your spending, choose cost-effective materials, and potentially take on some DIY tasks to save on labor costs. It is generally not enough for a high-end remodel with custom features or significant layout changes.
