How Much Are New Kitchen Cabinets: A Complete Pricing Guide
Most homeowners spend $6,000–$15,000 on new kitchen cabinets installed on average.
If you are asking how much are new kitchen cabinets, you are already thinking about value, quality, and the right plan. I’ve guided dozens of kitchen projects from budget to luxury. In this guide, I break down real costs, trade-offs, and smart ways to save without regret. By the end, you will know exactly how much are new kitchen cabinets for your space, and how to get the best result for your budget.
Cost at a glance: what most people pay
The final price depends on size, cabinet type, material, finish, and labor. Still, national patterns are clear. Most kitchens fall into predictable ranges.
Typical installed costs:
- Small kitchens: $3,000–$7,000 for stock, basic install.
- Mid-size kitchens: $8,000–$18,000 for stock or semi-custom.
- Large or high-end: $25,000–$60,000+ for custom, premium finishes.
Quick rules of thumb:
- Cabinets often make up 25%–40% of a full kitchen remodel.
- Per linear foot installed: $200–$600 for stock, $300–$900 for semi-custom, $700–$1,800+ for custom.
- Asking how much are new kitchen cabinets without layout details is like asking the price of a car without the model. Measure first, then price.
From what I see with clients, most families who ask how much are new kitchen cabinets find value in the mid-range, where durability and style meet budget.
Cabinet types and typical prices
Choosing the right type sets your price ceiling. It also shapes lead time and finish options. This is the core of how much are new kitchen cabinets.
Stock cabinets
- What they are: Pre-sized, mass-produced, fast delivery.
- Typical cabinet-only cost: $100–$300 per linear foot.
- Installed range: $200–$600 per linear foot.
- Best for: Rentals, flips, tight timelines, starter homes.
- Watch-outs: Fewer sizes, more fillers, limited color choices.
Semi-custom cabinets
- What they are: Stock boxes with more sizes, styles, and finishes.
- Typical cabinet-only cost: $150–$650 per linear foot.
- Installed range: $300–$900 per linear foot.
- Best for: Most homeowners seeking better fit and look.
- Watch-outs: Longer lead times than stock, upgrades add up.
Custom cabinets
- What they are: Built to your exact specs by a shop.
- Typical cabinet-only cost: $500–$1,200 per linear foot.
- Installed range: $700–$1,800+ per linear foot.
- Best for: Complex layouts, premium woods, built-ins, long-term homes.
- Watch-outs: Highest cost, longer lead time, choose a reputable shop.
If you are wondering how much are new kitchen cabinets for a standard 10×10 layout, stock often lands near $4,000–$7,000 installed, semi-custom $8,000–$14,000, and custom starts around $15,000 and can go much higher.
Materials, construction, and door style choices that change price
Materials and build quality drive price and lifespan. Two kitchens can look similar but wear very differently.
Core materials:
- Plywood: Strong, light, resists sag. Worth the upgrade in busy kitchens.
- MDF: Smooth paint finish, stable, great for shaker doors.
- Particleboard: Lowest cost, heavier, can swell with leaks.
Construction details:
- Face frame vs frameless: Frameless gives more access and a modern look. Often costs more.
- Dovetail drawers: Strong and smooth. Budget lines may skip this.
- Soft-close hardware: Small cost, big daily comfort.
Door styles and finishes:
- Shaker: Timeless, mid-price, easy to clean.
- Slab: Modern, can be cost-effective in laminate or wood veneer.
- Raised panel: Classic, often higher labor cost.
- Paint vs stain: Paint costs more, more prep. Stain shows wood grain and can be more durable.
Ask suppliers for a box sample and a door sample. When clients ask how much are new kitchen cabinets, I remind them that a better box with mid-tier doors beats fancy doors on a weak box every time.
Layout size and how many cabinets you need
Your layout shapes cost more than any other single factor. A clean run costs less than a U-shape full of corners and panels.
Cost drivers by layout:
- Straight run: Fewer cabinets, fewer cuts, fewer panels.
- L-shape: Corner solutions increase price.
- U-shape or galley: More boxes, more hardware, more finish panels.
- Islands: Add drawers, panels, and often electrical work.
Planning tips:
- Count base, wall, and tall cabinets separately.
- Standard base widths are 9–36 inches. Drawers cost more than doors.
- Tall pantries and oven towers add a lot. Plan wisely.
If you want a precise answer to how much are new kitchen cabinets, start with a lineal foot count and a cabinet list. It improves quotes and reduces change orders.
Finish, hardware, and interior accessories
This is where comfort meets daily use. It also nudges the final budget.
Finishes:
- Factory paint: Smooth and durable; more costly than stain.
- Stain: Warm and forgiving; usually a bit less.
- Thermofoil or laminate: Budget-friendly, easy clean; watch heat near ovens.
Hardware:
- Pulls and knobs: $4–$25 each. A kitchen often needs 20–40 pieces.
- Hinges and slides: Soft-close upgrades run $3–$8 per hinge or slide more.
Interiors and add-ons:
- Pull-out trays: $50–$150 each.
- Trash pull-outs: $200–$400.
- Lazy Susan corner: $100–$300.
- Under-cabinet lighting: $20–$50 per foot plus install.
When clients ask how much are new kitchen cabinets with premium accessories, I suggest splurging on drawers and trash pull-outs. They add real daily value.
Labor, delivery, and installation costs
Labor is often the hidden half of the price. Skilled install makes even budget cabinets look great.
Typical labor costs:
- Removal and disposal: $300–$800.
- Delivery: $150–$400.
- Install: $50–$150 per cabinet, or $2,000–$6,000+ for an average kitchen.
- Modifications: $200–$1,000+ when walls or plumbing move.
- Scribing and trim: Crown, light rail, and panels add hours.
Pro tip from the field: Level floors and straight walls save time and money. If you are comparing how much are new kitchen cabinets across bids, check if trim, panels, fillers, and touch-ups are included.
Refacing vs replacing cabinets
Refacing keeps your boxes and changes doors, drawer fronts, and veneer. It can look new for less.
Typical refacing ranges:
- Budget refacing: $4,000–$7,000 for small kitchens.
- Mid-range refacing: $8,000–$12,000 for average kitchens.
- High-end refacing: $12,000–$20,000 with premium doors and trim.
When to choose refacing:
- Boxes are square, solid, and plywood or high-grade MDF.
- You like your layout and only want a new look.
- You need speed with less mess.
I tell clients who ask how much are new kitchen cabinets that refacing can cut cost by 30%–50% vs full replacement, if the boxes are worth keeping.
Budget planning, timelines, and how to save
A clear plan protects your budget and your sanity.
Smart ways to save:
- Use stock or RTA boxes with upgraded doors.
- Keep the layout. Moving plumbing and gas adds cost fast.
- Limit glass doors and special sizes.
- Choose standard paint colors and avoid custom hues.
- Mix open shelves with closed cabinets.
Typical timelines:
- Stock: 1–3 weeks lead time, 1–3 days install.
- Semi-custom: 4–8 weeks lead time, 2–5 days install.
- Custom: 8–16+ weeks lead time, 3–7 days install.
A common question is how much are new kitchen cabinets if you DIY. RTA installs can save 20%–40% on labor, but only if you are precise and patient.
Getting accurate quotes and comparing bids
A tight spec equals a tight bid. Loose specs cause surprises.
What to give every supplier:
- A measured floor plan with ceiling height.
- A cabinet list by size, type, and quantity.
- Your must-have features and finish.
- Photos of the current space.
- Your installation needs and timeline.
How to compare:
- Make sure box material, door style, and hardware are apples-to-apples.
- Check if crown, light rail, panels, fillers, and toe-kicks are included.
- Verify delivery, demo, haul-away, and touch-up.
I’m often asked how much are new kitchen cabinets with soft-close, pull-outs, and crown. Put every upgrade in writing. Small parts add up.
ROI, resale value, and when to splurge
Cabinets set the tone for the whole kitchen. Thoughtful choices can raise value and joy at home.
Where to splurge:
- Durable boxes and soft-close drawers.
- Tall pantry storage you will use daily.
- A few hero doors or a focal island.
Where to save:
- Skip glass on many doors. It adds cost and upkeep.
- Use fewer drawer stacks if budget is tight.
- Choose a mid-tone stain that ages well.
If you plan to sell within five years and wonder how much are new kitchen cabinets worth at resale, choose classic shaker doors in a neutral color. It is the safest bet with buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions of how much are new kitchen cabinets
How do I estimate how much are new kitchen cabinets for my kitchen?
Measure your linear feet and list cabinet types. Multiply by a range for stock, semi-custom, or custom, then add labor and delivery.
Are cabinets priced per cabinet or per linear foot?
Both methods are used. Linear foot pricing helps early budgeting, while per-cabinet pricing is used for final quotes.
How much are new kitchen cabinets if I keep my layout?
Keeping the layout can cut costs by 10%–30%. Fewer changes mean lower labor and faster install.
Do painted cabinets cost more than stained?
Yes, paint often costs more due to extra prep and finish steps. It looks great but may show wear sooner in busy zones.
Is custom always better than semi-custom?
Not always. A good semi-custom line with plywood boxes can beat a low-tier custom shop on value and lead time.
How much are new kitchen cabinets with installation included?
For most homes, expect $8,000–$18,000 installed for stock or semi-custom. Custom often starts around $20,000 and can go well beyond.
What adds surprise costs to cabinet projects?
Fillers, panels, crown, and scribe trim can be missed in quotes. Delivery, haul-away, and touch-up paint also add up.
Conclusion
Now you have a clear map of the cabinet world. You know how materials, layout, and labor tie to your bottom line. You also know how much are new kitchen cabinets across stock, semi-custom, and custom, and where to invest for daily comfort and long-term value.
Take the next step. Measure your space, set your must-haves, and request apples-to-apples quotes. If this guide helped, subscribe for more remodeling tips or leave a question below. I’m happy to help you price how much are new kitchen cabinets for your home.