Cost of Kitchen CabinetsEverything You Need to Know – Real Simple

Whether youre building a new house, remodeling a house you already own, or tackling projects before selling your house, the condition of your kitchen cabinets can drastically affect the entire look of the space. Next to your appliances, cabinets are the largest items in the kitchen, so the eye is immediately drawn to them.

Sometimes, existing cabinets can be salvaged, but when theyre beyond repair or severely outdated for your tastes, youll probably want to replace them. According to the 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, more than 2 in 5 homeowners (44 percent) choose fully custom cabinets, while nearly one-third (31 percent) opt for semi-custom, says Marine Sargsyan, staff economist at Houzz. She also tells us that white remains the most popular color choice (40 percent), followed by wood-tone cabinets (24 percent) and that Shaker-style cabinet doors are the most style, followed by flat-panel doors.

But, before you can think about aesthetics, you'll need to figure out your budget. So, we've broken down the cost of kitchen cabinets and all the factors at play below.

The cost of new kitchen cabinets can vary depending on a variety of factors. According to Sargsyan, it usually costs between $1,000 to $5,000 to install new kitchen cabinets. The price can vary depending on the number of cabinets you need, the materials you choose, and whether or not you have custom cabinets made, she explains.

Morgan Olsen, design expert at Thumbtack, tells us that on average, kitchen cabinets themselves cost $300 to $614.

Your actual project costs can depend on the type of cabinets you choose. Olsen provides examples of the three typical cabinet types:

For stock cabinets, Olsen says the cost per unit can range from $55 to $600. Stock cabinets, also known as ready-made cabinets, may need to be assembled and finished, she explains. She points to the types of cabinets you see at places like Home Depot and IKEA as examples. You can find top cabinets as well as bottom cabinets, with doors or drawers, in various sizes. Some are also available in various colors, such as white, cognac, medium oak, and natural hickory. However, with stock cabinets, youre limited to the specific sizes offered.

Semi-custom cabinets can range from $140 to $800 or more, and Olsen says theyre a good mid-range choice that wont break the budget. Semi-custom cabinets are available in standard sizes, but provide more flexibility regarding measurementsand they come in a variety of styles as well, she says.

Expect to pay more for custom cabinets, since theyre hand-built by carpenters to precisely fit your kitchen. Custom cabinets are the most expensive option because of the skill and labor required, ranging from $500 to $1,400 or more per linear foot installed, Olsen explains.

The type of material you choose can also make a difference, and Olsen says these are the average price ranges:

Along with the type and material, the cost of kitchen cabinets can also depend on the size of your kitchen, and the type of professional you decide to hire. Some cabinets are unfinished or prefinished, which can add extra steps and costs. You can paint the kitchen cabinets yourself to save money, but just be sure to avoid these kitchen cabinet painting mistakes.

On average, the national cost to paint cabinets ranges from $2,000 to $7,000, says Olsen. If the cabinets are still in good shape, refinishing them is another option, which could include either staining or painting. Refacing the cabinets is yet another option, and this entails installing new cabinet doors and veneers.

Natalie Rebuck, principal designer at Re: Design Architects, which has offices in Brooklyn and Southold, New York, has designed numerous kitchens. New cabinetry can be included on the lower end range from IKEA (where you need to assemble the cabinetry yourself) and this really is the least expensive cabinet that you can find on the market today, she tells us. A great option is to use companies like Semihandmade and Superfront to make the kitchen look more modern and give it an upgraded look.

If youre looking for something in the mid-price range, Rebuck recommends researching local cabinet makers, since they can sometimes offer custom cabinetry at more affordable prices.

Simplicity is another factor to keep in mind. Flat panels are less expensive than Shaker-style cabinets and other styles that have additional components, Rebuck explains.

In addition, she says cabinet doors are less expensive than having a cabinet with a whole bunch of drawers. Cabinet makers have to make each individual drawer, which drives the cost up on the price of a cabinet with drawers versus doors. So, consider minimizing the number of drawers when selecting your kitchen cabinets, if you can.

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Cost of Kitchen CabinetsEverything You Need to Know - Real Simple