Kitchen cabinets are not all about storing stuff—really, they influence the style personality and everyday usability of your kitchen. Ready to break free from the limitations of outdated doors, aggravating storage, or cosmetic breakdowns? New kitchen cabinets can perform magic. But one of the very first things that will cross your mind is: how much, actually, is it going to cost to replace kitchen cabinets?
In this article, we’ll explore typical cost ranges, practical cost-per-linear-foot guidance, the factors that strongly influence pricing, regional variations, thoughtful alternatives like refacing vs replacing, cost-saving strategies, and the long-term return on investment (ROI). By reading this friendly yet thorough guide, you’ll feel confident planning your kitchen upgrade.
Typical Cost Ranges in the U.S.
Homeowners pay $4,000 to $18,000 to have new kitchen cabinetry installed. The wide price range is determined by cabinet quality, level of customization, size of the kitchen, and level of installation complexity.
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RTA Kitchen Cabinets or economy stock cabinetry low-budget projects typically cost between $1,500 and $5,000.
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Semi-custom cabinetry updates mid-range typically cost $5,000 to $12,000.
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Custom or premium high-end cabinetry systems usually range between $12,000 and $30,000 or even higher, depending on materials, hardware used, and level of expertise.
Of interest is the fact that cabinets usually amount to between 30–50% of an entire kitchen renovation. Budgeting decisions here are therefore part of the overall project planning.
Cost Direction Based on Linear Feet
Contractors quote cabinetry as installed linear feet of cabinet-run. That is the way they do it so they can package material and labor into one number. Typically:
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RTA or stock cabinetry is $50–$300 per linear foot installed.
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Semi-custom cabinetry is $200–$600 per linear foot.
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Custom cabinetry, with premium finishes and custom details, is $500–$1,200+ per linear foot.
A standard small kitchen is 20–30 lineal feet of cabinetry, so small differences of a few feet per can all sum to significantly higher or lower total costs.
Why Are Cabinet Replacement Costs Different?
1. Cabinet Type
Whether your new cabinets appear and where they are made is major on price. RTA cabinets are mass-produced, flat shipped, and assembled at your location by you or your builder. They are lowest.
RTA cabinets are already assembled and ready to be installed immediately in base sizes and finishes. They cost more than RTA but are installed faster and last longer if handled well.
Semi-custom cabinets include variations like modified door styles, special wood finishing, or specialty drawer inserts. They offer a compromise between price and customization.
Scratch-built cabinetry is customized from scratch to your own specifications. They have complete design flexibility, best materials, and craftsmanship—but most expense.
2. Material Selection
Material choice impacts cost, lifespan, and appearance. Cost-saving vinyl-coated MDF doors are affordable, but solid wood in more fashionable species like oak, maple, or cherry lends upscale charm and durability—usually twice that of MDF.
Plywood boxes (drier than MDF) are moderately priced. Laminate doors are easy to maintain and modern-looking at a mid-range cost. Low-VOC finishes or sustainably forested or reclaimed woods add character—and cost.
3. Kitchen Size and Configuration
The more cabinetry and square footage you need, the higher the price. A 10x10 kitchen layout, for example (about 20–25 linear feet of cabinetry), will cost less than a larger U-shaped kitchen with an island installation.
Sophisticated configurations—corner cabinets, islands, and pantry installations—are included in the material, design, and labor costs, especially for custom or semi-custom use.
4. Installation and Labor
Labor cost is determined by geographic area and available installers. Professional installs typically cost $50–$450 linear foot with extremes higher being applied to custom systems or complex designs for example.
Basic RTA installations might be as little as $50 linear foot, while luxury urban city high-end custom cabinets could be upwards of $400 linear foot.
Other charges for labor might include:
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Demolition and removal of existing cabinets — usually $300–$1,000
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Plumbing, electrical, or structural changes — $500–$2,500+
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Pull, knob, and soft-close hinge installation — $2–$50 per unit
5. Hardware, Accessories, and Finishes
Don't forget these costs. Drawer separators, spice towers, trash pull-outs built-in—these extras can make it all more functional and efficient, but they cost. Gaudy handles or brass hinges are fine, but they don't come free.
Finishes such as painting or staining finished cabinets also add labor costs—unless you’re planning to DIY.
Regional Cost Differences
Where you live can also influence the price of cabinet replacement. In large cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, material and labor costs are higher, usually 20–50% higher than the country's averages. The suburbs are cheaper. Rural areas are lower in the cost of materials, but extreme custom and shipping of the cabinets can be expensive.
Shop around for a few local and internet-based suppliers at all times. Direct-delivery RTA cabinets might be less expensive even with shipping added. Shipping long-term custom products might mean advance ordering to avoid project downtime.
Replacing vs. Refacing Cabinets
If your cabinet frames are solid, you might choose to reface rather than replace them. Refacing replaces doors, drawer fronts, and exposed surfaces without disrupting the core boxes.
Refacing costs $3,000–$10,000, while replacement cabinetry starts at $4,000–$20,000+ depending on design and quality. Refacing takes much less time—3–5 days versus 1–3 weeks of replacement.
When you'll be faced with having to replace rather than refacing:
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You will have a reconfigured layout or dimensions like a kitchen island or pantry.
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The original cabinet frame is twisted or warped.
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You require extra storage room, newer features, or color alteration.
Refacing is simple and cheap but replacement requires new build, contemporary layouts, and freedom of design.
Smart Cost-Saving Tips
Replacement of cabinets doesn't always need to cost an arm and a leg. Some of the smart tips to save money are:
1. Utilize RTA Cabinets
A majority of the RTA designs that exist today come with a colossal variety of colors, finishes, and style designs. You can manage up to 50% of the cost in relation to custom labor installation if you do it yourself with the help of your family or friends.
2. Blended Approach: Cabinets and Shelving
Replace some of the uppers with glass fronts or open shelving for a lighter, cheaper look. Shelving will bring a new look to the room without draining your wallet.
3. Shop Off-Season
Holiday sales (Labor Day, Memorial Day, Black Friday) and showrooms' clearance sales are perfect times to receive 10–30% discounts.
4. Use Standard Sizes
Don't purchase custom or off-size cabinets. Standard cabinets will be delivered sooner, cost less, and are easier to install. Don't be special when you need to be frugal.
5. DIY Where Possible
If you have a small do-it-yourself skill, then go ahead and install your cabinets yourself. Just make sure you have tools and time—and understand that intricate designs will still call for a professional.
6. Upgrade Gradually
If you can't replace outright, resurface base cabinets only or doors only as a mid-project boost. Phase upgrades are possible.
The ROI: Why New Cabinets Are Worth It
Indulge in quality cabinetry, however, isn't just a splurge—it returns dividends when you live in your home—It creates profit pools at resale. A pretty kitchen with quality new cabinetry can recoup 50–80% at resale. That's just because potential buyers usually look for new, contemporary cabinetry before move-in.
And, other than that, quality cabinets will never have to be replaced. Stock cabinetry will only endure 10–15 years, and semi-custom cabinetry will easily exceed 20–30 years with good care. Custom solid wood cabinetry, under normal care, will last 40 years plus—and that doesn't damage your home's character.
Imagine a typical 10x10 foot kitchen setup needing about 25 linear feet of cabinets. You’re replacing everything with mid-tier semi-custom birch-wood cabinets, painting them white, and installing soft-close drawers. Here’s an estimated cost breakdown:
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Cabinets and materials: $6,000–$8,000
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Delivery and hardware (handles, hinges): $600–$1,000
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Demolition of old cabinets: $500–$800
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Installation labor: $3,000–$4,000
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Electrical/plumbing modifications: $800–$1,500
It all amounts to an estimated overall cost of $10,900–$15,300—a jaw-dropping, working-over for a decent fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Full replacement of the cabinets how long does it take?
A: Generally one to three weeks, depending on tearout, prep, and rough-in changes.
Q: Is cabinet painting less expensive than replacing them?
A: Refinishing or painting is $1,000–$3,000. Shoddily constructed or damaged, replacement will be more durable and have more storage space.
Q: Can I do it myself?
A: Yes, if you have carpentry expertise and some extra time. You'll save 30–50% in labor by doing cabinets yourself. For intricate cabinet installations or complicated layouts, hire a pro.
Q: Are cabinets guaranteed?
A: 1–5 years of stock or semi-custom cabinetry is all most manufacturers offer. Top-of-the-line or custom cabinet systems come with limited lifetime warranties on workmanship and materials.
Final Thoughts
Replacing your kitchen cabinets is perhaps the ultimate way to give your house new life—and one of the smartest investments. By picking the perfect balance of style, quality, and cost—and throwing in some clever cost-saving advice—you can enjoy your dream kitchen with no remorse over the expense.
Need a head start? Get RTA kitchen cabinetry at Homecabinets. We offer designer-finish options like Classic White and Navy Blue, and sustainable birch finishes. If you want professional layout suggestions, complimentary samples, or installation consultation, our Free Design Services are present to walk you through it.
Ready to get your kitchen renovation underway? Call us today for a free consultation—we'd be delighted to help you create the heart of your home.