How Much Should Kitchen Cabinets Cost? A Guide

Are you thinking about redoing your kitchen and wondering, “How much should kitchen cabinets cost?” The cost can change a lot based on the style, size, and type of cabinets you pick. Knowing the cost can help you plan your budget for the kitchen remodel¹.

Key Takeaways

• The average cost of kitchen cabinets ranges from $150 to $500 per linear foot installed, or $4,500 to $15,000 total.
• Cabinet costs are influenced by factors like material, size, design, and level of customization.
• Stock cabinets typically cost $100 to $400 per linear foot, semi-custom $150 to $700, and custom $500 to $1,200.
• Labor costs for cabinet installation can range from $40 to $80 per hour or $50 to $300 per linear foot.
• Choosing the right cabinet style and features can help you stay within your kitchen remodel budget.

What’s the Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets come in different types, each with its own price. You can find them from $2,000 to $40,000, with most costing $4,500 to $15,000².

Stock or RTA Cabinets

Stock or RTA cabinets are the cheapest, costing $100 to $400 per foot or $2,000 to $4,000 for a box². They are pre-made and have fewer styles and sizes, but they’re less expensive².

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Semi-custom cabinets offer more styles and finishes, priced between $150 to $700 per foot or $6,000 to $9,000 for a box². They let you choose more options, making them a favorite for many.

Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are made just for your kitchen’s shape and layout, costing $500 to $1,200 per foot or more than $20,000 for a box². They’re perfect for kitchens that are not standard, giving you a perfect fit and look.

“It is recommended to allocate 40% of the total remodeling budget to kitchen cabinets.”²

In Malaysia, kitchen cabinets can cost from RM2,000 for basic ones to RM50,000 for top-quality solid wood ones³. The price changes based on the material, style, features, and size of your kitchen³.

• Solid wood kitchen cabinets in Malaysia cost between RM5,000 to RM50,000³.
• Laminate kitchen cabinets in Malaysia are priced from RM2,000 to RM20,000³.
• Stainless steel kitchen cabinets in Malaysia range from RM4,000 to RM40,000³.
• Wood veneer kitchen cabinets in Malaysia are priced between RM3,000 to RM30,000³.

Stock or RTA cabinets cost $100 to $400 per foot, semi-custom ones $150 to $700, and custom ones $500 to $1,200². These prices show the customization and quality you get with each type²⁴³.

Factors Affecting Kitchen Cabinet Prices

Kitchen cabinet prices depend on several key factors. The type of cabinets, their style, and your kitchen’s size matter a lot. Knowing these can help you plan your budget for a kitchen redo.

Type of Cabinets

The cabinet type greatly affects the price. Stock or RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets are the most affordable option, costing between $100 to $500 per linear foot⁵. Semi-custom cabinets cost between $300 and $1,000 per linear foot⁶, and custom cabinets are priced at $1,000 or more per linear foot⁶. Custom cabinets use premium materials like solid wood and offer more design choices.

Cabinet Style

The cabinet style you pick also changes the price. Simple designs like slab or shaker styles are more budget-friendly⁵. But, elaborate styles like raised panel or louvered cabinets are pricier because they need more work and materials⁵. The cost also goes up with fancy hardware like soft-close hinges and designer handles.

Kitchen Size

The size of your kitchen is key to cabinet costs. Bigger kitchens need more cabinets, making them more expensive⁶. Adding professional installation costs more, from $100 to $300 per cabinet unit⁶. Planning well and using space wisely can make your money go further.

In summary, the type of cabinets, their style, and your kitchen’s size are main factors in cabinet prices. By knowing these, you can choose wisely to balance quality, function, and cost.

“Quality kitchen cabinets add to a home’s value and look, boosting its market price.”⁵

Cabinet Materials: Cost, Durability, and Aesthetics

Kitchen cabinets’ material affects their cost, how long they last, and how they look. From cheap melamine to expensive solid wood, each type has its own benefits and things to consider for Malaysian homeowners⁷.

Melamine cabinets are a budget-friendly choice in Malaysia. They are affordable and stylish⁷. Solid wood cabinets are pricier but offer a unique warmth and elegance. They are also very durable and can last a long time with the right care⁷.

Stainless steel cabinets are great because they resist fire, termites, water, and corrosion. This makes them perfect for Malaysia’s climate⁷. They are also easy to clean and have a modern look, often found in commercial kitchens⁷. Aluminum cabinets are a luxury option. They are light, strong, and resist termites, chemicals, water, fire, and heat⁷. They are easy to maintain and add luxury to the kitchen at a higher cost⁷.

Other materials like plywood, MDF, and particleboard also have their benefits. Plywood is strong and doesn’t warp easily⁸. MDF is made from wood and recycled fibers, offering a smooth surface⁸. Particleboard is a budget-friendly option that still provides quality⁸.

The finish and surface of cabinets are key to their cost, durability, and look. Laminate, melamine, and acrylic finishes are water-resistant and easy to clean⁸. Veneer and lacquer give a premium look but cost more⁸. Glass cabinets make the kitchen look bigger and brighter but are pricier because of the material and installation⁸.

Choosing kitchen cabinets means balancing cost, durability, and style. Knowing the pros and cons of different materials and finishes helps Malaysian homeowners make the best choice for their budget, lifestyle, and style⁹.

Cabinet Installation Costs: Labor and Accessories

Installing kitchen cabinets can be costly, especially for labor. In Malaysia, the cost to install cabinets can be from RM300 to RM1,000 a day¹⁰. This labor makes up 10% to 15% of the total cost¹¹.

The size of your kitchen affects the cost too. For a small kitchen, installing basic cabinets might cost RM1,500 to RM3,000¹¹. Medium kitchens might need RM3,500 to RM5,500 for mid-range cabinets¹¹. Large kitchens could cost RM6,000 to RM10,000 for high-end cabinets¹¹.

Cabinet Accessories and Add-Ons

There are also costs for cabinet accessories and extras. These can be things like pull-out trays or under-cabinet lighting. Prices for these extras can be RM100 to RM1,000 or more¹¹.

The final cost of kitchen cabinets depends on the material, size, and kitchen layout. For a basic apartment kitchen, costs range from RM7,500 to RM8,500¹². Mid-tier kitchens might cost RM12,000 to RM14,000¹². High-end kitchens can be RM13,500 to RM15,000 or more¹².

The cost of installing kitchen cabinets in Malaysia can change based on your project’s needs. This includes extra accessories, electrical work, plumbing, and more¹⁰.

Replacing vs. Refacing vs. Refinishing Cabinets

When updating your kitchen cabinets, you have three main choices: replace, reface, or refinish. Each method has its own costs, benefits, and downsides. Let’s look at these options to help you decide.

Replacing Cabinets

Replacing your kitchen cabinets is the biggest and most costly option. It costs between $13,500 and $26,000 on average¹³. This means taking out the old cabinets and putting in new ones. It’s a big change that can update your kitchen’s look and function. But, it’s the priciest choice if your cabinets are really old or damaged.

Refacing Cabinets

Refacing is a cheaper option, costing about $7,000 on average¹³. You replace the doors and drawer fronts but keep the boxes. It makes your kitchen look new without the big cost of replacing everything. Refacing is usually a third the price of full replacement¹³.

Refacing costs between $4,500 and $15,000, or $100 to $450 per square foot¹⁴. For a 10’x10′ kitchen, it starts at $1,000 to $4,000¹⁴. Mid-range costs for better quality materials are $4,500 to $7,000 for the same size¹⁴. High-end refacing can be $7,500 to $15,000, including fancy doors and extras¹⁴.

Refinishing Cabinets

Refinishing is the cheapest option, costing $1,800 to over $4,000, with an average of $3,000¹⁵. It means stripping, sanding, and painting or staining the cabinets. This way, you can make your cabinets look new without replacing them.

Replacing cabinets takes 5-14 days, while refinishing is quicker, taking 1-2 weeks¹⁴. Refacing is even faster, taking 3-5 days¹⁴.

Think about your budget, the state of your cabinets, and how much you want to change when choosing. Replacing gives you the most changes. Refacing and refinishing are cheaper and still give a new look.

Your choice between replacing, refacing, or refinishing depends on what you need, like your budget and what you want for your kitchen. Knowing the costs and time for each option helps you make a good choice for your kitchen¹³¹⁴¹⁵.

Retailer Options: IKEA, Home Depot, and Lowe’s

Homeowners have many choices for kitchen cabinets at IKEA, Home Depot, and Lowe’s¹⁶. These stores have different cabinet styles, materials, and installation services. They fit various budgets and design tastes.

IKEA is famous for its affordable, easy-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets¹⁶. It has about 50 stores in the U.S. and delivers cabinets in 4 to 13 days¹⁶. IKEA’s SEKTION system offers 24 kitchen cabinet styles, making it great for those on a budget¹⁶.

Home Depot and Lowe’s have a wider range of semi-custom and custom cabinets¹⁶. They have around 2,000 stores and deliver cabinets in 7 to 10 days¹⁶. They also offer full-wood, ½ inch plywood cabinets for special orders, giving more premium options¹⁶.

The cost for kitchen cabinets and installation varies from $3,000 to $20,000+, based on the cabinet type and kitchen size¹⁷. IKEA’s cabinets cost $10,000 to $15,000 (plus installation). Home Depot and Lowe’s offer semi-custom and custom options up to $20,000 or more¹⁷.

When picking a retailer, think about your budget, cabinet quality, and installation needs¹⁸. IKEA is known for its low prices and DIY options. Home Depot and Lowe’s offer premium materials, customization, and professional installation¹⁸. The best choice depends on what you need for your kitchen makeover.

how much should kitchen cabinets cost

Planning a kitchen remodel means looking at the cost of new cabinets. The average cost of kitchen cabinets can be from $2,946 to $7,113. This includes refinishing, replacing, or resurfacing/refacing¹⁹. Most projects cost between $4,000 to $13,000, making cabinets the biggest expense in a kitchen redo¹⁹.

Many things affect the cost of kitchen cabinets. These include the type, materials, size, and how they’re installed. Average prices vary by type. Stock cabinets are $100 to $300 per linear foot, semi-custom $150 to $650, and custom $500 to $1,200 per foot installed²⁰. In Malaysia, the cost is RM 5,000 to RM 15,000 for standard cabinets. Stock costs RM 200 to RM 500 per foot, semi-custom RM 500 to RM 1000, and custom RM 1000 to RM 2000 per foot²¹.

The material of the cabinets also matters. Choices include plywood, wood veneer, laminates, acrylic, stainless steel, and solid wood¹⁹. Cabinet hardware prices range from under $100 to over $10,000, depending on the pieces and materials¹⁹. The design, like framed or frameless, can also affect the cost. Flush/inset cabinets are about 20% pricier than framed ones¹⁹.

Homeowners have many options for kitchen cabinets, from affordable stock to high-end custom. Knowing what affects prices helps homeowners plan their budget. This way, they can make choices that fit their needs and tastes¹⁹²⁰²¹.

Cost Breakdown by Kitchen Size and Cabinet Type

The size of your kitchen and the type of cabinets you pick can change the cost of your kitchen remodel. Knowing the cost for small, average, or large kitchens helps plan your budget.

For a small kitchen (70-100 square feet), costs range from $3,000 to $12,000 for stock or semi-custom cabinets. Custom cabinets can cost between $12,000 to $20,000²². In an average kitchen (100-200 square feet), expect to pay $4,500 to $15,000 for stock or semi-custom cabinets. Custom cabinets can cost $15,000 to $30,000²². A large kitchen (200+ square feet) might cost $6,000 to $20,000+ for stock or semi-custom cabinets. Custom cabinets can cost $18,000 to $36,000+²².

The cabinet material and how they’re made also affect the cost²². Materials like natural wood, veneer, laminate, and polyurethane change the price. The way they’re made, like with dowel, rabbet, or dovetail, can add $15,000 to $25,000 to the total²².

Custom kitchen cabinets start at $20,000 on average, while semi-custom ones are $15,000 to $25,000²². Stock cabinets are $100 to $300 per linear square foot. Semi-custom cabinets are $150 to $650 per linear square foot. Custom cabinets are $500 to $1,200 per linear square foot²³.

Things like the kitchen layout, cabinet hardware, and lighting also affect the cost²³. Even though high-quality cabinets cost more upfront, they can last up to 50 years. This makes them a good long-term choice²³.

Knowing the cost based on kitchen size and cabinet type helps you make smart choices. Find the right balance between your budget and kitchen design dreams. Check out cabinet cost estimates, budget guidelines, and installation costs for more info on your kitchen remodel²²²³²⁴.

Tips to Save Money on Kitchen Cabinets

When you’re redoing your kitchen, cabinet costs can get high and stretch your budget. But, there are ways to save money on kitchen cabinets without losing quality or style²⁵.

Choosing Shaker-style doors is a budget-friendly choice for your kitchen cabinets²⁵. Slab door fronts are also less expensive and fit modern or contemporary kitchens well²⁵. Going for oak instead of cherry or maple can save you hundreds of dollars²⁵²⁶.

Thermofoil or laminate can be a cheaper option than all-plywood cabinets²⁵²⁷. Skipping features like soft-close drawers and full-extension slides can also save you money²⁵²⁶.

• Keep the number of pullouts low, like trash bins or sliding shelves, to save costs²⁵²⁶.
• Stick to simple cabinet door styles and fewer extras like corbels and glass fronts to cut costs²⁵²⁶.
• Don’t add a glaze to your cabinets to save money²⁵²⁶.
• More doors and fewer drawers can help you save on cabinet design²⁵²⁶.

Remember, to save on kitchen cabinets, focus on what you really need and skip the extras. This way, you can stay on budget and still get your dream kitchen²⁶.

By using these tips, you can save a lot on kitchen cabinets. Then, you can use that money for other parts of your kitchen redo²⁷.

Remember, saving money on kitchen cabinets means focusing on what you need, skipping upgrades you don’t need, and choosing affordable options. This way, you can still have a great-looking kitchen without spending too much.

Conclusion

Figuring out the right budget for kitchen cabinet cost is key in any kitchen remodel budget. Knowing the average costs of different cabinets and materials helps homeowners make smart choices. This way, you can match your style and stay within your budget²⁸.

Choosing between affordable stock cabinets or high-end custom ones is a big decision. Stock cabinets cost between $50 – $200 per linear foot²⁸. On the other hand, custom cabinets can be $500 – $1,200+ per linear foot²⁸. You can find the perfect fit for your kitchen and budget²⁹.

Think about the style, material, and size of your kitchen when picking cabinets. This way, you can make a kitchen that looks great and fits your budget²⁹³⁰. Stock cabinets cost from $2500 to $25,000³⁰. Custom ones can be up to $1,200 per linear foot, including installation²⁹. With careful planning, you can get the kitchen you dream of without spending too much.

The secret to a great kitchen renovation is finding the right balance between style and budget. By understanding the market and making smart choices, you can create a kitchen that shows off your style and fits your budget. This guide will help you through the process of choosing kitchen cabinets for your home.