The average kitchen cabinet replacement can cost between $2000 and $24,000. While this HomeAdvisor figure may seem broad and unspecific, there’s no way to get a more accurate estimate. After all, installation costs will depend on a wide range of factors that you need to consider within your specific space.
Here, we’re going to give you all the information you need when replacing kitchen cabinets on a budget. Read on to learn the ins and outs of enhancing your kitchen appearance with new cabinets.
Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Cost by Type
There are three general kitchen cabinet types.
Stock cabinets are pre-designed and ready to install. Semi-custom cabinets let you add your own design elements to stock options. Custom cabinets are those that you design yourself from scratch.
They each have varying levels of customization as well as different materials. Because of this, different kitchen cabinet types will have varying costs to consider.
Stock
Stock cabinets are the most budget-friendly option. Their costs tend to be about $160 to $130 per linear foot of cabinet space. The average homeowner may pay between $3000-$5000 for stock cabinet installation throughout a normal-sized kitchen.
Stock cabinets are typically pre-made and available in standard dimensions. They usually begin at a width of nine inches and go up in three-inch increments. Their height is usually anywhere between 30-36 inches.
These basic products are inexpensive because of their lack of customizable features. More importantly, though, the materials tend to be low-grade and lack the durability and aesthetic of custom alternatives. Construction methods are also generally flimsier than custom or semi-custom cabinets.
Semi-Custom
Semi-custom cabinets offer some customization options over stock models. While you’re not building a 100% custom cabinet from scratch, semi-custom options allow slight adjustments in size or material. You can think of them as stock cabinets with extra alternatives for finishing.
For example, you might enlarge the cabinet’s depth without changing any of its other features or dimensions. You might be able to add drawers to the top of the cabinet. Many people also change door designs by adding etchings, changing colors, or altering the shape of handles and knobs.
These are a budget-friendly way to customize your kitchen appearance. They’re more affordable than cabinets you build from scratch. They won’t have the level of detail a fully custom cabinet will offer, but they’ll still be unique and tailored to some of your preferences.
Custom
A custom cabinet is made to match your exact specifications. You work with a professional designer at LX Hausys to determine your specific material needs and dimensions.
Custom cabinet installation is generally the most expensive option available. Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $600 to $2500 per linear foot of cabinet space. The exact cost will depend on the exact materials and finishes you use.
This may sound like a lot of money, but it’s often well worth the cost.
Some people require custom-made cabinets because of nontraditional kitchen shapes and sizes. Those with tiny homes, galley kitchens, or large open spaces may not be able to use standard-dimension cabinets.
Even if stock cabinets are a realistic option, the bespoke designs and materials of custom cabinetry often make them a worthwhile investment. You can choose materials and colors that match the rest of your room. You can ensure that they’re durable enough to withstand water damage, scratching, scuffing, and other wear and tear.
This means that the cabinets will likely last longer, so you won’t need to pay for a replacement anytime soon.
Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Cost by Material
Different materials can impact the cost of cabinets significantly. This makes sense when you consider how much it costs to source wood vs metal vs plastic. More expensive materials will naturally cost homeowners more because sourcing them is costlier for the supplier.
Custom cabinets also require varying levels of manual labor depending on their material. A wood cabinet may require more sawing, cutting, and finishing than something made from acrylic or laminate. This will hike the cost up.
Wood
Whether you choose maple, birch, or white oak cabinets, wood is one of the most durable materials on the market. LX Hausys offers a variety of wood custom cabinet options to build the foundation of your kitchen. Talking through your options with professionals will help you select the best option to fit your needs.
Wood also has a classic appeal that homeowners love. It’s sourced from natural materials. Just note that this is the most expensive cabinet material out there, so you may want to look at alternatives if you have a strict budget.
Wood Veneer
Wood veneer is the best cost-effective alternative to solid wood. These cabinets take paper-thin slices of wood and securely apply them to the surface of a different solid cabinet surface. The underlayer is usually made from MDF or acrylic.
This means that it offers a similar look at a reduced price. In fact, you may be able to save $50 per cabinet door around your space when you replace solid wood designs with veneer!
Metal
Metal cabinets are more expensive than wood veneer because of their solid, engineered nature. They’re usually made from stainless steel, which has a base material cost of over 60¢ per pound. This may not sound like much, but it’s the price before the metal is shaped, engineered, or installed.
But if you can afford to pay $100+ per cabinet, there are some great things about stainless steel, too. It has both a modern look and a durable surface, making it perfect for contemporary kitchens. Pair it with cool lighting and sleek VIATERA quartz countertops installed by LX Hausys’s experts.
Laminate
Laminate is an economical and versatile material with a wide range of colors and patterns. You can expect to pay about $15 per square foot of laminate cabinetry, a huge decrease from the $50-$150 for wood cabinets.
Laminate comes in both wood-look patterns and natural stone aesthetics. It’s perfect for creating a space that has natural vibes. You can also get laminate in bright hues like canary yellow, calming sky blue, or invigorating orange.
This lets you add a pop of color to any design scheme. It’s perfect for monochromatic enthusiasts who want their kitchen to contain multiple shades of their favorite hue!
Acrylic
Acrylic is a slightly more expensive plastic cabinet material than laminate. Its high gloss and contemporary look of acrylic can add a premium to the base cost depending on your desired aesthetic.
Acrylic is lightweight and weather-resistant, and its easy fabrication means less manual labor and associated costs. It also is extremely easy to clean so you don’t need to do a lot of work to maintain it.
Other Kitchen Cabinet Pricing Factors
The price of a single cabinet will depend on its type and material. However, the costs of your entire renovation will alter based on several other factors, too. Your kitchen size, cabinet space, and accessories all play a part in how much you’ll need to spend.
You can work with experts at LX Hausys to talk about your ideal custom cabinets and where you can cut costs to fit within your budget. This makes replacing kitchen cabinets more affordable even for those who don’t have a lot of money to spend.
Number of Cabinets
The number of cabinets will, of course, have a bearing on how much you spend. If you have two cabinets, you’ll need to pay twice as much as if you only had one.
The size also matters, but you might be able to pay less by choosing one larger cabinet rather than two small ones. After all, this would decrease installation costs and manual labor.
Cabinet Material
Like we discussed earlier, the materials that you’re making a cabinet from will also alter its price. Wood cabinets are the most expensive option while laminate is the cheapest.
Just make sure that you’re careful to pay for something durable enough to last for several years. You don’t want to use cheap acrylic on a surface that sustains a lot of shocks from knives and hammers.
Labor and Installation
About 20-35% of the cost of an item has to do with labor. Installation costs are another type of labor fee that you pay for the convenience of having a professional secure your cabinetry.
This may sound like a lot of money for something you could DIY, but it’s generally worth it. Experts have the tools and knowledge needed for secure installation so your cabinet doesn’t tip over or pull out. You won’t need to spend time correcting the mistake later or have to redo the construction because of a missed screw.
Finish
The finish of a kitchen cabinet refers to the sheen of the fixture. A glossy finish sparkles in the light, making it match your gleaming quartz or natural stone countertops. Matte finishes are consistent and sleek, making them ideal for contemporary design schemes.
Some finishes cost more than others because they use more materials. A glossy, shiny look may be more expensive than a natural wood one because waxing an already-finished is harder than just sanding a surface down.
Accessories
There are several accessory options that will ramp up the price of a kitchen cabinet. Door handles and drawer inserts are just the tip of the iceberg.
You can also ask for built-in organizers, roll-out trays, differently-colored drawers, embossed accents on the wood or plastic, or custom shelves attached to the bottom or top of the cabinet.
These will all tack a little extra money onto the price of your custom cabinet, but many people find them worth the convenience they offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Costs
You still likely have some questions about the costs of cabinet replacement. Luckily, we have answers. Understanding the real answers to frequently asked questions can help you make an informed decision.
Which Style Cabinets Are the Least Expensive?
There are a wide range of kitchen cabinet styles. The most popular include:
- Traditional raised-panel cabinets with a raised center panel
- Classic shaker cabinets with flat door panels and simple straight lines
- Slab kitchen cabinets with no frames or bevels
- Wooden Craftsman cabinets with warm and rugged aesthetics
When all other elements are equal, slab cabinets and shaker cabinets tend to cost the least.
How Much Do Cabinets Cost for a 12×12 Kitchen?
On average, a 12×12 kitchen will have 25-30 linear feet of cabinet space.
Stock or semi-custom cabinets will cost between $3800 and $15,000.
Custom cabinets will cost between $12,500 and $32,000.
How Much Can DIY Save on Installation?
Many people think that installing your kitchen cabinets on your own is a good way to save money. Quick internet searches say that you can save over $34 per hour on labor costs.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t reflect real savings. It only takes upfront factors into account. Since you don’t have the professional tools needed to install a cabinet correctly, you’re likely to require re-installation.
In some cases, you may break the cabinet or make it unable to re-install. This means you’ve wasted all of the money you spent on the cabinet.
In the best-case scenario, you appropriately assemble the cabinet after several long and frustrating weeks. It still will not sit as well as it would with expert installation.
So ultimately, you waste a lot of time and money with DIY attempts.
Is It Cheaper to Replace or Reface Cabinets?
Repainting and refinishing cabinets is less expensive than replacing them. This is because they use pre-existing cabinet boxes. If you can reface your cabinets with help from LX Hausys experts, this might save you money.
However, having outdated cabinets decreases your property value. It also isn’t very aesthetically pleasing, so it may be time for a change anyway. If you’ve had the cabinets for a while, replacement may be worth the cost.
Start Replacing Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget
Now that you know the ins and outs of kitchen cabinet replacement costs, it’s time to begin revamping your interior design. Finding and replacing kitchen cabinets on a budget is a simple and economical way to modernize your space.
LX Hausys is committed to helping homeowners maximize their home value. We decide on exactly what stock or custom cabinets you want and help you fit those cabinets into your interior design scheme. Contact us to learn more about our commitment to making your space gorgeous and to begin your next interior renovation project.