Once you’ve gone through redecorating and looked up steps to clean white kitchen cabinets, you may eventually decide it’s time to replace your cabinets. Whether you’ve outgrown your kitchen’s aesthetic or have major repairs in mind, you probably need to replace your kitchen cabinets every once in a while. Once you’re certain that you’re ready for a big upgrade, the first thing to do is figure out your budget.
While most homeowners assume modern kitchen base cabinets are heavy on the pocket, that is not necessarily the case. An average homeowner spends anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 on replacing kitchen cabinets, but the numbers vary greatly, depending on the materials, tools, and contractors.
Below, we’ve broken down the average costs to replace kitchen cabinets, from installation to material, labor, and more.
The Difference Between Replacing and Refacing
If you’re working on a very tight budget but still wish to upgrade your kitchen, you should consider refacing your cabinets instead of replacing them entirely. Refacing refers to keeping the main boxes of your cabinets and replacing the doors, handles, and hardware. This is an economical way of spicing up your kitchen and costs an average of $1,400—significantly less expensive than replacement.
That being said, professionals still recommend replacing your cabinets over refacing them. While it can cost a hefty initial amount, it is a solid long-term investment to make. This is especially true if you’re flipping homes—if you can spare the one-up cost early on, you’ll make a good return on your investment.
What Is the Cost of Stock Cabinets?
The cost of replacing your cabinets varies depending on the type of cabinet you wish to install. Generally, installing stock cabinets is the cheapest option.
Stock cabinets refer to pre-assembled cabinetry built by manufacturers in line with industry-standard measurements and designs. They cost around $200 to $350 per cabinet (or $100 to $280 per linear foot) and can be installed in a few days.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to upgrade the look and feel of your kitchen, stock cabinets are a good idea. However, they come in limited sizes and styles and are unsuitable for customization.
How Much Do Semi-custom Cabinets Cost?
If you want to keep your budget low but also want room for customization, semi-custom cabinets are a solid option. Semi-custom cabinets are essentially stock cabinets that have the option of extra detailing and custom hardware.
There is also more room for controlling the size of these cabinets. Though they are manufactured based on industry standard measurements, customers have the freedom to change specific dimensions to fit their kitchens. Semi-custom cabinets cost between $300 to $600 per cabinet or $200 to $550 per linear foot.
How Much Can You Expect to Spend on Custom Cabinets?
From dimensions to design, material, manufacturing, and installation, custom cabinets are built especially for your kitchen space. If you want to curate a chic, elegant kitchen aesthetic to match your design taste, custom cabinetry is the best option for you.
Although custom cabinets are a great way to get exactly what you want in terms of functionality and style, they carry a hefty price tag. Custom cabinets cost more than $500 per cabinet or $1,200 per linear foot; the cost of replacing your entire cabinetry can be anywhere from $2,405 to $15,000.
Several factors can affect the price of custom cabinets, from the quality of material to the size, shape, detailing, installation, and labor costs. Once you look at the best wood options for kitchen cabinets, you’ll understand how much prices can vary. The price will also increase if you want special features like pull-out shelves, custom colors, or tempered glass doors.
For an accurate estimate, make sure to consult with a trusted local cabinetmaker. Carefully compare the quality, material, features, and price before making your final decision.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Cabinets?
Once you’ve decided which cabinets best meet your needs, next you need to consider installation costs. The cost of labor varies depending on the type of cabinets and the company you’re working with. Generally, a company making custom cabinets will quote you a price that includes installation costs, so make sure to ask before sealing the deal.
Using a professional cabinet installer will typically cost you about $60 to $90 per hour or $900 to $1,350 in total. A contractor or handyman will charge anywhere from $35 to $65 per hour or $525 to $975 in total. While hiring a handyman may be cheaper, professional installers are well-versed with the nitty-gritty details of the job and are almost always your best option.
