Expect to pay about $5,000 to $20,000 for new kitchen cabinets on average.
I’ve helped homeowners plan and buy cabinets for more than a decade, and I’ll walk you through exactly how much is new kitchen cabinets — from stock and RTA to custom builds. Read on to learn real cost ranges, what drives price up or down, smart savings, and step-by-step examples so you can make an informed choice for your kitchen.
Average costs: how much is new kitchen cabinets right now
New kitchen cabinets cost widely. For a typical full kitchen the ranges are:
- Stock or RTA (ready-to-assemble): $2,000 to $8,000 total.
- Semi-custom: $8,000 to $15,000 total.
- Custom cabinets: $15,000 to $50,000+ total.
You can also measure by linear foot:
- Stock cabinets: $60 to $200 per linear foot.
- Semi-custom: $120 to $650 per linear foot.
- Custom: $500 to $2,500 per linear foot.
Remember that regional labor, live-edge choices, and high-end hardware raise these numbers. If you ask how much is new kitchen cabinets, think in ranges and match them to the style and function you want.
What’s included in cabinet pricing and what’s extra
A quoted price may include:
- Cabinets (boxes and doors)
- Standard hinges and basic hardware
- Delivery and basic installation
Common extras that add cost:
- Soft-close hinges, pull-out shelves, organizers
- Custom finishes, specialty doors, glass inserts
- Removal and disposal of old cabinets
- Paint or refinish services and structural repairs
- Countertops, sinks, and appliances (typically not included)
When estimating how much is new kitchen cabinets, always ask what is included. Hidden fees can add thousands if not clarified up front.
Types of cabinets and how they affect cost
Stock Cabinets
- Pre-made sizes and finishes.
- Lowest cost and fastest lead time.
- Best for simple kitchen layouts and tight budgets.
Ready-to-Assemble (RTA)
- Shipped flat and assembled at home or by installer.
- Lower material cost; you can save more by DIY assembly.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
- Base designs with customizable sizes and finishes.
- Balanced option for moderate budgets wanting some personalization.
Custom Cabinets
- Built to exact measurements and style.
- Highest cost but best fit and material options.
Refacing or Repainting
- Reface: replace doors and drawer fronts, keep boxes; 50% or less of replacement cost.
- Repaint: lowest-cost refresh if boxes are sound.
Each type will change how much is new kitchen cabinets. Stock and RTA are budget options. Semi-custom and custom let you tailor size and features, which raises cost.
Key cost drivers: what makes cabinets more expensive
Size and kitchen layout
- More linear feet means more material and labor.
Materials and finish
- MDF and laminate are cheaper.
- Real wood and exotic veneers cost more.
- Painted finishes and stains add labor and time.
Door style and details
- Shaker or slab doors are simpler and cheaper.
- Inset doors, raised panels, and beadwork add cost.
Hardware and fittings
- Premium pulls, soft-close, and custom organizers increase price.
Labor and installation complexity
- Adding islands, plumbing or electrical changes, and tricky installs raise labor hours.
Lead time and supply chain
- Custom orders and specialty finishes take longer and may cost more.
Location and contractor markup
- Urban areas often have higher labor costs and permit fees.
These items are the main reasons the answer to how much is new kitchen cabinets can swing widely. Focus on the biggest factors to control cost.
Real cost examples (small, medium, large kitchen)
Small kitchen (galley, ~10 linear feet)
- Stock/RTA: $1,500 to $4,000
- Semi-custom: $4,000 to $8,000
- Custom: $8,000 to $15,000
Medium kitchen (U-shape, ~20 linear feet)
- Stock/RTA: $3,000 to $7,000
- Semi-custom: $8,000 to $15,000
- Custom: $15,000 to $30,000
Large kitchen (open plan, ~30+ linear feet)
- Stock/RTA: $6,000 to $12,000
- Semi-custom: $12,000 to $25,000
- Custom: $25,000 to $60,000+
These examples show typical totals. When someone asks how much is new kitchen cabinets, give your layout size and desired level of customization to narrow the range.
How to plan a budget and get accurate quotes
Steps to plan:
- Measure your kitchen or get a professional measure.
- Decide on cabinet type: stock, RTA, semi-custom, or custom.
- List must-have features: soft-close, organizers, pull-outs.
- Get at least three itemized quotes from suppliers or installers.
- Compare per-linear-foot, total price, lead time, and warranty.
Ask each bidder to:
- Break out materials, labor, delivery, and extras.
- Note warranty length for doors, hardware, and finish.
- Show examples or references of past installs.
A clear plan helps answer how much is new kitchen cabinets for your exact needs. Accurate quotes reduce surprises.
How to save money without sacrificing quality
Smart ways to save:
- Choose semi-custom where fit matters, and stock elsewhere.
- Keep the cabinet layout the same to avoid plumbing and wiring moves.
- Reface or repaint well-built boxes instead of full replacement.
- Mix materials: wood doors with economical box materials.
- Buy during sales or from surplus/closeout lines.
- Do demolition or countertop removal yourself if comfortable.
From my experience, a smart mix of semi-custom doors and budget boxes saved clients 20–40% while keeping a high-end look. If you ask how much is new kitchen cabinets, consider these trade-offs to hit your number.
Timeline, lifespan, and return on investment
Typical timeline:
- Stock/RTA: 1 to 4 weeks
- Semi-custom: 4 to 8 weeks
- Custom: 8 to 16+ weeks
Lifespan:
- Well-made cabinets last 15 to 30 years with proper care.
- High-end custom cabinets can last decades.
ROI and resale value:
- New cabinets often deliver strong visual impact at resale.
- You can expect a high perceived value, though direct dollar-for-dollar recoupment varies by market.
- Kitchens updated with new cabinets usually increase buyer interest and can speed sale time.
When you consider how much is new kitchen cabinets, weigh timeline and lifespan. Faster, cheaper options may be fine if you plan another remodel sooner.
Personal experience: lessons, tips, and mistakes to avoid
From years of projects I learned:
- Always measure twice and check site conditions before ordering.
- Confirm hinge type and door overlay in writing.
- Don’t assume installers will fix old walls or uneven floors for free.
- Ask for a mock-up or sample door and finish before committing.
- Order extra trim and one extra door panel for repairs later.
One job I managed ran behind because the client changed door style mid-order. That decision increased cost by about 30% and added weeks to the schedule. If you want to control how much is new kitchen cabinets, lock design decisions early and allow a small buffer for changes.
How to choose a cabinet pro and validate quotes
Checklist when hiring:
- Verify license and insurance.
- Ask for recent local references and photos.
- Get a written contract with timeline, payments, and warranty.
- Ensure quotes show per-item pricing and allowances for extras.
- Confirm who is responsible for damage during install.
A reliable installer protects your investment and reduces hidden costs. That reduces uncertainty when asking how much is new kitchen cabinets and helps you compare apples to apples.
Frequently Asked Questions of how much is new kitchen cabinets
How much is new kitchen cabinets for a small kitchen?
A small kitchen with stock or RTA cabinets typically runs $1,500 to $4,000. Semi-custom or custom options raise the cost to $4,000 to $15,000 depending on materials.
Are custom cabinets worth the extra cost?
Custom cabinets are worth it if you need unique sizes, premium materials, or a perfect fit. They cost more but offer higher durability, tailored storage, and a better long-term fit.
Can I save money by refacing instead of replacing?
Yes. Refacing can cost 30% to 60% less than full replacement and gives a major visual update if the cabinet boxes are in good shape. It won’t fix poor cabinet layout or damaged boxes.
How long does it take to get new cabinets installed?
Stock or RTA cabinets can be installed in a few days after delivery. Semi-custom takes 4–8 weeks to arrive and custom can take 8–16+ weeks; installation is typically 2–5 days depending on complexity.
What hidden costs should I watch for when buying cabinets?
Watch for delivery fees, disposal of old cabinets, extra trim, hardware upgrades, and charges for leveling or modifying walls. These extras can add several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Conclusion
New cabinets are one of the most impactful kitchen upgrades you can make. By understanding how much is new kitchen cabinets, and by choosing the right type and installer, you can control cost and get a kitchen that lasts. Start by measuring, deciding on stock versus custom, and collecting detailed quotes. Take action: measure your space, prioritize features, and request three itemized bids to begin. If you found this helpful, leave a comment with your kitchen size or subscribe for a cost worksheet and supplier checklist.