New kitchen cabinets typically cost about $100 to $1,200 per linear foot in 2026, depending on the tier you choose. For a standard kitchen, most homeowners land somewhere between $4,000 and $13,000 for the cabinets themselves, before installation and other trades are added. Stock cabinets sit at the low end of that range, semi-custom in the middle, and custom at the top. Your final number will depend on kitchen size, layout, materials, hardware, finishes and local labor rates.
Readers often find that the cabinet line item is only one part of a larger budget. This guide explains how cabinet pricing works, what each tier includes, how installation fits in, and how to build a realistic estimate before you request local quotes.
Typical 2026 Cabinet Cost Ranges by Tier
Cost guides published for 2026 converge on a similar tier structure, even though the exact figures vary by publisher. The table below summarizes per-linear-foot ranges and typical whole-kitchen totals from several cost guides.
| Tier | Typical per-linear-foot range | Example whole-kitchen total | What you generally get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock / ready-to-assemble | About $100 to $400 installed | Roughly $2,000 to $5,500 installed | Standard sizes, limited finishes, in-stock availability |
| Semi-custom | About $150 to $700 installed | Roughly $3,000 to $11,000 installed | Modified dimensions, wider door and finish choices |
| Custom | About $500 to $1,200+ installed | Roughly $11,000 to $21,000 installed | Built to your dimensions, any wood species or configuration |
These ranges are estimates, not quotes. One pricing guide puts the average cost of new kitchen cabinets at roughly $1,500 to $30,000 or more, depending on preferences and kitchen size. Another reports stock cabinets at about $150 to $400 per linear foot, semi-custom at about $400 to $650 per linear foot, and custom at about $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed. Because publishers define their ranges differently, treat any single number as a starting point and verify locally.
How Cabinet Pricing Works: per Linear Foot and per Cabinet
Two units dominate cabinet pricing: linear feet and cabinet count.
A linear foot measures the length of cabinet run along the wall. A 10-foot wall of base cabinets is 10 linear feet. Cost guides use this unit because it lets you scale a ballpark figure to your kitchen quickly.
Per-cabinet pricing matters more when you compare bids or count boxes. Installation labor in particular is often quoted per cabinet or per hour rather than per linear foot.
The most common budgeting mistake is comparing figures that measure different things. A per-linear-foot price that includes installation is not comparable to a per-cabinet price for materials alone. One guide notes that per-linear-foot figures usually include installation, while materials-only prices are lower. Stock cabinets, for example, run about $50 to $100 per linear foot for the cabinets alone, versus $100 to $300 installed. Always ask what a quote covers before you compare it to another.
Stock, Semi-Custom and Custom Compared
Each tier trades price for flexibility. Understanding the trade-offs helps you decide where your project belongs.
Stock cabinets are mass-produced in standard sizes and sold through home centers and online retailers. They are the most affordable option and work well when your layout follows standard dimensions. The limitation is choice: fewer door styles, finishes and size options, and no modifications to the box.
Semi-custom cabinets start from standard sizes but allow modifications, such as adjusting depth or choosing from a wider catalog of doors and finishes. Lead time is typically four to eight weeks. You pay more than stock for the added flexibility, but less than a fully bespoke build.
Custom cabinets are built to your exact dimensions by a cabinetmaker. They suit unusual layouts, specific design requirements and premium materials. HomeAdvisor reports custom cabinet installation costs between $2,799 and $12,936, with an average of $7,428. Custom cabinets run $500 to $1,200 per linear foot including materials, labor, hardware and accessories.
What Drives the Price: Materials, Boxes, Hardware and Finishes
Cabinet Materials
Door and drawer-front material is a major cost variable. For custom cabinets, HomeAdvisor lists material costs per linear foot of about $300 to $400 for MDF, $300 to $400 for maple, $300 to $400 for birch, $400 to $600 for white oak and $500 to $700 for cherry. Material choice affects both appearance and durability, and premium species sit at the top of those ranges.
Box Construction
Most cabinet boxes are built from plywood or particleboard. Plywood is generally preferred for strength and moisture resistance, while particleboard is the budget alternative. Box construction quality is worth inspecting in person, because it affects how the cabinets hold up over years of use.
Hardware
Hinges and drawer slides affect both function and price. Soft-close hinges and full-extension slides are common upgrades, and heavy-duty glides cost more than basic hardware. When comparing quotes, check whether hardware is included or listed as an add-on.
Finishes and Customization
A standard stained finish is usually the baseline. Factory-applied painted finishes, glazing, distressing and multi-step color processes add cost because they require more labor and specialized curing. Custom cabinetmaker labor runs about $70 to $175 per hour, with higher rates in high-cost cities or for intricate trim and crown molding.
Assembly Status
Fully assembled cabinets cost roughly 15% to 30% more than equivalent ready-to-assemble cabinets. Ready-to-assemble units can save money if you are comfortable assembling and installing them, but factor in your time and the risk of assembly errors.
Installation and Labor in the Total Budget
Cabinet installation is a substantial line item, and how it is quoted varies widely between sources.
One 2026 pricing guide puts total cabinet installation at $4,000 to $13,000, depending on location, layout and whether demolition is involved. Labor within that guide is quoted at roughly $477 to $722 per cabinet or $100 to $300 per hour. Another 2026 installation guide reports professional labor at $50 to $200 per linear foot, or $40 to $100 per hour. The spread is wide because scope differs: moving plumbing, patching walls and scribing to uneven surfaces all add time.
Cabinets typically account for 35% to 45% of a total kitchen remodel budget. That leaves the majority of the budget for countertops, flooring, appliances, lighting, labor and contingency. Planning around that share helps you avoid underbudgeting the project as a whole.
Demolition is a separate cost in many projects. HomeAdvisor lists cabinet removal or demolition at $800 to $3,000. Ask each installer whether removal, disposal and dumpster rental are included in their quote.
Electrical and plumbing work near cabinets usually requires licensed trades. Moving a sink or adding under-cabinet lighting means new wiring or supply lines, and that work must meet local building codes, as outlined by the National Electrical Code standards. Confirm with your local building department which permits apply before work begins.
Refacing and Online Versus Showroom Buying
Refacing as an Alternative
Refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes and replaces only the doors, drawer fronts and hardware. One 2026 comparison puts refacing at $4,000 to $12,000 versus $15,000 to $40,000 for full replacement. Another 2026 estimate places refacing at $10,000 to $18,000, compared with $20,000 to $65,000 for full replacement within a remodel. The ranges differ by publisher and kitchen size, so get local quotes for both paths.
Refacing makes sense when the existing boxes are solid and the layout already works. It does not fix a poor layout, damaged boxes or a need for more storage.
Online Versus Showroom
Online retailers often have lower overhead, which can produce competitive pricing on semi-custom cabinets. The trade-off is shipping cost and the lack of a local contact if parts arrive damaged. A local showroom typically provides design support and a point of contact during installation. Compare total delivered cost, not just the sticker price.
Building Your Estimate Step by Step
A realistic estimate takes an hour or two of measuring and a few phone calls. Follow these steps.
- Measure each cabinet run. Record linear feet along every wall where cabinets will sit, including upper and lower runs separately.
- Count cabinets. List base cabinets, wall cabinets, tall cabinets and any island units. This count lets you compare per-cabinet labor quotes.
- Choose a tier. Use the table above to set a per-linear-foot range, then multiply by your measured footage. Treat the result as a ballpark, not a quote.
- Separate the line items. Keep cabinet product cost, installation labor, demolition, countertops, electrical, plumbing, painting and contingency as distinct lines.
- Set a contingency. Renovations routinely surface surprises such as uneven walls, outdated wiring or water damage. A contingency of roughly 10% to 20% is a common planning allowance, though your project’s condition should guide the exact figure.
- Check lead times. Stock and quick-ship cabinets can move in days to a couple of weeks, while semi-custom typically takes four to eight weeks. Order timing affects your installation schedule and any temporary kitchen arrangements.
- Get at least three local quotes. Ask each contractor exactly what is included: removal, disposal, hardware, filler strips, trim and permits.
Code and Safety Checks Before You Commit
Cabinet work touches electrical and plumbing systems more often than homeowners expect. Under-cabinet lighting, outlets inside cabinets, sink relocations and dishwasher connections all involve licensed trades and permits in most jurisdictions.
Verify three things before signing a contract:
- Licensing and insurance. Confirm your installer and any electrician or plumber hold current licenses for your area.
- Permits. Ask your local building department whether your project requires permits, and confirm who is responsible for pulling them.
- Code compliance. Electrical work must meet the locally adopted code, which is commonly based on the National Electrical Code. Your electrician should confirm the applicable edition for your jurisdiction.
Avoiding Common Mistakes During Cabinet Selection
Check the box, not just the door. It is easy to fall for a beautiful door style while overlooking thin box construction or weak drawer joints. Open drawers and inspect the joinery before you buy.
Measure twice, order once. A half-inch error can prevent a cabinet from fitting against a wall or interfere with an appliance opening. If you order semi-custom or custom cabinets, use the manufacturer’s design service to catch layout problems before production.
Order filler strips and trim with the cabinets. Walls are rarely perfectly plumb, so filler strips bridge the gap between a cabinet run and the wall. Order them in the matching finish at the same time as the cabinets, or you risk an unfinished look and a long wait for matching parts.
Confirm what the quote includes. A low installation bid may exclude demolition, disposal, hardware or trim. Compare quotes line by line rather than on the bottom-line number alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should I Budget for New Kitchen Cabinets In 2026?
Most standard kitchens fall around $4,000 to $13,000 for the cabinets alone, with installation adding thousands more depending on scope. Custom layouts and large kitchens can run well above that range.
Is Refacing Cheaper Than Replacing Cabinets?
Refacing is generally less expensive than full replacement. One 2026 comparison puts refacing at $4,000 to $12,000 versus $15,000 to $40,000 for replacement. Refacing only makes sense when the existing boxes are sound and the layout works.
How Is Cabinet Installation Priced?
Installers quote per cabinet, per hour or per linear foot depending on the company. One guide reports labor at roughly $477 to $722 per cabinet or $100 to $300 per hour, while another reports $50 to $200 per linear foot or $40 to $100 per hour. Ask what the quote covers before comparing.
Are Assembled Cabinets Worth the Extra Cost?
Fully assembled cabinets cost about 15% to 30% more than equivalent ready-to-assemble units. The premium buys convenience and factory assembly quality. Ready-to-assemble saves money if you are comfortable with assembly and installation.
What Is a Realistic Lead Time for New Cabinets?
Lead time depends on the tier. Stock and quick-ship cabinets can move in days to a couple of weeks, while semi-custom cabinets typically take four to eight weeks. Confirm the current schedule with your supplier before you set an installation date.
The Bottom Line
A realistic cabinet budget starts with two numbers: your linear footage and your chosen tier. Multiply the two to get a ballpark, then add installation, demolition, trades and a contingency to see the full project cost. Stock cabinets keep costs down when your layout is standard, semi-custom buys flexibility in the middle, and custom delivers an exact fit at the top of the range.
Before you commit, get at least three local quotes that spell out exactly what is included, confirm lead times against your schedule, and verify that any electrical or plumbing work will be handled by licensed professionals under the applicable local code. A little measuring and a few careful questions now will keep your project on budget later.
