Replacing both kitchen cabinets and countertops typically runs $5,000 to $25,000 depending on materials, layout size, and whether you hire professionals or tackle parts yourself. So how much do new kitchen cabinets and countertops cost when you mix high-end cabinets with budget counters, or the other way around? The answer changes fast once you start picking finishes.
This guide breaks down real numbers by material, size, and labor so you can build a budget that actualy holds up.
The Short Answer On Kitchen Cabinet And Countertop Costs
Most homeowners spend between $5,000 and $25,000 for both projects combined. A small galley kitchen with stock cabinets and laminate counters can land near $4,000 to $6,000. A large kitchen with custom cabinets and quartz or granite can push past $30,000.
Labor is a big part of that gap. Installation alone often eats 20% to 35% of your total budget.
How Much Do New Kitchen Cabinets And Countertops Cost
Here is the full picture, split by the two main components.
Average Cabinet Costs By Type
Cabinets are usually the biggest line item in a kitchen remodel. They can run 40% to 50% of your total spend.
- Stock cabinets: $70 to $200 per linear foot
- Semi-custom cabinets: $150 to $500 per linear foot
- Custom cabinets: $500 to $1,200+ per linear foot
For a standard 20-linear-foot kitchen, that works out to roughly $1,400 to $4,000 for stock, $3,000 to $10,000 for semi-custom, and $10,000 to $24,000 for custom.
Material matters too. Laminate-faced cabinets sit at the low end. Solid wood, plywood boxes, and soft-close hardware push prices up.
Average Countertop Costs By Material
Countertops are priced per square foot, installed. A typical kitchen needs 30 to 50 square feet.
- Laminate: $20 to $50 per square foot
- Butcher block: $35 to $80 per square foot
- Quartz: $50 to $120 per square foot
- Granite: $40 to $100 per square foot
- Marble: $60 to $150 per square foot
- Solid surface: $35 to $80 per square foot
So a 40-square-foot quartz counter can cost $2,000 to $4,800 installed. The same size in laminate might only run $800 to $2,000.
What Drives The Final Price Up Or Down
Two homes with the same square footage can get quotes that differ by $10,000. Here is why.
Kitchen Size And Layout
More cabinets means more money. An L-shaped kitchen with an island needs far more boxes and drawers than a straight galley.
Odd angles, corners, and tall pantry units also add cost because they need custom fitting.
Material And Finish Choices
Painted finishes cost more than stained ones. Soft-close drawers, pull-outs, and lazy Susans add up fast. A single pull-out trash cabinet can add $200 to $400.
Labor And Installation
Cabinet installation runs $50 to $150 per box, or $2,000 to $7,000 for a full kitchen. Countertop fabrication and install is often baked into the per-square-foot price, but tear-out and disposal may cost extra.
If you remove old cabinets yourself, you can save $500 to $1,500.
Plumbing, Electrical, And Permits
Moving a sink or adding outlets means paying a plumber or electrician. That can add $500 to $3,000. Permits vary by city but often run $100 to $500.
Real Budget Examples
Numbers feel clearer with examples. Here are three common scenarios.
Small Kitchen, Budget Materials
- Stock cabinets, 15 linear feet: $2,000
- Laminate counters, 30 sq ft: $1,200
- Installation: $1,000
- Total: about $4,200
Mid-Size Kitchen, Mid-Range Materials
- Semi-custom cabinets, 20 linear feet: $6,500
- Granite counters, 40 sq ft: $2,800
- Installation: $2,500
- Total: about $11,800
Large Kitchen, High-End Materials
- Custom cabinets, 30 linear feet: $18,000
- Quartz counters, 50 sq ft: $4,500
- Installation and labor: $5,000
- Total: about $27,500
How To Save Money On Cabinets And Countertops
You do not have to spend top dollar to get a kitchen you like. Try these moves.
- Keep the same layout so you avoid plumbing and electrical work.
- Choose stock or ready-to-assemble cabinets and paint them yourself.
- Use quartz or granite remnants for small counters and islands.
- Buy during showroom sales, usually in January and around Black Friday.
- Handle demolition and disposal on your own.
- Get at least three quotes and compare line items, not just totals.
Refacing is another option if your cabinet boxes are solid. It costs $1,000 to $4,000 and can save you thousands compared to full replacement.
How To Budget Step By Step
Follow this order so you dont miss hidden costs.
- Measure your kitchen and count linear feet of cabinets.
- Measure countertop square footage, including the backsplash if you want one.
- Pick two or three material combos you can live with.
- Get written quotes that separate materials, labor, and disposal.
- Add a 10% to 15% buffer for surprises behind the walls.
That buffer matters. Old homes often hide water damage, bad wiring, or uneven walls once the old cabinets come out.
Quick Comparison Table
- Budget combo (stock plus laminate): $4,000 to $7,000
- Mid combo (semi-custom plus granite): $8,000 to $15,000
- High-end combo (custom plus quartz or marble): $18,000 to $35,000
Your final number depends on your kitchen, your taste, and how much sweat equity you put in. Get your quotes in writing, compare them line by line, and you will know exactly what your project costs before you sign anything.