Kitchen cabinet replacement costs vary widely based on materials, size, and whether you choose stock, semi-custom, or custom options. So, how much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinets? Most homeowners pay between $2,500 and $25,000, with the national average sitting around $6,500 for a standard 10×10 kitchen.
That range is huge, and it makes sense. A small galley kitchen with basic stock cabinets is a totally different project than a large open kitchen with custom hardwood.
This guide breaks down real numbers so you can budget with confidence. You will see what drives the price up, what keeps it down, and how to plan your project without surprises.
What Drives The Cost Of Cabinet Replacement
Four main factors decide your final price. Understand these and you can predict your budget before you ever call a contractor.
- Cabinet type: Stock, semi-custom, or custom
- Material: Laminate, plywood, solid wood, or MDF
- Kitchen size: Linear feet of cabinetry needed
- Labor and extras: Removal, installation, plumbing, electrical
Each one stacks on top of the others. A custom cherry wood setup in a big kitchen can cost ten times more than stock laminate in a small one.
Stock Cabinets: The Budget Option
Stock cabinets come in fixed sizes and standard finishes. You buy them off the shelf or order from a catalog.
They cost between $70 and $250 per linear foot. For a 10×10 kitchen, expect to pay $1,500 to $5,000 for the cabinets alone.
The trade-off is limited sizing. If your kitchen has odd angles or uneven walls, stock cabinets may leave gaps you have to fill with trim.
Semi-Custom Cabinets: The Middle Ground
Semi-custom cabinets are built to order but from a set range of options. You pick the size, door style, and finish.
Prices run $150 to $500 per linear foot. A typical 10×10 kitchen lands between $4,000 and $12,000.
This is the most popular choice for remodels. You get a better fit than stock without the custom price tag.
Custom Cabinets: The High-End Choice
Custom cabinets are made to your exact specs. Any size, any wood, any finish.
They start around $500 per linear foot and can top $1,200. A 10×10 kitchen often costs $12,000 to $30,000 or more.
You pay for perfect fit, unique design, and premium materials. If your kitchen has unusual dimensions, custom may be your only real option.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Kitchen Cabinets: A Full Breakdown
Cabinet boxes are only part of the bill. Here is where the rest of your money goes.
Material Costs Per Linear Foot
- Laminate: $40 to $100
- MDF (medium-density fiberboard): $60 to $150
- Plywood: $100 to $300
- Solid wood (oak, maple): $200 to $600
- Premium wood (cherry, walnut): $500 to $1,200+
Solid wood doors with plywood boxes are the sweet spot for most homeowners. They last decades and look great.
Labor Costs
Installation runs $50 to $100 per linear foot. For a 10×10 kitchen, that is $1,000 to $3,000.
Removal and disposal of old cabinets adds $300 to $800. If you do the demo yourself, you save that money.
Plumbing and electrical work can add $500 to $2,500. Moving a sink or adding outlets is not cheap.
Additional Costs To Plan For
- Countertops: $1,500 to $6,000 (often replaced at the same time)
- Backsplash: $500 to $2,000
- Hardware (knobs, pulls): $100 to $500
- Painting or refinishing walls: $200 to $800
- Permits: $100 to $500 depending on your area
These extras catch people off guard. Always add 15 to 20 percent to your cabinet budget for surprises.
Average Cost By Kitchen Size
Kitchen size is the simplest way to estimate your total. Here are real-world averages.
- Small kitchen (under 10 linear feet): $2,500 to $8,000
- Medium kitchen (10 to 20 linear feet): $6,000 to $18,000
- Large kitchen (20 to 30 linear feet): $12,000 to $35,000
- Extra-large kitchen (30+ linear feet): $25,000 to $60,000+
These numbers include cabinets and basic installation. They do not include countertops, appliances, or major layout changes.
How To Save Money On Cabinet Replacement
You do not have to spend a fortune. A few smart moves can cut your costs by thousands.
- Reface instead of replace. If your boxes are solid, new doors and veneer cost 30 to 50 percent less.
- Keep the same layout. Moving plumbing or gas lines adds big money fast.
- Choose stock sizes. Custom sizing is the single biggest price driver.
- Do the demo yourself. Removing old cabinets is simple work that saves $300 to $800.
- Buy during sales. Big-box stores and cabinet makers run promotions in winter and early spring.
- Skip the upper cabinets. Open shelving costs a fraction of closed cabinets.
Refacing is the biggest saver of all. If your current cabinets are structurally sound, it is worth a serious look.
When To Replace Instead Of Reface
Refacing only works if the existing boxes are in good shape. Replace them if you see these problems.
- Water damage or swelling in the boxes
- Sagging shelves or broken hinges that cannot be fixed
- Layout that does not work for how you cook
- Particle board that is crumbling
- You want a completely different kitchen footprint
If any of these apply, full replacement is the smarter long-term investment.
Getting Accurate Quotes
Online averages are a starting point, not a final answer. Your actual cost depends on your home, your area, and your choices.
Get at least three quotes from licensed contractors. Ask each one to break down cabinets, labor, and extras separately.
That way you can compare apples to apples. You will also spot any quote that is missing important line items.
Most projects take two to four weeks from demo to done. Order cabinets early, since lead times can run six to twelve weeks.
Budget carefully, plan for extras, and your cabinet replacement will go smoothly from start to finish.