Planning a kitchen means facing one big question: how much do new kitchen cabinets cost? In 2026, the answer depends on cabinet type, kitchen size, and finishes, but it typically ranges from about $2,000 for basic stock cabinets in a standard kitchen to $30,000 or more for fully custom cabinetry; large luxury kitchens can go well beyond that.
That gap is huge. This guide breaks down the average cost of kitchen cabinets, explains what drives the final price, and offers ways to control your total cost.
New Kitchen Cabinets Cost in 2026
Cabinet type is the biggest price driver. Cabinet manufacturers sell three main types: stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets, and fully custom cabinetry. Each one carries a very different price tag. Let’s start with the average, then look at pricing per linear foot.
Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets
For a standard kitchen, semi-custom cabinets typically cost approximately $5,000 to $15,000, depending on size, materials, and finishes. Stock cabinets usually cost less. Fully custom, high-end kitchens can run well above that, often $40,000 or more. These are nationwide numbers, so your quote may land above or below them.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost Per Linear Foot
Cabinets are usually priced by the linear feet they cover. That is the length of wall your cabinets cover. A standard 10×10-foot kitchen has about 20 to 25 linear feet of cabinetry. Multiply your linear feet by the price per foot for a quick estimate. Ask your contractor how they count base and wall cabinets, since methods differ.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost in 2026: Quick Price Summary
| Cabinet type | Approx. cost per linear foot | Rough math for 20–25 linear feet |
| Stock | 100–300 | 2,000–7,500 |
| Semi-custom | 150–700 | 3,000–17,500 |
| Fully custom | 500–1,200 | 10,000–30,000 |
These are approximate installed prices based on 2026 national averages. Actual costs vary by region, brand, materials, and finish. Your final price depends on the factors below.
What Factors Affect the Cost of New Kitchen Cabinets?
Several factors decide where your quote lands within the ranges above, from import duties and materials to layout and installation complexity.
Import Duties and Tariffs
Tariffs on imported cabinets can affect your final price. Since October 14, 2025, certain imported kitchen cabinets, vanities, and their parts have been subject to an additional 25% duty under Section 232, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance.
Rates vary by country of origin and applicable trade agreements, so confirm the current duties with your supplier.
A December 31, 2025, presidential proclamation delayed the planned duty increase on kitchen cabinets and vanities from 25% to 50% until January 1, 2027. If you’re ordering imported cabinets, ask your supplier to confirm the applicable duties and how long your quote remains valid.
Cabinet Material and Construction Quality
Cabinet boxes come in plywood, MDF, particleboard, or solid wood. Solid wood cabinets and plywood boxes generally cost more than particleboard. Material also affects how well the cabinet holds up over time, so the cheapest box isn’t always the best value.
Cabinet Style, Size, and Design
Standard cabinet sizes cost less than made-to-fit sizes. Simple flat-panel cabinet doors usually cost less than detailed profiles, and glass fronts cost more. More cabinets also raise the price, so both size and count matter.
Cabinet Finishes, Colors, and Hardware
Paint and stain add cost, and custom colors add more. Cabinet hardware adds up fast too. Every door and drawer needs pulls or knobs, plus hinges and slides. Soft-close hardware is a common upgrade that increases the cost.
Kitchen Layout and Storage Features
Cabinets in a simple layout cost less than a design with islands, corners, and built-in appliance panels. Extras like pull-out trays, spice racks, and corner units also increase the cost. If you want to see a layout before you buy, ask about design and rendering.
Visit Highline Cabinetry to explore more.
Custom Cabinetry and Installation Complexity
Custom cabinetry is built to your room’s exact measurements. That takes more time and skill. If you are considering a fully custom build, see our custom kitchen cabinets page.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets?
Cabinets are only part of the total cost. Labor is the other part.
Average Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost
Professional cabinet installation typically costs approximately $50 to $200 per linear foot, or roughly $40 to $100 per hour, depending on location, cabinet type, and job complexity.
These labor costs are already built into the installed prices in the table above, so don’t add them on top. Get the labor costs in writing from a kitchen cabinet installation team before you order.
For context, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of about $60,600 for carpenters (May 2025). Contractor rates run higher because they cover overhead, insurance, and profit.
What Is Included in Cabinet Installation Costs?
Most quotes cover setting and leveling the boxes, securing them to the wall, hanging doors, and adjusting them. Trim, filler panels, and hardware may be separate. Crown molding and detailed trim can add to the total, depending on the style and material. Confirm each item before you sign.
Cabinet Removal and Replacement Costs
Cabinet removal means taking out the old units and hauling them away. Some quotes bundle this, while others list it as a separate line. Full cabinet replacement costs more than keeping your existing cabinet boxes and updating only the doors and drawer fronts. That option only works if the boxes are in good shape.
Factors That Increase Installation Costs
Cabinets generally cost more to install when the job gets harder. Watch for these:
- Uneven walls or floors that need repair first
- Moving plumbing, gas, or electrical lines
- Islands and tall pantry units
- Crown molding and detailed trim
- Tight access to the kitchen
How Much Do New Kitchen Cabinets Cost for Different Kitchen Sizes?
Kitchen size sets how many cabinets you need. The examples below use the per-foot ranges from the table above.
Small Kitchen Cabinet Cost
Say your small kitchen has 12 linear feet of cabinets. Stock cabinets in a small kitchen would run roughly $1,200 to $3,600, depending on finishes and hardware. Stock is often the smart pick here because it keeps the total low when you only need a few feet of cabinets.
Medium-Sized Kitchen Cabinet Cost
For a standard 10×10 kitchen, stock cabinets generally offer the lowest upfront cost, while semi-custom cabinets provide more options for materials and finishes. Use the price table above to estimate your total based on the cabinet type you choose.
Large Kitchen Cabinet Cost
Picture a larger kitchen with 30 linear feet and an island. Semi-custom would run roughly $4,500 to $21,000, and fully custom would run roughly $15,000 to $36,000, depending on materials, layout, and finishes. Extra boxes, taller walls, and added storage can push a large kitchen’s cost higher.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost for NYC Apartments
Apartment projects come with extra logistics. Labor and delivery in major metro areas can run above the national averages in this guide, so ask for local quotes. Check your building’s rules on delivery times, elevator use, and work hours before you order, since those limits can change how you plan a cabinet project. If you are remodeling a full kitchen, a kitchen remodeling estimate can cover these details.
How to Reduce the Cost of New Kitchen Cabinets
You do not need to lower quality to lower the bill. Start with these steps.
Choose the Right Cabinet Type for Your Budget
Find the right balance between cost and customization. Semi-custom is often the middle ground. RTA cabinets ship flat and need assembly, so they often cost less than pre-built units. Just plan for the added assembly time.
Keep the Existing Kitchen Layout
Moving sinks, gas lines, and outlets can quickly raise costs. Keeping your layout can save money on labor and materials.
Compare Detailed Cabinet Quotes
A low number can hide missing items. Ask each contractor to list:
- Cost per linear foot and total linear feet
- Box material and door style
- Cabinet hardware
- Removal and disposal
- Delivery and installation
- Trim and molding
- Whether the cabinets are imported
- How long the quote is valid
Are Custom Kitchen Cabinets Worth the Cost?
They can be, if your room has odd angles or you need exact storage. If your layout is standard, semi-custom may meet your needs for less. Decide what you cannot get from stock sizes, then pay for that.
Prioritize Essential Storage Features
Spend where you will use it daily. Deep drawers for cookware and pull-out trash bins can make everyday kitchen tasks easier. Skip extras you will rarely touch.
Your Next Step
Now you know how to estimate your kitchen cabinet cost in 2026. Measure your linear feet, pick a cabinet type, and gather itemized quotes. When you are ready for a real number, request a free estimate from Highline Cabinetry.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to reface cabinets than replace them?
Refacing keeps your existing boxes and swaps the doors and drawer fronts. It often costs less than replacing with semi-custom or custom cabinets, but it can cost about the same as new stock cabinets. Get a quote for both options. It works only if your boxes are solid and your layout still suits you.
How long does it take to get new cabinets?
Stock cabinets can be ready the same day or soon after. Semi-custom cabinets typically take about four to eight weeks to arrive, depending on the manufacturer and order size. Custom orders often take longer, so ask for a written timeline.
Are RTA cabinets a good idea?
They can lower the product price. You or an installer must assemble them, which adds time. Check box quality and hardware before you buy.