Kitchen Cabinet Cost? 2026 Price Guide

One of the best ways to increase the value of your home is to upgrade your kitchen, but it usually begins with one, very difficult question: What will the cabinets cost? 

Renovating a kitchen means that cabinets can take up to 40% to 50% of the entire budget. Availability of materials, labor rates, and the degree of customization are all factors that affect prices in 2026. This guide explains how much kitchen cabinets cost including the cheapest IKEA quick fix and most expensive custom luxury build.

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Average Kitchen Cabinet Cost

For a standard-sized home, the average kitchen cabinet cost currently sits between $5,000 and $15,000.

However, “average” is a dangerous word in renovation. A small condo using stock units might only spend $3,500, while a high-end suburban kitchen featuring custom white oak could easily exceed $40,000. The gap is almost entirely driven by whether you choose off-the-shelf products or bespoke craftsmanship.

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Understanding Kitchen Cabinet Cost Per Foot

Contractors and showrooms use kitchen cabinet cost per linear foot as a shorthand for quoting. This includes both the upper and lower cabinets along a one-foot stretch of wall.

Typical Kitchen Cabinet Cost by Category:

Category	Cost Per Linear Foot (Installed)	Best For:
Stock	$100 – $300	Quick flips & rental properties
Semi-Custom	$150 – $650	Most residential primary homes
Custom	$500 – $1,500+	Forever homes & unique layouts

Note: When calculating your kitchen cabinet cost per foot, don’t forget that corner cabinets (Lazy Susans or Blind Corners) often cost double what a standard straight cabinet costs.

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New Kitchen Cabinet Cost: Where the Money Goes

When buying a new kitchen cabinet set, you aren’t just paying for wood. You’re paying for:

1. Construction: Is it furniture-grade plywood or particle board?
2. Hardware: Soft-close hinges and heavy-duty drawer slides add roughly $30–$60 per drawer.
3. Finish: Factory-baked finishes are more durable (and expensive) than site-painted ones.

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Custom Kitchen Cabinet Cost

The custom kitchen cabinet cost is high because it solves problems stock cabinets can’t. If your walls aren’t perfectly square (they never are) or you want cabinets that reach a 10-foot ceiling without a “gap,” custom is the route. Expect to invest $18,000 to $50,000 for a full custom build. You are paying for a master carpenter’s time and a perfect fit.

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The Budget Savior: IKEA Kitchen Cabinet Cost

The IKEA kitchen cabinet cost remains the most disruptive force in the industry. For a medium-sized kitchen, materials usually range from $2,500 to $6,000.

The Insider Secret: Many homeowners now buy IKEA “boxes” (the Sektion system) but purchase high-end custom doors from third-party companies. This gives you a custom look at a fraction of the price.

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Refacing Kitchen Cabinet Cost: Is it Worth It?

If your current layout works and the “bones” are solid, don’t rip them out. The refacing kitchen cabinet cost averages $4,500 to $10,000.

This process replaces the doors and skins the frames in a new veneer. It saves you the cost of a plumber (since sinks stay put) and a countertop fabricator, making it the most sustainable and cost-effective “facelift.”

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Small Kitchen Cabinet Cost

For tiny homes or ADUs, the small kitchen cabinet cost usually lands between $2,500 and $5,500. In small spaces, I recommend prioritizing “drawers over doors.” While base drawers cost more than cabinets with shelves, the functionality they add to a small footprint is worth the extra $500–$1,000.

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How to Calculate Kitchen Cabinet Cost?

To avoid sticker shock, use this formula before you visit a showroom:

1. Linear Footage: Measure the total length of all walls with cabinets.
2. The Multiplier: Use $350 as a “safe” mid-range starting point.
3. The Installation Buffer: Add 25% for professional installation.
4. The “Oops” Fund: Add 10% for the inevitable molding or trim pieces you forgot to order.

Expert Insight: The biggest mistake I see? Forgetting the “finished ends.” Most cabinets come with unfinished sides; you have to pay extra for decorative end panels to make them look complete.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

The cabinetry world certainly is not so easy and often leads to homeowners having more questions than answers. Here are the candid, “no-nonsense” replies to the most frequent questions people ask me when they begin to count the costs. 

Is it cheaper to build your own kitchen cabinets? In terms of raw materials? 

Normally, yes. But unless you are an expert cabinet maker having a professional-grade tool shop, the “cost” of your time and possible mistakes is likely to be more than the savings. If you want to save, you are better off getting RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets rather than milling your own from scratch. 

How much does it cost to install kitchen cabinets? 

Usually, labor takes up 20% to 30% of the total project budget. For an average kitchen, hiring a skilled installer will probably cost you from $2,000 to $5,000. Though it is very tempting to do this part yourself, just remember that if the cabinets are not perfectly level, your expensive new countertop will eventually crack. 

What makes custom cabinets cost so much more than IKEA? 

The difference is in the quality of construction and service. IKEA works with very low prices by using the mass-produced particle board and standard sizes. A custom shop builds with top-quality plywood and solid wood, and makes the piece according to the exact fraction of an inch needed for your specific walls. When you go with custom, you are also paying for a designer’s skill and a local artisan’s guarantee. 

Can I just paint my cabinets instead of replacing them? 

Yes, for sure. The cabinets are in good condition and are made of either solid wood or MDF, then painting by a professional (the cost usually being $1,500 to $4,000) is the most affordable way to change the space. However, do not forget: painting laminate or thermofoil cabinets generally does not last and will result in peeling within a year most of the time.

Conclusion: Making the Right Investment

In the final analysis, the typical kitchen cabinet price is a bet not only on the future equity of your house but also on your daily comfort. There is no “universal” solution, but the wisest way to proceed is to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve.

 If you consider this house as your “forever home,” then investing an additional $10,000 for semi-custom cabinets with luxury organizational features will certainly bring lifestyle quality dividends. If you are working on a house for sale, a neat, white IKEA kitchen or professional refacing is often the best financial decision. Before making a decision, make sure to get at least three quotes and inquire specifically about the “hidden” costs such as shipping, hardware, and crown molding. A small amount of effort now will save you a lot of trouble with your budget later on.