How much does it cost to install cabinets and countertops

Many factors go into the cost of kitchen cabinet installation. Your actual bill will depend on the kitchen’s size, the type of cabinetry you choose, the materials used, and which professionals you hire for your project.

Yes, you take on a sizable investment when you decide to remodel your kitchen. In return, you gain a brand new look – and enhanced functionality – to enjoy for years to come, and of course, you also increase the value of your home. Remodeling.com’s Cost vs. Value Report for 2020 shows that a kitchen remodel can bring the homeowner a return that ranges from 53% to 77% when it’s time to sell.

How much does it cost to install new kitchen cabinets?

Here are average costs for kitchen cabinet installation for the three main types of cabinets; stock, semi-custom, and custom.

  • Stock cabinets range from $75 to $400+ per linear foot installed. These are the types of cabinet you often find at big box stores like Lowes or Home Depot. They come in specific, standard sizes that may – or may not – fit easily into a kitchen layout.
  • Semi-custom cabinets range from $150 to $900+ per linear foot installed. These are high-quality, all-plywood cabinets that you can buy from wholesale cabinet companies like Simply Kitchens. They offer all the standard sizes plus many more options for different types of cabinet units than you’ll find with stock cabinets. Semi-custom cabinets come in a range of different styles and finishes to fit every type of decor.
  • Custom cabinets range from $500 to $1,400+ per linear foot installed. Carpenters build these cabinets right on the job site. They will fit perfectly into a unique layout but cost more since they call for more extensive craftsmen and contractor labor and typically use more expensive materials.

Depending on cabinet type, four main factors affect your installation cost.

1) Layout – If you change the location of any major appliances or opt for a new cabinet layout, you will incur additional costs to reconfigure electrical outlets, gas lines, plumbing, and ductwork.

2) Number of cabinets – As you might expect, if you have a large kitchen, you’ll need more cabinets, which will increase costs for both cabinets and labor.

3) Types of cabinets – Most kitchen layouts include three standard types of cabinets: base cabinets, wall cabinets, and tall cabinets. Most manufacturers offer each type in standard sizes, although some manufacturers will carry more sizes than others.

  • Base Cabinets are usually 34½” – 36” wide and are installed on the floor. These cabinets serve as the base for your countertop and sink. The labor cost to install base cabinets ranges between $50 to $70 per linear foot.
  • Wall Cabinets come in heights of 12”, 15”, 18”, 30”, 36” and 42”, and measure between 12” – 18” in depth. They are typically installed over the stove, above the counter, and over the refrigerator.
  • Tall Cabinets are typically 84”, 90” or 96” tall and 24” deep; these full-height cabinets are installed where there are no wall or base cabinets or countertop and often serve as a pantry or broom cupboard.

4) Geographic location of your project will affect the installation costs, as labor rates around the country vary significantly. Here are some average rates for different job site locations.

  • In the Midwest, the southern U.S., or smaller urban centers, installation costs are just under $100 per box.
  • On the coasts or in major cities – or if you are working with a highly rated, in-demand installer, your cost could approach $300 per cabinet.

Another often-used approach is to take 10% of the purchase cost for cabinets as a preliminary estimate for installation charges, which usually comes out to between $2,000 – $4,000.

Additional factors will affect your cost

Size and shape – If there are odd angles or corners for the contractor to accommodate, you can expect to pay more. Or you may need a special or custom cabinet to fit into an odd space – that too will add to your cost.

Accessories – If you add different storage options or upgrades to the basic cabinet or drawer, this will add to the cost and possibly the installation time.

Demo and removal – Your contractor will factor in any necessary demolition and removal of previous cabinets. If you want to cut costs, consider doing some of that work yourself.

Hiring a different installer – Wholesale cabinet companies like Simply Kitchens may have their own installers available with special offers or discounted rates. If you choose to hire a different cabinet installer, make sure that they have comparable rates, the right kind of experience, and hold all appropriate licenses and insurance.

Can I install kitchen cabinets myself?

Many homeowners choose to install kitchen cabinets themselves, especially if they have experience and the necessary tools. Here’s what you need to succeed:

First, you need cabinet installation tools and supplies to ensure correct cabinet installation. You want each unit to hold its shape and last a long time – Poor installation is a primary reason cabinets do not last.

Second, you need help – cabinet installation is not a one-person job. Kitchen cabinets are heavy, and it often takes two people to move each unit into position and stabilize it so it can be bolted to studs in the walls.

Third, your measurements must be accurate to ensure every cabinet is level and plumb. Even a single centimeter off for the first cabinet means serious problems when you get to the fourth or fifth one.

Unless you have complete confidence that you’ve checked each box above before taking on kitchen cabinet installation yourself, the safe, wise, and ultimately cost-effective decision is to hire a reputable installer for the job.

How long will the kitchen cabinet installation take?

Each cabinet takes approximately 60-90 minutes to install. You can also expect an hour or two of labor per cabinet. For custom cabinets, your costs will increase significantly.

What’s an average cost to install kitchen cabinets in a standard kitchen?

10×10 kitchen installation costs

Expect to spend $2,800 to $6,500 to replace kitchen cabinets in a standard 10 x 10-foot kitchen with 20 linear feet of cabinetry.

12×12 kitchen installation costs

For a standard 12×12 foot kitchen with 25 linear feet of cabinetry, cost estimates range from $3,800 – $8,500 to replace kitchen cabinets.

There’s no question that a kitchen remodel could be one of the most expensive investments you make in your home. Don’t let the overall cost of new kitchen cabinets scare you, however. Simply Kitchens has financing options available so you can make that significant improvement to your home for a relatively low upfront cost.

How much does it cost to install cabinets and countertops

If you’re ready to see what your house will look like with new cabinets, reserve your time to speak with one of our expert cabinet designers today. You’ll receive a FREE 3D kitchen design to guide your project planning process. You can also browse our RTA and pre-assembled kitchen cabinets gallery, where you’ll see a broad selection of cabinets in styles that range from modern to traditional. At Simply Kitchens, our specialty is creating your dream kitchen, anywhere in the U.S., at a price you can afford.

How much does it cost to install cabinets?

Typically, you can expect to spend between $150 and $500 per cabinet, plus installation costs, or $150-$380 per linear foot for total installation. Each cabinet will take 60-90 minutes to install, so you can also expect to pay an hour or two of labor per cabinet that you are installing.

How much does it cost to install a small kitchen?

At an industry average of $150 per square foot for both materials and labor, the average cost of a small kitchen remodel is between $9,500 and $14,250.

What is the cheapest way to replace kitchen cabinets?

You can get pre-made cabinets delivered, already assembled, and install them yourself (or have a contractor do it for you). This is less expensive. Or you can order ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets, and assemble them yourself. This is the most budget-friendly option of all.

How much does it cost to put in a new kitchen?

HomeAdvisor puts the average kitchen remodel price in the $12,567 to $34,962 range. A small kitchen remodel can cost as little as $4,000 and a lavish remodel can cost as much as $50,000+.