By George House/29,July,2025
Investment in your kitchen is an investment in sound hygiene practice, good health, aesthetics, and most importantly, functionality. Back in those days, your only option was a wooden cabinet.
Times are changing, with the advent of various design options that range from natural wood to laminated materials, which have provided us with a wide range of options.
However, the unexpected twist from this plethora of choices is the varying kitchen cabinet costs and prices. Various factors influenced kitchen cabinet cost, including material costs, design types, construction techniques, and many others.
This guide explains every factor that influences kitchen cabinet costs and prices. We also walk you through making the right kitchen cabinet choices and other money-saving tips.
Types of Kitchen Cabinets
Before we go into the kitchen cabinet cost and pricing, you must understand your choices and familiarize yourself with them for better decision-making. The following are the different types of kitchen cabinets.
1. Stock Cabinets
Stock kitchen cabinets are ready to install, as are pre-manufactured kitchen cabinets. These are the pinnacle of simplicity you can get by walking into a store, choosing any color, and having a complete cabinet the same day.
Stock cabinets are known for their same-day availability and often come with an installation guide. In terms of their cost and pricing, they are the most affordable option in the market.
2. Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom kitchen cabinets are a blend between stock and custom cabinets. This type of cabinet allows some modification in terms of the size, finishes, and the features you want your kitchen cabinets to have. If you intend to include some level of your design preference in your kitchen cabinets, go for a semi-custom kitchen cabinet.
3. Custom Cabinets
Customer kitchen cabinets can be classified as the holy grail of cabinet making because you have to immerse yourself in the design and creation process. This is a total reflection of your creations and ideas that cabinetmakers must follow. A custom cabinet is ideal for unique and unconventional kitchen spaces, using high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets (2025 Update)
The year is 2025, and the kitchen cabinet market is at an all-time high in terms of market needs. Almost every homeowner wants a grand kitchen cabinet that serves as a picture-perfect darling on social media.
In terms of cost, there are various factors, including the type of cabinet you want and the customization level you opt for. According to a market study by Home Advisor, an average American household spends between $2,810 and $13,000 on kitchen cabinets, an average of around $7,500. In the United Kingdom, Houzz market researchers estimated that a household spends around £17,500 on a kitchen cabinet.
To further simplify the average kitchen cabinet cost for you, we must look at the price per linear foot. Price per linear foot is the standard measurement used by contractors when measuring for kitchen cabinets. An average kitchen cabinet ranges between $55 to $1,490 per linear foot. The following is the price breakdown per linear foot for each kitchen cabinet type.
| Cabinet Type | Price per Linear Foot | Installed Price Range |
| Stock | $100 – $300 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Semi-Custom | $150 – $650 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Custom | $500 – $1,200+ | $15,000 – $30,000+ |
Note: These estimates include materials and installation.
In situations where you might want to calculate the kitchen cabinet cost based on the kitchen size, the following table is there to guide you on the Cost by Kitchen Size
| Kitchen Size | Cabinet Cost Range (Installed) |
| Small (70–100 sq. ft) | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Medium (100–200 sq. ft) | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Large (200+ sq. ft) | $15,000 – $30,000+ |
Key Factors That Influence Kitchen Cabinet Pricing
So many interrelated factors greatly influence the kitchen cabinet cost range. These factors range from your chosen materials, cabinet types, hardware, and accessories.
1. Cabinet type: stock vs semi-custom vs custom
The number one factor determining the total cost you spend on kitchen cabinets is the type you opt for. There are three categories or types of kitchen cabinets: stock, semi-custom, and custom.
The most budget-friendly option is the stock cabinets with fewer customization options. The in-between option is the semi-custom cabinet that offers better materials and is more costly than the stick option. At the same time, the custom cabinet provides full customization to you with high-end finishes that require a premium cost.
2. Material Types
Various base materials are used to make kitchen cabinets. This not only determines the durability but also speaks a lot about their price and appearance.
- The most budget-friendly option is the particleboard, a solid piece of wood with a rough, porous surface that’s prone to degradation by moisture.
- The medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is another option that’s a bit better than the particleboard and costs more than that.
- There’s also plywood, a durable material that is best for long-term use in kitchen cabinetry.
- Solid hardwoods like walnut, oak, and maple are the most durable and attractive options for kitchen cabinets, which significantly increase the cost outlay.
3. Your Choice of Finishes
Nothing spikes your kitchen cabinet cost like the final aesthetic details on your cabinet doors. This is a very significant detail that most people overlook. The simple styles, like slab or shaker, are affordable, while the complex finishes, like raised panels or inset doors, will take more time and increase the material use and labor cost. There’s also the high gloss lacquer finish and hand glazing or specialty painting finishes. These types of finishes significantly influence your total kitchen cabinet cost.
4. Size of kitchen and number of cabinets
Kitchen size also matters among the factors that influence the total amount you spend on kitchen cabinets. Larger kitchens up to around 200+ square feet will require more materials, hardware, and labor to construct kitchen cabinets. There’s also a thing with the number of angled walls, corners, or built-in appliances that will need specialized cabinets and fillers, increasing the total cost.
5. Labor and installation costs
On average, professional installation costs about 20 to 30 percent of the overall kitchen cabinet cost. Installing a stock cabinet costs around $45 to $90, while the semi-custom and custom cabinets cost more. Other considerations under this include onsite adjustment, customization, and others.
Budgeting Tips to Save on Kitchen Cabinets
Most homeowners keep wondering how to reduce the cost of their kitchen cabinets. It’s a valid question that requires facts and strategies. Reduction or saving on kitchen cabinets does not translate to going for inferior materials and options. So, the following are some expert tips you can use.
● Avoid too many extras
Extras like pull-out for your trash can or spice racks are not an essential part of your kitchen cabinet installation process.
● Go for the minimalist style
Complex styles will incur more costs than minimalist styles. Make it simple and use minimalist options like flat panel and slab-style cabinet doors.
● Pick affordable wood species
While it’s pretty evident that hardwood with its fine finishes and beautiful patterns appeals it everybody, the cost outlay might sometimes be more than your budget. In this case, look at your local market to source the best available option, such as red oak, which is widely available everywhere. You can also use painted hardwood or an MDF panel to save on costs.
● Work with expert kitchen manufacturers and installers to avoid mistakes
Mistakes caused by inadequate knowledge are things that often waste your money. To avoid such a problem, contact an expert kitchen cabinet manufacturer/designer installer to walk you through the entire scope of the project. George Group is a good option for getting expert advice on everything from concept to full installation for your custom kitchen cabinet.
Final Thoughts: How Much Should You Spend?
Kitchen cabinets are a thing of functionality and style. So your choices are limitless, as is how much you can spend on a kitchen cabinet. You must factor in cabinet types, materials, budget, and customization preferences.
At George Group, regardless of your budget size, there is always a cabinet that’s best for your kitchen. Get in touch with our well-trained expert kitchen cabinet solution expert to get started.
