Install Kitchen Cabinets Cost in 2026
Average cost: $150 - $700 per linear foot
A typical average kitchen (25 lf) costs $3,750 - $17,500
Includes materials and professional labor.
Kitchen cabinet installation includes removing old cabinets and installing new base and wall units. A 25 linear foot kitchen with mid-grade semi-custom cabinets costs $8,000-$12,000 installed in 2026, including hardware and basic modifications.
Calculate Your Cost
Your Estimated Cost
$3,750 - $17,500
Based on 25 linear foots in National Average
Prices updated March 2026
Cost Breakdown
What This Means
For 25 linear foots in National Average, expect to pay $3,750-$17,500 with mid-range materials that balance quality and cost.
About $7,437 goes to materials and $2,656 covers labor. At $425 per linear foot, your project is right at the national average.
This is a moderate investment—about the cost of a used car. Many homeowners finance projects this size with a home equity line or contractor financing.
Tips for your project:
- •DIY could save you $3,188, but budget extra time and factor in your skill level.
- •A smaller 18 linear foot project would run about $7,437.
- •Always get 3 quotes—prices can vary 20-30% between contractors.
What If...
Budget materials
Use builder-grade or economy materials
$2,813 - $13,125
-$3,125 (-29%)
Premium materials
Upgrade to high-end finishes
$5,063 - $23,625
+$2,875 (27%)
Smaller (19 linear foots)
Reduce project scope by 25%
$2,850 - $13,300
-$3,025 (-28%)
Larger (31 linear foots)
Expand project scope by 25%
$4,650 - $21,700
+$1,775 (17%)
DIY installation
Do the work yourself (materials only)
$6,322 - $8,553
-$3,188 (-30%)
What to Ask Your Contractor
1Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Why ask: Protects you from liability if someone gets hurt on your property.
Red flag: Hesitation or claims that insurance "isn't necessary" for this job.
2Can I see references from similar projects?
Can I see references from similar projects?
Why ask: Install Kitchen Cabinets requires specific experience. Past work shows capability.
Red flag: Unable to provide any references or only has very old ones.
3What's included in your $10,625 quote—and what's not?
What's included in your $10,625 quote—and what's not?
Why ask: Prevents surprise charges for permits, disposal, or finishing work.
Red flag: Vague answers or unwillingness to put details in writing.
4How do you handle unexpected issues like mold or water damage behind walls?
How do you handle unexpected issues like mold or water damage behind walls?
Why ask: Remodels often uncover hidden problems. Know the process upfront.
Red flag: Claims they "never encounter issues" or won't discuss change orders.
5What's your payment schedule, and what triggers each payment?
What's your payment schedule, and what triggers each payment?
Why ask: Standard is a small deposit, then payments tied to milestones.
Red flag: Demanding 50%+ upfront or full payment before work begins.
Show 1 more questions
6What's the realistic timeline, and what could cause delays?
What's the realistic timeline, and what could cause delays?
Why ask: Honest contractors set expectations. Weather, material backorders, and inspections cause delays.
Red flag: Unrealistically short timelines or guarantees of "no delays."
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Percentage | Cost Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | 70% | $2,625 - $12,250 |
| Labor | 25% | $938 - $4,375 |
| Hardware & disposal | 5% | $188 - $875 |
| Total | 100% | $3,750 - $17,500 |
*Based on average kitchen (25 lf) at national average prices.
What Affects the Cost
Cabinet construction
Stock cabinets run $100-300/LF, semi-custom $200-500/LF, custom $500-1,500/LF
Door style and material
Shaker doors cost 20-30% more than flat panel; solid wood adds 50%+ over MDF
Cabinet configuration
Corner cabinets, pull-outs, and specialty organizers add $200-800 per unit
Soft-close hardware
Adds $30-75 per cabinet for soft-close hinges and drawer slides
Impact: H = High, M = Medium, L = Low
DIY vs. Hire a Contractor
🔨 DIY
Risk: Medium — requires precise measurements and level installation
👷 Hire a ProRecommended
Includes: Professional installation, cleanup, warranty, and permit handling.
Cost by State
| State | Cost Range (per linear foot) | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $123 - $574 | -18% |
| Alaska | $207 - $966 | +38% |
| Arizona | $153 - $714 | +2% |
| Arkansas | $120 - $560 | -20% |
| California | $203 - $945 | +35% |
| Colorado | $177 - $826 | +18% |
| Connecticut | $188 - $875 | +25% |
| Delaware | $165 - $770 | +10% |
| Florida | $156 - $728 | +4% |
| Georgia | $147 - $686 | -2% |
| Hawaii | $218 - $1,015 | +45% |
| Idaho | $147 - $686 | -2% |
| Illinois | $168 - $784 | +12% |
| Indiana | $143 - $665 | -5% |
| Iowa | $138 - $644 | -8% |
| Kansas | $135 - $630 | -10% |
| Kentucky | $132 - $616 | -12% |
| Louisiana | $135 - $630 | -10% |
| Maine | $162 - $756 | +8% |
| Maryland | $180 - $840 | +20% |
| Massachusetts | $192 - $896 | +28% |
| Michigan | $147 - $686 | -2% |
| Minnesota | $165 - $770 | +10% |
| Mississippi | $117 - $546 | -22% |
| Missouri | $138 - $644 | -8% |
| Montana | $150 - $700 | Avg |
| Nebraska | $135 - $630 | -10% |
| Nevada | $153 - $714 | +2% |
| New Hampshire | $173 - $805 | +15% |
| New Jersey | $186 - $868 | +24% |
| New Mexico | $128 - $595 | -15% |
| New York | $198 - $924 | +32% |
| North Carolina | $147 - $686 | -2% |
| North Dakota | $126 - $588 | -16% |
| Ohio | $144 - $672 | -4% |
| Oklahoma | $132 - $616 | -12% |
| Oregon | $180 - $840 | +20% |
| Pennsylvania | $159 - $742 | +6% |
| Rhode Island | $177 - $826 | +18% |
| South Carolina | $135 - $630 | -10% |
| South Dakota | $126 - $588 | -16% |
| Tennessee | $138 - $644 | -8% |
| Texas | $141 - $658 | -6% |
| Utah | $150 - $700 | Avg |
| Vermont | $168 - $784 | +12% |
| Virginia | $162 - $756 | +8% |
| Washington | $183 - $854 | +22% |
| West Virginia | $123 - $574 | -18% |
| Wisconsin | $153 - $714 | +2% |
| Wyoming | $126 - $588 | -16% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kitchen cabinets cost for a 10x10 kitchen?
A 10x10 kitchen has approximately 20-25 linear feet of cabinets. Stock cabinets cost $3,000-$7,500, semi-custom runs $5,000-$12,500, and custom cabinets range from $10,000-$17,500. These prices include installation.
How long does it take to install kitchen cabinets?
Professional installation takes 1-3 days for an average kitchen. This includes removing old cabinets (half day), installing base cabinets (1 day), and installing wall cabinets (half to full day). Custom cabinets may require additional fitting time.
Should I get stock or custom cabinets?
Stock cabinets work well for standard kitchen layouts and offer the best value at $100-300/LF. Choose custom ($500-1,500/LF) for non-standard dimensions, unique layouts, or specific design requirements. Semi-custom ($200-500/LF) offers a middle ground with more options than stock.
Can I install kitchen cabinets myself?
Yes, with intermediate DIY skills. You need a level, drill, stud finder, and a helper for wall cabinets. The main challenges are ensuring cabinets are level and plumb, finding studs, and making precise cuts. Mistakes can be costly, so measure carefully.
What is the labor cost to install kitchen cabinets?
Labor runs $50-150 per linear foot or $1,500-$4,000 for an average kitchen. This typically represents 25-35% of total cabinet costs. Complex installations with modifications cost more.
Related Projects
Need to calculate materials for your project? Try our sister site CalcOnce.com for concrete, lumber, paint, and more calculators.
Return on Investment
Recoups 60-80% at resale; one of the highest-impact kitchen upgrades