How much does it cost to install cabinets?
How much does it cost to install cabinets?
$150 – $500 cost per linear foot installed
$250 – $600 cost per cabinet box installed
$4,500 – $15,000 average total cost to install in kitchen
$400 – $4,000 average total cost to install in bathroom
Average cabinet installation cost
Cabinet installation costs $150 to $500 per linear foot or $4,500 to $15,000 total for an average kitchen. Bathroom vanity cabinets cost $400 to $4,000 installed. The cost to install cabinets depends on the style, size, material, and whether they are stock, semi-custom, or custom models.
| Type | Average total cost to install |
|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinets | $4,500 – $15,000 |
| Bathroom cabinets or vanity | $400 – $4,000 |
| Laundry room cabinets | $300 – $2,000 |
| Pantry cabinets | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Garage cabinets | $300 – $3,000 |
| Built-in bookshelves with cabinets | $2,000 – $7,500 |
Cost to replace cabinets by quality
Stock or prefab cabinets cost $100 to $400 per linear foot and come in limited sizes and styles.
In comparison, custom cabinets cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed or $15,000 to $30,000 for an average kitchen. Custom cabinets come in the highest-quality materials and offer the widest variety of styles, finishes, and options.
| Type | Cost per linear foot installed | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Stock cabinets | $100 – $400 | Low to good |
| Semi-custom cabinets | $150 – $700 | Low to great |
| Custom cabinets | $500 – $1,200 | Good to great |
Price to install cabinets by location
Install kitchen cabinets
The cost to replace kitchen cabinets is $150 to $500 per linear foot on average or $4,500 to $15,000 total for a medium-sized kitchen. New kitchen cabinet costs depend on the quality, style, size, and material.
Pantry cabinets
Custom pantry cabinets cost $1,000 to $5,000 on average, depending on the size and features. Total costs are highest for a fully custom design with slide-out shelves, pan racks, and other high-end features.
Install bathroom cabinets or vanity
The cost to install a bathroom vanity is $400 to $4,000, depending on the size, material, features, and if it's prefabricated or custom-made. Most vanities include cabinets, a countertop, and at least one sink or a cutout for sink installation.
A new bathroom vanity countertop costs $50 to $200 per square foot installed, depending on the material.
Install built-in bookshelves
Built-in bookshelves cost $300 to $850 per linear foot installed or $2,000 to $7,500 total. Prices depend on the size, material, features, and whether the shelves are custom-built or premade.
Labor cost to install cabinets
The labor cost to install cabinets is $40 to $80 per hour or $50 to $300 per linear foot. Labor charges depend on the layout, amount of customization, and the cabinet size, height, and material.
| Cost factor | Stock cabinets (per linear foot) | Semi-custom cabinets (per linear foot) | Custom cabinets (per linear foot) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials and hardware | $50 – $280 | $75 – $550 | $300 – $900 |
| Installation labor | $50 – $120 | $75 – $150 | $200 – $300 |
| Total cost | $100 – $400 | $150 – $700 | $500 – $1,200 |
Charges to install cabinets
Other cabinet installation cost factors include:
Material – Plywood cabinets with solid wood doors typically cost more than laminate or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) cabinets.
Cabinet height – Costs increase by 10% or more for ceiling-height cabinets.
Cabinet design & features – A base cabinet with 3 drawers typically costs more than a cabinet with 1 drawer and a cabinet door underneath. Tall pantry, sink base, glass-door, and roll-out cabinets also increase the total cost.
Trim & molding – Crown molding costs $210 to $570 with installation for the whole kitchen.
Measurement fees – Some installers charge $50 to $150 to perform in-home measurements.
Appliance installation – New kitchen appliances cost $2,500 to $6,800 for a full set with installation.
Permits – Kitchen remodeling permits cost $500 to $1,500, depending on the project size.
Cabinet removal cost
Old cabinet removal costs $15 to $20 per linear foot or $300 to $600 total for an average kitchen. Many contractors include cabinet removal and disposal in their estimate for new cabinet installation.
If your cabinets are in good condition, consider donating them to a non-profit organization like Habitat For Humanity.
Cost to replace cabinets and countertops
The average cost to replace countertops is $50 to $150 per square foot or $1,500 to $6,000 total for a kitchen 100 to 200 square feet in size. Prices vary by the choice of materials.
Replacing both the cabinets and countertops at the same time costs $6,000 to $21,000 total for an average-sized kitchen.
| Project | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Kitchen countertop replacement | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Kitchen cabinet replacement | $4,500 – $15,000 |
| Total cost | $6,000 – $21,000 |
Cabinet installation FAQs
How long does it take to install cabinets?
Installing kitchen cabinets takes 2 to 5 days for small kitchens or up to 10 to 14 days for larger kitchens.
Installing a bathroom vanity cabinet takes 4 to 6 hours if no plumbing modifications are necessary.
Can you install your own cabinets?
Yes, you can install your own cabinets if you have the skills and time. However, cabinet installation is a multi-person job that’s challenging if the kitchen floors aren’t level and the walls aren’t plumb.
Do you install cabinets or flooring first?
Installing flooring before cabinets is typically easier. Flooring costs $6 to $10 per square foot installed, depending on the material. However, installing cabinets first is a good idea to prevent floor damage if your flooring material expands and contracts slightly in changing seasons.
You can save money by not installing flooring under cabinets where it’s not visible. However, installing flooring beneath cabinets ensures you can easily change the cabinet layout later without fixing the floor.
Do you tip cabinet installers?
Cabinet installers do not expect tips. However, providing them with water, coffee, or soda is a welcome gesture. Consider posting a positive review online if you are happy with their service.
Who installs cabinets?
Hire an experienced cabinet installation contractor or handyman to install kitchen cabinets. For custom cabinets, look for a carpentry professional.
Home Depot, Lowe's, and IKEA also work with their own networks of professional cabinet installers.
Getting estimates from cabinet installers
When hiring a cabinet installer near you, be sure to:
Get at least 3 itemized estimates with comparable materials.
Have a professional installer complete the measurements in person.
Select licensed, insured, and bonded companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as it may indicate poor-quality materials or workmanship.
Never pay in full before the project starts.
Questions to ask
How many cabinet installation projects have you worked on?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Do you have a portfolio of project photos I can review?
Do you charge a fee for in-home measurements? If yes, is it applied to the installation cost?
Which type of cabinets do you recommend, and why?
Does the estimate include new hardware, cleanup, and old cabinet removal and disposal?
How long will the project take?
Can I stay in my home during the installation?
Do you offer a warranty, and if so, what does it include?