🪵 Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost Calculator

Installed cost by cabinet type (per linear foot):

• IKEA / RTA: $60–$150/LF installed
• Stock cabinets: $75–$200/LF installed
• Semi-custom: $150–$650/LF installed
• Custom: $500–$1,200/LF installed

Total project cost by kitchen size (semi-custom, mid-range):

• Small kitchen (12 LF): $3,000–$10,000
• Medium kitchen (20 LF): $5,500–$18,000
• Large kitchen (28 LF): $8,000–$25,000
• Extra-large kitchen (35 LF): $10,000–$32,000

Labor alone: $50–$120 per linear foot. Demolition adds $500–$1,500 depending on kitchen size.

Stock cabinets (best for budget):

• Pre-made in standard 3" width increments
• Available immediately at Home Depot, Lowe's
• Limited colors, materials, and configurations
• Filler strips needed for non-standard spaces

Semi-custom (best for most homeowners):

• More width increments (1" adjustments)
• Wide range of door styles, finishes, and storage options
• 3–6 week lead time from kitchen dealers
• Best balance of price, quality, and design flexibility

Custom (best for unique kitchens):

• Built to exact dimensions — no filler strips
• Unlimited materials, finishes, and configurations
• 6–12 week lead time from cabinet makers
• Worth it for unusual layouts, very tall ceilings, or high-end homes

IKEA / RTA assembly + install — Moderate DIY project:

• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
• Time: 3–7 days for a medium kitchen
• Tools needed: Level, drill, stud finder, clamps, shims
• Savings: $1,500–$4,000 in labor
• Risk: Moderate — cabinets must be perfectly level and plumb or doors won't align

Stock / semi-custom install — Advanced DIY:

• Upper cabinets are heavy and require a helper or cabinet jack
• Must find and anchor to every stud
• Mistakes are expensive — cabinets can't be returned once modified

Recommendation: DIY IKEA cabinets if handy and patient. Hire a pro for stock, semi-custom, and especially custom cabinets.

Timeline by kitchen size (professional installation):

• Small kitchen (10–12 cabinets): 1–2 days
• Medium kitchen (15–20 cabinets): 2–3 days
• Large kitchen (25–30 cabinets): 3–5 days
• Extra-large (30+ cabinets): 4–6 days

Additional time for:

• Demolition of old cabinets: 0.5–1 day
• IKEA/RTA assembly before install: Add 1–3 days
• Crown molding and trim: Add 0.5–1 day
• Under-cabinet lighting (hardwired): Add 0.5 day

Important: Your kitchen will be unusable during installation. Plan for takeout meals or set up a temporary kitchen area.

Refacing (new doors + veneer on existing boxes):

• Cost: $4,000–$10,000 for a medium kitchen
• Time: 2–4 days
• Best when: Boxes are structurally sound, layout works, just want a fresh look
• Savings: 30–50% less than full replacement

Full replacement:

• Cost: $8,000–$25,000+ for a medium kitchen
• Time: 3–5 days (plus lead time for ordering)
• Best when: Boxes are damaged/warped, layout needs to change, want better storage
• Advantage: Modern features like soft-close, pull-outs, and better materials

Rule of thumb: If your cabinets are less than 15 years old and structurally sound, refacing saves significant money. If older or damaged, replace.

High-value upgrades (best ROI):

• Soft-close hinges and drawer slides: $3–$8 per door/drawer — buyers expect this in updated kitchens
• Pull-out shelves in base cabinets: $80–$200 each — dramatically improves usability
• Under-cabinet lighting: $200–$600 total — makes kitchen feel larger and more modern
• Trash pull-out: $100–$300 — hides bins and keeps kitchen cleaner

Nice-to-have upgrades:

• Lazy Susan corner cabinet: $150–$400
• Crown molding: $5–$20/LF — adds a finished, custom look
• Glass-front doors: $50–$150 per door — opens up the kitchen visually
• Drawer organizers: $30–$100 per drawer — practical daily benefit