How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost?

Cabinets are a big chunk of any kitchen remodel. Some people manage with a couple of grand, while others end up spending tens of thousands. The gap comes down to the type of cabinets you choose, the material, and how custom you want to go. Let’s walk through average costs, what affects the final bill, and a few tricks for saving money without settling for cheap-looking cabinets. 

What is the Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinets?

There isn’t one magic number. Prices for kitchen cabinets swing wildly. On the low side, stock cabinets can be around $100 a linear foot. Go custom, and you might be looking at $1,200+ per linear foot. Most people fall somewhere in the middle. It really depends on how much flexibility you want in style and layout. 

Stock Cabinets

Stock is the budget option. They’re pre-built, have standard sizes, and are nothing fancy. You will usually spend $100 to $300 per linear foot. They work fine if you want something functional and affordable. However, there are a few downsides as well. There are fewer choices in design available, and sometimes they don’t fit tricky layouts very well. 

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Semi-custom cabinets give you more flexibility and autonomy. You can adjust sizes, pick from a wider range of finishes, and make the kitchen feel a bit more “yours.” They can cost from $150 to $650 per linear foot. This is where a lot of homeowners end up, because it feels like a good balance between cost and customization. 

Custom Cabinets

A custom cabinet is the all-in option. Everything is designed around your space—every drawer, every finish, exactly how you want it. They start around $500 per linear foot and can climb past $1,200 if you’re going with premium wood or specialty designs. It’s expensive, but it’s a perfect fit that usually lasts for decades.  

Key Factors That Affect Kitchen Cabinet Costs

Cabinet prices don’t stop at “stock vs. custom.” There are a few other things that can move your budget up or down. Some of these factors are listed below.

Material Choice

1. Solid Wood Cabinets: Long-lasting, durable, and classic. The only con of custom cabinets is that they’re a bit pricey.

2. Plywood: A step down in cost but still strong. 

3. MDF or Particleboard: Cheapest option. But they don’t always hold up well to moisture and heavy use.  

Cabinet Style and Design

Flat-panel and shaker doors are simple and more affordable. Raised panels and ornate details add cost. Simpler designs keep you on a budget.

Size and Layout

More linear feet means more dollars. A big open kitchen with a long wall of upper cabinets will cost far more than a small galley kitchen. Corners, islands, and odd-shaped layouts all bump up the price. 

Hardware and Accessories

Soft-close hinges, pull-out trash bins, lazy Susans, and drawer organizers are nice, but they add up quickly. Hardware is often the “hidden” cost people forget about. 

Labor and Installation

Even the best cabinets won’t look good without proper installation. Depending on complexity, installation costs can run $50 to $250 per linear foot. Tearing out old cabinets or doing a complicated layout adds more labor costs. 

Cost Breakdown by Kitchen Size

Here’s a quick look at how costs play out based on kitchen size. Numbers include average cabinet pricing plus installation. 

Kitchen Size	Stock Cabinets	Semi-Custom Cabinets	Custom Cabinets
Small (10 x 10)	$2,000 – $6,000	$3,000 – $9,000	$6,000 – $12,000+
Medium (12 x 12)	$3,500 – $8,000	$5,000 – $12,000	$10,000 – $20,000+
Large (15 x 20)	$7,000 – $15,000	$10,000 – $ 25,000	$20,000 – $40,000+

It’s worth noting that this kitchen cabinet pricing is an average. If you pick all solid wood custom cabinetry or add a ton of extras like custom (or even semi-custom) inserts, you will be on the higher end of custom cabinet costs. 

Why Choose Buy Wholesale Cabinets for Kitchen Cabinets

There are numerous places to buy cabinets, including big box stores, boutique showrooms, and online shops. But going wholesale can save you serious money while still getting solid, stylish cabinets. Here’s exactly why.

Direct Wholesale Pricing

Buy Wholesale Cabinets has no middlemen, so there is no inflated retail markup. You get factory-direct pricing, which can save you thousands off your kitchen remodel bill. Even small kitchens add up fast once you factor in cabinets, hardware, and cabinet installation, so this is a real way to stretch your budget. 

And honestly, it gives you a bit more freedom; you can order exactly what you need without being forced into overpriced packages that showrooms push. If you care about quality but also don’t want to burn through your wallet, this is the spot to start.

High-Quality Cabinets at Affordable Prices

You’re wrong if you think cheaper has to mean flimsy. It does not. Wholesale options often use solid wood and plywood materials that hold up better than particleboard. You get something that actually holds up to everyday kitchen life: spills, heavy dishes, kids grabbing the drawers, almost everything, without the high-end price. 

It’s one of those rare semi-custom cases where you really can have it both ways: solid, durable materials and a price tag that doesn’t make you wince every time you look at it.

Wide Selection of Styles and Finishes to Suit Any Kitchen

One thing people forget about wholesale? The variety. You are not stuck with the same five boring options from the local store. From modern flat-panel to classic shaker, from bright whites to rich espresso finishes, you’ll have no problem finding cabinets that match your kitchen style. 

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix finishes without feeling guilty about the cost. It’s nice knowing you don’t have to compromise style for price. These options make it easy to get the kitchen of your dreams. 

Fast Shipping Across the U.S.

Waiting forever for cabinets is the worst. Custom orders can take months. Buying wholesale cabinets allows for quick shipping, so you don’t have to delay your remodel while waiting for delivery. You can actually stick to your kitchen remodel schedule instead of pausing everything because the cabinets haven’t arrived yet. 

Fast shipping isn’t just convenient; it’s a little piece of mind. You can plan countertops, appliances, and paint without constantly crossing your fingers that the cabinets will show up on time. 

Tips to Save Money When Buying Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets can eat your whole kitchen renovation budget if you’re not careful. Here are a few ways to keep costs in check. 

Shop During Sales or Clearance Events

Many suppliers discount older lines or run promotions. If your timing’s right, you can save a chunk just by waiting for a sale. Honestly, this one is all about timing. A lot of cabinet stores will discount older lines or run seasonal promotions. If you’re patient, you can score some serious savings. The tricky part is planning. If your kitchen isn’t an emergency, hold off for a clearance or holiday sale. 

Even if the cabinets aren’t exactly what you imagined at first, you can usually make them work, and that extra money can go straight into better countertops, a nice faucet, or even extra storage. Basically, patience here pays off big time.

Choose Budget-Friendly Materials

You don’t have to go all solid wood. Use plywood for cabinet boxes and save solid wood for doors and fronts. It looks the same and costs way less. Honestly, most of the time, no one sees the inside of your cabinets, so why spend a fortune there? Mixing materials like this is a simple way to get quality where it counts and still keep your renovation budget in check. 

Select Simpler Door Styles

Here’s a tip: doors can quietly blow your budget if you’re not careful. Shaker doors are classic, clean, and affordable. Flat-panel doors? Even cheaper and minimal. Skip intricate designs that cost more but don’t necessarily add much function. 

Keeping your doors simple isn’t just about saving money. Simple doors look fresh for years, are easier to clean, and you can always add personality with hardware, paint, or open shelving. It’s a little trick that makes a kitchen look elegant without paying extra.

Use Open Shelving

Swapping some upper cabinets for open shelves saves money and makes the kitchen feel more open. Just know that semi-custom means keeping dishes neat. If you’re okay with styling your dishes, mugs, or jars on display, it can look wonderful. 

For smaller kitchens, it actually makes the space feel larger. And it adds a little personality, too. You can show off your favorite bowls or fun glassware. Just don’t expect it to hide a messy collection of dishes.  

DIY Installation

If you’re handy, RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets are a money saver. Installation costs vanish if you’re willing to put in the sweat yourself. This option is not for everyone, but if you like rolling your sleeves. The savings it can bring are really big. You follow the instructions, measure carefully, and slowly piece it together. 

Sure, RTA cabinets take patience and a bit of sweat, and some corners or islands might still need a pro. But even doing half the kitchen ourselves cuts labor costs dramatically. And there’s a nice feeling in looking at those cabinets you actually put together. For people who are handy or enjoy DIY projects, it’s a win-win for both the wallet and the sense of accomplishment. 

Conclusion

Figuring out how much kitchen cabinets cost can feel like staring at a million numbers and getting a headache. The truth is, there’s no single answer. Stock cabinets are cheap and practical; they’ll get the job done without emptying your wallet. 

Semi-custom gives you a bit of freedom to make things feel like your own space without going full-on luxury. And custom? Well, it’s gorgeous, fits perfectly, and it’s pricey. But sometimes it’s worth splurging if it means your kitchen finally feels right. 

The trick is thinking beyond just the cost per foot. How do you use your kitchen? How long do you plan to stay in this house? A few extra bucks on quality cabinets now could save you headaches down the road. Or maybe you’d rather save on cabinets and invest in a countertop you actually love. 

If you want quality cabinetry without paying the full retail markup, wholesale cabinets are really good. You get solid materials, plenty of styles, and fast shipping without feeling like you’re sacrificing. At the end of the day, the right cabinets are the ones that make your kitchen feel like home and don’t make your wallet scream. 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions answered for you. 

How much do custom kitchen cabinets cost?

Usually, kitchen cabinets cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. The kitchen cabinet cost depends highly on materials and cabinet design. 

Are custom cabinets more expensive than stock cabinets?

Yes. Stock cabinets can be as low as $100 per linear foot, while custom cabinets can be 5-10 times that. 

How much do cabinets cost for a 12×12 kitchen?

1. Stock kitchen cabinets cost $3,500 – $8,000 
2. Semi-custom kitchen cabinets cost $5,000 – $12,000
3. Custom kitchen cabinets cost $10,000 – $20,000+

Can I save money by buying ready-made cabinets?

Yes. RTA cabinets (or factory cabinets) are quality kitchen cabinets. They are usually cheaper, especially if you handle installation yourself. 

Where can I buy affordable kitchen cabinets online?

Buy Wholesale Cabinets offers a wide range of new cabinets at wholesale pricing, with fast shipping across the U.S.