How Much Does Cabinet Installation Cost?

Last Updated on February 17, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Kitchen and bathroom cabinet installation is a significant investment when renovating your home. The right cabinetry provides beautiful aesthetics and efficient storage for years to come.

While cabinets themselves account for a major portion of the overall budget, professional installation costs typically range from 15% to 25% of the total project price.

In this guide, we’ll break down the average costs to install cabinets in various home spaces. You’ll learn how choices like cabinet type, materials, and installation approach impact the bottom line.

With the right information, you can make informed decisions when installing new cabinets in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, or any other area that needs functional storage.

How Much Does Cabinet Installation Cost?

Kitchen cabinet installation costs vary based on the size of your space and the complexity of the design. On average, expect to pay the following for a professional installer:

• Small kitchen (up to 10 cabinets): $2,000 to $3,500
• Medium kitchen (10-15 cabinets): $4,500 to $8,000
• Large kitchen (15+ cabinets): $8,000 to $14,000

These price ranges account for average stock cabinet costs of $100 to $300 per linear foot and installation labor. Custom cabinetry can drive these costs much higher depending on the materials and features chosen.

For bathroom vanities, simpler installations with just a few cabinet boxes usually range from $500 to $1,500. More intricate layouts with vessel sinks and custom cabinetry can cost $2,000 to $4,000 or more.

According to Houzz, the cost of cabinet installation is typically around 10% of the cost of the cabinets themselves.

Woodweb members write that the “going rate” for cabinet installation is anywhere from $65 to $175 per box, plus extras.

Home Depot says that the average price for installation or replacement of kitchen cabinets is $69 to $119 per linear foot.

HomeGuide notes that the average cost of kitchen cabinets is $150 to $500 per linear foot installed or $4,500 to $15,000 total, including labor and materials.

Installing Kitchen Cabinets

For a small galley kitchen measuring 8×10 feet with plywood base stock cabinets, expect to pay $2,500 to $4,000. This assumes around 10 lower and upper cabinet boxes plus a few simple drawers.

In an L-shaped larger kitchen at 12×15 feet, with a mix of stock and custom maple cabinets including roll-outs and glass-front uppers, plan on spending $7,000 to $12,000. More specialized storage features and a higher-end mix of materials pushes costs higher.

For a large open-concept kitchen exceeding 300 square feet, with an intricate two-level island and full suite of custom cherry cabinets with soft-close mechanisms, the installation alone could run $15,000 to $25,000. The more complex the layout and higher-end the materials, the greater the installation time and expertise required.

Bathroom Vanity Installation

Installing a small single vanity of laminate stock cabinets in a powder room could cost as little as $750 to $1,500. This assumes just swapping out an existing vanity.

For a double vanity setup with marble countertops and custom wood cabinets with intricate molding, expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for professional installation. Luxury materials, vessel sinks, and a more complex design impact the price.

Custom Cabinetry Installation

For a custom wet bar featuring a leathered granite top, glass-front cabinets and wine refrigerator, installation may cost $3,000 to $5,000. The specialized work involved plus higher-end materials adds expense.

Building out a large walk-in closet with custom reach-in cabinets, drawer organizers, and specialty pull-out storage could run $7,000 to $12,000 for installation. The more customization involved, the more labor required to fit everything precisely.

As you can see, real-world prices fluctuate substantially based on your specific cabinets, layout, materials, and features involved. Carefully assess your needs versus wants to strike the right balance for your budget.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Cabinet Installation

Several key factors determine your overall investment when installing new kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities:

Cabinet Type

• Stock or semi-custom prefabricated cabinets are the most budget-friendly option, starting around $100 per linear foot. Installation is simpler with standardized cabinet boxes.
• Custom cabinets offer personalized designs to suit your exact space and preferences. Expect to pay at least $200+ per linear foot for quality custom cabinetry before installation costs.

Materials

• Laminate cabinets are the most affordable at $50 to $100 per linear foot. Melamine and thermally fused laminate offer durability at lower price points.
• Wood cabinets range from economical options like pine at $100 per linear foot, up to exotic hardwoods exceeding $1000 per linear foot. Durability and aesthetics come at a higher cost.
• Specialty materials like metal, glass, or concrete raise costs further, both in cabinet expense and complicated installation requirements.

Cabinet Features

• More drawers, rollouts, organizers and accessories increase costs but maximize storage efficiency.
• Specialty cabinet hardware like soft-close hinges also adds expense compared to standard knobs and pulls.
• Glass cabinet doors, multi-level layouts, and appliance garages are higher-end custom options.

Installation Approach

• DIY installation saves significantly on labor costs, but can take more time and patience for quality results.
• Professional installers charge $50 to $100 per hour for their expertise and efficiency installing cabinets.
• Complex layouts or difficult site conditions will take more installation time and care, raising project costs.

DIY vs Professional Cabinet Installation

Installing kitchen or bathroom cabinets yourself can reduce total costs by 20% to 40% compared to hiring a contractor, but involves much more time and labor on your part.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a kitchen hood fire suppression system, Shelfgenie, or old wallpaper removal.

Advantages of DIY cabinet installation:

• Less expensive than paying for installation services
• Ability to work at your own pace without rushing
• Freedom to customize your cabinets exactly how you want

Benefits of professional cabinet installation:

• Faster, more efficient process than DIY
• Expertise for a quality, long-lasting finished product
• Ability to handle challenging layouts and problems that arise
• Licensed and insured for liability protection

For DIY success, allow plenty of time to learn proper techniques, and don’t take shortcuts. For complex projects, the benefits of hiring a professional often outweigh the cost savings of doing it yourself.

Choosing the Right Cabinets and Installer

Follow this criteria when selecting cabinets and installation services:

Research Reviews

• Read reviews and talk to previous customers about reliability.

Verify Credentials

• Confirm cabinet installers are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Request Itemized Bids

• Compare detailed quotes from at least 3 installers.

Choose Quality Materials

• Durability and functionality should be top priorities. Don’t skimp on cabinet boxes.

Evaluate Complexity

• Assess your skills for DIY vs. when to hire a professional.

Check References

• Ask for referrals to view past installation work.

Additional Cost Considerations

Keep the following potential extra expenses in mind when budgeting:

• Old cabinet demolition and disposal fees
• Electrical or plumbing modifications
• New countertops, backsplash and molding
• Tools and equipment for DIY installs
• Sales tax on materials and labor
• Permit fees and contractor licensing
• Delays or hidden issues exposed during renovation

Leave a 10% to 15% cushion in your total budget for unexpected costs that can arise during any remodel.

Tips for Budgeting Your Cabinet Installation

Follow these tips for keeping your cabinet installation project on budget:

• Get multiple detailed bids – compare itemized quotes rather than ballpark estimates.
• Focus on cabinet box quality – opt for mid-range doors/drawers over premium boxes.
• Standardize cabinet sizes – limit your variety of widths and heights.
• Minimize specialty features – skip expensive upgrades that aren’t essential.
• Set a maximum budget – know when to stop adding on “must-have” options.
• Use your existing countertops – reuse or resurface rather than replace.
• Factor in demolition/disposal costs – removing old cabinets isn’t always free.
• Leave a contingency fund – account for unexpected hiccups in the plan.

Final Words

Installing new kitchen or bathroom cabinets allows you to totally transform the space with beautiful, functional storage solutions. While cabinets themselves represent a significant portion of the investment, professional installation also comes at a cost.

Carefully evaluate your project requirements and budget to strike the ideal balance. With realistic expectations about the expenses involved, you can achieve gorgeous results within your target budget and timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install hardware on cabinets?

The cost to install cabinet hardware ranges from $50 to $100 per cabinet, depending on the complexity. The hardware itself can range from simple knobs and pulls for $2 to $10 each up to higher-end options exceeding $50 per piece.

Many pros recommend budgeting 1% to 3% of total cabinet costs on hardware. Complex drawers or rollouts may also need added hardware, increasing costs.

Are cabinets hard to install?

Stock cabinet installation is generally manageable for DIYers with basic carpentry skills, patience, and proper planning. The cabinets interconnect in a modular way.

Challenges arise when walls or floors are uneven, requiring shims or fillers. Complex custom designs are best left to experienced pros. Poor installation can lead to issues like sagging doors or drawers that stick.

Are Ikea cabinets easy to install?

Ikea cabinets follow a modular system that is designed for DIY installation. Their “SEKTION” system includes rails, hanging strips, and hardware for assembly.

Compared to custom cabinetry, Ikea’s standardized sizing and simple interfaces make installation reasonably straightforward. Clear instructions are provided. Some adjustments may be needed for perfectly straight and level cabinets.