How much does kitchen cabinet installation cost?
Kitchen cabinet installation often costs $4,500 - $15,000+ for many stock or semi-custom projects. A small stock-cabinet install can be lower; large kitchens, custom cabinets, tall pantry units, islands, crown, panels, and layout changes can reach $20,000 - $40,000+.
Cabinet quotes should separate cabinet boxes, doors, drawer fronts, installation labor, hardware, trim, fillers, toe kicks, crown, panels, demo, disposal, and any plumbing/electrical coordination.
Cabinet installation cost by cabinet type
Stock cabinets
$100 - $300/linear ft installedHow to tellStandard sizes, limited finishes, faster availability
The fixInstall ready-made boxes with fillers and trim to fit the kitchen
Semi-custom cabinets
$150 - $650/linear ft installedHow to tellMore finish, size, storage, and door-style options
The fixOrder cabinets to fit the plan with fewer compromises than stock
Custom cabinets
$500 - $1,200+/linear ft installedHow to tellNonstandard layout, premium material, inset doors, built-ins, or exact design requirements
The fixCabinet shop builds boxes, doors, drawers, panels, and finishes for the project
Demo, disposal, and prep
$500 - $3,000+ add-onHow to tellOld cabinets must be removed; walls/floors are out of level; damage appears behind cabinets
The fixRemove old cabinets, patch walls, level/shim, and prepare for install
Trim, panels, hardware, and features
$500 - $10,000+ add-onHow to tellCrown, light rail, finished ends, pull-outs, trash drawer, soft-close, or island panels
The fixAdd finish carpentry and upgraded cabinet accessories
Before approving cabinet installation
- Measure linear feet of base and wall cabinets, then mark tall pantry units and island cabinets separately.
- Ask whether hardware, crown, fillers, toe kicks, finished panels, and soft-close drawers are included.
- Confirm who removes old cabinets and who handles wall patching, flooring gaps, plumbing disconnects, and appliance moves.
- Do not template countertops until base cabinets are installed and final.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a cabinet and countertop, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- Cabinets must fit around plumbing, appliances, uneven walls, or a new layout
- The project includes an island, pantry wall, crown, light rail, or finished end panels
- Old cabinets may hide water damage, mold, or wall/floor issues
- You need countertops, backsplash, flooring, plumbing, and electrical sequenced correctly
- You want a warranty on cabinet installation and alignment
Repair or replace?
Install new cabinets when the layout, storage, cabinet boxes, or finish quality are no longer worth saving. Consider painting, door replacement, or refacing when the boxes are solid and the layout works. Replacement gives the most flexibility but is also the most disruptive.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the cabinets and countertops checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
Can I install cabinets before flooring?
It depends on flooring type and project plan. Many kitchens install cabinets before floating floors, but tile, hardwood, and transitions need careful sequencing. Ask your contractor how appliance height and flooring edges will be handled.
Are countertops included with cabinet installation?
Usually no. Cabinet installation and countertop fabrication/installation are often separate scopes. Countertop templating usually happens after the base cabinets are installed.
How long does cabinet installation take?
Installation may take a few days for a straightforward kitchen, but ordering cabinets, delivery, demo, prep, countertop templating, backsplash, and trade coordination can stretch the whole project over weeks.