How much do kitchen cabinets cost?

Per linear foot (cabinets only): stock: $60-$200. RTA: $50-$150. Semi-custom: $150-$400. Custom: $500-$1,200+. Installation adds: $50-$200 per linear foot. Typical kitchen (20-25 linear feet): stock: $2,200-$10,000. Semi-custom: $5,000-$15,000. Custom: $12,500-$30,000+. National average: about $5,000-$15,000 for cabinets and installation. Cabinets are typically 25-35% of a total kitchen remodel budget. Alternatives: refacing ($4,000-$10,000) or painting ($3,000-$7,000 professional).

Stock vs semi-custom vs custom cabinets: which should I choose?

Stock: best for budget remodels under $10,000. Standard sizes and limited options. Quick delivery. Quality varies. Semi-custom: best for most remodels. More sizes, finishes, and features. Good quality. Reasonable lead time (4-8 weeks). Best balance of cost and customization. Custom: best for luxury kitchens or unusual layouts. Any size, material, or finish. Highest quality. Longest lead time (8-16 weeks). Highest cost. The recommendation: semi-custom for most homeowners. It covers 90% of kitchen layouts and design preferences at a reasonable cost.

Should I reface or replace my cabinets?

Reface when: cabinet boxes are solid and in good condition. You like your current layout. Budget is a priority ($4,000-$10,000 vs $5,000-$30,000+). You want faster completion (2-4 days vs 1-2 weeks). What refacing includes: new doors and drawer fronts. New veneer on visible cabinet boxes. New hardware. New hinges (soft-close upgrade). Replace when: boxes are damaged (water damage, warped, broken). You want to change the layout. You need different sizes. You are gutting the kitchen. The best budget option: painting existing cabinets ($3,000-$7,000 professional). Gives a completely new look if boxes and doors are in good condition.

What is the most popular cabinet style?

Shaker style: the most popular cabinet door style for over a decade. Simple five-piece door with a recessed center panel. Clean, versatile, timeless. Works with traditional, transitional, and modern kitchens. Available at every price point. White shaker: the most popular specific option. Most popular colors: white (most popular overall), gray (second most popular), navy blue (trending), natural wood tones (trending). Most popular finishes: painted (white and gray dominate). Stained wood (natural and warm tones trending). Most popular hardware: brass/gold (trending), matte black, brushed nickel.

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Cabinet Guide: Types, Cost & How to Choose Kitchen Cabinets

Lumberama Editorial Team, Kitchen Cabinet & Design Specialists Nov 6, 2026 10 min read

Cabinet Types by Quality Level

Stock cabinets: Pre-made in standard sizes. Available off the shelf or with short lead times. Limited sizes, styles, and finishes. Quality varies widely by brand. Cost: $60-$200 per linear foot. Lead time: in stock or 1-2 weeks. Best for: budget remodels, standard kitchen layouts.

RTA (ready to assemble): Shipped flat-pack, you assemble. Online ordering, lower cost. Quality has improved significantly. Cost: $50-$150 per linear foot. Lead time: ships in 1-2 weeks. Best for: DIY remodels, budget-conscious.

Semi-custom cabinets: Stock cabinets with more options. More sizes, finishes, and features. Some modifications available (filler panels, special depths). Cost: $150-$400 per linear foot. Lead time: 4-8 weeks. Best for: most kitchen remodels (best balance of cost and customization).

Custom cabinets: Built to exact specifications. Any size, shape, material, or finish. Highest quality construction. Cost: $500-$1,200+ per linear foot. Lead time: 8-16 weeks. Best for: luxury kitchens, unusual layouts, specific design requirements.

Cabinet Materials

Solid wood: Oak, maple, cherry, hickory, alder. Traditional, durable, can be refinished. Cost: mid to high.

Plywood (box construction): Strongest box material. Resists warping and moisture. The quality standard for semi-custom and custom.

MDF (medium-density fiberboard): Smooth, paintable surface. Used for painted cabinet doors. Does not have wood grain. More affordable than solid wood.

Particleboard: Least expensive box material. Used in budget stock cabinets. Less durable, can swell with moisture.

Thermofoil: Vinyl wrap over MDF. Low-maintenance, easy to clean. Can peel in heat or humidity. Budget-friendly.

Cost

Per linear foot (cabinets only, no installation): Stock: $60-$200. RTA: $50-$150. Semi-custom: $150-$400. Custom: $500-$1,200+.

Installation: Professional installation: $50-$200 per linear foot. Total (cabinets + installation) for a typical kitchen (20-25 linear feet): Stock: $2,200-$10,000. Semi-custom: $5,000-$15,000. Custom: $12,500-$30,000+.

Cabinet refacing (alternative to replacement): New doors, drawer fronts, and veneer on existing boxes. Cost: $4,000-$10,000. 40-60% less than new cabinets. 2-4 day installation.

Cabinet painting: Professional: $3,000-$7,000. DIY: $200-$500 (paint and supplies). Most popular budget kitchen update.