If you want an affordable way to give your kitchen a new look without spending too much, then replacing cabinet doors is your perfect choice. Besides being affordable, you can do this task on your own with the right tools and procedures.
Are you interested in knowing more about kitchen cabinet door replacement costs? Then you’re in the right place, as we’re going to talk about it here.
Table of Contents
Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Options
Before diving into specific costs, it’s important to understand the three main approaches to updating your kitchen cabinets. Each option serves different needs and budgets, from quick cosmetic updates to complete transformations.
Full Cabinet Replacement
involves removing your existing cabinets entirely and installing completely new units. This comprehensive approach allows you to change your kitchen layout, upgrade storage features, and select entirely new materials and styles. Full replacement becomes necessary when cabinet boxes are damaged, you want to reconfigure your kitchen layout, or your current cabinets can’t accommodate modern appliances and storage solutions.
Door Replacement
offers a middle-ground solution where you keep existing cabinet boxes but install new doors and drawer fronts. This approach works well when cabinet frames remain structurally sound but the doors show wear, damage, or outdated styling. Door replacement costs significantly less than full replacement while still delivering a dramatic visual transformation.
Cabinet Refacing
involves applying new veneer or laminate to existing cabinet surfaces while replacing doors and drawer fronts. This option updates your cabinets’ appearance without the expense and disruption of full replacement. Refacing works best when you’re satisfied with your current layout and your cabinet boxes are in excellent condition.
What’s the Average Cost for Replacement Kitchen Cabinets?
Kitchen cabinet pricing varies significantly based on several factors, but understanding current market rates helps you plan your renovation budget effectively. The average cost of kitchen cabinets is $6,370, but it can range between $2,004 and $11,053, depending on kitchen size, cost of labor, and whether they’re factory-made or a custom build.
For specific cabinet types, expect these 2025 pricing ranges per linear foot:
Stock Cabinets: $100-$300 per linear foot installed
Semi Custom Cabinets: $150-$650 per linear foot installed
Custom Cabinets: $500-$1,200 per linear foot installed
High-End Custom Cabinets: Up to $30,000 for premium installations
The cost of kitchen cabinetry can vary significantly, ranging from approximately $100 to $1,200 per linear foot. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you’ll pay more or less based on square footage.
Labor Costs
Professional installation represents a significant portion of your total kitchen cabinet cost. Labor expenses typically account for 40-50% of your project budget, reflecting the skill and time required for proper cabinet installation.
A local cabinet installation contractor will typically charge anywhere from $50 to $450 per linear foot to install kitchen cabinets. Installing stock cabinetry will typically cost the least, while custom builds will drive costs to the higher end of the spectrum.
Professional installation includes:
Removing old cabinets (if applicable)
Precise measuring and layout planning
Securing new cabinets to wall studs
Installing doors, drawers, and hardware
Adjusting for proper alignment and function
For door replacement specifically, labor costs range from $140 to $220 per door, including removal of old doors, measuring, and installation of new components. Each door typically requires 1-2 hours of professional time.
Material Costs
Material selection dramatically impacts your overall kitchen cabinets cost. Different cabinet materials can drive up your costs for this project. Here are current material costs for complete cabinet systems:
Wood Cabinets: $5,000-$25,000+
Wood Veneer: $2,000-$15,000+
Laminate: $4,000-$15,000
Acrylic: $5,000-$20,000
Stainless Steel: $25,000-$38,000
For door replacement projects, material costs range from $30-$200 per door, depending on wood species, construction quality, and finish options. Budget options using particle board or MDF cost $40-$55 per door, while solid wood doors with premium finishes range from $125-$180 per door.
Extra Costs
Cabinet replacement projects often involve additional expenses beyond basic materials and labor. Budget for these potential costs:
Hardware and Accessories: New cabinet hardware costs anywhere from $2 to $50 per piece. Quality hinges, drawer slides, and cabinet pulls significantly impact functionality and longevity. Soft close hinges add $20-$40 per cabinet but enhance daily usability.
Removal and Disposal: The cost to have a cabinet installation pro remove and dispose of old cabinets is between $350 and $800, but could reach nearly $1,000 for larger kitchens.
Crown Molding and Trim: Installing trim and molding can add a decorative finish to your new kitchen cabinets. The cost to install trim averages about $0.50 to $1.20 per linear foot. Basic crown molding installation costs about $2 to $3, or from $8 to $10 for custom crown moldings.
Utility Modifications: When installing cabinets, some plumbing and electrical may need to be relocated or upgraded to suit the new cabinetry. Plumber rates range from $45-$200 per hour, while electricians charge $50-$100 per hour.
How Much Does a Kitchen Cabinet Cost Per Linear Foot?
Linear foot pricing provides the most accurate way to estimate kitchen cabinet costs since it accounts for the actual cabinet footage needed in your space. The cabinets in linear feet and the quality are the most impactful cost factors for an accurate estimate.
Kitchen Size | Linear Feet of Cabinets | Cost Range |
10×10 | 20 | $2,000–$24,00 |
12×12 | 24 | $2,400–$28,800 |
12×15 | 27 | $2,700–$32,400 |
Stock Cabinets Per Linear Foot
Stock cabinets offer the most budget-friendly option for kitchen renovations. Stock cabinets are premade in standard sizes and are the most affordable option, typically costing $100 to $300 per linear foot installed. These pre-made cabinets come in standard sizes and popular styles, making them readily available and cost-effective options for many homeowners.
Stock cabinets provide limited customization but offer several advantages:
Quick availability and installation
Lower prices due to mass production
Proven designs and reliable construction
Wide selection of door styles and finishes
However, they offer limited design options and may have lower quality, so it’s important to weigh cost versus value when making your selection.
Semi Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets range from $150 to $650 per linear foot installed. These provide more customization options while still being based on standard sizes, allowing you to choose from a selection of finishes, hardware, and kitchen cabinet paint colors.
Semi-custom options bridge the gap between stock limitations and fully custom cabinetry costs. Many homeowners find this category offers the best balance of personalization and value. Semi-custom cabinets typically include:
Expanded size options for better kitchen layout fit
Higher quality materials than stock alternatives
More door styles and finish choices
Enhanced storage features like pull out shelves and spice racks
Better construction methods and hardware
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Custom cabinets are the most expensive option, costing $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed, with high-end custom cabinets reaching $13,000 to $30,000. However, they offer the highest level of customization, allowing you to personalize every aspect, from dimensions and shapes to finishes and hardware.
Fully custom cabinets represent the ultimate in kitchen personalization. Custom cabinetry allows you to:
Create unique dimensions for any space
Select from premium materials and exotic wood species
Design specialized storage solutions
Incorporate architectural details and crown molding
Choose custom hardware and accessories
Achieve perfect integration with high end appliances
Fully custom cabinets cost four to five times as much as prefab options. However, for homeowners seeking their dream kitchen with tailored design elements, custom cabinets worth the investment provide unmatched quality and personalization.
What Are the Best Materials for Cabinet Doors?
Material selection significantly impacts both appearance and durability of your kitchen cabinets. Solid wood remains the gold standard for cabinet construction, offering superior longevity and refinishing potential. Custom cabinets made from solid wood tend to last the longest, remaining in good condition for 20 to 50 years.
Premium Solid Wood Options
Solid wood remains the gold standard for cabinet construction, offering superior longevity and refinishing potential that justifies the higher investment.
Cherry: This hardwood provides impressive strength and rich color that deepens with age. Cherry wood offers excellent durability and classic beauty, though it comes at premium pricing. The natural variation in grain creates unique character in each cabinet door.
Alder: A softer hardwood with subtle grain patterns that accepts stain beautifully. Alder provides good durability at moderate pricing, making it popular for painted finishes where grain visibility isn’t desired.
Maple: One of the most durable hardwood options available for kitchen cabinets. Maple’s tight grain and exceptional strength justify its higher cost. This wood species resists dents and scratches while providing decades of reliable service.
Walnut: This premium hardwood features rich chocolate tones that require no staining. Walnut offers excellent moisture resistance and scratch durability, though it commands top-tier pricing for its distinctive appearance.
Oak: A traditional hardwood choice known for prominent grain patterns and exceptional durability. Oak cabinets clean easily and last for decades, making them worthwhile investments despite higher initial costs.
Pecan: One of the strongest domestic hardwoods available, pecan belongs to the hickory family. This wood species provides exceptional durability and unique grain patterns, perfect for homeowners wanting distinctive cabinet doors.
Hickory: Proven to last more than a decade with proper care, hickory offers outstanding strength and character. The dramatic grain variation creates rustic appeal, while the wood’s density ensures long-term durability.
Alternative Materials
Beyond solid wood, several engineered and alternative materials offer different benefits for specific budgets and design preferences.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF): Offers smooth surfaces perfect for painted finishes at budget-friendly prices. MDF provides a consistent appearance without natural wood grain variations.
Plywood: Engineered wood construction that resists warping better than solid wood in humid conditions. Plywood offers good strength at moderate pricing.
Thermofoil: Vinyl coating applied to MDF cores creates moisture-resistant surfaces at low cost. Popular for contemporary styles and budget-conscious renovations.
What Is Your Checklist for Computing the Cost of Replacing Kitchen Cabinets?
Several factors significantly impact your total kitchen cabinet pricing. Understanding these variables helps you make informed decisions and avoid budget surprises during your renovation project.
Key Factors Affecting Cabinet Costs
Cabinet Type and Style: Stock, semi-custom, or fully custom cabinets represent the primary cost driver. Frameless cabinets tend to cost around 15% more compared to framed cabinets, averaging between $6,000 to $30,000. Choose based on your customization needs and budget constraints.
Material Choices: Wood species, construction methods, and finish quality vary widely based on your selections. Solid wood costs more than engineered alternatives but provides superior longevity and refinishing options.
Cabinet Size and Linear Footage: Larger kitchens require more cabinets, directly increasing material and labor costs. Accurate measurements ensure proper cost estimates.
Hardware and Accessories: Quality hinges, drawer slides, and pulls enhance functionality but add to total costs. Soft-close hinges, pull-out shelves, and specialized storage solutions provide convenience at additional expense.
Installation Complexity: Simple installations cost less than projects requiring electrical or plumbing modifications. Kitchen islands, crown molding, and custom features increase labor expenses.
Geographic Location: Labor costs and material availability vary by region. Urban areas typically command higher installation rates than rural locations.
Save Money on Your Kitchen Cabinet Project
Smart planning and strategic choices can significantly reduce your kitchen renovation budget without sacrificing quality or functionality. Consider these cost-effective approaches:
Mix Cabinet Types: Use custom or semi-custom cabinets for focal areas while incorporating stock options in less visible locations. This approach reduces costs while maintaining visual impact.
Choose Paint-Grade Woods: Alder and maple cost less than premium species when painted finishes hide natural grain. Paint-grade options provide durability at lower material costs.
Handle Demolition Yourself: Removing old cabinets reduces labor costs substantially. Ensure proper disposal arrangements and safety precautions during DIY demolition.
Shop During Sales Events: Many manufacturers offer seasonal promotions and clearance pricing on discontinued styles. Planning your project around these events yields significant savings.
Get Multiple Quotes: Compare proposals from several contractors to ensure competitive pricing. Request detailed breakdowns to identify the best value propositions.
Value-Adding Upgrades Worth the Investment
Certain cabinet features and upgrades provide long-term benefits that justify their additional cost through enhanced functionality and durability.
Quality Hardware: Invest in soft-close hinges and full-extension drawer slides for enhanced daily functionality. These upgrades provide long-term satisfaction despite higher initial costs.
Interior Organization: Pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and drawer dividers maximize storage efficiency. Well-organized cabinets eliminate the need for additional storage furniture.
Crown Molding: Decorative trim creates custom appearances at reasonable costs. Crown molding adds visual height and a finished appearance to any cabinet installation.
Deciding What Kitchen Cabinet Works Best for You
Kitchen cabinet replacement represents a significant investment that impacts your daily life and home value for decades. Understanding your options helps you select the approach that best fits your needs, timeline, and budget.
Consider your long-term plans when evaluating cabinet options. If you’re planning to sell within a few years, focus on broad appeal and cost-effective solutions. For long-term homes, invest in quality materials and features that enhance your daily cooking experience.
Professional consultation helps navigate complex decisions about materials, layout, and installation. Experienced contractors provide valuable insights about local pricing, code requirements, and practical considerations that impact project success.
Quality kitchen cabinets enhance functionality while providing excellent returns on investment. Whether you choose stock, semi-custom, or fully custom options, proper planning ensures your renovation delivers the results you envision within your budget parameters.
Get Professional Help with Your Cabinet Project
Cabinets City specializes in helping Chicago-area homeowners achieve their kitchen renovation goals through expert guidance and quality products. Our experienced team provides honest advice about material choices, design options, and cost optimization strategies tailored to your specific needs. We offer free estimates and consultations to help you make confident decisions about your kitchen investment.
Contact Cabinets City today to schedule your consultation. Let our expertise help transform your kitchen vision into reality while maximizing your renovation investment.