How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost? Stock vs. Semi-Custom vs. Custom

Kitchen cabinets are usually the largest single expense in a kitchen remodel. They are priced by the linear foot, and the tier you choose matters more than almost any other decision: stock cabinets run roughly $100–$300 per linear foot installed, semi-custom $200–$500, and full custom $500 to well over $1,000. This guide explains the differences and how to work out what you need.

Cabinet cost per linear foot

These are installed prices that include standard installation. For a kitchen with 20 linear feet of cabinets, the totals look like this:

Published guides give even wider ranges, for example stock at $100–$400 and semi-custom at $150–$700 per linear foot, because finishes, hardware, and region move the price. Moving up a tier tends to roughly double the installed price.

What separates stock, semi-custom, and custom

• Stock cabinets are pre-built in standard sizes and a limited range of styles and finishes. They are the least expensive and are typically available quickly, but you fit your kitchen around available widths, using filler strips where needed.
• Semi-custom cabinets start from standard boxes but let you modify sizes, finishes, and storage options. They cost more, with more choice and better fit.
• Custom cabinets are built to your exact measurements and specifications. They give complete design freedom and the best fit for awkward spaces, at the highest price and longest lead time.

How to measure linear feet

Add up the length, in feet, of every wall run that will have cabinets. Include both the base (lower) cabinets and the upper cabinets. A typical 10 by 10 foot kitchen is often quoted at around 20 to 25 linear feet of cabinetry. Measure along the wall, not around corners twice, and keep tall pantry cabinets and islands in your total.

Because cabinet quotes are often based on a layout drawing, the number of cabinets and how they are arranged will affect the final price. Use linear feet for a budgeting estimate and expect the final design to shift it.

What drives the price within a tier

• Material and construction. Solid wood door frames, plywood boxes, and dovetail drawers cost more than particleboard construction.
• Finish. Painted finishes generally cost more than stained or laminated ones, and specialty finishes add more.
• Hardware and accessories. Soft-close hinges and slides, pull-out organizers, spice racks, and lazy susans all add cost per cabinet.
• Cabinet height. Taller uppers, crown molding, and trim increase both material and installation.
• Installation complexity. Uneven walls, soffits, and tight corners take more time.

Ways to save on cabinets

• Mix tiers. Use stock cabinets for most of the kitchen and spend the extra on a custom island or a showpiece run.
• Reface instead of replace. If the existing boxes are sound and the layout works, new doors and drawer fronts can change the look for much less.
• Skip some uppers. Open shelving or fewer wall cabinets reduces linear feet.
• Buy the basics, upgrade selectively. Add soft-close and organizers only where you will use them.
• Keep the layout. Moving plumbing and appliances often costs more than the cabinets themselves.

Sources

• Simplywise — Cost to install kitchen cabinets, per linear foot (2026)