Here’s What to Expect for the Cost of Kitchen Cabinets in 2025, According to an Expert

Managing a kitchen remodel or renovation can be a huge project. Not only do you need to consider functionality, style, and budget, but you risk burning out if you don’t plan properly. No one wants to get halfway through a kitchen redesign without enough funds. That’s why understanding costs is crucial—starting with your cabinetry, which can take up to 25% to 40% of your total kitchen renovation budget. To learn more about kitchen redesign costs and explore ways to avoid unnecessary expenses, we talked to Shannon Ggem, interior designer and National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) member, for her expert insights.

Factors Expected to Impact Kitchen Cabinetry Costs

According to Ggem, kitchen renovation costs are expected to rise altogether, especially for cabinetry. Of course, the total cost will be set by the scope of your project, the materials and finishes you choose for your cabinets, and the labor needed. Aside from these factors, Ggem says there are a few others expected to impact cabinetry costs this year.

“Geopolitical instability, shipping costs, and tariffs might affect supply chains. Labor shortages are also a growing challenge,” Ggem says.

Predicted Kitchen Cabinet Costs in 2025

Forecasted trends in kitchen cabinetry can also have an impact on their costs. Ggem explains that 2025 will mark a color shift towards warm, wood finishes, especially wood with visible knots and a wider color range. She says that homeowners are increasingly craving more warmth in their space, so brown, ochre, burgundy, and plum are all becoming popular cabinetry hues.

“These cozy finishes also allow for less expensive veneers, which can help stretch your budget further,” she says. However, some custom wood elements, like a wooden hood or intricate molding and trim work, can come with a higher price tag due to the labor and material needed.

So, staying up to date about upcoming trends can be a helpful way to research what’s in style for the coming year and provide some initial design inspiration. But, prioritize your lifestyle and design needs first—an approach that will help mitigate costly redos later on, especially when a trend fades or you realize the design doesn’t suit your needs.

Here’s a further breakdown of costs, based on installation and cabinetry type:

Installation:

• National average cost: $8,000
• Average range: $6,250–$15,000
• Low-end cost: $4,000
• High-end cost: $30,000

Price range per square foot:

• Stock: $100–$300
• Semi-Custom: $150–$400
• Custom: $200–$500

Price of Cabinet Materials and Add-Ons

As with any home improvement project, the cost of your cabinets will depend on the materials, upgrades, and add-ons you go with. One of the cheaper materials is MDF (medium density fiberboard), which runs about $300 – $400 per foot. If you choose to use wood, options like white oak, maple, and birch are at the lower to medium end of the spectrum, while you can expect to pay more for cabinets made of cherry.

Material cost per linear foot:

• MDF: $300 – $400
• White Oak: $400 – $600
• Maple: $300 – $400
• Birch: $300 – $400
• Cherry: $500 – $700

When it comes to selecting custom cabinetry, costs can quickly add up the more enhancements you select. Here’s what you can expect to pay for common cabinet accents:

Cost of custom cabinetry add-ons:

• Soft-close hinges: $20-$50 per door
• Rollout trays: $150-$400 per cabinet
• Specialty shelving (lazy susans, spice racks, etc.): $100-$500 per unit
• Dovetail drawers: $100-$300 per drawer
• Crown molding: $5-$15 per linear foot
• Toe kicks: $10-$30 per linear foot
• Custom cabinet inserts (any organizational upgrades like dividers): $50-$300 per unit

Additional Costs

• Permits: Depending on your local regulations, permits can cost $50 to $500 (or more).
• Demolition: If you’re replacing your existing cabinets, your demolition costs can fall between $500 to $2,000.
• Appliances: Opting for paneled appliances or custom cabinetry to fit them can add anywhere from $500 to $5,000 (or more) to your total kitchen cost.
• Hardware: Custom hinges, pulls, and knobs can add $500 to $2,000 (or more) to your total cost.

Steps You Can Take to Reduce Kitchen Cabinet Costs

Below, Ggem outlines a few simple tips on reducing the costs of your kitchen cabinets—from the planning phase to execution.

1. Invest in a Designer

Ggem suggests investing in the right help, like hiring a seasoned kitchen designer, even if it’s just a consultation. A kitchen designer can help you retain what’s working well in your space and best advise the level of work the project truly needs, Ggem adds. “Clients often rip out something bothering their eye that a designer could have fixed easily with an on-site finish or adjustment,” she says.

If you’re struggling to envision any drawings presented to you by a cabinetry company, ask a designer who offers 3-D visualization tools to help you. Ggem says this will avoid costly do-overs by appropriately showing the cabinet before its build. Then, you’re left with no surprises come installation day and feel confident in the design before anything custom is made.

2. Know You Have Options

When it comes to your kitchen redesign, choose a route that aligns with your budget and design goals, Ggem explains. For example, if custom cabinets aren’t in your budget, try semi-custom instead. Refacing is another cost-effective solution if your cabinet frames are in good condition (but you want a new look with upgraded doors, drawer fronts, and hardware). With a quality cabinet refacing job, local custom cabinet shops can also perform drawer glide and soft-close hinge upgrades, Ggem says.

3. Stay Proactive and Flexible

“Early planning, local materials, and strong vendor relationships will help, but flexibility will be key,” Ggem says. “Stay flexible to respond to market pricing—do not attempt to be unfair to vendors facing increases. Most importantly, do not skimp on planning and materials. Labor is the bulk of the costs, and mistakes are pricey. Plus, the materials are what show in the end,” she adds.

4. Don’t Rush the Process

Kitchen cabinets are a cornerstone of function and a major style statement in a home—they endure daily use and tell the story of the quality throughout, Ggem says.

“Take the time to fill your coffers to appropriately fund cabinets and align your choices with your level of real estate,” she says. “It’s a fixed part of the home so cutting corners here can compromise durability and cheapen or date the overall feel of your spaces.”

Ggem recommends investing in well-made, classic-style cabinetry, keeping the essence of your design completely intact.