How Much Does It Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets?

Jan 10, 2022

Since kitchen cabinets take up a lot of space, they can have a major influence on the style and feel of your kitchen.

For homeowners remodeling on a budget, that’s great news! Simply replacing your cabinets will go a long way in creating the kitchen of your dreams.

But how much will it cost to replace your kitchen cabinets? In this post, we’ll look at the national average cost to replace your cabinets as well as a few money-saving alternatives.

Average Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets

The average cost to replace kitchen cabinets in 2022 is between $600 and $1,200 per linear foot. "Additionally, you'll need to spend between $12,500 and $18,000 for installation and materials," according to Cabinet Now.

This range depends on four main factors:

Material and design (i.e., laminate, veneer, natural wood, etc.)
Size of your kitchen
Your region
Whether you’re installing the cabinets yourself or hiring a local expert in cabinet installation

Fixr has a detailed breakdown of how those factors influence the price, but all of the potential combinations can get confusing if you don’t have the answers to a few key questions.

Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Kitchen Cabinets

modern white kitchen cabinets with pendant light fixtures over island

Our expert team has put together the following questions to ask before upgrading your cabinets. Your answers to these questions will guide you as you navigate through all of your kitchen cabinet replacement options.

What Material Was Used to Make My Current Cabinets?

Are your cabinets made of plywood, veneer, or laminate? Or, are they made of real wood like oak, cherry, or maple?

The material you choose for your new cabinets will affect how much value they add to your home. It can also limit your design choices since not all designs work well with every material.

Here’s a general guide you can use as you’re picking the material you want for your replacement cabinets:

Real wood cabinets like oak, cherry, or maple add to the value of your home. They’re very sturdy and can last for decades of average use. This also means that they’re more expensive than veneer or laminate kitchen cabinets. They can be painted and refinished a few times in their lifetime.
Plywood, veneer, and laminate kitchen cabinets are less expensive and can give a kitchen a more modern feel. They’re not as receptive to future changes because most don’t last as long as real wood cabinets do. These types are also not as likely to survive the lacquer removal process.

Our Professional Recommendation: If you have real wood cabinets and want a fresh look for your kitchen, we recommend keeping them and opting for one of the money-saving alternatives to replacing your cabinets listed later in this blog. You can still get your dream kitchen without losing a valuable asset for your home.

Which Kitchen Cabinet Designs Best Fit My Home?

Do you want your kitchen to feel open and warm? Which colors match the style you’re looking for?

These general tips will get you started as you browse Pinterest or search online for design inspiration:

Darker-colored cabinets will make your kitchen feel smaller. Lighter colors will help your kitchen feel larger.
Real wood cabinets make your kitchen feel homey, but there are some veneers that can have the same effect. These veneers are made to look like real wood.
Flat-panel cabinet doors make your kitchen look more modern.

Which Local Companies Can Build and Install the Designs I Want?

Do a Google search for local businesses that offer kitchen cabinet installation, painting, refinishing, or refacing services and look for a gallery showing some of their past work. Take note of companies that have completed designs you like and check out their customer reviews.

Money-Saving Alternatives to Replacing Kitchen Cabinets

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If you find that replacing your kitchen cabinets doesn’t fit your budget or you don’t want to give up your real wood cabinets, there are still two ways to upgrade your cabinets that will save you money and allow you to create the dream kitchen space you want.

Cabinet Refinishing

This is by far the most cost-effective method to upgrade your cabinets.

Cabinet refinishing involves removing knobs and hinges, making minor repairs, stripping off the old color or stain, and repainting or re-staining the cabinets with the color of your choice. You would keep the same style of your cabinets while giving your kitchen a fresh look.

Cabinet Refacing

This is the second most cost-effective way to upgrade your cabinets. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the materials you choose (and the cost of those materials) for your new cabinet doors.

Refacing involves completely replacing the cabinet doors and drawers. You would get the opportunity to choose a new cabinet style at a higher cost than refinishing your cabinets.

Get an Estimate from Oceanside Painting & Refinishing in Monmouth County, NJ

If you live in the Monmouth County or Ocean County area and would like to get a quote to paint or refinish your kitchen cabinets, give our team here at Oceanside Painting & Refinishing a call.

We’ll listen carefully to your plans, answer any questions you have, and offer a professional opinion that will help you as you make final decisions. Our team is proud to be known as the kitchen cabinet experts that Brick Township homeowners trust.