Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Cost: What You Really Pay in 2025

When you replace kitchen cabinets, the storage and visual backbone of your kitchen that directly impacts both function and resale value. Also known as cabinet systems, they’re not just shelves—they’re the framework that holds your cooking space together. A cabinet replacement isn’t just about swapping out old doors and drawers. It’s a major renovation that affects layout, workflow, and your home’s overall appeal. And if you’re planning one, you need to know what’s actually going into that price tag—not just the sticker number, but the why behind it.

Most people assume cabinets are a single cost, but they’re made up of cabinet materials, the type of wood, laminate, or composite used that determines durability and appearance, labor, the skilled work of removing old units, installing new ones, and finishing edges, and kitchen renovation, the broader project that includes plumbing, electrical, and countertop changes that often happen alongside cabinet replacement. You can’t separate them. A $5,000 cabinet job might seem cheap, but if it means you can’t afford new countertops or a new sink, you’re just delaying the real cost. On the flip side, spending $20,000 on custom solid wood cabinets won’t help if your layout is broken. The triangle law—keeping your sink, stove, and fridge within 3 to 4 feet of each other—still matters. No amount of fancy cabinets fixes a bad workflow.

What drives the price up? Solid wood vs. particleboard. Full-overlay doors vs. partial. Soft-close hinges vs. basic ones. Custom sizes vs. stock. Installation complexity—like moving plumbing or electrical—adds hundreds, sometimes thousands. And don’t forget the hidden fees: demolition disposal, new hardware, paint or stain matching, and the time you lose without a working kitchen. Most homeowners spend between $8,000 and $15,000 for a full mid-range replacement. High-end custom jobs can hit $30,000, but that’s not always smarter—it’s just more expensive. The best value? Quality materials, smart design, and professional installation. Skip the flashy trends. Focus on what lasts.

What you’ll find below are real breakdowns from people who’ve done this. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what cabinets cost, what materials hold up, how contractors charge, and which upgrades actually move the needle on value. Whether you’re replacing just a few cabinets or redoing your whole kitchen, this collection gives you the facts you need to avoid overpaying—and build a kitchen that works for years to come.