How Much Does It Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets in 2026 and What Is Included?

By Serjay Kravchuk · July 5, 2026

I'm Serjay Kravchuk, Client Relations Manager of New Day Construction, and I know for sure that cabinets are usually where a kitchen remodel budget gets decided one way or another. Homeowners across King and Snohomish counties, from Bellevue to Kirkland to Everett to Lake Stevens and Marysville, ask us all the time what it actually costs to install kitchen cabinets in 2026. Here's my breakdown based on current national pricing data, with additional context for homeowners in King and Snohomish counties. Quick takeaways:

The basic cost to install kitchen cabinets is $486-736 per cabinet as of May 2026, and a full kitchen typically runs $1,935-10,767 depending on size and cabinet type.
Stock cabinets save money upfront, while custom cabinetry costs more per linear foot but fits unusual layouts and dimensions.
Labor, molding, plumbing cutouts, disposal of old cabinets, and permits all add to the number on your final invoice.

Kitchen Cabinet Installation 2026 Cost Overview

According to Homewyse, in May 2026 the estimated national average cost to install kitchen cabinets starts at 736 per cabinet. That basic cost to install kitchen cabinets can vary significantly with site conditions and options. Homewyse pegs it at $736 per cabinet in May 2026 pricing at the high end, which lines up with what we've quoted on comparable Everett and Lake Stevens kitchens this year. That covers the cost of related materials and supplies typically required to install kitchen cabinets, including fasteners and connector hardware, not to mention the finish work. The Homewyse cabinet installation calculator uses industry-standard methods and up-to-date cost data to deliver realistic estimates so you can see typical tasks and time to install kitchen cabinets. Homewyse also lets homeowners see professionally prepared estimates for cabinet installation work, broken down cabinet by cabinet. Angi's separate May 2026 survey found the full cost to install cabinets runs 10,767 for an entire kitchen, averaging $6,193. The spread basically comes down to how many cabinets you need and whether you go stock or custom, with prices there ranging from $100 to $1,200 per linear foot (depending on material and cabinet type). On our own jobs, we tell every owner to treat these ranges as a starting point, then get a written quote for their specific kitchen.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Installation

This checklist highlights some of the decisions and job-specific issues that could impact the actual cost of your kitchen cabinet installation:

Site conditions. Easy access, level walls, and square corners keep labor less expensive, whereas tight or hard-to-reach kitchens push it up.
Plumbing cutouts. Base cabinets around a sink need us to fabricate plumbing cutouts in back panels, which adds labor, and every run needs to sit plumb, level, and square before doors and drawer boxes go on.
Molding and trim. Scribe molding at exposed edges, or crown molding on top, adds cost per linear foot.
Drawer hardware. Soft-close drawer glides and boxes cost more than basic hinges and slides.
Old cabinet removal. Old cabinet removal and disposal can add to the project cost, depending on what is included in the contractor's scope of work.
Local labor rates. Local labor across King and Snohomish counties tends to be above the national figures (Angi and Homewyse cite high demand for skilled trades in the Puget Sound area).

Costs by Size of Kitchen

The total is driven more than almost anything else by the number of cabinets your kitchen needs. Angi's May 2026 data breaks typical kitchen cabinet installation costs down by project scope: Kitchen size

Typical scope

Cost range

Small / galley

10-15 linear ft

3,000-6,000

Medium (L- or U-shape)

20-30 linear ft

6,000-12,000

Large or custom

35+ linear ft, island

12,000-25,000+

Base cabinets are the ones that sit on the floor and support the weight of the countertop and appliances. They cost more per unit than the wall cabinets that are mounted above the counter. At the high end of its range is a kitchen with a big island or a custom cabinet run built around a funky-shaped wall.

Differences Between Stock and Custom

Stock cabinets cost less because they ship pre-built in standard sizes, typically $100-300 per linear foot. Semi-custom options allow more size and finish options for $200-650 per linear foot. Full custom cabinetry, built to your kitchen and finished by hand, runs $500-1,200 per linear foot, per Angi's May 2026 data. In our experience, a custom cabinet option solves problems stock boxes can't, like an odd ceiling height, a tight corner, or a non-standard appliance, but it will affect your budget and timeline.

Average Labor Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets

According to Angi's May 2026 survey, skilled cabinet installers charge $50 to $250 an hour, or $100 to $300 per linear foot. More complex installations increase the price, like corner units, built-ins, crown molding, detailed features, etc. DIY installation saves 30-50% on labor, but not when you consider tool rentals, materials, and any redo work. A failed install can void the manufacturer's warranty, so keep that in mind. On the Eastside, local labor is above the national average since licensed crews are in demand all year.

Other Pricing to Consider

The base price of the installation service covers transportation of the materials to and from your home and delivery of standard materials, but it does not cover all costs involved in the installation. The total cost usually increases once the project-specific components are added to the base price. Replacing kitchen cabinets and countertops alone generally does not require a building permit in Bellevue. However, structural, plumbing, or electrical changes may require separate permits. Permit requirements and fees vary by jurisdiction and project scope, so they should be confirmed for the specific property before work begins. Some elements are completely outside of the installation's base price, such as the removal and remediation of existing framing and electrical work. Before renovation work disturbs potentially asbestos-containing materials, Washington requirements may call for an asbestos survey or other appropriate evaluation. Any required testing or abatement would be separate from standard cabinet installation unless specifically included in the project scope. Extended warranties may cost $100-500, which might be worth it if you're staying in the house long-term. If the cabinets' installation is part of a larger kitchen remodel or whole-home renovation project, you can ask our home remodeling team to combine it into one coordinated project package. Make sure you get an itemized quote before signing off on the job so you know the full scope of the costs involved.

Managing Your Cabinet Installation Budget

In order to compare estimates, you need to get estimates based on a similar scope of work. Some web-based home improvement calculators, like Homewyse, have a good customizable calculator to help get an idea of a rough range. You can change the project location, size, and options to customize an estimate. But no amount of calculations can substitute for an actual in-home measurement of the kitchen. Homewyse estimates are based on mid-range work using popular in-stock products, and the price would increase once you specify high-end materials, custom products, or the complexity of your kitchen (islands, soffits, odd number of corners, etc.). At New Day Construction, we've built our name on craftsmanship, so an estimate that is fair would have to stand up to that scrutiny.

See the Cabinetry Behind This Arlington Kitchen Remodel

Here is an example of a cabinet installation as part of a kitchen remodel we recently completed in Arlington, WA 98223. The five-week, $41,300 project included semi-custom cabinets, new countertops, modern appliances, and updated fixtures. The new cabinetry gave the homeowners more functional storage while helping create a brighter, more practical kitchen for everyday cooking and gathering. See the full project and photos →

Ready to Start Your Kitchen Remodel?

My team and I prefer to look at the actual kitchen rather than rely on calculator-based estimates to get accurate cabinet pricing. Our team serves King and Snohomish counties, which include Bellevue, Kirkland, Everett, Lake Stevens, and Marysville, and can give you written, itemized estimates before any decision is made. Reach out through our kitchen remodeling page or call us at (425) 584-2936, and we'll check your kitchen together.

FAQ

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for Kitchen Cabinet Installation?

A homeowner budgeting today should expect $486 to $736 per cabinet as of May 2026, or $1,935 to $10,767 for a full kitchen, per Homewyse and Angi. Your final number depends on cabinet count, stock versus custom, and how much prep work your kitchen needs.

How Much Does Home Depot Charge to Install Kitchen Cabinets?

Home Depot does not publish one nationwide per-cabinet installation rate. Installation pricing depends on kitchen size, cabinet quantity, removal requirements, location, and project scope, so homeowners need a project-specific estimate to compare it fairly with an independent contractor's quote.

What Is Included in the Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Installation?

A standard quote covers the cabinet boxes, basic labor to hang and level them, hardware and drawer glides, job supplies like fasteners and finishing materials, and setup and cleanup. It typically does not include plumbing or electrical changes, permits, or removing your old cabinets, unless you ask for those upfront.

What Additional Costs Should I Consider When Installing Kitchen Cabinets?

Budget for any required permit fees, old cabinet removal and disposal, and framing, plumbing, or electrical work outside the basic cabinet installation scope. In Washington, retail sales tax may apply to the taxable construction contract price rather than only to the materials.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Installation?

Choose stock or semi-custom cabinets, get quotes from at least three local professionals, keep your existing footprint instead of moving plumbing or electrical, and handle demo or cleanup yourself if your contractor allows it.

Can You Replace Kitchen Cabinets and Keep the Existing Countertops?

Sometimes, if the new cabinet boxes match the old ones in height, depth, and layout closely enough that the countertop still fits without gaps. In most full replacements, though, we recommend budgeting for new countertops too, since a mismatched fit rarely looks right.

What Is the Typical Labor Cost for Installing Kitchen Cabinets?

Installers, carpenters, and general contractors typically charge $50 to $250 an hour, or $100 to $300 per linear foot, according to Angi's May 2026 data. A standard kitchen takes a professional crew one to three days.