Midwest Kitchen Planner

Kitchen Cabinet Cost in 2026

Updated

New kitchen cabinets are usually the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. Angi's 2026 cabinet installation guide puts the national average at $6,191, based on 5,122 projects, with most homeowners paying $1,935 to $10,769 for a full kitchen [1]. Its Midwest range is $3,000 to $11,000 [1]. These are published ranges, not local bids.

Cost per linear foot by cabinet type

Cabinets are often priced by the linear foot, which is the length of cabinet run along your walls. Angi lists these 2026 ranges [1]:

Cabinet type What it means Cost per linear foot
Stock Off the shelf, standard sizes $100 to $300
Semi-custom Standard boxes with more size and finish options $200 to $650
Custom Built to order in any size or finish $500 to $1,200

Stock cabinets ship fast but come in fewer sizes and finishes. Semi-custom cabinets give you more choices and take longer. Custom cabinets fit the space exactly and cost the most [1]. Angi's remodel guide says custom cabinets can take 6 to 8 weeks to build [2]. More on that in our custom cabinets guide.

Cost by kitchen size

Angi groups full cabinet projects by size [1]:

Kitchen Linear feet 2026 range
Small (galley or compact) 10 to 15 $3,000 to $6,000
Medium (L or U shape) 20 to 30 $6,000 to $12,000
Large or custom (island, specialty units) 35+ $12,000 to $25,000+

Cost per cabinet

If you are adding or swapping a few cabinets, per-unit prices are more useful [1]:

Cabinet Cost per unit
Wall cabinet $150 to $1,200
Base cabinet $200 to $2,000
Specialty unit (pantry, corner, island) $500 to $5,000

Installation labor

Installers, carpenters, and general contractors charge about $50 to $250 per hour, or $100 to $300 per linear foot, depending on how they price the job [1]. Corner units, built-ins, and upper floors add time [1]. A pro can often install a kitchen's cabinets in one to three days [1].

Repair, reface, or replace?

Angi says repairs such as new doors, fixing drawers, or refinishing run about $100 to $800 per cabinet. If repairs would cost more than half the price of new cabinets, replacing is usually the better choice [1]. If the boxes are sound and you only want a new look, refacing is the middle option. It averages $7,233 nationally [3]. See cabinet refacing vs replacing.

Do new cabinets need a permit?

Often not, if nothing else changes. Chicago's code exempts cabinets and countertops without plumbing or electrical connections [4]. Minneapolis lists cabinets and countertops as exempt work [5]. Madison exempts only adding or replacing wall-mounted cabinets [6]. Moving a sink or adding outlets usually needs a permit. See our city pages for Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Madison, and Des Moines.

How to compare cabinet quotes

  1. Ask for the cabinet line, type, and total linear feet on each quote.
  2. Ask whether the price includes removal of old cabinets, installation, hardware, and crown molding.
  3. Ask about lead time from order to install.
  4. Ask what warranty the maker and the installer each give.
  5. Check the company's license or registration yourself before you sign.

FAQ

How much do kitchen cabinets cost per linear foot?

Angi's 2026 guide lists $100 to $300 per linear foot for stock cabinets, $200 to $650 for semi-custom, and $500 to $1,200 for custom [1]. Multiply by the length of your cabinet run for a rough range, then compare it with real quotes.

How long do kitchen cabinets last?

Angi says well-installed cabinets last 15 to 30 years [1]. How long yours last depends on the box material, the finish, and how much moisture and wear the kitchen sees.

Estimate your cabinets with the cost calculator or request cabinet quotes.

A referral is not an endorsement, so check any contractor yourself before you sign.

We're a referral service, not a contractor, and independent contractors may pay us for referrals.

Sources

  1. Angi, "How Much Does Cabinet Installation Cost? [2026 Data]," updated October 16, 2026. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://www.angi.com/articles/wood-kitchen-cabinets-types-costs-and-installation.htm
  2. Angi, "How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? [2026 Data]," updated September 4, 2026. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-should-kitchen-remodel-cost.htm
  3. Angi, "How Much Does Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets Cost? [2026 Data]," updated August 31, 2026. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-cabinet-refacing-cost.htm
  4. Municipal Code of Chicago, Section 14A-4-402.1, "General" (work exempt from permit), 2026 S-75. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2660948
  5. City of Minneapolis, "Construction work exempt from permit," updated March 31, 2026. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/licenses-permits-inspections/construction-permits/exempt-from-permit/
  6. City of Madison Building Inspection, "Do I need a permit?," no date shown. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://cityofmadison.com/development-services-center/permits