Kitchen Cabinet Cost Calculator: Linear Feet & Finish

Linear footage is the standard starting measurement

Kitchen cabinets are typically priced by linear foot, in feet or metres, of cabinet run rather than by square footage, since cabinet depth and height are fairly standardized while the length of counter and cabinet run varies kitchen to kitchen. This calculator multiplies your total linear footage of upper and lower cabinets by a rate tied to the cabinet tier you choose, from stock to semi-custom to fully custom, and you can switch to a custom amount if you have a specific quote.

Stock cabinets come in a limited set of standard sizes and are the most affordable option, semi-custom cabinets offer more size and finish flexibility at a moderate price increase, and fully custom cabinetry, built to exact specifications, sits at the top of the price range.

Materials and construction quality matter as much as style

Solid wood doors with plywood box construction generally cost more than cabinets built with particleboard or MDF cores and laminate or thermofoil door faces, and this construction difference affects both price and long-term durability, particularly around moisture exposure near a sink or dishwasher. Soft-close hinges and drawer slides, now common even in mid-range lines, add a small per-unit cost but are generally worth the upgrade for daily durability.

Specialty cabinets, like a corner lazy Susan unit, a pull-out pantry, or an island with custom panel detailing, typically cost more per linear foot than standard runs and should be budgeted separately if your layout includes them.

Installation and the hidden costs around cabinetry

Installation labor is usually quoted separately from the cabinet boxes themselves and depends on how many cabinets need to be hung, leveled, and scribed to fit an imperfect wall, with a kitchen full of odd angles or an out-of-level floor taking more time than a straightforward rectangular layout. Removing and disposing of old cabinets is often a separate line item as well, so confirm it's covered in any quote before comparing prices.

Hardware, such as cabinet pulls and knobs, is frequently sold separately from the cabinets themselves and can add a surprising amount to the total if upgraded to a premium finish across a full kitchen's worth of doors and drawers.

Fitting cabinets into the full remodel budget

Cabinetry is typically the single largest line item in a kitchen remodel budget, often outpacing countertops and appliances combined, so getting this estimate right matters for the overall project plan. Our kitchen remodel cost calculator and countertop cost calculator can help you build out the rest of the kitchen budget around this cabinet-specific estimate.