Renovating or building a kitchen often hinges on the cabinets – they are a significant functional and aesthetic component. The cost of kitchen cabinets can vary widely based on materials, craftsmanship, design complexity, and brand. This calculator aims to provide a reasonable estimate for your kitchen cabinet project, covering the primary cost drivers.
How the Calculator Works
Our Kitchen Cabinet Cost Calculator uses a straightforward formula to estimate your total project expenses:
Cabinet Material Cost: This is calculated by multiplying the Total Linear Feet of Cabinets by the Average Cost Per Linear Foot. The cost per linear foot is a critical factor that reflects the quality of materials (e.g., solid wood vs. particle board), cabinet construction style (e.g., frameless vs. framed), door and drawer front design, and finish. High-end custom cabinets can easily range from $500 to $1500+ per linear foot, while more budget-friendly options might be found between $100 and $400.
Installation Cost: Cabinet installation is a skilled job that requires precision to ensure cabinets are level, plumb, and securely fastened. The calculator estimates this cost as a percentage of the cabinet material cost. A typical range for installation is between 20% and 50% of the cabinet material cost, depending on the complexity of the kitchen layout, the number of cabinets, and the installer's rates.
Additional Costs: This category includes various items that can add up. Cabinet hardware (knobs, pulls), delivery fees for the cabinets, and any unforeseen site preparation or minor adjustments can contribute to this part of the budget. It's wise to set aside a buffer for these miscellaneous expenses.
The total estimated cost is the sum of these three components: Total Estimated Cost = (Linear Feet * Cost Per Foot) + (Cabinet Material Cost * Installation Percentage) + Additional Costs
Factors Influencing Cabinet Costs
When planning your budget, consider the following factors that will influence the final price:
Materials: Solid wood (maple, cherry, oak), MDF, plywood, and laminates all have different price points.
Construction: Custom-built cabinets are more expensive than semi-custom or stock cabinets. Dovetail drawer joints, full-extension drawer glides, and soft-close hinges add to the cost.
Finish: Paint, stain, or glaze finishes vary in price.
Design: Intricate door styles, decorative moldings, and specialized cabinet types (e.g., pull-out pantries, corner solutions) increase complexity and cost.
Brand/Supplier: Reputable cabinet manufacturers or custom shops often command higher prices due to their quality and warranty.
Installation Complexity: Unusual kitchen layouts, angled walls, or the need for significant modifications can increase installation labor costs.
Use this calculator as a starting point to understand the potential investment for your kitchen cabinet project. For precise quotes, always consult with professional kitchen designers and cabinet installers.
function calculateCabinetCost() {
var linearFeet = parseFloat(document.getElementById("linearFeet").value);
var costPerFoot = parseFloat(document.getElementById("costPerFoot").value);
var installationCostPercentage = parseFloat(document.getElementById("installationCostPercentage").value);
var miscellaneousCosts = parseFloat(document.getElementById("miscellaneousCosts").value);
var cabinetMaterialCost = 0;
var installationCost = 0;
var totalEstimatedCost = 0;
if (isNaN(linearFeet) || linearFeet <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for Total Linear Feet of Cabinets.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(costPerFoot) || costPerFoot <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for Average Cost Per Linear Foot.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(installationCostPercentage) || installationCostPercentage < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for Estimated Installation Cost Percentage (0 or greater).");
return;
}
if (isNaN(miscellaneousCosts) || miscellaneousCosts < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid number for Additional Costs (0 or greater).");
return;
}
cabinetMaterialCost = linearFeet * costPerFoot;
installationCost = cabinetMaterialCost * (installationCostPercentage / 100);
totalEstimatedCost = cabinetMaterialCost + installationCost + miscellaneousCosts;
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = 'Estimated Total Cost: $' + totalEstimatedCost.toFixed(2).replace(/(\d)(?=(\d{3})+(?!\d))/g, '$1,') + '';
}