Estimating how much kitchen cabinets cost in 2026 ahead of signing any purchase or remodel contract can prevent budget surprises. Prices continue to shift due to material cost fluctuation (or, inflation depending on who you ask), labor rates, and broader supply-chain changes — making early planning essential for informed budgeting.
Why Kitchen Cabinet Prices Vary
Kitchen cabinet pricing isn’t a fixed number. Several core factors contribute to wide cost ranges:
- Cabinet Type: Stock, semi-custom, and fully custom cabinets differ dramatically in price points due to manufacturing processes and flexibility.
- Materials & Construction: Solid wood, plywood, MDF, hardware quality, and finish types all influence costs.
- Size of Kitchen: Larger kitchens with more linear feet of cabinetry naturally cost more.
- Installation & Labor: Labor markets vary regionally and can be a significant share of total cost.
- Market Conditions: Tariffs on lumber and imported wood products are projected to raise costs into 2026 if enacted fully, adding to material pricing pressures. Source: Highland Cabinetry
Typical Cabinet Price Ranges in 2026
Below are projected ranges based on 2025 baselines with adjustments for inflation and market pressures that industry sources indicate may carry forward into 2026 according to Highland Cabinetry.
| Cabinet Type | Typical Cost (Installed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | ~$3,000–$7,000 | Pre-built, fixed sizes; least expensive option. |
| Semi-Custom | ~$7,000–$15,000 | Mid-range choice with some sizing and finish options. |
| Custom | ~$15,000–$30,000+ | Built-to-order, premium materials, complex designs. |
Ranges reflect total installed cost for a moderate-sized kitchen and, in my experience, don’t typically include the cost of counter tops.
Per-linear-foot guidelines:
- Stock: ~$100–$300/ft
- Semi-Custom: ~$150–$650/ft
- Custom: ~$500–$1,200+/ft (higher for premium materials/complexity). Source: Bradco Kitchens & Baths
What Professionals Evaluate
Professionals assess kitchen cabinets objectively before quoting:
- Layout & Linear Footage
- Cabinet Type & Customization Level
- Material Specification & Hardware Quality
- Finish Type (paint, stain, veneer)
- Installation Complexity (removals, plumbing/electrical adjustments)
- Local Labor Rates
These criteria help generate a detailed and realistic cost estimate before any order is placed.
How CabinetCheck Evaluates Costs
To estimate fair cabinet pricing, the CabinetCheck Score™ evaluates objective cost anchors against market benchmarks:
- Baseline Material Value: Costs for plywood, hardwood, and engineered substrates.
- Manufacturing Tier: Stock, semi-custom, or custom workmanship standards.
- Feature Add-Ons: Soft-close hardware, pull-outs, integrated lighting.
- Regional Labor Variables: Local installation conditions and contractor rates.
This methodology yields a neutral cost expectation range rather than a single figure.
Common Red Flags Homeowners Miss
When budgeting for cabinets, watch for:
- Vague Scope in Proposals — Missing specification of materials, hardware, or finishes.
- Unclear Warranty Terms — Warranty exclusions on finishes or construction.
- Ignoring Sub-Cabinet Accessories — Lazy Susans, pull-outs, drawers, etc., can add significant cost.
- Underestimating Installation Labor — Complexity like plumbing relocations increases hours.
- Assuming SKU Pricing Equals Installed Cost — Cabinet costs without installation can understate true budget needs.
Summary
In 2026, kitchen cabinet costs will continue to vary widely based on cabinet type, materials, and installation complexity. A realistic budget range in the U.S. might span $3,000 on the low end to $30,000+ on the high end for a fully installed system, with tariffs and supply influences adding upward pressure. Planning with clear specifications and understanding the factors above will help ensure that contract pricing reflects your project needs fairly.
If you’d like to get an Idea of what your custom cabinets might cost CabinetCheck has created a convenient Custom Cabinet Cost Calculator. Click here to use it.
*Special Note: In my experience people tend to overlook counter tops. Keep in mind when speaking with a designer, contractor or project manager that counter tops aren’t usually included in the Cabinet cost. Make sure you ask them about this. That is a whole different department and can add an additional $500 to $5,000 to your project depending on which material you choose, ie. Laminate, granite, marble, quartz, etc.
FAQs
How much should I budget for kitchen cabinets in 2026?
Expect a wide range: roughly $3,000–$7,000 for stock, $7,000–$15,000 for semi-custom, and $15,000–$30,000+ for custom options installed-Highland Cabinetry
What’s the difference between stock, semi-custom, and custom pricing?
Stock cabinets are pre-manufactured with limited sizing, semi-custom allows some modification, and custom is fully tailored — with costs increasing accordingly-Bradco Kitchens & Baths
Should cabinet price be measured per linear foot?
Yes. Per-linear-foot pricing helps compare options consistently and reflects how professionals estimate total cabinetry cost-Payless Kitchen Cabinets
Do tariffs affect kitchen cabinet costs?
Projected tariff increases on wood and imported cabinets could raise material and finished cabinet costs in 2026-New York Post
Is installation included in typical cost ranges?
The ranges above assume installed pricing; materials-only costs will be lower. Always confirm if labor is included in any quote.
Measured twice, verified once — CabinetCheck™.