Kitchen Cabinet Cost per Linear Foot

Updated October 22, 2026 · General information from Kitchen Cabinet Cost

Cost per linear foot is a quick way to compare cabinet prices across kitchens of different sizes. It is useful for early budgeting, but it is a rough tool. Two kitchens with the same footage can be priced very differently depending on the mix of cabinet types, the finish, and the accessories.

How to measure linear feet

1. Measure along the wall where base cabinets will go, from end to end, in inches. Measure each wall separately.
2. Do the same for wall (upper) cabinets. Do not subtract windows yet if you only want a rough total, but note them.
3. Add the wall totals and divide by 12 to get linear feet.
4. For an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen, measure each run into the corner. Some pros count corners differently, so ask how a quote was measured.
5. Measure an island separately. Note tall cabinets (pantry, oven) separately too, since they cost more per foot.

Some suppliers quote base and wall cabinets as combined linear feet; others quote a "10 by 10" sample kitchen (a common benchmark of about 10 feet by 10 feet in an L shape) to compare lines. Ask what the number in front of you represents.

Typical per-foot ranges

Estimates only. Broad typical ranges based on published contractor and industry cost guides; actual prices vary widely by location, materials, and scope. Get written quotes.

Why per-foot pricing can mislead

• Cabinet mix. A run of drawer bases costs more than a run of door bases. Corner cabinets with lazy Susans or blind-corner pull-outs cost more. Tall pantries and oven cabinets cost much more per foot than either.
• Box sizes. One 36-inch cabinet usually costs less than two 18-inch cabinets covering the same space, because each box has its own sides, hinges, and labor.
• Finish upcharges. Paint, glazes, and premium species can add a meaningful percentage to the same cabinet.
• Extras. Crown molding, light rail, panels on exposed ends, fillers, toe kick, and accessories may or may not be in the per-foot number.
• Installation scope. A per-foot install price may assume a clean, level, empty room. Removing old cabinets, scribing to uneven walls, and electrical or plumbing changes are often extra.

A simple worked example

Suppose your kitchen has about 14 feet of base cabinets and 12 feet of wall cabinets, or 26 linear feet. At a semi-custom range of a few hundred dollars per foot, the cabinets alone could land somewhere in the high four figures to low five figures, before installation, hardware, and tax. That is a starting point for conversations, not a budget. A real quote depends on the specific boxes in your design.

Use per-foot pricing for early decisions

Per-foot numbers are best for deciding which grade fits your budget before you spend time on design. Once you have a layout, ask each supplier for an itemized quote listing every box, so you can compare like for like. Our guide on comparing quotes lists what to check.

Frequently asked questions

How many linear feet of cabinets does an average kitchen have?

It varies a lot. A small galley or apartment kitchen might have well under 20 combined linear feet, while a large suburban kitchen with an island can have far more. Measure your own space rather than relying on an average.

Do you count upper and lower cabinets separately?

Many suppliers do, because wall cabinets and base cabinets are priced differently. Some quote a combined figure. Ask how a quote was measured before comparing it with another.

Is the island included in linear footage?

Usually it is measured separately. Islands often have finished panels on several sides, which adds cost beyond the boxes.

What is a 10 by 10 kitchen price?

It is a common benchmark some suppliers use to compare cabinet lines, based on a sample L-shaped kitchen about 10 feet on each wall. It helps compare lines but rarely matches your exact kitchen.

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