Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost

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

Installation is where a kitchen comes together or falls apart. Even expensive cabinets look poor with uneven reveals, gaps at walls, or doors that do not line up. Labor is often quoted separately from the cabinets, and the scope varies, so read the details.

How installation is priced

• Per cabinet box: each base, wall, or tall cabinet has a set price, with extras for fillers, panels, and trim.
• Per linear foot: a rate for each foot of cabinets installed.
• Flat project price: one number for the whole job, common with full remodels.
• Hourly: less common for whole kitchens, but used for small jobs and repairs.

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.

What is usually included

• Locating studs, setting a level reference line, and shimming base cabinets level.
• Fastening cabinets to the wall and to each other.
• Installing doors and drawer fronts and adjusting hinges for even gaps.
• Installing fillers and toe kick.

What is often extra

• Removal and disposal of old cabinets and countertops.
• Crown molding, light rail, and decorative panels. Crown on tall or out-of-level ceilings takes time.
• Scribing fillers and panels to wavy walls or uneven floors.
• Soffit removal to run cabinets to the ceiling, which may reveal ducts, pipes, or wiring.
• Plumbing and electrical disconnects and reconnects. Many areas require a tradesperson with the proper license for this work.
• Decorative hardware installation.
• Drywall patching and painting after old cabinets come out.
• Countertop templating coordination, since stone fabricators usually measure after cabinets are set.

Conditions that add labor

• Floors that slope more than a small amount across the run.
• Walls that are out of plumb or not square at corners, common in older homes with plaster.
• Masonry, tile, or metal-stud walls that need different fasteners.
• Difficult access: stairs, elevators, long carries, or limited parking.
• Islands that need electrical outlets or plumbing run through the floor.
• RTA cabinets that need to be assembled first (see RTA cabinets).

Permits

Swapping cabinets in the same location often does not need a permit, but rules vary by city and county. Moving plumbing, adding circuits, relocating gas lines, or removing walls generally does. Ask your contractor who obtains any required permit and check with your local building department.

Timeline

For a typical kitchen, cabinet installation itself often takes a few days. Countertops usually follow after templating, which can add one to a few weeks for stone. Plan for the kitchen to be partly or fully out of use during that period.

Checking an installer

• Check whether your state or city requires a contractor license or registration for this work, and confirm the installer holds it.
• Ask for proof of liability insurance.
• Ask how they handle out-of-level floors and wavy walls, and whether scribing is included.
• Get the scope, price, and payment schedule in writing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does kitchen cabinet installation take?

Often a few days for the cabinets themselves in a typical kitchen, longer for large or complex kitchens. Countertops, backsplash, and plumbing reconnection add time.

Can I install cabinets myself?

Experienced DIYers do, especially with simple layouts. Getting cabinets level, square, and securely anchored takes care and tools. Plumbing, gas, and electrical work may require trades holding the proper licenses, plus permits.

Does the cabinet store install?

Many home centers and suppliers offer installation through contractors, often priced separately. Ask who the actual installer is and what is included.

Why did my installation quote include so many extras?

Removal, disposal, crown molding, scribing, and plumbing or electrical work are often priced separately. Ask for a single written scope so you can compare quotes.

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