Kitchen cabinets are often the most oversized ticket item in a remodel, ranging from 20%-50% of the cost. They are also often the star of a kitchen’s look and functionality, so it makes sense why everything else revolves around them. Depending on the material and use, they should last over a decade. As you get more hand-crafted, all-wood cabinetry, the cost skyrockets. The bottom end of the market is often manufactured particle board and plywood.

The range in the middle will typically be a mix of plywood or fiberboard and natural wood doors and fronts. Installation generally costs much less than the cabinets, though it can add up. The reason it costs as much as it does is that it’s a labor-intensive job, and the success of the rest of the remodel depends on it. There are DIY options that come with RTA (ready to assemble), like an IKEA-type option, that some remodelers will opt for to cut costs. They may also buy used, choose to resurface, or paint the existing cabinets to save money. It is essential to ensure you’re getting a reasonable price on the cabinets you decide to go with, so be sure to get a few quotes from the professionals to see their actual costs.