How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Really Cost?

Kitchen cabinets are typically the single biggest expense in a kitchen remodel, accounting for 30 to 40 percent of the total project cost. That means getting the best value on cabinets has a huge impact on your overall budget. But pricing can be confusing because there are so many variables: door style, material, size, brand, and whether you buy RTA or assembled. This guide gives you honest, real-world numbers so you can plan your budget with confidence.

Average Kitchen Cabinet Costs

Kitchen cabinet prices vary widely based on quality tier. Here is what you can expect to pay for a standard 10x10 kitchen (approximately 20 linear feet of cabinetry) in 2025:

• Budget RTA cabinets: $1,800 – $3,500
• Mid-range RTA cabinets (plywood construction): $3,000 – $5,500
• Big box store assembled cabinets: $5,000 – $10,000
• Semi-custom cabinets: $8,000 – $15,000
• Custom cabinets: $15,000 – $30,000+

At Closeout Kitchens, our mid-range RTA cabinets with plywood box construction, soft-close hinges, and dovetail drawers fall in the $3,000 to $5,500 range for a 10x10 kitchen. That is the quality level of cabinets that cost $8,000 to $12,000 at big box stores.

What Affects Cabinet Price?

Several factors determine what you will pay for kitchen cabinets:

• Box material: Plywood costs more than particleboard but lasts significantly longer, especially in the humid environment around sinks and dishwashers.
• Door style: Slab doors are the least expensive because they require less material and machining. Shaker doors are mid-range. Raised panel and specialty doors cost more.
• Finish: Painted finishes cost more than thermofoil or laminate. Wood stains vary in price depending on the species.
• Hardware: Soft-close hinges and full-extension drawer slides add cost compared to basic overlay hinges and partial-extension slides, but they dramatically improve the daily experience of using your kitchen.
• Kitchen size: More cabinets obviously cost more, but larger orders often qualify for volume discounts and free shipping.

RTA vs Big Box Store Pricing

This is where the math gets interesting. Here is a side-by-side comparison of equivalent cabinets:

Item	Closeout Kitchens (RTA)	Big Box Store
36" Base Cabinet	$280 – $350	$450 – $700
30" Wall Cabinet	$180 – $250	$300 – $500
36" Sink Base	$250 – $320	$400 – $650
Shipping (full kitchen)	Free over $3,999	$500 – $1,200
Construction	Plywood box	Varies (often particleboard)

How to Save on Cabinets

There are several legitimate ways to reduce your cabinet costs without sacrificing quality:

• Choose RTA over assembled: Assembly takes a few hours but can save 30 to 50 percent on cabinet cost.
• Order over the free shipping threshold: Our free shipping kicks in at $3,999, which can save $500 to $1,000 in delivery fees alone.
• Keep the existing layout: Moving plumbing and electrical adds thousands to a remodel. New cabinets in the same layout dramatically freshens a kitchen at a fraction of the cost.
• Use standard sizes: Custom-width cabinets cost more. Plan your layout using standard widths (12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36 inches) and fill gaps with filler strips.
• Mix cabinet heights: Use 30-inch wall cabinets instead of 42-inch where full height is not needed, such as above a refrigerator or range.

Browse our Petit White and Ice White Shaker collections for budget-friendly options that do not compromise on quality.

Free Shipping Threshold

Shipping is one of the hidden costs that catches homeowners off guard. Cabinets are heavy and bulky, and most retailers charge substantial delivery fees. At Closeout Kitchens, orders over $3,999 ship free to the contiguous United States. Since most full kitchen orders exceed this threshold, the vast majority of our customers pay nothing for shipping. This alone can save you $500 to $1,000 compared to competitors.

Design Your Kitchen Today

Ready to get started? Try our free 3D kitchen design tool to visualize your new kitchen and get an instant quote, or request a free professional design from our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 10x10 kitchen?

A 10x10 kitchen is an industry standard used for price comparisons. It refers to a kitchen with two walls of cabinets, each 10 feet long, totaling about 20 linear feet of cabinetry. It typically includes 12 to 15 cabinets.

Does Closeout Kitchens offer free shipping?

Yes. We offer free shipping on orders over $3,999. Most full kitchen orders qualify for free shipping, which can save you $500 to $1,000 compared to big box store delivery fees.

Are cheap cabinets worth it?

It depends on what you mean by cheap. Low-price cabinets with particleboard construction and stapled joints will not last. But affordable RTA cabinets with plywood construction and dovetail drawers can last 15 to 25 years with proper care.

How can I get an accurate quote for my kitchen?

Use our free design tool to enter your kitchen measurements and select your preferred cabinet style. The tool generates an itemized quote instantly. For a more detailed quote, submit your measurements through our free design service.

Do kitchen cabinets include countertops?

No. Cabinet pricing is separate from countertop pricing. Countertops are typically measured and fabricated after cabinets are installed to ensure a precise fit.

---