You might be curious about what’s the average cost to install a kitchen cabinet, especially if you’re living in an older Baltimore home and considering a full-scale remodel. Since cabinets can be one of the priciest components in any kitchen upgrade, understanding the numbers helps you plan realistically and avoid hidden fees. Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of cabinet installation costs, including the typical range for different cabinet types, the impact of labor, and a few insider tips on how to sidestep unexpected expenses.
Understand the average cost to install kitchen cabinets
Installation costs hinge on factors such as cabinet style, kitchen size, and the condition of your existing structure. According to data compiled by Payless Kitchen Cabinets in 2025, you might pay between $100 and $300 per linear foot for standard installation. (Payless Kitchen Cabinets) If your home requires more extensive prep work or if you opt for premium cabinets, that figure can climb quickly.
Home improvement services like Homewyse estimate that, by January 2026, you could spend anywhere from $486 to $736 per individual cabinet, depending on your project’s complexity, local pricing, and the materials you choose. (Homewyse) This estimate doesn’t factor in custom work or specialized designs, which can add to the total.
Baltimore homeowners often find that final costs also reflect the specific needs of an older property. Uneven floors, outdated plumbing, or older electrical wiring can demand extra labor, but thorough planning can help you keep your budget on track.
Compare stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets
Several cabinet options exist, each carrying distinct advantages and price points. Understanding which category fits your design vision is often the first step in narrowing your budget.
Stock cabinets: Possibly the most budget-friendly choice, these range from $100 to $300 per linear foot. (Payless Kitchen Cabinets) They come in standard sizes and limited styles. If you want a quick update, stock cabinets can be installed faster than other types, but you’ll sacrifice some design flexibility.
Semi-custom cabinets: Ranging from $150 to $650 per linear foot, semi-custom cabinets offer a balance of cost-effectiveness and personalization. (Payless Kitchen Cabinets) You can choose colors, sizes, and certain decorative elements, but you might encounter extra lead time if your selections go beyond what the manufacturer keeps in stock.
Custom cabinets: For total creative control, custom cabinets exceed $1,000 per linear foot. (Payless Kitchen Cabinets) While these meet precise design specifications, they cost significantly more due to specialized materials and craftsmanship. Custom cabinetry can be a striking option in older, high-value Baltimore homes where preserving or matching architectural details is a top priority.
Factor in labor costs
Along with cabinet materials, labor can substantially influence your overall bill. Installing kitchen cabinets typically involves removing existing units, ensuring the walls are level, and precisely hanging the new cabinets to avoid misalignment.
Homewyse research from 2026 places the per-cabinet installation cost between $486 and $736, based on basic mid-range conditions. (Homewyse) This figure assumes reasonably straightforward work, access to popular in-stock materials, and a professional installer team that charges on a per-cabinet rate.
Some companies, especially those working with prefabricated cabinets, pay installers around $60 per cabinet. (Reddit) Meanwhile, other pros charge hourly rates from $50 to $250 if the job involves extensive customization or structural work, as indicated by HomeLight data. (HomeLight)
If you lean more toward a handyman service, keep in mind that lower hourly rates may be offset by the need for extra time spent on tasks like adjusting uneven surfaces or fine-tuning complex designs. Get quotes that spell out everything from leveling floors to applying finishing touches on trims.
Additional project costs to consider
Beyond the cabinets and labor, you’ll likely spend extra on related components that complete the remodel:
• Hardware: Prices can vary from $2 to $50 per item, based on style and brand. (HomeLight) If you choose high-quality handles or specialty pulls, these can become a significant line item.\ • Removal and disposal: Tearing out your old cabinets and hauling away debris might cost between $350 and $800, depending on how bulky your existing setup is. (HomeLight)\ • Molding and trim: Crown molding can add $4 to $23 per linear foot. (HomeLight) This detail often completes the look, especially in tall-ceiling kitchens or historic homes.
Older kitchens may also require upgrades to plumbing or electrical systems, so it’s wise to budget some contingency funds for unforeseen challenges. If you’re curious about other cost considerations, you can see how cabinetry compares to the rest of the kitchen by checking out what is the most expensive part of redoing a kitchen?(/what-is-the-most-expensive-part-of-redoing-a-kitchen).
Tips to avoid hidden fees
Hidden fees are most likely to arise when the scope of work changes mid-project. For instance, if your contractor encounters unexpected water damage behind an old cabinet, the repair expense will add to your total cost. You can often mitigate these surprises by investing in a thorough pre-installation assessment. This might involve checking your subfloors, walls, and electrical connections in advance.
If your budget is fairly tight, you might wonder is $10000 enough for a kitchen remodel?(/is-usd10000-enough-for-a-kitchen-remodel) or can you redo a kitchen for $5000?(/can-you-redo-a-kitchen-for-usd5000). The cabinet portion alone might eat up a chunk of that budget, so it’s crucial to map out all potential fees before you commit. Also, make sure to request a written labor quote that includes everything from materials and deliveries to potential overtime charges. The more transparent the contract, the fewer surprises you’ll face.
Balancing style, function, and cost
When installing new cabinets, it’s worth exploring how your choices fit your kitchen’s design. If you’re dealing with a 12×12 layout, you may want to learn how much do kitchen cabinets cost for a 12×12 kitchen?(/how-much-do-kitchen-cabinets-cost-for-a-12×12-kitchen). Smaller kitchens might keep costs lower, but if you’re using premium finishes to match century-old details, your spending could still climb. Visual harmony matters, so think about colors, finishes, and hardware that complement your home’s character.
One homeowner-friendly approach is to begin with your must-have features. Maybe you want spacious drawers for pots and pans, or glass-front cabinets to showcase fine dishware. Then, weigh each upgrade’s expense against its overall impact. Sometimes, even simpler stock or semi-custom solutions deliver the functionality and style you need without pushing you into higher cost brackets.
Planning next steps
Now that you’ve explored the numbers behind what’s the average cost to install a kitchen cabinet, the next step is to gather a few detailed estimates. Remember that these numbers—ranging from $100 to $300 per linear foot for standard installs and up to $1,000 or more for custom options—are based on general pricing guidelines. Your exact figure will depend on how big your kitchen is, whether you choose stock or custom cabinets, and any structural work required to adapt an older home.
Once you’ve settled on your preferred cabinet option, ask your contractor to walk you through installation details, including labor rates and contingency plans. You want to protect yourself from unplanned expenses and ensure every dollar you invest translates into long-lasting quality. With the proper research, diligence, and consultations, you can transform your kitchen into a space that fits your vision—minus the unwelcome surprises.
