Breaking Down the Cost of a Kitchen Remodel: What to Expect
Remodeling a kitchen is one of the most rewarding — and expensive — upgrades a homeowner can undertake. Whether you're revamping a dated space or customizing a brand-new layout, it's important to understand where your money will go. In this post, we’ll break down the typical cost categories involved in a kitchen remodel, from the most expensive (cabinetry) to essential elements like countertops, appliances, and fixtures.
Cabinetry: The Largest Investment in Your Kitchen Remodel
Cabinetry typically makes up the biggest portion of a kitchen remodel budget — and for good reason. It sets the tone for your kitchen’s style, determines its layout and functionality, and plays a key role in long-term durability. From budget-friendly RTA cabinets to premium inset and European-style cabinetry, there’s a broad range of choices depending on your budget, style, and performance expectations.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common cabinetry tiers:
1. Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinetry: $6,000 – $11,000
This is the most cost-effective option and offers the best value-to-price ratio for many homeowners. These cabinets typically come flat-packed and require assembly on-site, but modern RTA options have come a long way in quality and features.
Key Benefits:
High-Quality Core Features: Includes plywood boxes, soft-close hinges, and full-overlay doors — features once reserved for high-end lines.
Modern Aesthetic: Offers a clean, contemporary look that mimics more expensive European styles.
Quick Turnaround: Fast delivery and often in-stock options.
Considerations:
Limited Design Flexibility: Fewer door styles, colors, and customization options.
Catalog Constraints: Your kitchen must be designed around what's available, rather than what’s ideal.
Assembly Required: Quality of final installation depends partly on who assembles it.
Best For: Homeowners looking to renovate on a tight budget without sacrificing modern features and functionality.
2. Semi-Custom Framed Cabinetry: $13,000 – $18,000
Semi-custom cabinets strike the perfect balance between affordability and flexibility. Brands like Koch Cabinetry offer higher-end materials, extensive design choices, and built-to-order precision.
Key Benefits:
Expanded Design Options: Dozens of door styles, finishes, wood species (like maple, oak, or cherry), and stains.
Durable Construction: Framed cabinetry ensures strength and stability, perfect for traditional or transitional designs.
Flexible Layouts: Easier to personalize the kitchen to match your layout needs and Pinterest-worthy design inspirations.
Considerations:
Lead Time: Built-to-order cabinetry typically has a longer wait time than RTA.
Mid-Range Pricing: Offers a premium product, but not always the full design freedom of custom cabinetry.
Best For: Homeowners who want a kitchen that looks custom, functions beautifully, and lasts for decades — without the luxury price tag.
3. Frameless Modern Cabinetry: $20,000+
When you're investing $20,000 or more into your kitchen cabinetry, you're entering the world of frameless European-style cabinets, offered by brands like Wynbrooke (Pacific Collection), Marfa Cabinetry, Merit, Lectus, and Hertco.
Key Benefits:
Maximized Interior Space: Frameless design means more usable storage inside each cabinet.
Sleek, Modern Aesthetic: Clean lines and minimalistic features make this ideal for modern and contemporary homes.
Extensive Finish Options: From custom paint colors to exotic veneers, leather-look laminates, fingerprint-resistant materials, and more.
Customization: Layouts can be tailored exactly to your space and style preferences, with fewer constraints.
Considerations:
Higher Cost: These cabinets command a premium, especially with upscale finishes.
Modern Appeal: May not suit homes with traditional or classic architecture.
Best For: Homeowners designing high-end, minimalist, or European-style kitchens where function and aesthetic must work seamlessly together.
4. Inset Cabinetry: $30,000+
Inset cabinetry is a hallmark of craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Unlike traditional cabinetry, inset doors are set inside the cabinet frame, requiring exacting precision in manufacturing and installation.
Key Benefits:
Classic, High-End Look: Beautifully showcases craftsmanship; ideal for traditional, farmhouse, or shaker-style kitchens.
Premium Materials: Often built using premium hardwoods like rift-sawn white oak, walnut, and cherry.
Customization: Multiple hinge styles (exposed or hidden), stains, and paint colors.
Visual Appeal: The clean lines and shadow gaps make inset cabinetry a showpiece.
Considerations:
Very Expensive: Due to the labor-intensive precision required, prices are significantly higher.
Slightly Reduced Storage: The inset style reduces interior cabinet space slightly compared to overlay cabinets.
Best For: Homeowners seeking a truly bespoke, timeless kitchen with artisanal quality and rich natural materials.
Summary Table
| Cabinet Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) | $6,000 – $11,000 | Budget remodels, modern style, fast turnaround |
| Semi-Custom Framed | $13,000 – $18,000 | Flexible layouts, high-quality materials, traditional feel |
| Frameless Modern | $20,000+ | Sleek, contemporary kitchens with full customization |
| Inset Custom | $30,000+ | Classic luxury and timeless elegance with premium wood |
Cabinetry sets the foundation for everything else in your kitchen — and understanding the different levels of investment can help you choose the right balance of design, function, and cost. Whether you opt for an efficient RTA setup or a timeless inset kitchen, aligning your cabinetry choice with your home’s character and your lifestyle will make your remodel not only beautiful but smart.
Countertops ($2,000 – $6,000+)
Countertops come in a wide variety of materials and price points. Natural stone like granite or marble is still a favorite, but engineered quartz has gained ground due to its durability and low maintenance.
Budget range: Laminate or butcher block can cost as little as $1,500–$3,000.
Mid-range: Quartz and granite typically range between $3,000–$6,000, depending on size and edge profiles.
High-end: Exotic stones, waterfall edges, and custom installations can push costs well above $6,000.
Always factor in installation costs and cutouts for sinks and appliances, which can add a few hundred dollars to your final bill.
Appliances ($3,000 – $10,000+)
Kitchen appliances are another substantial expense, with a wide cost range based on brand, finish, and technology.
Standard appliance packages (refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave) typically cost $3,000 to $5,000.
Mid- to high-end brands like Bosch, KitchenAid, or GE Café might run $6,000 to $10,000 for a full suite.
Luxury options such as Sub-Zero, Wolf, or Miele can easily exceed $15,000, especially when you factor in specialty units like built-in espresso machines or under-counter refrigeration.
Smart technology, finishes like black stainless steel, and energy efficiency ratings can also affect the overall cost.
Fixtures (Lighting, Faucets, Sinks, etc.) – ($1,000 – $3,000+)
Fixtures may seem like small details, but they add up quickly — both in style and expense.
Lighting includes ceiling fixtures, under-cabinet lighting, and pendant lights over islands or bars. Budget $300 to $1,200, depending on quantity and design.
Faucets vary widely, with prices from $100 to $800 for modern, pull-down or touchless models.
Sinks can cost between $200 and $700, with farmhouse and under-mount sinks often on the higher end.
Hardware (knobs and pulls) typically adds another $100–$300.
You can save by choosing coordinated fixture sets or shopping sales, but quality and finish still matter — especially in a high-use space like a kitchen.
In total, a modest to mid-range kitchen remodel typically runs $15,000 to $30,000, while luxury projects can easily surpass $50,000. Planning your budget ahead of time — and allocating funds according to your lifestyle and preferences — is key to a remodel you'll love for years to come.
