Cabinet Cost Calculator

Tip: If your quote must separate materials and labor, uncheck installation and rerun.

Why Linear Feet Drives Pricing

Cabinet runs are priced by linear feet because it tracks layout length. In many bids, base cabinets start near $160 per linear foot, wall units near $120, and mixed sets reach about $275 before options. Measure each segment, including islands, then sum for a quantity accurately. Use a tape measure, not drawings, when walls are irregular or remodeled often.

Material Choices and Cost Multipliers

Box construction changes the baseline. Economy board can reduce cost around 10%, cabinet‑grade plywood commonly adds about 15%, and solid wood can add about 45%. The calculator applies a size factor from height and depth, so oversized boxes scale materials consistently.

Finish Systems and Their Adders

Finishing is often quoted as an adder per linear foot. Laminates may add about $18 per foot, standard paint around $28, stain plus clear coat near $34, and high‑gloss work about $42. Pick the finish that matches durability and timeline needs.

Door and Drawer Hardware Impacts

Hardware costs rise quickly when counts climb. A typical door uses two hinges, and each drawer uses a slide set. Soft‑close upgrades can roughly double hinge and slide unit rates. Enter accurate counts to avoid under‑estimating this hidden portion.

Trim, Panels, and Accessories

Trim details create change orders. Toe‑kick and crown molding are often priced per foot, while matching panels may be priced per square foot. Accessories like pullouts and organizers add fixed dollars. Capturing them early aligns scope with expectations.

Labor, Layout, and Complexity

Installation labor depends on both rate and time. Many crews land between 0.35 and 0.90 hours per linear foot, then adjust for L‑shapes, U‑shapes, or islands. This model multiplies hours by complexity, then by hourly rate, aligning estimates with crew output.

Waste, Markup, and Tax Strategy

Allow for waste and overage on trim, panels, and finish materials. A 5–12% range is common, with higher values for custom details. Markup covers overhead and profit, and tax rules vary. Adjust both to match your contract language.

Using Estimates to Compare Bids

Use the breakdown to compare proposals line by line. If one bid looks low, check hardware quality, finish scope, and whether labor or removal is excluded. Re‑run scenarios, then export CSV or PDF for approvals. Good estimates reduce disputes and protect margins. Include delivery and haul‑away fees so totals match real invoices later.

What inputs matter most for accuracy?

Linear feet, cabinet type, material, finish, and door/drawer counts drive most variance. Labor rate and hours per foot can shift totals significantly when installation is included.

How do I measure linear feet correctly?

Measure each cabinet run along the wall in feet, then add them together. Include islands and short return sections. Use actual field measurements when walls are out of square.

Does it include demolition and disposal?

Yes, if you enter a demo/removal fee. Set it to zero when cabinets are new construction or when another trade handles removal and haul‑away.

Are countertops and plumbing included?

No. This estimate focuses on cabinetry, trim/panels, accessories, labor, and delivery/removal. Add separate line items for countertops, sinks, plumbing, and electrical changes.

How are doors and drawers priced?

Doors add hinges and pulls, while drawers add slides and pulls. Soft‑close hardware uses higher unit rates, so accurate counts prevent under‑quoting hardware packages.

What waste percentage should I use?

Many projects use 5–12% for trim and panel overage. Increase waste for complex layouts, custom trim, or when matching grain and color across visible surfaces.

Why is tax calculated after markup here?

Many contractors apply markup before tax to cover overhead and profit on taxable items. If your local rules differ, adjust the tax percent or calculate tax externally to match policy.