You’re planning a kitchen remodel. You look at cabinet prices and feel overburdened.
Cabinets can eat up almost half of your entire kitchen budget. Trying to figure out what you’ll actually spend feels confusing and frustrating.
A 10×12 kitchen is one of the most common sizes. It gives you 120 square feet of floor space to work with.
That’s considered a medium-sized kitchen, and it’s a pretty sweet spot.
Most 10×12 kitchens work best with an L-shape or galley layout. The L-shape places cabinets along two perpendicular walls. This opens up floor space and creates a natural work triangle.
A galley design lines two parallel walls with cabinets. This creates an efficient cooking corridor.
Your layout matters because it determines how many linear feet of cabinets you’ll need. That’s what really drives your final cost.
Cost Breakdown for Cabinets in a 10×12 Kitchen
| Cabinet Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | $8,000 – $16,000 |
| Custom Cabinets | $16,000 – $30,000+ |
| Labor Installation | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Hardware (Handles & Hinges) | $200 – $800 |
| Removal of Old Cabinets | $300 – $600 |
| Total Project Cost | $6,000 – $43,400 |
Factors that Affect Costs
Several factors affect the cost of cabinets for a 10×12 kitchen, including the total amount you’ll spend on them.
- Cabinet Quality: Stock cabinets are the cheapest, semi-custom cabinets cost more, and custom cabinets are the most expensive
- Material Choice: Particle board costs less, plywood is mid-range, and solid wood is priciest
- Door Style and Finish: Flat-panel doors with laminate are the cheapest, while detailed designs with stained wood finishes cost the most
- Hardware and Accessories: Basic hinges and handles are affordable, while soft-close features and pull-out organizers increase costs
- Kitchen Size and Layout: Larger kitchens and complex layouts with corners need more cabinets and specialty pieces
- Upper vs. Lower Cabinets: Base cabinets cost more than wall cabinets because they’re bigger and include drawers
- Brand and Retailer: Big-box stores offer lower prices while specialty shops charge more
I have also covered the 10×10 Kitchen Remodel Cost and Pricing Breakdown. Click here to know.
Cost Variations by Cabinet Type
Learn the cost of cabinets for a 10×12 kitchen, featuring different styles.
1. Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets come pre-made in standard sizes and designs. They’re available at most home improvement stores and can be installed right away.
- Price Range: $3,000 – $8,000 (materials)
- Total for 10×12 Kitchen: $4,500 – $11,000 (including installation)
- Best For: People on a tight budget who want quick, no-fuss cabinet replacement.
2. Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets allow more flexibility than stock versions. You can pick finishes and door styles, and make slight adjustments to dimensions.
- Price Range: $8,000 – $16,000 (materials)
- Total for 10×12 Kitchen: $10,000 – $20,000 (including installation)
- Best For: Those who want a personalized look without the full custom cost.
3. Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets are built to exact measurements and design preferences. Every detail, from the wood type to hardware, is made to order.
- Price Range: $16,000 – $30,000 (materials)
- Total for 10×12 Kitchen: $19,000 – $36,000 (including installation)
- Best For: Those seeking a one-of-a-kind kitchen design with premium craftsmanship.
4. Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets
RTA cabinets arrive flat-packed for you to assemble yourself. They’re affordable and ideal for people comfortable with DIY projects.
- Price Range: $2,000 – $5,000 (materials)
- Total for 10×12 Kitchen: $3,200 – $7,500 (including installation if hired)
- Best For: DIYers or budget-focused renovators looking to save on labor costs.
5. Frameless Cabinets
Frameless cabinets skip the front frame for a sleek look and more storage space. They’re popular in European and modern-style kitchens.
- Price Range: $7,000 – $14,000 (materials)
- Total for 10×12 Kitchen: $9,000 – $17,500 (including installation)
- Best For: People who prefer a clean, modern kitchen with maximum accessibility.
6. Framed Cabinets
Framed cabinets feature a solid face frame around the front, adding strength and structure. This is the classic American cabinet style.
- Price Range: $6,000 – $12,000 (materials)
- Total for 10×12 Kitchen: $7,800 – $15,500 (including installation)
- Best For: Traditional homes or anyone who values sturdy, time-tested designs.
7. Inset Cabinets
Inset cabinets have doors set flush inside the frame, creating a smooth, refined appearance. They require expert craftsmanship and precise fitting.
- Price Range: $15,000 – $28,000 (materials)
- Total for 10×12 Kitchen: $18,000 – $33,500 (including installation)
- Best For: People who want a polished, high-end look with traditional detailing.
8. Overlay Cabinets
Overlay cabinets have doors that cover most or all of the frame. They’re very common and come in both partial and full-overlay styles.
- Price Range: $5,000 – $13,000 (materials)
- Total for 10×12 Kitchen: $6,800 – $16,500 (including installation)
- Best For: Families wanting a modern look at a moderate price point.
9. Thermofoil Cabinets
Thermofoil cabinets are made from MDF wrapped in vinyl. They’re smooth, moisture-resistant, and easy to maintain, perfect for busy households.
- Price Range: $4,000 – $9,000 (materials)
- Total for 10×12 Kitchen: $5,500 – $12,000 (including installation)
- Best For: People seeking low-maintenance, budget-friendly cabinetry with a clean finish.
10. Laminate Cabinets
Laminate cabinets have a durable plastic coating over plywood or particleboard. They’re available in many colors and patterns for flexible styling.
- Price Range: $3,500 – $7,500 (materials)
- Total for 10×12 Kitchen: $5,000 – $10,300 (including installation)
- Best For: Budget remodels or rental properties that need easy-to-clean surfaces.
11. Solid Wood Cabinets
Solid wood cabinets use real hardwood, offering rich texture and long-lasting durability. Common species include oak, maple, and cherry.
- Price Range: $12,000 – $25,000 (materials)
- Total for 10×12 Kitchen: $14,500 – $30,000 (including installation)
- Best For: People investing in long-term quality and a natural, effortless appearance.
Disclaimer: All prices vary by location, materials, and current market conditions.
Timeline Consideration
| Cabinet Type | Order/Manufacturing Time | Installation Time | Total Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | Same day to 1 week | 2-3 days | 3-10 days |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | 4-8 weeks | 3-5 days | 5-9 weeks |
| Custom Cabinets | 8-16 weeks | 5-7 days | 9-17 weeks |
| Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) | 1-2 weeks shipping | 3-5 days | 2-3 weeks |
| Frameless Cabinets | 6-10 weeks | 3-5 days | 7-11 weeks |
| Face-Frame Cabinets | 6-10 weeks | 3-5 days | 7-11 weeks |
| Shaker Style | Varies by quality level | 2-5 days | 1-12 weeks |
| Flat-Panel | 4-10 weeks | 3-5 days | 5-11 weeks |
| Glass-Front Cabinets | 6-12 weeks | 1-2 days (per unit) | 7-13 weeks |
| Open Shelving | 1-3 weeks | 1-2 days | 2-4 weeks |
| Thermofoil Cabinets | 2-6 weeks | 2-4 days | 3-7 weeks |
Budget-Friendly Tips to Save on Kitchen Cabinets
- Buy stock cabinets instead of custom or semi-custom options.
- Choose ready-to-assemble cabinets and install them yourself.
- Keep the existing layout to avoid plumbing and electrical changes.
- Use open shelving for some upper cabinets instead of closed doors.
- Refinish or reface your current cabinets rather than replacing them.
- Shop during holiday sales and clearance events.
- Mix expensive and budget cabinets in the same kitchen.
- Skip specialty features like pull-out shelves and lazy susans.
- Choose laminate or thermofoil over solid wood materials.
- Compare quotes from at least three different suppliers.
Conclusion
Your cost of cabinets for a 10×12 kitchen project can range from $3,500 to over $36,000. The final number depends on what you choose and how you approach it.
Stock cabinets keep things affordable, while custom builds deliver exactly what you want.
Remember to factor in installation, hardware, and removal costs; they’re not optional extras. Timeline matters too.
Start by measuring your space and deciding what features you truly need. Get multiple quotes before committing. Share your remodeling stories in the comments!
