Buying new kitchen cabinets can be an exciting yet daunting process, especially when it comes to budgeting. White cabinets are a popular choice for their clean, bright aesthetic, but how much do they actually cost? Here’s a detailed overview of what impacts the price of white kitchen cabinets and what you can expect to pay.

What Affects the Cost of White Cabinets?

Several key factors determine the total cost of white kitchen cabinets:

Cabinet Quality

The quality of the cabinets, including the materials and construction, is the biggest driver of cost. High-end cabinets made from solid wood with dovetail joinery are more expensive than mid-range cabinets made from plywood with cam and dowel joinery. Entry-level cabinets have particleboard construction and stapled joints.

Solid wood doors with inset panels tend to cost more than plywood doors with overlay panels. Full-extension drawers, soft-close hinges and doors, and premium finishes also increase costs.

Cabinet Brand

Well-known cabinet brands like KraftMaid, Yorktowne, and Kemper tend to be pricier than small custom shops or DIY big-box options. The brand’s reputation impacts cost.

Cabinet Configuration

More and more customized cabinets cost more than standard off-the-shelf options. Special sizes, pull-out shelves, decorative door inserts, and built-in features increase prices. Simple shaker-style slab cabinet doors are generally the most affordable.

Retailer

Where you purchase the cabinets also affects cost. Big home improvement stores have varying price points. Warehouse clubs like Costco offer discounted pricing. Custom cabinet showrooms provide high-end options with customization but higher costs.

Cost Ranges for White Kitchen Cabinets

With the above factors in mind, here are some general cost ranges for white kitchen cabinets:

• Entry-Level – Particleboard or fiberboard construction with thermally fused melamine finishes and basic hinges/joints. $75-150 per linear foot installed.
• Mid-Range – Plywood construction with veneered surfaces and moderate hardware. $150-350 per linear foot installed.
• High-End – All-wood construction with intricate details and premium finishes. $400+ per linear foot installed.
• Semi-Custom – Mix of standard and made-to-order cabinets with some customization. $200-500+ per linear foot installed.
• Fully Custom – Built from scratch to your specifications. $500-1000+ per linear foot installed.

Keep in mind that costs per linear foot don’t include additional expenses like countertops, sinks, appliances, lighting, flooring, backsplash, plumbing, electrical work, demolition, and installation. The total remodel cost for a 10×10 kitchen with white cabinets could easily exceed $15,000-$30,000.

Cost-Saving Tips

Here are some tips to get white kitchen cabinets you love at a price you can afford:

• Choose mid-range plywood construction over premium solid wood options.
• Opt for shaker-style doors and avoid ornate detailing.
• Buy during seasonal sales and negotiate discounts on floor models or returned items.
• Install cabinets yourself and save on labor costs.
• Mix stock and semi-custom cabinets to customize without the highest price tag.
• Refinish or paint existing cabinets instead of a full replacement.
• Go for engineered stone or quartz countertops over natural stone.
• Install ceramic tile backsplashes rather than stone.
• Shop warehouse clubs like Costco that offer discounted pricing.

The Bottom Line

Most homeowners spend $120 to $350 per linear foot for white kitchen cabinets installed. Opting for mid-range plywood construction from a home improvement warehouse will keep costs on the lower end of the spectrum. Those wanting high-end details, premium woods, and custom sizing will pay over $400+ per linear foot installed. Carefully balance your budget, expectations, and style preferences when deciding how much to spend on your white kitchen cabinets.

How to Choose White Kitchen Cabinets

With so many options for materials, styles, and configurations, selecting white kitchen cabinets can feel overwhelming. Follow this guide to choose the perfect white cabinets for your space and style.

Cabinet Materials

White cabinets are available in a range of materials at different price points:

• Plywood – Durable and budget-friendly. Core has cross-grain layers to prevent warping.
• MDF – Affordable, stable manmade boards. Prone to swelling from moisture.
• Particleboard – Cheapest material made of wood fragments. Vulnerable to damage.
• Melamine – Scratch-resistant plastic laminate coating over particleboard.
• Thermofoil – Durable plastic film fused to medium density fiberboard.
• Wood – Natural material. Oak, maple, alder common choices. Most expensive.
• Acrylic – Plastic resins create glossy transparent doors. Modern look.

Consider moisture exposure, durability needs, and costs when selecting cabinet materials.

Cabinet Door Styles

Common white cabinet door styles include:

• Slab – Simple, affordable. Flat panel. Clean lines.
• Shaker – Classic style. Subtle texture from center recessed panel.
• Raised Panel – Traditional elegance. Decorative rounded or rectangular center panel.
• Inset – Hinges and doors mounted inside cabinet face frame. Seamless look.
• Overlay – Doors placed over cabinet box. Partial or full overlay.
• Glass Front – Transparent or frosted glass doors. Lit interiors.

Match door style to your preferred aesthetic. Consider ease of cleaning. Glass fronts showcase contents but require vigilance against greasy fingermarks.

Hardware and Accents

Hardware finishes and accent details add visual interest:

• Knobs – Circular pulls. Conventional or modern shapes.
• Pulls – Horizontal handles. Center-to-center measurement impacts ergonomics.
• Hidden Hinges – Discreet opening mechanism. Allows for smooth surfaces.
• Handles – Vertical pulls. Recessed finger grooves comfortable for grasping.
• Ornate Accents – Carved corbels, decorative feet, or turned posts for traditional flair.
• Modern Accents – Angled legs, sleek handles and matte black pulls create contemporary vibe.

Mixing metal finishes like brushed nickel and matte black can provide subtle contrast.

Special Storage Solutions

Specialized cabinetry organizes kitchen items:

• Deep Drawers – Hold pots, pans, and lids. Customizable dividers.
• Spice Pull-Outs – Hide seasonings behind cabinet doors.
• Tray Dividers – Segment lower cabinets into organized sections.
• Wastebasket Cabinet – Hide garbage in a slide-out compartment.
• Blind Corner – Lazy susans or pull-out racks maximize hard-to-reach corner space.
• Appliance Garages – Hide stand mixers and the like behind door fronts.

Take time to consider how you use your kitchen to determine what storage solutions will maximize efficiency.

The Bottom Line

Choose durable plywood or wood cabinets with protective finishes. Shaker-style doors offer a timeless look that complements any decor. Include pull-outs and specialized storage to optimize organization. Selecting the right white cabinets keeps your kitchen both beautiful and highly functional for years to come.

How Much Does It Cost To Install White Cabinets?

Installing new white kitchen cabinets can make a dramatic impact on your home’s style. But how much does the installation process actually cost? Here is an overview of the expenses involved so you can create an accurate budget.

Cabinet Purchase Costs

The starting point is the amount you spend purchasing the cabinets themselves. As outlined in the first section, this can range widely:

• Entry-level: $75-$150 per linear foot
• Mid-range: $150-$350 per linear foot
• High-end: $400+ per linear foot
• Semi-custom: $200-$500+ per linear foot
• Custom: $500-$1000+ per linear foot

Measure your kitchen walls to determine total linear footage. This will give you an estimate of the cabinet material costs alone.

Demolition and Disposal

If replacing existing cabinets, you’ll need to factor in demolition and removal. Costs depend on:

• Scope of demolition – just cabinets or countertops/backsplash too?
• If you’re reusing any existing cabinetry
• Local rates for waste disposal – $50-$100+ per truckload

Demo for an average 10×10 kitchen could run $500-$2,000+.

Installation Labor

Professional installation protects your investment and saves time. Expect to pay:

• Carpenter rates – $70-$100 per hour
• Handyman rates – $40-$70 per hour

Installing new cabinets in a 10×10 kitchen might take 25-35 hours for 2 workers. Total labor fees of $2,000-$5,000 are common.

Additional Construction

Extra construction services related to installing cabinets include:

• Adjusting or adding wiring for under/interior lighting – $40-$100 per hour
• Modifying plumbing/drain lines for sink – $50-$150+ per hour
• Patching walls, ceilings after demo – $40-$70 per hour
• Texturing and painting new drywall – $2-$4 per square foot

These extra fees can add $500-$2,000+ depending on project scope.

Final Expenses

Other potential costs:

• Shipping/delivery fees if not picking up cabinets yourself
• Rental fees for specialty tools like jackhammers for concrete demo
• Permit fees – typically 1-3% of total project quote

Total Costs

For a 10×10 kitchen remodel installing mid-range prefabricated cabinets, total costs often range from $7,000-$15,000 including materials, construction, and labor.

High-end custom cabinetry or extensive layout changes will result in total installation costs above $20,000. Carefully evaluating your budget and project goals is crucial to choose cabinet upgrades that provide the desired impact without superfluous expenses. Investing in professional installation protects your investment and creates a functional, beautiful kitchen to enjoy.

FAQs About White Kitchen Cabinets

Still have questions about the cost and process of selecting white kitchen cabinets? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How much more do custom cabinets cost than prefab?

Custom cabinets typically cost 50-100% more than comparable prefabricated options. For example, mid-range prefab cabinets may run $200 per linear foot while semi-custom runs $300-500 per linear foot and fully custom can exceed $500-1000+ per linear foot.

Should I assemble cabinets myself or pay for professional installation?

Professional installation averages $3,000-$5,000 for a 10×10 kitchen. The investment protects your cabinets, ensures proper assembly, and saves the hassle and delays of DIY. Only choose self-installation if you’re highly experienced.

Can I paint cabinets instead of buying new white ones?

Painting existing cabinetry white costs just $2,000-$3,500 on average, including supplies and labor. This achieves major savings over new cabinets. Ensure the original cabinets are structurally sound first.

How do I choose the right number of cabinets?

As a rule of thumb, plan for 15-25 linear feet of cabinets for a 10×10 kitchen, 25-40 feet for a 15×15 kitchen, and 40-60 feet for a 20×20 kitchen. Exact measurements of your layout are needed to order the perfect amount.

Should I get matching white cabinets for my island?

Having matching cabinet finishes creates a streamlined, spacious look. Contrasting island colors break up the space. Keep islands smaller than peninsulas visually lighter. Dark muted island colors are sophisticated without overwhelming.

Can I use white cabinets with any countertop color?

White cabinets pair beautifully with almost any countertop material from gleaming white quartz to multicolored granite, marble, and quartzite. Contrasting dark countertops like black granite prevent an all-white kitchen from feeling sterile.

How do I add interesting details to basic shaker cabinets?

Mix metal finishes on hardware like silver pulls with bronze knobs. Add glass fronts to some upper cabinets for display space. Choose contrasting island colors. Install open shelving. Add molding trims, corbels and light rail detailing for traditional charm.

Conclusion

The cost of white kitchen cabinets runs the gamut from affordable options under $100 per linear foot to $1000+ per linear foot for fully customized designs. Carefully evaluate your kitchen layout, usage patterns and style preferences before making cabinetry decisions. Plan for total installation costs of $7,000-$20,000+ for a 10×10 kitchen. Invest in durable plywood or solid wood over particleboard or fiberboard for lasting quality. Consider painting existing cabinets instead of replacing as a budget-friendly update. With an array of materials and configurations available, you can achieve your dream white kitchen cabinet look at a price point that works for your budget.