What Is the Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops?

How much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinets and countertops in an average-sized kitchen?

For an average-sized kitchen, HomeGuide estimates a combined installed total of $6,000–$21,000. The range is broad because “average” does not specify the cabinet grade, surface, layout, or amount of customization. Treat it as a planning envelope, then ask contractors to quote the same measured scope.

One useful way to build a budget is to separate the main purchase from project work that may be listed elsewhere. HomeGuide’s combined estimate includes materials and installation, while HomeAdvisor’s cabinet and countertop pages list removal, disposal, and cutouts separately. That difference makes the quote detail as important as the headline total.

These figures come from separate estimates and should not be added blindly: the combined budget may already include some work. Ask the contractor to identify what is included in the base price and what is an allowance or extra. That simple separation prevents double-counting and exposes exclusions.

What is the typical cost for a small kitchen versus a large kitchen?

HomeGuide estimates $4,000–$16,500 for a small kitchen of 70–100 square feet, $6,000–$21,000 for an average kitchen of 100–200 square feet, and $12,000–$29,000 or more for a large kitchen of 200 square feet or more. These installed combined estimates rise with space, but size alone does not determine price.

For a second perspective on countertop area, HomeAdvisor estimates $1,000–$4,500 for 20–30 square feet of counters and $1,500–$6,000 for 30–40 square feet. Those are countertop replacement estimates, not full cabinet-and-countertop totals. Use them to check the counter portion of a bid, not as a substitute for the combined project budget.

Measurements need to describe both cabinet run and countertop surface. The Journal of Light Construction’s Remodeling Cost vs. Value benchmark defines a 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, but its scope replaces cabinet fronts while leaving boxes in place. That is not a full cabinet replacement; use its defined scope as a reminder to compare like with like. Before requesting bids, record kitchen area, cabinet linear feet, counter square footage, and openings for the sink and cooktop.

How much do stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets change the total?

Cabinet grade can move the total sharply: HomeGuide estimates installed stock or semi-custom cabinets at $4,500–$15,000 for an average kitchen, compared with $15,000–$30,000 for custom cabinets. HomeAdvisor’s per-linear-foot estimates also show the ranges overlap, especially between semi-custom and custom options, so the grade label alone is not a complete specification.

For a fair comparison, ask each contractor to state cabinet construction and configuration in the quote, along with the number of linear feet, finish, hardware, and trim. HomeAdvisor reports an average kitchen has 24 linear feet of cabinets and gives a broad installation estimate of $2,400–$28,000 depending on customization, materials, and style. That broad span reinforces why a single “cabinet replacement” price is not enough to compare bids.

Then keep the scope constant while comparing cabinet grades. If one quote includes removal, new hardware, and trim while another excludes them, the lower headline may not represent the lower finished cost. Request a line for each service and ask contractors to identify any plumbing relocation or electrical work that could affect the estimate.

Which countertop materials are the most affordable, and how much does each add?

Laminate is the lowest-priced of the three countertop materials in HomeGuide’s installed ranges: $20–$80 per square foot, compared with $50–$200 for quartz and $80–$150 for granite. HomeAdvisor reports different installed ranges—$8–$27 for laminate, $15–$70 for quartz, and $10–$140 for granite per square foot—showing that estimates vary substantially by source and project specification.

Do not blend the two sources into a false single price. Instead, use one consistent estimate set for an initial comparison and ask local contractors to price the same material, area, edge or finish details, and cutouts. HomeAdvisor says countertop labor averages $20–$50 per square foot and typically makes up 30%–40% of the total; specialty finishes, leveling, plumbing changes, and backsplash work can add costs.

Budget for the complete surface job, not just the slab or sheet. HomeAdvisor estimates removal at $50–$300, disposal at $20–$25, sink cutouts at $100–$300, and cooktop cutouts at $120–$400. For a focused comparison of lower-cost surface choices, see Replacing Kitchen Countertops on a Budget: What’s Cheapest?

Use this quote checklist before choosing a bid:

1. Provide the same cabinet linear footage and countertop square footage to every bidder.
2. Name the cabinet grade and countertop material, and list sink and cooktop openings.
3. Ask for separate amounts for installation, removal, disposal, leveling, drywall repair, plumbing changes, backsplash, and trim.
4. Confirm whether the estimate includes materials, hardware, sink replacement, and haul-away; request clarification for allowances or exclusions.

The practical target is a matched scope. Once each quote covers the same measurements and tasks, the price difference is easier to interpret—and less likely to be a surprise after work begins.