What Is The Most Expensive Part Of A Kitchen Remodel?

A kitchen remodel can undoubtedly give your home a fresh new look, especially if it is a full-scale project. However, most homeowners know that a kitchen remodel often requires a significant amount of time and money. Aside from questions regarding the timeline and materials needed to complete a kitchen remodel, you may also be wondering which aspect of this type of project is typically the most expensive. Here is a close look at this subject.

The Most Expensive Part Of A Kitchen Remodel

You may be tempted to believe that the most costly part of a kitchen remodel is the replacement of your sink or the construction of a new countertop. Nevertheless, studies reveal that the majority of the budget for a kitchen renovation is allocated to the installation of new cabinets. According to HomeAdvisor, the national average for the cost of kitchen cabinet installation is $5,028, and costs per linear foot can range from $100 to $1,500, depending on whether you select stock, custom, or semi-custom cabinets.

Why Cabinets Are So Expensive

One of the first things many people notice upon entering a kitchen, apart from the countertops and wall tile, is the cabinets. The cost of installing cabinets generally varies based on multiple factors, including the materials used to make them, the cost to remove the old cabinets, and the attention to detail required to set up the new ones. Here is an analysis of each of these three factors.

Installing New Cabinets Requires Attention To Detail

Unlike other home furnishings, kitchen cabinets cannot simply be positioned randomly. Even slight errors may potentially lead to damaged walls or cabinets that do not open and close correctly. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you hire an experienced professional to install them safely. According to the home product reviews website Best Home Fixer, the cost to install new kitchen cabinets is generally somewhere between 40% and 50% of the price of the cabinets themselves.

Cabinet Materials Need To Be Durable

Generally speaking, the more durable a material is, the higher the cost of building and installing cabinets made of that material. For example, solid wood (oak, pine, walnut, etc.) is extremely durable and typically expensive. However, particle board – which is manufactured from wood and sawdust – is significantly more affordable but is relatively less durable. Medium-density fiberboard is also one of the least expensive materials for kitchen cabinets.

If you do not like wood, you may also choose materials such as laminate and Thermofoil for your cabinets. Both materials are generally inexpensive and durable (especially high-pressure-treated laminate).

Old Cabinets Have To Be Removed

In certain cases, you may ultimately save money if you enlist the same professional for both the removal of your old cabinets and the installation of the new ones. If you do not wish to remove your old kitchen cabinets, your only alternative option is to reface (or refinish) them. The refinishing process typically includes filling hardware holes with wood putty, sanding down all cabinet surfaces, and adding a coat of primer before painting them with a paint sprayer. Before beginning this process, it may be helpful to label each cabinet opening with corresponding numbers to prevent confusion.

Ultimately, you should make sure that your kitchen cabinets (and overall remodel) match the colors and style of your home. There are also several things you can do to save money on your new cabinets. You can choose to install cabinets with fewer drawers, reduce the level of customization (if you decide to customize), and avoid glazing your cabinets. You may also carry out the cabinet removal process yourself if you have the proper tools.

Contact The Kitchen Remodeling Experts At Monumental

Reach out to the remodeling professionals at Monumental Contractors for more information on installing kitchen cabinets. We are a family-owned-and-operated contracting company that is dedicated to serving the Washington, DC Metro Area. We strive to uphold our core values of integrity, quality, respect, and accountability in every project we undertake. Our business is based nearly exclusively on referrals.

The team at Monumental will always complete your kitchen remodel while maintaining your home’s visual appeal and remaining within your budget. Our kitchen remodeling process always follows the same steps. It begins with an initial consultation with one of our design and construction managers so that we may understand your vision for the project. We will then gather all selections necessary for the remodel, including lights, flooring, vanities, and paint colors.

We will then schedule a pre-construction meeting to discuss project timeline and logistics. The construction may then begin and a quality check will be performed. The process concludes with a final walk-through inspection to ensure that every question has been addressed.

To get started with your kitchen remodeling project, Call Monumental Contractors at (703) 552-9626 or book an appointment online today.

Contact us
how did you hear about us?
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
©2025 Monumental Contractors. All Rights Reserved.