Kitchen Cabinet Costs in Los Angeles (2026 Guide)
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most defining parts of a kitchen remodel. They shape the look of your space, influence how well your kitchen functions, and often determine how your storage is organized. In Los Angeles—where homes range from compact condos to sprawling single-family layouts—the cost of new kitchen cabinets can vary widely.
Whether you’re building a modern kitchen with clean, flat-panel doors or you’re replacing older cabinets with a more timeless design, understanding pricing can help you plan realistically and avoid unexpected costs.
This complete guide breaks down what homeowners in Los Angeles can expect to spend, what influences cabinet pricing, and how to budget based on your goals. As a team that specializes in custom cabinetry and installation throughout Los Angeles, we’ve included insights from real local projects to help you make informed decisions.
How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost in Los Angeles?
Kitchen cabinet costs in Los Angeles generally fall into three tiers: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Prices vary by materials, construction quality, finishes, and installation complexity. Because LA has a higher cost of living and unique housing layouts, most homeowners here fall into the mid-range or custom category.
Here’s the typical breakdown:
Stock Cabinets: ~$1,500–$3,000+ for small kitchens, or $70–$300 per linear foot
Semi-Custom Cabinets: ~$3,000–$12,000+, or $150–$650 per linear foot
Custom Cabinets: ~$5,000–$30,000+, or $500–$1,200+ per linear foot
Stock cabinets are the most affordable. Custom cabinets give you the best fit, quality, and long-term value. Los Angeles homeowners often choose semi-custom or custom solutions due to irregular layouts, older home construction, and specific design goals.
Cabinets also tend to be one of the biggest line items in a kitchen remodel, often accounting for 25–40% of the project budget.
Cost by Cabinet Type
Stock Kitchen Cabinets
Stock cabinets are pre-built in standard sizes. They usually come flat-packed or ready-made from big-box stores. These cabinets are ideal when budget is the top priority or when the existing kitchen layout doesn’t require major adjustments.
Average cost in Los Angeles:
$70–$300 per linear foot
They offer limited options for door styles, finishes, and configurations. The biggest advantage is cost, but the downside is fit—especially in LA homes with uneven walls or non-standard dimensions.
Stock makes sense for simple rental-property upgrades or a small kitchen refresh where long-term custom quality isn’t necessary.
Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets hit the middle ground. They start as standard cabinet boxes but allow modifications such as altered depths, upgraded finishes, extra height options, and more flexibility in door styles.
Average cost in Los Angeles:
$150–$650 per linear foot
Many LA homeowners choose semi-custom cabinets when they want something elevated but don’t need fully bespoke carpentry. They work well for kitchens that require specific layouts, added functionality, or improved durability without the full custom price tag.
Semi-custom options also allow a much wider range of finishes, including specialty paints, stains, and hardware.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Custom cabinets are built to your exact specifications. Everything—from cabinet width and depth to the door style, finishes, hardware, inserts, and storage features—is tailored for your home.
Average cost in Los Angeles:
$500–$1,200+ per linear foot
Costs vary depending on wood species, construction methods, finishes, and added features. In older Los Angeles homes, custom cabinets often become the best solution because these spaces rarely follow standard dimensions.
Custom cabinetry also enhances long-term value, design cohesion, and functionality. If you’re building a kitchen you plan to enjoy for many years, fully custom cabinets offer unmatched performance and aesthetics.
How Kitchen Size Affects Cabinet Costs?
Small LA Kitchens (around 80–100 sq. ft.)
Smaller kitchens use fewer linear feet, so even custom cabinetry may remain within a manageable budget. A basic small kitchen might need 18–25 linear feet of cabinets.
Estimated pricing:
Stock: $1,500–$3,000
Semi-Custom: $3,000–$8,000
Custom: $5,000–$15,000+
This is common in LA apartments, bungalows, and compact single-family homes.
10×12 or 12×12 Kitchens
These layouts are more typical for suburban LA homes and contemporary remodels.
Estimated pricing:
Stock: $2,500–$7,000
Semi-Custom: $8,000–$15,000
Custom: $15,000–$30,000+
A 12×12 kitchen has enough space for tall pantry cabinets, island bases, or upgraded storage—each influencing cost.
Large Kitchens and Open-Concept Layouts
Larger kitchens increase linear footage and often involve extra elements:
Islands
Peninsula cabinets
Oversized pantries
Integrated appliance panels
Custom hood enclosures
Costs can climb quickly depending on how detailed the design becomes. If the layout shifts or structural adjustments are needed, that may also impact installation costs.
Key Factors That Influence Cabinet Pricing in Los Angeles
Understanding what drives pricing helps you prioritize what matters most.
Material Type
Materials greatly influence durability, lifespan, and cost.
Common options:
Plywood boxes (strong, moisture-resistant, ideal for long-term use)
Particleboard/MDF boxes (cost-effective, less durable, common in stock cabinets)
Solid wood doors (premium and long-lasting)
MDF doors (smooth for painted finishes, more affordable than solid wood)
Premium hardwoods like maple, walnut, or cherry increase cost, while laminate-based doors help keep the budget controlled.
Construction Quality
Craftsmanship affects both price and longevity.
Considerations include:
Dovetail drawer joints
Soft-close hinges and slides
Full-extension drawers
Reinforced corners
High-quality hardware
Paint durability and finishing process
Better construction reduces long-term repairs and helps your cabinets maintain alignment and function.
Door Style and Finish
Shaker, slab, raised panel, matte, high gloss, stained, painted, or specialty finishes all influence price. More detailed profiles typically cost more.
Painted finishes—especially dark colors—can also require more labor during production.
Hardware and Features
Upgrades that add cost but improve everyday function include:
Soft-close hinges and drawer slides
Pull-out trash drawers
Spice pull-outs
Corner storage solutions
Roll-out shelves
Integrated lighting
Appliance panels
Custom drawer dividers
These features often have the biggest impact on how enjoyable your kitchen is to use.
Installation and Labor Costs
Labor in Los Angeles is higher than many other parts of the country, partly due to the cost of living and project complexity. Cabinet installation is meticulous work that often requires adjustments for uneven walls, plumbing lines, electrical placements, and appliance locations.
Professional installation in LA can represent 30–50% of your total cabinet budget, depending on project size and complexity.
This is one area where expert workmanship is essential. Poor installation can lead to misaligned doors, uneven countertops, and long-term structural issues.
Layout Complexity
Any of the following will increase cost:
Changing the layout
Modifying plumbing or electrical
Adding new appliance panels
Installing oversized floor-to-ceiling cabinetry
Creating built-in seating or banquettes
Cutting around windows or architectural elements
The more unique your space is, the more custom work is required.
How Much Should You Budget for Kitchen Cabinets in Los Angeles?
Here’s a practical way to set expectations:
Budget Kitchen Update ($2,500–$10,000)
Best for simple replacements using stock or basic semi-custom cabinets. You’ll get functional, clean installations without major structural or layout changes.
Mid-Range Remodel ($10,000–$25,000)
A combination of semi-custom and select custom elements. This is the most common tier for LA homeowners. Expect upgraded finishes, organizational inserts, and improved layouts.
High-End Custom Kitchen ($25,000–$50,000+)
Fully custom cabinetry throughout the kitchen, premium soft-touch hardware, integrated lighting, appliance panels, and specialized storage. This tier delivers luxury-level functionality and longevity.
Cabinetry should always align with your overall remodel goals. For homeowners who plan to stay in their home long-term, investing in custom designs provides the highest durability and personalization.
Cost-Saving Tips for Kitchen Cabinets in LA
You can still have a beautiful, functional kitchen without overspending. A few smart strategies:
Mix stock boxes with custom doors or trim.
Keep plumbing and appliances in the same place.
Prioritize functionality upgrades over specialty finishes.
Choose durable mid-range materials instead of fragile high-end options.
Avoid unnecessary layout changes when possible.
A well-planned design provides value without compromising quality.
When Custom Cabinets Are Worth the Investment?
Not every kitchen needs custom cabinetry—but many Los Angeles homes benefit from it.
Custom cabinets make sense when:
Your layout is non-standard or unusually shaped
You want floor-to-ceiling storage
You need better use of every inch of space
You want appliance panels or built-in features
You plan to stay in the home long-term
You want seamless integration with countertops, tile, and flooring
Custom solutions also elevate the overall property value, which matters in the LA market.
How Contrive Builders Handles Cabinet Projects in Los Angeles?
We approach every cabinet installation with precision and care. Our process includes:
A detailed consultation
Accurate on-site measurements
Clear proposals and material selections
Fabrication using high-quality materials
Professional installation with careful alignment
Final walk-through and adjustments
For homeowners exploring custom cabinets in Los Angeles, our team focuses on craftsmanship, communication, and results that last.
If you’re planning a kitchen upgrade, we can walk you through realistic costs, design options, and the best approach for your home.
FAQs – Kitchen Cabinet Costs in Los Angeles
How much should I budget for kitchen cabinets?
Most LA homeowners budget $8,000–$25,000, depending on cabinet type and kitchen size.
How much do cabinets cost for a 12×12 kitchen?
Typical ranges are $5,000–$13,000 for stock or semi-custom, and $15,000–$30,000+ for custom.
Can I redo my kitchen cabinets for $10,000?
Yes, if you choose stock or semi-custom options and keep layout changes minimal.
What is the cheapest way to replace kitchen cabinets?
Stock cabinets are the most affordable. Painting or refacing are alternatives if your cabinets are structurally sound.
Do kitchen cabinet prices include installation?
Sometimes, but not always. In LA, installation costs can represent a significant portion of your budget.
Are IKEA cabinets cheaper than custom cabinets?
Yes, but they lack the durability, customization, and long-term value of custom-built cabinetry.
How can I keep my cabinet costs down?
Choose simple door styles, avoid layout changes, and focus upgrades on areas you use most.
Ready to Plan Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Whether you're exploring stock, semi-custom, or fully custom cabinetry, Contrive Builders can help you understand your options and make the right investment for your Los Angeles home.
Schedule a consultation, and let’s design a kitchen that feels organized, beautiful, and built to last.
