You’re looking to replace your kitchen cabinets. You want to know what it’s going to cost, and why it costs that much. Fair. It’s not a small job, and it’s not always cheap. But it can be worth every penny, if it’s done right.
The Real Numbers For Kitchen Cabinet Replacement Cost
$4,000 to $15,000+ is what most homeowners around Milwaukee and Waukesha will pay for full cabinet replacement. That’s labor and materials. Now, you’ll hear people throw out cheaper numbers. And sure, you can go lower, if you’re just doing stock cabinets and nothing custom, and maybe cutting corners on labor. But if you want a clean, quality job that holds up, expect to be in that middle-to-higher range.
Custom or semi-custom cabinets? Add more.
Refacing instead of full replacement? It could save you a few grand.
You get what you pay for. And if you’re paying for crap, you’ll see it in 6 months when doors start sagging or boxes warp from moisture.
Why It Costs What It Costs
There are two things you’re paying for here:
1. Materials: Cabinets aren’t just boxes on a wall. There’s plywood (not particleboard, if we’re doing it right), hardware, hinges, soft-close systems, custom finishes, crown molding, toe kicks, you get the idea.
2. Labor: Taking out old cabinets, patching the walls, checking for hidden plumbing or electrical issues, installing new boxes square and level, securing to studs, adjusting doors, and aligning drawers. It’s not weekend warrior stuff.
And look, if your kitchen’s old or wasn’t built great to begin with, we might run into weirdness behind the walls. It happens. That adds time, and time adds cost.
When to Replace Cabinets
Simple: when they’re falling apart, when they’re just flat-out ugly and bringing down your kitchen, or when you’re doing a full remodel and you want the kitchen to actually feel new, not just painted.
Also, if your cabinets are made of particleboard or MDF and have seen some water? Don’t even think about salvaging. Replace them. That stuff swells, flakes, and fails. Not worth trying to save.
How the Process Works (the Right Way)
- Measure and plan: This isn’t just about fit. It’s about flow. How you use the kitchen matters. We sit down with you, go over the layout, function, and what’s realistic in your space.
- Order cabinets: Lead times vary. If you’re going custom, you could be looking at 6–10 weeks. Stock cabinets can come quicker.
- Demo: Take out the old stuff, check behind the walls. This is where surprises live: pipes, wires, past sins from previous remodels.
- Prep the space: Fix drywall if needed, level the floor, maybe run new electrical or plumbing if the layout’s changing.
- Install: Takes a few days, sometimes a week or more, depending on the scope and size.
- Final touch-ups: Hardware, caulk, paint if needed.
We don’t rush this part. Cabinets have to be level and flush, or you’ll hate using your kitchen.
Common Mistakes People Make
- Going cheap on cabinets. You’ll regret it. Cheap stuff doesn’t last.
- Not planning for layout changes. Moving a fridge or sink? Now we’re talking plumbing and electrical. Plan for it early.
- Hiring based on price alone. You’ll find someone to do it cheaper. Always. But good luck when drawers are crooked and doors don’t shut right.
- DIY without the tools or experience. YouTube is great, but it doesn’t show you how to fix bowed walls or wonky floors.
What Happens If It’s Done Wrong
Cabinets go out of square. Doors don’t line up. Drawers stick. Gaps show up where there shouldn’t be gaps. Or worse, they start pulling away from the wall. I’ve seen installs where cabinets were screwed into drywall with no stud. Wild stuff. That’s a lawsuit waiting to happen if someone gets hurt.
And once they’re in the wrong, guess what? Fixing it usually means pulling everything out and starting over. That’s not just expensive, it’s a total headache.
Final Thoughts
Cabinet replacement isn’t just about looks. Its function, structure, and long-term value. Done right, it transforms your kitchen. Done wrong, it’s a mess you live with every day.
If you’re serious about the work, find someone who gives a damn about quality. Someone who’s been doing it long enough to know the problems before they happen.
That’s how we do kitchen remodeling at T&J. Every time. No shortcuts. Contact us or get directions to reach us.
