Cabinet Replacement: The Biggest Line, Explained
2026 planning guide · updated August 16, 2026
Cabinets are 30–40% of any kitchen budget — the single biggest line on the estimate. Here's what replacement actually costs in the DMV, and when refacing is (and isn't) the smarter play.
2026 replacement ranges (typical kitchen, ~20 LF)
| Tier | Cabinets + installation |
|---|---|
| Stock (standard sizes, limited finishes) | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Semi-custom (sized runs, plywood boxes, soft-close) | $18,000 – $32,000 |
| Custom (built to the room) | $30,000 – $55,000+ |
Reface vs. replace
- Reface (new doors/fronts on existing boxes) runs 40–60% of replacement — worth it only if the boxes are plywood, square, and the layout works.
- Replace wins when boxes are worn particle board, the layout fights you, or counters are changing anyway (counters rarely survive a cabinet swap).
What honest installation includes
- Demo and disposal of existing cabinets
- Wall prep, blocking, and leveling (older DMV housing stock is never square)
- Setting, scribing, hardware, and adjustment
- Coordination with counter templating
Get a range built from your kitchen, not a national average
Walk through your space and selections in the free estimator — a live planning range, priced with your DMV jurisdiction’s cost index, in about three minutes.
Price your cabinet project →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinets in 2026?
DC-area ranges installed: stock $12,000–$20,000, semi-custom $18,000–$32,000, custom $30,000–$55,000+ for a typical ~20-linear-foot kitchen. The estimator prices your actual cabinet run.
Is it cheaper to reface or replace cabinets?
Refacing runs 40–60% of replacement cost, but only makes sense when the existing boxes are sound plywood and the layout stays. Worn particle-board boxes or a layout change mean replacement is the better money.