How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Bottom of Kitchen Cabinets? [2024 Data]

Replacing Bottom of Kitchen Cabinets Cost Breakdown

If your kitchen floods, you’ll need to repair or replace your cabinets. While this task may seem simple, there are many components of a cabinet that add to the overall cost. The cabinet box is only the base, and it’s usually crafted from wood, engineered wood, or metal. 

When replacing the bottom of your cabinets or the entire unit, you’ll need to account for the following costs:

Types

The type of cabinet base impacts the total project cost. If you need to replace a cabinet entirely, you can choose from stock cabinets, which are the most affordable option, averaging $100 to $300 per linear foot. Semi-custom cabinets are standard-size cabinets that have the ability to change the hardware or finishes. You’ll pay more for the customization, spending $150 to $650 per linear foot, on average. 

If you want complete control over what your cabinets look like, you can customize your own. You can select your favorite options from the material they’re made out of down to the knobs and finish color. As you may guess, customized cabinetry is the most expensive option, averaging $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. 

Size

Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, so if you need to replace multiple bottoms or an entire set of cabinets, the number of cabinets and their total square footage determines the final cost. The cost to replace cabinets is about $100 to $1,200 per linear foot, on average. 

Materials

The materials you use for repairing and replacing cabinets make a huge difference in the final price. Hard-to-process materials like wood often cost much more than laminate or veneer. Wood cabinets start at around $5,000 and range up to $25,000 for a high-end, luxury cabinet set. Veneer cabinet sets range from $2,000 to $15,000, while laminate ones range from $4,000 to $15,000. 

Some people also opt for stainless steel cabinets, which stand up well to water, but when you do have to replace them, it’s a costly repair. Replacing all of your stainless steel cabinets can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $38,000.

Labor

Cabinet installers often work for general contractors and carpentry companies. Typically, cabinet installation costs $50 to $450 per linear foot or about $70 to $200 per hour. Be aware that your local cabinet contractor may charge more or less depending on their experience and whether or not they’re repairing or completely replacing your cabinets. 

DIY Replacing Bottom Kitchen Cabinets vs. Hiring a Pro

Labor costs are a significant factor in the total price of repairing or replacing a cabinet. To save on that cost, some people consider DIYing. Understanding how to make basic cabinet repairs can save you a lot of money, but you risk incorrectly replacing the cabinet bottom, making it impossible to store items in them.

Consider hiring a local cabinet repair professional to get help from someone with the experience and knowledge to complete projects quickly and efficiently. Plus, cabinet repair pros will have the tools necessary to replace your old cabinet bottoms with ease, saving you from investing in new tools.

Cost of Common Kitchen Cabinet Add-Ons

Cabinets can be as personal as you want to make them. You can get pullouts to organize your kitchen supplies and food, turntables in the corners of cabinets, built-in storage spaces, and even outlets. You can also get custom-designed handles and hardware. All of these accessories come with their own costs:

• Pull-out spice and storage racks: Many of the industrial-size pullout drawers that provide spice storage cost a few hundred dollars, but you can purchase smaller drawers at a discount.

• Roll-out base for storage: Roll-out drawers hover around $60 per drawer, but these prices can range higher or lower, depending on the material and size. 

• Built-in turntables: Cabinet turntables are helpful spinning storage shelves, often built into corners so you can easily access your kitchen items. 

• Outlets: Adding outlets to your drawers isn’t common, but it can be helpful depending on what you’re storing. Installing an outlet costs from $75 to $485. 

How to Reduce Costs While Replacing the Bottom of Kitchen Cabinets

When replacing the bottom of kitchen cabinets, you may spend more than you bargained for. If faced with damaged cabinets, you can cut down on the bill in a few different ways:

• Assess the damage: Thoroughly inspect the extent of the damage. You may find that you can repair certain damage with wood filler or that all of your cabinets don’t need replacing, saving you from a full-scale replacement. 

• Shop for affordable materials: Look for budget-friendly yet durable materials, such as plywood, particle board, or veneer as alternatives to more expensive options like wood. 

• Compare prices: Compare prices from different contractors to find the best deals on the required materials and labor. Smaller, local companies often charge less than bigger-name franchises. 

• Reuse hardware: Salvage and reuse any cabinet hardware still in working condition, such as hinges and handles. This method helps you avoid additional expenses on new fittings.

• Plan the project efficiently: Proper planning and organization can reduce the risk of unnecessary expenses and ensure an efficient and cost-effective replacement process that doesn’t lead to more damage.