How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Bottom of Kitchen Cabinets? [2025 Data]
Replacing the bottoms of kitchen cabinets costs $5,000 on average, depending on the size and material. Most spend between $150 and $10,000.
The cost to replace the bottom of your kitchen cabinets is about $150 to $200 for a single cabinet. If water damage occurs and your entire kitchen floods, you may have to replace your entire cabinet system. In this instance, you’re more likely to spend in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. You’ll pay even more if you spring for luxury cabinets. Let’s review the cost breakdown of this replacement project.
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:
Cabinet Type
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.
| Cabinet Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Stock | $100 to $300 per linear foot |
| Semi-custom | $150 to $650 per linear foot |
| Custom | $500 to $1,200 per linear foot |
Kitchen 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.
| Cabinet Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood | $5,000–$25,000+ |
| Wood Veneer | $2,000–$15,000+ |
| Acrylic | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Laminate | $4,000–$15,000 |
| Stainless Steel | $25,000–$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.
Plumbing
Plumbing work may be required for your project, especially if you are changing the configuration of your base cabinets and sink. Updates like these can vary significantly based on complexity. However, the average cost for kitchen sink plumbing is $150 to $500.
Sink Replacement
A kitchen cabinet refresh provides an excellent opportunity to update your old sink. Depending on the type, style, size, and materials, installing a new sink costs $100 to $1,600.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
Replacing a garbage disposal costs around $550, but the price you wind up paying can range anywhere from $200 to $625. The final expense largely depends on the unit’s size and type, with higher-end models costing more.
Repairing vs. Replacing the Bottom of Kitchen Cabinets
When the damage is limited to minor stains, chips, or small cracks, repairing your bottom cabinets is more budget-friendly than replacement. Simple fixes include cleaning and repainting baseboards, sealing cracks with filler, or freshening cabinet doors with paint, which can be pretty affordable when you consider the cost to paint cabinets professionally starts at $400.
However, replacement is your best option for seriously damaged bottom cabinets with widespread rot, mold, or compromised structural integrity. While it’s a bigger investment, replacement is often the best choice for preventing future issues, especially if the cabinets are older or if the damage impacts their ability to support the weight of stored items.
Replacing the Bottom of Kitchen Cabinets Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
If you have some experience doing your home repairs and own the necessary tools, you may be able to tackle this intermediate-level DIY and save yourself some money. However, if your cabinet bottoms are being replaced because of water damage, it might be a messy job and involve structural damage. You should call in a local cabinet repair professional for extensive repairs.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Buying a kitchen cabinet or finding an experienced cabinet maker is likely going to be your best option unless you have the necessary experience and woodworking skills. If you’re just replacing one cabinet base or one cabinet, making your own is entirely possible and more effective, assuming you have the right equipment.
Many kitchens have their original cabinets, so kitchen cabinets can last as long as the house does. If there’s an issue with your sink, a flood, or a fire, your cabinets could be damaged. Outside of that, with proper care, your cabinets should last quite a while, especially if they’re built from long-lasting materials like wood or steel.
Yes, the base of your cabinets is a vital component, making up the main structure. If it’s damaged, repairing it or replacing it is necessary to continue using your cabinets. Consult a cabinet repair professional to evaluate the status of your cabinet bottoms before moving forward with a plan of action.
