Kitchen cabinets typically represent 30-40% of a total kitchen remodel budget. In Chicago's diverse housing market — from Lincoln Park brownstones to Naperville colonials — cabinet costs vary dramatically based on quality, customization, and installation complexity. Here's the complete breakdown of what Chicago homeowners actually pay for kitchen cabinets in 2026.

Quick Cost Overview

For a standard 10x10 kitchen (20 linear feet of cabinets):

  • Stock cabinets: $2,000 - $5,000
  • RTA (Ready-to-Assemble): $2,500 - $6,000
  • Semi-custom: $5,000 - $15,000
  • Custom: $12,000 - $30,000+
  • Luxury custom: $30,000 - $60,000+

These ranges represent cabinet costs only. Installation, countertops, and other elements add to total project cost.

Cost Per Linear Foot in Chicago

Linear foot pricing provides the most accurate comparison:

  • Stock cabinets: $100 - $250 per linear foot
  • Semi-custom: $250 - $750 per linear foot
  • Custom (factory-direct): $500 - $1,200 per linear foot
  • High-end custom: $1,000 - $2,500+ per linear foot

AK Cabinet Craft factory-direct pricing starts at $150 per linear foot for quality custom cabinets — significantly below typical custom pricing due to direct manufacturing without dealer markup.

What Affects Cabinet Cost?

1. Construction Type

  • Particle board boxes: Lowest cost, 5-10 year lifespan
  • Plywood boxes: Mid-range, 15-25 year lifespan
  • Solid wood construction: Premium, 25+ year lifespan

In Chicago's variable climate (humid summers, dry winters), plywood construction is strongly recommended. Particle board degrades faster in these conditions.

2. Door Style

  • Flat panel (slab): Most affordable
  • Shaker: Moderate cost, most popular
  • Raised panel: Higher cost
  • Inset doors: Premium (requires precise manufacturing)

3. Finish and Color

  • Thermofoil: $50-100 less per door
  • Painted: Standard pricing
  • Stained wood: 10-20% premium
  • Custom colors: 15-25% premium

4. Hardware

  • Basic hinges/slides: Included in base price
  • Soft-close upgrade: $50-100 per cabinet
  • Premium hardware (Blum, Hettich): $75-150 per cabinet

Real Chicago Project Examples

Example 1: Condo in River North

8x10 galley kitchen, 16 cabinets

  • White shaker, semi-custom: $8,500
  • Soft-close hardware: $600
  • Installation: $2,200
  • Total cabinets + install: $11,300

Example 2: Bungalow in Bucktown

10x12 L-shaped kitchen, 24 cabinets

  • Custom maple, painted gray: $14,200
  • Blum hardware included
  • Installation: $3,400
  • Total cabinets + install: $17,600

Example 3: Colonial in Naperville

12x14 kitchen with island, 32 cabinets

  • Custom cherry, stained: $24,500
  • Glass-front uppers: $1,800
  • Installation: $4,200
  • Total cabinets + install: $30,500

Installation Costs in Chicago

Installation typically adds 15-25% to cabinet cost:

  • Basic installation: $75-150 per cabinet
  • Complex installation (older homes): $150-250 per cabinet
  • Full-service (removal, install, trim): $200-300 per cabinet

Chicago labor rates are higher than national averages. Expect $50-75 per hour for experienced cabinet installers.

Older Chicago homes (bungalows, greystones) often require additional work:

  • Plaster wall reinforcement: $200-500
  • Out-of-square wall correction: $300-800
  • Electrical updates: $200-600

Additional Costs to Budget

Beyond cabinets and installation, plan for:

  • Demolition and disposal: $500-1,500
  • Countertops: $2,000-8,000
  • Backsplash: $800-2,500
  • Plumbing updates: $500-2,000
  • Electrical work: $500-1,500
  • Painting: $500-1,000
  • Permits: $200-800

Ways to Save on Chicago Cabinets

1. Factory-Direct Pricing

Buying from manufacturers like AK Cabinet Craft eliminates dealer markup (typically 30-50%). Custom cabinets at semi-custom prices.

2. Keep Existing Layout

Moving plumbing or electrical adds $2,000-$5,000+. Keeping the same layout dramatically reduces total project cost.

3. Standard Sizes Where Possible

Custom-sized cabinets cost 20-40% more than standard sizes. Use filler strips to adapt standard cabinets to non-standard spaces.

4. Upgrade Strategically

  • Soft-close on drawers (used daily) — worth it
  • Glass fronts on display cabinets only — saves on less-visible cabinets
  • Quality hardware on high-use cabinets — basic on pantry interiors

Financing Options

Kitchen cabinet financing helps manage cash flow:

  • 0% APR financing: Available for qualified buyers (AK Cabinet Craft offers 12-month 0% APR)
  • Home equity loans: Lower rates, tax-deductible interest
  • Personal loans: Quick approval, no home equity required
  • Credit cards: Use cautiously, high interest rates

Monthly payments from $99/month make quality custom cabinets accessible to more Chicago homeowners.

When to Invest More

Higher cabinet investment makes sense when:

  • Planning to stay 10+ years (quality lasts)
  • Home value supports it (Lincoln Park, Hinsdale, etc.)
  • Kitchen is focal point for entertaining
  • Selling in competitive market (quality cabinets are expected)

When to Save

Budget-friendly options work well when:

  • Rental/investment property
  • Short-term ownership planned
  • Limited kitchen use lifestyle
  • Other renovation priorities take budget

Chicago Neighborhood Price Variations

Cabinet project costs vary by neighborhood:

  • Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, North Shore: $25,000 - $75,000+ (luxury expected)
  • Bucktown, Wicker Park, West Loop: $15,000 - $40,000 (quality focus)
  • Suburbs (Naperville, Schaumburg): $12,000 - $35,000 (value-driven)
  • South Side, Northwest Side: $8,000 - $25,000 (practical choices)

These ranges reflect local market expectations and typical home values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the average kitchen cabinet cost in Chicago?

A: For a standard 10x10 kitchen, Chicago homeowners typically spend $8,000-$15,000 on semi-custom cabinets with installation. Custom cabinets range $15,000-$30,000+ for the same space.

Q: How much do custom cabinets cost per linear foot in Chicago?

A: Custom cabinets in Chicago typically cost $500-$1,200 per linear foot through traditional dealers. Factory-direct options like AK Cabinet Craft start at $150 per linear foot.

Q: Are IKEA cabinets really cheaper than custom?

A: Initially yes, but total cost including assembly, modifications, and installation often approaches semi-custom pricing. Quality and durability differences also affect long-term value.

Q: How much should I budget for a complete Chicago kitchen remodel?

A: Cabinets represent 30-40% of total kitchen cost. For a $30,000 remodel, budget $9,000-$12,000 for cabinets. For $50,000 remodel, budget $15,000-$20,000 for cabinets.

Q: Does AK Cabinet Craft offer financing?

A: Yes. 0% APR financing for 12 months available for qualified buyers. Monthly payments from $99. No prepayment penalties.

Get Your Free Quote

Every kitchen is different. Get accurate pricing for your specific project with a free in-home measurement and design consultation.

Factory-direct pricing starts at $2,999 for complete kitchen cabinet packages. 21-day production. 5-year warranty.

Schedule Your Free Consultation:

  • Call: (224) 808-5100
  • Visit: Lincoln Park or Bucktown showroom
  • Online: akcabinetcraft.com/contacts

‍