Replacing the bottom of a kitchen cabinet can seem like a daunting task, but it is often necessary to keep your kitchen looking its best. Over time, the bottom of cabinets can become damaged from moisture, wear and tear, or pests. Replacing just the bottom can save you money compared to replacing the entire cabinet. When budgeting for this project, it’s important to consider the main cost factors like materials, labor, and your specific kitchen layout. Typically, you can expect to spend $100-300 for materials and $200-600 for professional installation. However, many factors influence the total project cost.
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Cost Factors
Several key factors determine how much you will spend to replace the bottom of your kitchen cabinets:
Cabinet Bottom Material
The material you choose for the new cabinet bottom impacts cost. Common options include:
– Plywood – Budget-friendly option constructed from thin sheets of wood glued together. Prices start around $20-40 per cabinet bottom.
– Particleboard – Made from wood particles pressed together. Slightly cheaper than plywood. Around $15-30 per bottom panel.
– MDF – Medium density fiberboard made from wood fibers. Provides a smooth finish. Usually $30-50 per custom cut bottom.
– Solid wood – Most expensive option, starting around $70-100+ per cabinet bottom. Hardwoods like oak and maple are durable.
Cabinet Size
The size of your cabinets also affects the cost. Larger cabinet bottoms require more materials and labor to replace. Standard kitchen cabinet sizes include:
– 12 inches deep x 24 inches wide – Common size for base cabinets along the kitchen perimeter.
– 12 inches deep x 36 inches wide – Standard for wider sink base cabinets.
– 12 inches deep x 12 inches wide – Common for corner cabinets.
Expect to pay more for larger custom cabinet sizes or deeper cabinet depths.
Number of Cabinets
The total number of cabinet bottoms needing replacement is a major cost factor. The more cabinets requiring new bottoms, the higher your overall project cost. As an estimate, plan to spend:
– $100-300 to replace 1-5 standard cabinet bottoms
– $400-800 for approximately 10 cabinet bottoms
– $1,000-1,500+ for 15+ kitchen cabinet bottoms
This accounts for material and labor costs.
Custom Cutting
If you have custom designed cabinets, the new bottom panels will likely require custom cutting to fit properly. This meticulous work increases labor time and cost. Expect to add $50-100+ per custom cut bottom.
Installation Factors
Other factors related to installation also impact the project budget:
– Accessibility – Easier access lowers cost. Harder reach raises cost.
– Appliances/Plumbing – Working around appliances and plumbing is more labor intensive.
– Existing Damage – Repairing surrounding areas (ex. rotted wood) adds cost.
– Location – Labor rates vary regionally, with higher prices in major metro areas.
Cost to Replace Cabinet Bottom Yourself
One way to save money is to replace the bottom of kitchen cabinets on your own. This requires moderate DIY skills and tools. Realistic cost estimates include:
– Materials – $50-150 depending on number/size of cabinets and material selected. Plywood is an economical choice.
– Tools – You may need to purchase/rent tools like a circular saw, drill, finishing nails/screws, and sandpaper. Budget $50-150.
– Time – With proper preparation, plan on 2-4 hours for smaller projects up to 1-2 days for larger kitchens.
– Skill level – Experience with carpentry helps get the custom fit right. Hiring a handyman starts around $40-60 per hour if you want assistance.
In total, you can expect to spend $150-400+ on a DIY replacement project. This covers everything, assuming you already have some tools on hand.
Cost for Professional Replacement
Hiring a professional contractor to replace your cabinet bottoms costs $200-600+ depending on these key factors:
Cabinetmaker vs Handyman
A skilled cabinetmaker or carpenter charges $70-150 per hour. They can expertly replace and customize cabinet bases. A general handyman may charge $40-80 per hour for more basic carpentry skills.
Location
Like most services, pricing varies based on where you live. Labor rates tend to be highest in major metropolitan areas.
Scope of Work
The number of cabinets, sizes, materials selected, and complexity of the project all expand the scope of work. More extensive projects take more time and raise the final costs.
Existing Damage
If surrounding areas need repairs, such as fixing water damage or rotten wood, it adds time and materials to the project quote.
Permits
In some cases, permits are required for kitchen remodeling projects. This adds $50-150+ to the total cost.
To hire a professional, expect to pay approximately:
– $200-400 for a small project (1-5 standard cabinet bottoms)
– $400-800 for a medium project (5-15 cabinets)
– $800-1,500+ for a large kitchen (15+ custom cabinets)
These estimates account for professional installation, including material costs and disposal fees. Request multiple bids to find the best value contractor.
Factors That Increase Cost
Several variables can increase the cost to replace kitchen cabinet bases:
– Custom cabinets – Requires precision cutting for a custom fit.
– New decorative molding – Matching existing molding aesthetics adds cost.
– New cabinet doors/drawers – Refacing entire cabinets is more expensive than just the bottom.
– Quartz/granite bottom – Upgraded solid surface bottoms cost over 2x more than wood.
– Lazy susans – These rotating cabinets cost more to replace.
– Plumbing alterations – Adjusting plumbing lines increases labor fees.
– Complex demolition – Removing old bottom panels raises costs if extensive.
– Disposal fees – Removing and disposing old cabinets adds $75-150+ typically.
– Built-in appliances – Altering cabinetry around appliances is labor intensive.
Cost to Repair vs Replace
In some cases, you may be able to repair cabinet bases instead of fully replacing them. Consider the repair option if damage is minimal. Potential repairs include:
– Sanding – Refinishes worn surfaces starting around $100.
– Spot replacement – Replaces small damaged areas for $50-150 per cabinet.
– Reinforcing – Strengthens structurally compromised areas beginning at $75-200 per base.
– Water damage – Repairing moisture damage adds $150-300+ per cabinet.
– Pest damage – Expect $200-400+ to fix chewed surfaces caused by rodents.
For moderate damage, repairs may cost 50-75% less than full cabinet replacement. But if bases are severely compromised, replacement is likely the better investment.
Factors That Decrease Cost
You may be able to reduce the cost to replace kitchen cabinet bases in certain situations:
– DIY installation – Completing the work yourself saves on labor fees.
– Basic carpentry – Opting for simple, straight cabinet bases without customization.
– Particleboard material – The most budget-friendly material option.
– Handyman vs carpenter – Hiring a handyman costs less per hour than a specialized carpenter.
– Limited accessibility issues – Easy to access cabinets call for less time and effort.
– Minimal demolition/alterations – Straightforward project lowers costs.
– Provide own materials – Supplying cabinets yourself reduces material expenses.
– Small project scope – Focusing on just a few cabinets keeps costs contained.
– Buy replacement bases – Ready-to-install bases mean faster installation.
Cabinet Bottom Replacement Cost Chart
| Cabinet Bottom Area | DIY Material Cost | Professional Install Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 25 sq ft | $125 | $350 |
| 50 sq ft | $250 | $450 |
| 100 sq ft | $500 | $650 |
| 150 sq ft | $750 | $850 |
This table compares estimated costs for DIY materials vs professional installation based on total cabinet bottom area. Assumes plywood material and standard labor rates. Includes cost ranges for small, medium and large kitchens.
Conclusion
Replacing the bottom of kitchen cabinets costs $100-300 for DIY materials or $200-600 for professional installation. The total budget depends mainly on the number of cabinets, sizes, materials selected, and complexity of the project. Labor accounts for 50-70% of professional pricing. Consider factors like accessibility, existing damage, permits, and scope of work needed when estimating your project costs. With proper planning and preparation, replacing cabinet bases can revive your kitchen’s aesthetic at a reasonable price. Carefully evaluate whether repairs may be sufficient before undertaking a full cabinet bottom replacement.