Cost of MDF Kitchen Cabinets: Price Estimate per Unit

How much does MDF Kitchen Cabinets cost?

Below you will find our MDF Kitchen Cabinets cost estimator based on values reflecting market wages
and material costs in 2024 so as to help you save money while renovating your existing space.
We base our costs on official estimates such as those provided by the US Bureau of Labor
Statistics, as well as market rates found at various home improvement retailers in the US.

	Quantity	Minimum	Average	Maximum
Material Including potential overage and basic coverage quantities. Excluding delivery upcharge, sales tax, and any additional items.	1 unit	$186.46	$202.03	$217.6
Labor Including site setup and preparation, job completion, trash removal and cleanup.	2.0 hrs	$146.06	$204.76	$263.47
Tools/Supplies Includes equipment allowance and supplies for preparation, job completion and site cleanup.		$82.7	$100.88	$119.05
Total Excluding sales tax, additional fees fees, dump charges, and unusual costs for repair or remediation.		$415.22	$507.67	$600.12

Quantity

Minimum

Average

Maximum

Material Including potential overage and basic coverage quantities. Excluding delivery upcharge, sales tax, and any additional items.

1 unit

$186.46

$202.03

$217.6

Labor Including site setup and preparation, job completion, trash removal and cleanup.

2.0 hrs

$146.06

$204.76

$263.47

Tools/Supplies Includes equipment allowance and supplies for preparation, job completion and site cleanup.

$82.7

$100.88

$119.05

Total Excluding sales tax, additional fees fees, dump charges, and unusual costs for repair or remediation.

$415.22

$507.67

$600.12

Unpacking MDF Quality: How Core Density and Finish Drive Cabinet Cost

At its core, the price of an MDF kitchen cabinet is dictated by what’s inside the box—literally. The density of the fiberboard and the sophistication of its finish account for the biggest slice of the final ticket. A budget cabinet uses lower-density MDF wrapped in a basic melamine skin. Because it contains less wood fiber and skips labor-intensive painting, it’s light on both materials and manufacturing hours, keeping the price low. Upgrade to high-density MDF finished with multiple coats of factory-cured paint and the cost climbs. You’re paying for a heavier, sturdier core, meticulous sanding between coats, and a silky, furniture-grade surface that resists chips and moisture. The extra dollars buy you a longer service life and a showroom-worthy aesthetic.

Layout, Labor & Logistics: The Hidden Costs of Installing MDF Kitchen Cabinets

The price tag on a box of cabinets is only the opening bid; how and where you install them can multiply the final figure. In the simplest scenario—replacing old units in the same straight-run layout—installers can reuse existing plumbing, wiring, and wall framing. With pre-assembled boxes, a two-person crew can complete the job in a single day, keeping labor and tool costs to a minimum. Move walls, add an island, or chase the popular floor-to-ceiling look, and costs ripple outward. Carpenters must shim uneven walls, electricians reroute circuits for under-cabinet lighting, and finish crews cut custom filler pieces for a flawless fit. These tasks can double or even triple labor hours and require specialty tools. Bottom line: budget for the entire installation ecosystem—labor, prep work, and ancillary trades—not just the cabinets themselves.

Pay Now or Pay Later: The Long-Term Value of Quality MDF Cabinets

The real cost of cabinetry reveals itself over years, not at checkout. Low-density MDF can swell when steam escapes a boiling pot, causing doors to warp and shelves to sag—often forcing a premature replacement that erases any upfront savings.

Spending more on moisture-resistant, high-density MDF with a durable catalyzed paint finish safeguards against those failures. Pair that with soft-close hinges and full-extension slides, and every drawer pull feels solid and silent, elevating daily kitchen life. Quality cabinetry also boosts appraisal value, making your kitchen a selling point instead of a negotiation chip. In short, investing a little more today shields you from repair costs tomorrow and pays dividends when it’s time to list your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the price?

The price encompasses a comprehensive range of services and materials essential for MDF Kitchen Cabinets. By offering such an all-inclusive package, our MDF Kitchen Cabinets cost estimate in the United States becomes straightforward and easy to understand.

This includes all necessary materials required for the MDF Kitchen Cabinets project, except for delivery fees. The cost covers labor for site setup, ensuring the area is adequately prepared for the installation process. It also includes the actual MDF Kitchen Cabinets made by skilled professionals. Additionally, the price covers trash removal and cleanup, ensuring that the site is left in pristine condition post-installation.

Tools and supplies needed for the preparation, installation, and subsequent cleanup of the site are also included in the price. This means that from start to finish, all essential aspects of the project, except for delivery, are accounted for in the initial cost, providing a comprehensive and transparent pricing structure.

The average cost of MDF Kitchen Cabinets in the United States is carefully calculated to include these extensive services and materials, making it a reliable estimate for anyone researching costs. This approach ensures that individuals looking into the costs can see a complete service without hidden charges, allowing for accurate budgeting and planning.

What’s excluded from the price?

The price does not include several potential additional costs that might arise during the project. The MDF Kitchen Cabinets cost estimate in the United States aims to be as transparent as possible, highlighting potential additional costs that could impact the overall budget.

Delivery upcharges are not covered, meaning any extra fees associated with transporting materials to the site are excluded. Sales tax is also not included in the quoted price, and this additional cost should be anticipated.

Any additional fees like permits or inspections that may be required for the project are not part of the price, meaning these regulatory costs will need to be borne separately. Dump charges, which are fees for disposing of old materials, are also excluded. Furthermore, the price does not account for costs related to unexpected repairs or remediation that may become necessary if unforeseen issues with the existing premises are discovered during the project.

It is important to consider any potential additional expenses that might be incurred beyond the initial quoted price for MDF Kitchen Cabinets in the United States. Understanding these exclusions helps anyone preparing for a project to anticipate any unexpected financial obligations.

What can influence the price estimate of MDF Kitchen Cabinets?

The MDF Kitchen Cabinets cost may be affected by several factors. One of the primary factors is the per square foot cost, which varies depending on the region, materials used, and complexity of the design. Labor costs are another significant factor; these can fluctuate based on the local market rates for skilled labor. The overall project cost can also be affected by the specific site conditions, such as the need for extensive site preparation or the presence of existing materials that need to be removed.

Additionally, the cost of permits, inspections, and other regulatory requirements can add to the total cost. Remodeling costs may also come into play if the project involves modifying or upgrading existing structures.

The square footage of the premises where the work will be performed is a direct factor, as larger premises require more materials and labor. To save money, it is essential to consider efficient planning and potential economies of scale. The existing space and floor plan can influence the complexity and, consequently, the cost of the project. Choosing a general contractor with experience and a good reputation can also impact the cost, as well-managed projects tend to stay within budget. Renovation costs, including unexpected repairs, can further influence the overall cost.

Being aware of these factors helps in creating a more accurate and realistic MDF Kitchen Cabinets cost estimate in the United States, allowing for better budgeting and financial planning. Understanding average costs and potential additional expenses ensures that the project is well-planned and executed efficiently.