- By Pro Brothers
- In Cabinets, remodeling, Renovation
Kitchen Cabinets Cost in Media, PA (2026 Complete Pricing Guide)
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Media, PA, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: how much do kitchen cabinets actually cost? It’s a fair question as cabinets are the single biggest line item in most kitchen renovations, and the range of prices can feel overwhelming without clear guidance.
In this guide, you’ll get a complete breakdown of kitchen cabinet costs in 2026, from stock options to fully custom builds, so you can plan your budget with confidence. Whether you’re doing a full gut renovation or just refreshing your storage, this guide is built for homeowners right here in Media, PA and throughout Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
Average Kitchen Cabinet Cost in Media, PA
Here’s a straightforward look at what homeowners in the Media, PA area are spending on kitchen cabinets in 2026:
- Low end (stock cabinets): $3,000 – $8,000
- Mid-range (semi-custom): $8,000 – $20,000
- High end (custom cabinets): $20,000 – $50,000+
- Per linear foot: $150 – $1,200+ depending on material and customization
Small kitchens (under 100 sq ft) typically fall in the $3,000–$12,000 range for cabinetry alone, while large open-concept kitchens in Delaware County homes can easily reach $30,000-$60,000 for premium custom cabinets.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost Breakdown
Understanding the full cost requires looking beyond just the cabinet boxes themselves. Here’s where your money goes:
| Component | Estimated Cost Range |
| Cabinet materials (stock) | $60–$200 per linear foot |
| Cabinet materials (semi-custom) | $100–$650 per linear foot |
| Cabinet materials (custom) | $500–$1,200+ per linear foot |
| Labor / installation | $50–$150 per hour (or $200–$500 per cabinet) |
| Hardware (hinges, pulls, handles) | $3–$50+ per piece |
| Soft-close upgrades | $25–$75 per door/drawer |
| Customization (glass fronts, rollouts, etc.) | $200–$2,000+ per feature |
| Removal of old cabinets | $300–$700 |
Materials
The material you choose is the biggest cost driver. Solid wood (maple, cherry, oak) commands premium pricing, while MDF and plywood offer durability at lower costs. Laminate is the most budget-friendly option for kitchen storage cabinets in high-use areas.
Labor
In Pennsylvania, professional cabinet installation typically runs $50–$150 per hour. Most kitchen installs take 1–3 days depending on complexity. In Delaware County, skilled cabinet installers are in high demand, so scheduling early is recommended.
Installation
Installation costs include not just hanging the cabinets, but also leveling, shimming, scribing to walls, and toe-kick installation. Older homes in Media, PA often have uneven walls or floors that add installation time.
Hardware
Handles, knobs, hinges, and soft-close mechanisms add up quickly. A full kitchen with 30 doors and drawers can require $300–$1,500 in hardware alone, depending on the style and brand you choose.
Customization
Custom features like pull-out shelves, built-in spice racks, lazy Susans, glass-front doors, and integrated lighting can add $500–$5,000+ to your total cabinet budget.
Types of Kitchen Cabinets & Their Costs
Stock Kitchen Cabinets
Stock cabinets are pre-built in standard sizes and shipped directly from a warehouse. They’re the most affordable option, typically costing $60–$200 per linear foot. They’re best for budget-conscious projects, rental properties, or kitchens with standard layouts.
- Cost: $3,000–$8,000 for a typical kitchen.
- Pros: Fast availability, low cost, widely available in every city.
- Cons: Limited styles, sizes, and finishes and may not fit non-standard spaces.
Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets are made to order with more size and finish options than stock, but manufactured in a factory setting. They’re the sweet spot for most Media, PA homeowners.
- Cost: $8,000–$20,000 for a typical kitchen.
- Pros: More flexibility, better quality, wide range of finishes including shaker cabinets.
- Cons: 4-8 week manufacturing time and costs more than stock cabinets.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Custom kitchen cabinets are built specifically for your space by a local cabinetmaker or custom shop. They offer the highest quality, the best fit, and the most design flexibility, including luxury kitchen cabinets with specialty woods, inlaid details, and built-in storage solutions.
- Cost: $20,000–$50,000+ for a full kitchen
- Pros: Perfect fit, premium materials, fully personalized design
- Cons: Project completion takes time (4-16 weeks), highest cost
Cost Based on Kitchen Size
Small Kitchen (Under 100 sq ft)
Cabinet-only budget: $3,000–$12,000. Small kitchens are common in older Delaware County row homes and townhouses. Maximizing vertical storage and choosing semi-custom kitchen storage cabinets can dramatically improve functionality without breaking the budget.
Medium Kitchen (100–200 sq ft)
Cabinet-only budget: $10,000–$25,000. This is the most common kitchen size for single-family homes in Media, PA. Semi-custom cabinets in the $15,000–$20,000 range offer excellent value at this scale.
Large Kitchen (200+ sq ft)
Cabinet-only budget: $20,000–$60,000+. Large, open-concept kitchens popular in newer construction in Delaware County often include an island, butler’s pantry, and custom cabinetry throughout. Total remodel costs for this size kitchen can reach $80,000-$150,000+ when countertops, appliances, and flooring are included.
Cabinet Material Cost Comparison
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot | Durability | Best For |
| Solid wood (oak, maple, cherry) | $200-$600+ | Very High | Luxury kitchens, high-traffic homes |
| Plywood (box construction) | $150-$400 | High | Mid-range to custom builds |
| MDF (medium-density fiberboard) | $100-$300 | Medium | Painted finishes, budget projects |
| Laminate | $60-$200 | Medium-Low | Rentals, budget remodels |
| Thermofoil | $80-$200 | Medium | Modern flat-panel style |
Plywood box construction is widely considered the gold standard for cabinet carcasses as it resists moisture better than MDF and holds screws more securely over time. Most reputable cabinet shops in Pennsylvania use plywood boxes even in mid-range lines.
Popular Kitchen Cabinet Styles & Price Impact
Shaker Cabinets
Shaker cabinets remain the most popular style in Media, PA and nationally. Their clean, recessed-panel design works with traditional and contemporary kitchens alike. Shaker doors add $15–$50 per door over basic flat-panel pricing and are available in nearly every price tier.
Flat Panel (Modern)
Flat-panel or slab-door cabinets are popular in modern and minimalist kitchen designs. They’re often less expensive to manufacture than shaker styles and are the default for European-style frameless cabinets.
Raised Panel
Raised panel doors have a traditional, formal look common in older Delaware County homes. They cost $20–$75 more per door than flat panels due to more complex milling.
Glass-Front Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets add visual interest and a high-end look to upper cabinet runs. Expect to add $50–$200+ per door for glass inserts, plus the cost of interior cabinet lighting if desired.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets vs. Stock Cabinets – Which Is Worth It?
This is the question most homeowners ask. Here’s an honest side-by-side comparison:
| Factor | Stock Cabinets | Custom Cabinets |
| Cost | $60-$200/linear ft | $500-$1,200+/linear ft |
| Lead Time | In stock / 1-2 weeks | 4-16 weeks |
| Size Options | Standard sizes only | Any dimension |
| Material Quality | Variable | Your choice |
| Resale Value | Moderate | High |
| Best For | Budget flips, rentals | Forever homes, luxury |
| Design Flexibility | Low | Unlimited |
For most Media, PA homeowners planning to stay in their home 5+ years, semi-custom or custom cabinets offer the best combination of quality, fit, and long-term value. Stock cabinets are a smart choice for investment properties or where budget is the primary constraint.
Ways to Save Money on Kitchen Cabinets
- Cabinet refacing: Replace just the doors and drawer fronts while keeping existing boxes. Costs 40–60% less than full replacement.
- Buy during sales: Major cabinet manufacturers and home improvement stores run significant sales in January and July. Planning your purchase around these windows can save 20–30%.
- Choose semi-custom over custom: You get 80% of the quality at 50% of the price in most cases.
- Mix materials strategically: Use solid wood or glass fronts on upper cabinets and lower-cost materials on base cabinets where they’re less visible.
- Keep the existing layout: Moving plumbing or electrical to accommodate a new cabinet layout adds $1,000–$5,000+ to any project.
- Order extra: Ordering a few extra cabinet doors during your initial order costs far less than a future reorder with shipping and color-match risk.
Hidden Costs Most Homeowners Miss
Budget for these often-overlooked expenses when planning your kitchen cabinet project in Media, PA:
- Removal and disposal of old cabinets: $300-$700.
- Wall repairs behind old cabinets: $200-$800 (only if required).
- Electrical adjustments: $150-$600 (under-cabinet lighting, outlet relocation).
- Plumbing adjustments: $300-$1,500 if sink or dishwasher location changes.
- Countertop templating and replacement: $2,000-$8,000+ (new cabinets require new countertops in most cases).
- Permit fees: $75-$300 depending on scope and municipality.
- Touch-up paint: $50-$200 for walls adjacent to new cabinets.
A good rule of thumb: add 10-15% to your cabinet budget as a contingency for hidden costs. This is especially true for homes in Media, PA built before 1980.
Get a Kitchen Cabinet Estimate in Media, PA
Ready to start your kitchen remodel? ProBrothers serves Media, PA and all of Delaware County. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation kitchen cabinet estimate.
At ProBrothers, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Media, PA and Delaware County transform their kitchens with expert cabinet installation and home renovation services. Our team specializes in:
- Custom kitchen cabinet design and installation
- Semi-custom and stock cabinet projects of all sizes
- Full kitchen remodeling in Pennsylvania
- Cabinet refacing and refresh services
- Custom carpentry and built-in storage solutions
Why choose ProBrothers? Local expertise in Delaware County, transparent pricing, licensed and insured contractors, and a track record of satisfied homeowners in Media, PA and surrounding communities.
