How Much Does it Cost to Extend Kitchen Cabinets to the Ceiling?

Extending your kitchen cabinets all the way to the ceiling is a popular renovation choice that can transform the entire look and functionality of your cooking space. However, this project comes at a cost – both in terms of money and potential inconvenience during the installation process. So, how much can you expect to pay for those coveted floor-to-ceiling cabinets?

The truth is that costs can vary significantly depending on several key factors. In this article, we’ll break down all the elements that affect pricing, provide cost estimates for various scenarios, and equip you with tips to potentially save money on your cabinet extension project.

What Affects the Cost of Extending Kitchen Cabinets

Before we dive into specific pricing, it’s important to understand the variables that can impact the overall cost:

1. Cabinet Materials

The type of material you choose for your new cabinets will play a major role in determining the cost. Popular options include solid wood (most expensive), plywood, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF – most budget-friendly). Within each category, prices can range from basic builder-grade to high-end, customized cabinetry.

2. Cabinet Style and Configuration

Costs will be higher for custom-built cabinets with intricate designs, special features (like glass-front doors), or complex angled cuts to accommodate vaulted ceilings or other architectural elements.

3. Cabinet Size and Height

The taller the cabinets, the more materials and labor required, driving up costs. Standard cabinet heights range from 30 inches to 42 inches, but extending them to a typical 8-foot ceiling will significantly increase the project’s scope.

4. DIY vs. Professional Installation

As with most home improvement projects, doing it yourself can save money on labor costs, but it also introduces potential risks if not done correctly. Professional installation ensures proper measurements, safe practices, and a polished final product.

5. Removal and Additional Finishing

If you’re replacing existing cabinets or crown molding, the costs of removal and disposal must be factored in. Adding new crown molding or other trim can also increase the overall expense.

With these variables in mind, let’s explore some typical cost scenarios for extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling.

Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Professional Installation

For illustrative purposes, we’ll use the example of extending a 10-linear-foot run of standard 36-inch cabinets to an 8-foot ceiling in a typical kitchen setting.

DIY Approach 

If you’re handy with tools and have the time to tackle this project yourself, the DIY route can offer significant cost savings – primarily by eliminating labor expenses. Here’s an approximate breakdown of material costs for a basic plywood cabinet extension using pre-made cabinet doors:

• Plywood Sheets (3⁄4″ thick, cabinet-grade): $60-$80 per 4×8 sheet (approx. 2-3 sheets needed)
• Cabinet-Grade Hinges and Door Hardware: $80-$150
• Wood Screws, Nails, Glue, and Other Hardware: $30-$50
• Pre-Made Cabinet Doors: $100-$300 per door
• Paint or Stain: $30-$80 (if painting existing cabinets too)
• Basic Tool Kit (if you don’t already own): $150-$300

Total Estimated Cost for DIY: $450 – $1,300

While the exact costs will depend on the specific materials and tools you choose, a rough total for a 10-foot DIY cabinet extension using budget-friendly options could range from $450 to $800. Higher-end materials and additional tools/equipment could push the cost closer to $1,300 or more.

Professional Installation

For a professional, worry-free installation, you’ll need to factor in both material costs similar to the DIY approach and labor expenses from an experienced contractor. Based on national averages, a reasonable cost estimate for professional installation of a 10-linear-foot cabinet extension could look like this:

Materials:

• Cabinet-Grade Plywood or MDF: $300 – $600
• Cabinet Doors & Hardware: $400 – $1,000
• Crown Molding (if desired): $100 – $300

Labor:

• Contractor Labor Rates: $35 – $85 per hour
• Estimated Labor Time: 12 – 20 hours

Removal & Disposal of Existing Cabinets/Trim (if applicable):

• $100 – $400

Total Estimated Cost for Professional Installation: $1,700 – $4,100

Several factors can influence professional labor costs, such as your location, the complexity of the project, and the reputation of the contractor. High-end materials or custom cabinetry will increase material expenses as well.

To give you a better idea, here’s a sample pricing table for cabinet extension costs based on national averages:

Remember, these are just rough estimates – your actual costs could be higher or lower depending on the specific details of your project and location.

Alternative Cabinet Extension Options

If a full floor-to-ceiling cabinet extension seems too costly or ambitious, consider these alternative approaches that could better suit your budget or needs:

1. Building a Cabinet Facade

Instead of constructing functional cabinets, you can create a lightweight facade or frame that extends from your existing cabinets to the ceiling. This option is purely for aesthetic purposes and won’t provide any additional storage space, but it can still deliver that sleek, built-in look at a lower cost.

Using affordable materials like MDF or even drywall, you could potentially build and install this facade for $200 to $800, depending on the size and complexity. Of course, professional installation would increase the cost, but it may still be a more budget-friendly solution than full cabinet construction.

2. Extending with Pre-Made Cabinet Units

Another option is to simply purchase taller, pre-made cabinet units and install them above your existing cabinets. This approach can work well if you can find units that match your current cabinet style and color – otherwise, you’ll need to factor in potential refinishing costs.

Pre-made cabinet extensions typically range from $100 to $400 per linear foot, depending on the material and quality. While convenient, this option may not provide a seamless, built-in look unless the new units and existing cabinets are an exact match.

3. Open Shelving

If maximizing storage is your primary goal, consider incorporating open shelving instead of closed cabinets for a portion of your extension. This contemporary design trend not only looks stylish but can also help reduce costs since you’ll need fewer cabinet doors and hardware.

You could opt for a combination of closed cabinets on the bottom and open shelving on top, or vice versa. Having a professional contractor build and install custom open shelving would likely cost between $800 and $2,000 for a 10-linear-foot section, depending on materials and complexity.

The Bottom Line

Extending your kitchen cabinets to the ceiling is an investment that can pay dividends in both aesthetic appeal and practicality. While costs can vary significantly based on factors like materials, cabinet size, and whether you opt for professional installation or a DIY approach, proper planning and research can help you achieve your desired look while staying within your renovation budget.

If a full cabinet extension seems out of reach financially, remember to explore more budget-friendly alternatives like a cabinet facade, open shelving, or pre-made cabinet units. And don’t forget to take advantage of potential cost-saving strategies like negotiating contractor rates, shopping around for materials, and even tackling some tasks yourself if you’re skilled enough.