Thinking a small kitchen will be cheap is a common mistake. The custom solutions needed for tight spaces can surprisingly increase costs, making budgeting a frustrating guessing game.

The factory cost for small kitchen cabinets from China starts around $2,000 for basic models. Mid-range options with better materials and hardware can easily reach $4,000-$5,000, excluding shipping and installation.

Many clients believe a "small kitchen" means "cheaper." As a supply chain specialist in Foshan, I can tell you this isn’t always true. Yes, fewer materials are used overall. But small spaces often require more complex designs to maximize utility. This can make the cost per cabinet higher than in a large, simple kitchen. Developers building small apartments or Airbnbs often learn this the hard way. Their focus should be on value engineering, not just the lowest unit price, to get a durable and functional result.

How much does it cost to put new cabinets in a small kitchen?

You’re trying to price new cabinets for a small kitchen. But the quotes you’re getting are all over the place, making it impossible to create a reliable budget.

The factory cost for new cabinets in a small kitchen (around 15-20 linear feet) ranges from $2,000 for basic MDF models to over $5,000 for upgraded plywood and lacquer versions.

I’ve seen many buyers for small condos or rental properties get surprised by quotes. They assume fewer cabinets mean a much lower price. The reality is that small kitchens often work harder. To make them functional, we need to use more advanced and expensive solutions. A standard large kitchen might use simple, repetitive cabinet sizes. A small kitchen often requires custom-sized cabinets¹ to fit perfectly, along with specialized hardware to make use of every inch. This includes things like pull-out pantry units, complex corner solutions like a Magic Corner, and slim-profile drawer systems. These components cost significantly more than a standard shelf or drawer. At my factory, a basic small kitchen using MDF and melamine can indeed cost around $2,000. But the moment you upgrade to plywood boxes and use smart storage hardware² to improve function, that price can easily double, even though the kitchen size hasn’t changed.

Can you remodel a small kitchen for $5000?

You have a tight budget of $5,000 to remodel a small kitchen. You need to know if this is a realistic goal or if you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Yes, a $5,000 remodel is possible if you source basic cabinets directly and do some work yourself. This budget covers entry-level cabinets and laminate countertops but likely requires keeping existing appliances and layout.

A $5,000 budget for a full remodel is tight, but for a small kitchen, it’s a realistic target if you are strategic. As a manufacturer, I can help you get the most value for your cabinet spend, which is the biggest part of your budget. Here’s how you could make a $5,000 budget work:

• Cabinet Sourcing³: Purchase ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets directly from a factory like mine. For a small kitchen, a basic set in MDF with a simple finish could have a landed cost (including shipping and duties) of around $2,500 – $3,000.
• Keep the Layout: Do not move plumbing or electrical outlets. Changing the kitchen’s footprint is a major labor cost that this budget cannot support.
• Countertops: Choose an affordable laminate countertop. Modern laminates look great and are very budget-friendly, costing a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand for stone.
• DIY Labor⁴: The more you do yourself, the better. If you can handle demolition, cabinet assembly, painting, and installing a simple backsplash, you can save thousands in labor costs.

This budget requires careful planning and realistic expectations. You will get a fresh, new look, but it won’t include high-end finishes or a brand-new appliance package.

How much do kitchen cabinets cost for a 12×12 kitchen?

You’re using a 12×12 kitchen as a benchmark for pricing. You want to understand its costs to better estimate your own project, even if it’s smaller.

A 12×12 kitchen (approx. 25 linear feet) is a mid-sized space. Factory costs for its cabinets range from $2,000 for basic quality to over $7,500 for premium, excluding shipping and installation.

It’s useful to understand the numbers for a standard 12×12 L-shaped kitchen, as it’s a common industry benchmark. This size kitchen usually has about 25 linear feet of cabinetry. When you ask for pricing, the response you get is directly tied to the quality tier you are targeting.

For procurement professionals like Jacky, this table is a starting point. They know that a small kitchen might have only 15-20 linear feet. They can then adjust these numbers down. However, they also know to add a percentage back for the complex custom cabinets a small space often needs. This method provides a much more realistic budget than just using a simple "price per foot" calculation. Keep in mind these are factory prices⁶; you still need to add 30-50% for the total landed cost.

What is the average cost of a small kitchen?

You’re searching for a simple "average cost" to start your planning. You are frustrated by the wide ranges and just want a single, reliable number to begin with.

There is no useful "average." A full small kitchen remodel costs between $8,000 and $25,000+. The cabinet portion alone can range from $2,000 (factory cost) to over $10,000 (installed high-end).

I know buyers want a simple average, but in the world of custom manufacturing, "average" is a dangerous word. It hides the most important details. The final cost of a small kitchen depends entirely on the four key elements:

1. Cabinets⁷: As we’ve seen, this is the biggest variable. Factory-direct basic cabinets might be $2,000. Custom, high-end cabinets from a local shop could be over $15,000 for the exact same small space.
2. Countertops: Laminate might be $500. A high-end quartz or marble slab could be $5,000.
3. Appliances: A basic appliance package can be found for under $2,000. A high-end, compact European appliance set can easily exceed $10,000.
4. Labor⁸: This is the wild card. If you do it yourself, the cost is your time. Hiring a professional contractor can add $3,000 to $10,000+ depending on your location and the project’s complexity.

So, while a very basic DIY remodel using factory-direct cabinets might be done for under $8,000, a contractor-led project with mid-range materials will more likely be in the $15,000-$25,000 range. The key is to decide on your quality level first, then build the budget.

Conclusion

A small kitchen does not automatically mean a low price. Focus on smart design and value engineering to create a functional space that meets your budget, rather than chasing the lowest unit cost.