If you're planning a kitchen update in South Florida, the first question is almost always: how much does kitchen cabinet installation actually cost?
The short answer: most homeowners in Broward and Palm Beach counties pay between $2,500 and $8,500 for professional kitchen cabinet installation labor. But the real number depends on your cabinet type, kitchen size, and what's hiding behind your old cabinets.
I'm Valmir Santos — I've been installing cabinets in South Florida homes since 1999. In this guide, I'll break down exactly what affects the cost, so you know what to expect before you call for an estimate.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost at a Glance
Here's a quick-reference table covering the most common scenarios across South Florida:
| Kitchen Size | Cabinet Type | Labor Cost Range | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (8x8) | Stock/RTA | $2,500–$3,500 | 2–3 days |
| Medium (10x10) | Semi-custom | $3,500–$5,500 | 3–4 days |
| Large (12x12+) | Custom | $5,500–$8,500 | 4–6 days |
| Galley or L-shape | Any | $3,000–$6,000 | 3–5 days |
| Master kitchen (15x15+) | Premium custom | $8,000–$12,000+ | 5–8 days |
These are labor-only ranges. Cabinet boxes, countertops, appliances, and materials are separate. We'll cover those below.
What Affects Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost
1. Cabinet Type: Stock vs Semi-Custom vs Custom
The single biggest cost driver is your cabinet choice:
- Stock or RTA (Ready-to-Assemble): $1,500–$4,500 for materials, plus labor. These come in standard sizes and limited finishes. Most big-box stores sell these. Installation is faster because sizes are standardized, but you're limited in layout options and quality varies significantly.
- Semi-Custom: $4,500–$8,000 for materials. You get more size and finish options without the full custom price tag. The boxes ship assembled and we modify on site to fit your kitchen's real dimensions — common in condo and townhome kitchens across Pompano Beach and Coral Springs.
- Custom: $8,000–$15,000+ for materials. Built to your kitchen's exact dimensions, any wood, any finish, any layout. These take longer to fabricate (6–10 weeks typically) and require more on-site fitting, especially in older Fort Lauderdale homes with out-of-square walls.
2. Demo and Prep Work
If you're replacing old cabinets, add $500–$1,500 for demolition and disposal. Here's what that covers:
- Removing old cabinets, countertops, and backsplash
- Disconnecting plumbing and electrical (if needed — we coordinate with your plumber or electrician)
- Hauling away debris
- Wall repair: patching, sanding, and priming where old cabinets were removed
- Leveling floors and walls — critical in South Florida homes built before 2000, where foundations settle and walls shift over time
3. Kitchen Size and Layout
Kitchens are typically measured in linear feet of cabinet space. A standard 10x10 kitchen has about 20 linear feet of base and upper cabinets. Here's how size affects labor:
- Small (under 15 linear ft): $2,500–$3,500. Common in condos and Lighthouse Point apartments.
- Medium (15–25 linear ft): $3,500–$5,500. The typical single-family home kitchen across Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach.
- Large (25+ linear ft): $5,500–$8,500+. Custom homes and open-plan kitchens in gated communities like Royal Palm and Boca West.
4. Additional Work That Adds to the Cost
Several extras can push the total higher. These are the most common:
| Additional Work | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crown molding installation | $200–$500 | Per kitchen, materials included |
| Lighting (under-cabinet) | $150–$400 | Hardwired or plug-in |
| Pull-out shelves/drawers | $50–$150 each | Adds function, not just looks |
| Glass door fronts | $100–$300 per door | With mullion grid if desired |
| Toe-kick drawer | $150–$300 | Hidden storage in the base |
| Island installation | $500–$1,500 | Depends on plumbing/electrical needs |
| Pot-filler rough-in | $200–$400 | Plumbing stub behind cabinets |
Cost Breakdown by City in South Florida
Labor rates vary slightly across Broward and Palm Beach counties. Here's what we typically see:
| City | Typical Labor Range (10x10 kitchen) | What Affects Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Boca Raton | $3,800–$6,500 | Premium homes, higher finish expectations, HOA access rules in gated communities |
| Fort Lauderdale | $3,500–$5,500 | Mix of older homes and condos, variable wall condition |
| Deerfield Beach | $3,500–$5,500 | 1970s–1990s homes, frequent leveling needs |
| Pompano Beach | $3,200–$5,000 | More condos and co-ops, building-specific rules |
| Coral Springs | $3,500–$5,500 | Family homes, 1980s–2000s construction, HOA coordination common |
| Coconut Creek | $3,200–$5,000 | Active adult communities (Wynmoor), specific work-hour restrictions |
| Hillsboro Beach | $4,000–$6,500 | Coastal homes, marine-grade hardware recommended, salt-air considerations |
| Lighthouse Point | $3,500–$5,500 | Canal-front and intracoastal homes, access logistics |
Why South Florida Kitchens Cost More to Install
If you've lived here long enough, you know: South Florida is not like other markets. Three things specifically affect kitchen cabinet installation costs in our region:
Humidity — The Year-Round Factor
At 70%+ humidity most of the year, MDF cabinet boxes swell and warp. We spec all-plywood box construction and seal exposed end-grain at install. It's a small detail that adds no upcharge with us, but it adds 5–10 years to the life of your cabinets. In markets with lower humidity, standard MDF with melamine coating performs fine — here, it doesn't.
Hurricane Code — Florida Building Code Requirements
In concrete-block wall homes (most post-1992 construction), we anchor upper cabinets into block with proper sleeve anchors — not just drywall toggles. This keeps cabinets secure through 130+ mph storm winds. Coastal Hillsboro Beach and intracoastal Lighthouse Point properties also need marine-grade or stainless hinges near the coast, because standard zinc hinges fail in 18–24 months in salt air.
HOA and Condo Rules
Gated communities and condos across South Florida require advance notice, work-hour windows, a certificate of insurance before demo starts, and sometimes elevator reservations for material delivery. We handle COI, schedule, and building coordination as part of every install — no hidden fees.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate
The only way to know exactly what your kitchen will cost is a real on-site visit. Here's what we check:
- Cabinet measurements — linear feet, ceiling height, wall condition
- Floor and wall level — laser-checked, because South Florida homes settle
- Utility locations — plumbing, electrical, gas behind existing cabinets
- Access — gate codes, elevator needs, work-hour restrictions
- Your needs — stock, semi-custom, or custom; timeline; budget
We provide a free on-site estimate with line-item pricing — no surprises, no hidden fees. The number we quote is the number you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Installation Cost
DIY installation saves the labor cost, but it comes with real risks. Out-of-level floors and out-of-square walls — common in South Florida homes — require experience to correct. A professional install costs $2,500–$5,500 but includes leveling, shimming, and adjustments that prevent doors from sticking and countertops from cracking. One mistake can cost more than the labor you saved.
No — cabinet installation labor is separate from countertop fabrication and installation. Most homeowners budget $1,800–$6,500 for stone countertop installation (granite, marble, or quartz) on top of cabinet costs. We coordinate with your countertop fabricator so the schedule flows properly: cabinets in first, then template, then countertop install.
A typical kitchen takes 2–5 days of on-site work. Day 1 is demo and prep (if needed). Days 2–3 are cabinet installation and leveling. Day 4–5 are finish work: crown molding, adjustments, and final touch-up. Custom kitchens or large layouts add 1–2 days. We confirm the timeline at the on-site visit.
Cabinet replacement alone (no plumbing or electrical relocation) usually doesn't require a permit. If you're moving plumbing, adding electrical, or changing the kitchen layout, your city's building department will need to review plans. In Deerfield Beach, call (954) 250-4060 for permit fees and timeline. We coordinate permit applications when needed.
Plywood box construction outperforms MDF in our climate — it resists the swelling and warping that humidity causes. Solid wood doors with proper sealing hold up better than veneer-only options. For hinges and drawer slides near the coast, we recommend marine-grade or stainless steel hardware. We spec these as standard — no upcharge.
Ready to Start Your Kitchen Project?
Get a free on-site estimate with line-item pricing. No obligation, no pressure — just honest numbers from a 25+ year South Florida installer.
Call (954) 691-5108