When you’re planning a kitchen upgrade or dealing with a damaged cabinet, you may find yourself asking, “Is it really worth replacing just one cabinet?” or “Can I handle this myself?” At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we’ve helped countless Birmingham-area homeowners make smart, informed decisions when it comes to cabinetry. In this blog, we’ll walk you through common questions about replacement cabinetry projects, so you can make the best choice for your home and budget.
How much does it cost to replace one cabinet?
The cost to replace a single cabinet can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size, style, material, and whether it’s custom or stock. On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $350 for a single stock cabinet, while custom cabinets can cost $500 to over $1,000 per unit. Keep in mind that labor costs in the Birmingham area may add an additional $100 to $300 depending on the complexity of the installation. If plumbing, electrical, or structural modifications are involved, costs could increase. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we always provide clear, upfront pricing to help you plan accordingly.
Can you replace just one cabinet?
Yes, you absolutely can replace just one cabinet, particularly if it’s been damaged by water, wear-and-tear, or another issue. The challenge comes in matching the new cabinet to your existing ones in terms of style, size, and finish. If your cabinetry is older or custom-built, exact matches might be hard to come by. That said, we’ve helped many clients in Birmingham replace individual cabinets with creative solutions, such as repainting or refinishing surrounding units to create a cohesive look. Whether it’s a standalone pantry cabinet or a single base unit under the sink, we can guide you through your options for a seamless result.
Is it cheaper to reface or replace cabinets?
In most cases, refacing is cheaper than replacing. Refacing involves replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes intact. It’s a great solution if your cabinet frames are in good shape and you’re happy with the current layout. Refacing costs typically run 30–50% less than a full cabinet replacement, sometimes even saving over 70%, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious homeowners who still want a fresh, updated look. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we often recommend cabinet refacing for clients who want to transform their kitchens without a full remodel.
What is the cheapest way to replace kitchen cabinets?
If full replacement is necessary, the most budget-friendly approach is to use ready-to-assemble (RTA) or stock cabinets made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particle board with a laminate finish. These cabinets are mass-produced, come in standard sizes, and are widely available at home improvement stores. While not as durable or customizable as high-end options, they can serve well in rental properties or for homeowners doing light updates on a tight budget. Choosing simple hardware and doing your own painting or staining can also help reduce costs. We help our Birmingham clients weigh cost vs. quality to ensure long-term satisfaction with their investment.
Can I replace cabinets myself?
Replacing cabinets is technically a DIY-friendly project—but only if you have some experience with carpentry and are comfortable using power tools. The process involves removing old cabinets, checking for level surfaces, securely anchoring new cabinets to studs, and ensuring proper alignment. For base cabinets, you’ll also need to account for plumbing and possibly electrical adjustments. We’ve seen many homeowners in the Birmingham area start off confident, only to run into issues with measurement discrepancies or unlevel walls. If you’re not sure you’re up for it, Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is happy to step in and help ensure the job is done right the first time.
Can I replace cabinets without replacing countertops?
It is possible to get replacement cabinetry without removing your countertops, but it depends on how the countertops were installed. If your countertops are laminated or screwed into the base cabinets, they may need to be removed first. However, if they are granite, quartz, or another solid surface material that was glued or epoxied in place, it may be extremely difficult to remove the base cabinets without damaging the countertop. In those cases, we suggest evaluating the condition of both the cabinets and countertops—sometimes it makes more sense (both structurally and financially) to update both together. We’ve helped many Birmingham homeowners carefully preserve their countertops during cabinet replacements when the situation allowed.
Choosing whether to replace, reface, or repair your cabinets depends on a mix of your budget, goals, and the current condition of your kitchen. Replacement cabinetry might be all you need for a quick refresh—or it could be the start of a larger transformation. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we’re here to offer honest advice, skilled craftsmanship, and solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re updating one cabinet or revamping the entire kitchen, our team in Birmingham, AL is ready to help.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and replacement cabinetry contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
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