DIY vs. Pro Cabinet Installation – What’s Right for You?

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to do the work yourself or hire a pro. From flooring , backsplash, appliances, countertops , and more, there are many different challenges when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, and doing it yourself can have its own pros and cons.

In this blog, we will be discussing cabinet installation, whether it is worthwhile to do it yourself or have a pro knock it out for you. The answer depends entirely on your experience level, available time, and the kind of results you want. We will break down the pros and cons of each option and help you make an informed decision as to whether you should hire a pro or install your cabinets DIY.
 

Comparing the Cost of DIY vs. Professional Cabinet Installation

Installing cabinets yourself can save a significant amount of money on labor. In North Carolina, labor for cabinet installation can cost anywhere between $40 and $45 per cabinet. For a full kitchen, this cost can easily add up to thousands of dollars.

By handling the installation yourself, you may save half of the total cost of the project.

However, it is important to account for the additional costs of a DIY project, such as purchasing or renting tools, delivery fees, and the cost of errors or mistakes when the installation doesn’t come out right. If you don’t already own the necessary tools or something goes wrong, your savings can disappear quickly.

Hiring a professional means a higher upfront cost, but also predictability and accountability. Contractors usually provide an accurate timeline, decades of experience, and warranties that protect your cabinets from issues in the future.
 

Are You Skilled Enough to Install Cabinets Yourself?

Installing kitchen cabinets is not like hanging a picture or a shelf. You will need a solid understanding of tools, measurements, and wall construction.

A small mistake in leveling or alignment can lead to many issues, such as doors not closing, cabinets pulling away from the wall, or crooked or uneven cabinets.

If you have experience with similar DIY home projects or have help from an experienced individual, installing the cabinets yourself can be a rewarding and cost-effective solution.

Many professionals have experience with complex layouts, uneven walls and last-minute adjustments, and can ensure that your cabinets are securely mounted and perfectly aligned. These are all things you have to take into consideration.
 

Time Commitment and Project Timeline

One of the most overlooked aspects of DIY projects is the time commitment, not just for you, but also for the help you enlist and the time your kitchen is not usable. A professional team can typically install kitchen cabinets in one to three days, depending on size and complexity.

If you are doing it yourself with maybe one other person, you can expect the project to stretch over multiple evenings and weekends, especially if you are balancing a full-time job and other responsibilities.

Professionals will work full-time and are well-equipped to handle the entire job efficiently. Not only does this save you time, but it also gets your kitchen up and running quickly.
 

Tools, Safety, and Project Complexity

You will need more than a basic set of tools. Power drills, levels, stud finders, clamps, and shims are all necessary to ensure cabinets are level and properly secured. Lifting and aligning upper cabinets will also require at least two sets of hands.

It is also important to consider safety. You will need to lift heavy cabinets on ladders and use tools that often lead to injury, not to mention the risk of drilling or damaging plumbing or electrical systems behind the wall.
 

Hybrid Approach to Installing Your Kitchen Cabinets

If this is sounding intimidating, it is important to know that many homeowners go with a more hybrid approach. You can remove your old cabinets, do the demo, and assemble the new ones if they aren’t already. Once your work area is clean and ready for new cabinets, you can hire a contractor to install the upper cabinets and align the base cabinets while you do the rest. This is a great way to save some money while ensuring the most technically difficult parts of the job are done correctly.
 

Should I Install Cabinets Myself or Hire a Pro?

Choosing between DIY and professional cabinet installation comes down to three key factors: budget, skill, and timeline.

If your goal is to save as much money as possible and you have experience with construction or similar projects, then a DIY installation is a good option.

If you want a quick turnaround with high-quality results and peace of mind, hiring a professional is worth the investment.

If you want to save some money and are on the fence, do the easy parts yourself, like demo and preparation, and then bring in help as needed.
 

Start Your Kitchen Upgrade at the Discount House

At Discount House , we offer a wide selection of stock kitchen cabinets designed for every budget and style. Whether you're handling the installation yourself or working with a contractor, we can supply you with the right products to make your dream kitchen.

Be sure to check out our cabinets page or contact our team and we will answer any questions you may have and guide you through the cabinet selection process.