Kitchen Remodeling Guide
How Much Should You Pay for Kitchen Cabinets?

Most homeowners pay $2,000 to $20,000 for new kitchen cabinets nationally (Google AI Overview, 14 Oct 2026). Installed cabinets average about $6,300 to $7,000 (HomeAdvisor; Fixr via HomeLight). Custom cabinets for a Bethesda kitchen typically run $18,000 to $45,000+. See our custom cabinets page.
Cabinet Cost by Grade
Grade sets the price. Costs per linear foot, installed:
| Grade | Per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Stock | $100โ$300 |
| Semi-custom | $200โ$650 |
| Custom | $500โ$1,200 |
(Source: Angi via HomeLight, Jan 2026.)
What Do Cabinets Cost for a 10x10 or 12x12 Kitchen?
A 10x10 kitchen has about 20 linear feet of cabinets, and a 12x12 about 26. These are estimates, not quotes.
| Kitchen | Stock | Semi-custom | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 (~20 ft) | $2,000โ$6,000 | $4,000โ$13,000 | $10,000โ$24,000 |
| 12x12 (~26 ft) | $2,600โ$7,800 | $5,200โ$16,900 | $13,000โ$31,200 |
How Much Does Cabinet Installation Cost?
Labor-only installation runs about $50 to $200 per linear foot for a cabinet installer (HomeLight, Jan 2026). Old, uneven walls, scribing, and removing old cabinets raise the price.
What You're Paying For: Box, Doors, Drawers
Box material and drawer hardware drive lifespan more than door style. Ask for:
- Box material (plywood or particleboard)
- Drawer box and slide type
- Hinge type (soft-close)
- Finish and number of coats
Are Expensive Cabinets Worth It?
Custom pays off in odd spaces, in homes you plan to keep, and in high-end homes. Semi-custom is enough for many standard layouts.
Could You Reface Instead?
Possibly, if the boxes are sound. See reface or replace.
Need a kitchen remodeler in Montgomery County? Call (301) 953-6768
Next step
Get Cabinets Priced in an Itemized Estimate
We list cabinets as their own line so you can compare. Request your estimate.