How Much To Reface Kitchen Cabinets? Cost Guide & Options

The answer to “How much to reface kitchen cabinets?” depends on many things, including the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. This guide breaks down all the costs associated with cabinet refacing, helping you budget for your kitchen makeover.

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Cabinet Refacing: A Cost-Effective Kitchen Update

Is your kitchen looking tired? Do you want a fresh new look without the expense and hassle of a full remodel? Refacing your cabinets might be the perfect solution. Cabinet refacing involves replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware of your existing cabinets, and applying a new veneer to the cabinet boxes. This can dramatically change the appearance of your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire cabinetry.

Deciphering Cabinet Refacing Cost Factors

Several factors influence the overall cabinet refacing cost. Knowing these can help you plan and potentially save money on your project.

Kitchen Size and Layout

Larger kitchens with more cabinets will naturally cost more to reface. The complexity of the layout also plays a role. A kitchen with many corners, islands, or unusual cabinet configurations may require more custom work and thus increase the price.

Material Selection

The materials you choose for your new doors, drawer fronts, and veneer are a major cost driver. Options range from affordable laminates to high-end wood veneers and solid wood. The cost of cabinet refacing materials can vary significantly.

Refacing Material Types and Average Costs

Material	Average Cost (per square foot)	Pros	Cons
Laminate	$5 – $15	Affordable, durable, easy to clean, many color and style options	Can look less authentic than wood, susceptible to peeling or chipping
Wood Veneer	$15 – $30	Offers a natural wood look, more affordable than solid wood, can be stained or painted	Can be susceptible to moisture damage, requires careful application
Solid Wood	$25 – $50+	High-end appearance, durable, can be refinished, adds value to your home	Most expensive option, requires proper sealing and maintenance
Rigid Thermofoil (RTF)	$10 – $20	Seamless finish, moisture-resistant, easy to clean, available in various colors and textures	Can be prone to heat damage, limited repair options

Door and Drawer Front Style

Simple, shaker-style doors are generally less expensive than ornate, raised-panel doors. Custom door designs will also increase the kitchen cabinet refacing prices.

Hardware Choices

Knobs, pulls, and hinges can add a significant cost to your project. High-end hardware can be quite expensive, so choosing more budget-friendly options can help control costs.

Professional vs. DIY Installation

Hiring a professional installer will add to the overall cabinet refacing cost, but it ensures a quality finish and can save you time and frustration. If you’re comfortable with DIY projects, you can save money on cabinet refacing labor costs by doing the work yourself.

Existing Cabinet Condition

If your existing cabinet boxes are damaged or require significant repairs, this will add to the cost of the project. Warped or unlevel cabinets may need special attention before refacing.

Estimating Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Getting a precise refacing kitchen cabinets estimate requires careful assessment of your kitchen. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay:

Average Cost Ranges

• Small Kitchen (less than 10 linear feet of cabinets): \$1,000 – \$3,000
• Medium Kitchen (10-20 linear feet of cabinets): \$3,000 – \$7,000
• Large Kitchen (over 20 linear feet of cabinets): \$7,000 – \$10,000+

These are just estimates, and your actual cost may vary. The average cost to reface cabinets nationally is around \$6,500.

Breaking Down the Costs

A typical cabinet refacing project involves these expenses:

• Materials (doors, drawer fronts, veneer, hardware, adhesives): 40-60% of the total cost
• Labor (professional installation): 40-60% of the total cost (if applicable)

For example, on a \$5,000 project, you might spend \$2,500 on materials and \$2,500 on labor.

Examining Professional Cabinet Refacing Costs

Hiring a professional installer offers several advantages:

• Expertise and Experience: Professionals have the knowledge and skills to ensure a high-quality finish.
• Time Savings: Refacing can be time-consuming, and a professional can complete the project much faster.
• Warranty: Many professional installers offer warranties on their work.

However, professional installation adds to the cabinet refacing labor costs.

Getting Multiple Quotes

It’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple contractors before hiring someone. This allows you to compare prices and services and find the best value for your money.

Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

• Are they licensed and insured?
• Do they have experience with cabinet refacing?
• Can they provide references?
• What is their estimated timeline for the project?
• What is their payment schedule?
• Do they offer a warranty on their work?

Grasping DIY Cabinet Refacing Costs and Considerations

Refacing your cabinets yourself can save you money on labor costs, but it requires time, skill, and patience. It can impact your DIY cabinet refacing cost.

Essential Tools and Materials

You’ll need a variety of tools and materials, including:

• Measuring tape
• Screwdrivers
• Sandpaper
• Adhesive
• Clamps
• Jigsaw
• Drill
• Level
• New cabinet doors and drawer fronts
• Veneer
• Hardware

Where to Buy Refacing Materials

You can purchase cabinet refacing materials from:

• Home improvement stores (e.g., Home Depot, Lowe’s)
• Online retailers
• Cabinet supply companies

Tips for Successful DIY Refacing

• Take accurate measurements.
• Prepare the surfaces properly.
• Use high-quality materials.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Don’t rush the process.

Cabinet Door Replacement Cost: A Simpler Option?

If your cabinet boxes are in good shape and you only want to update the look of your kitchen, simply replacing the doors and drawer fronts may be a more affordable option than full refacing. The cabinet door replacement cost is generally lower than refacing because you’re only replacing part of the cabinets.

Factors Affecting Door Replacement Cost

• Door Material: Wood, laminate, and RTF doors have different price points.
• Door Style: Simple styles are less expensive than ornate designs.
• Door Size: Larger doors cost more.
• Hardware: Knobs, pulls, and hinges add to the cost.

Average Door Replacement Costs

Expect to pay anywhere from \$50 to \$500 per door, depending on the factors listed above.

Refacing vs Replacing Cabinets Cost: Which Is Right for You?

Deciding between refacing and replacing your cabinets depends on your budget, goals, and the condition of your existing cabinets.

Refacing: Pros and Cons

• Pros: Less expensive than replacing, less disruptive, environmentally friendly (reuses existing cabinets).
• Cons: Limited design changes, requires good cabinet box condition, may not address underlying structural issues.

Replacing: Pros and Cons

• Pros: Complete design flexibility, opportunity to improve kitchen layout, addresses structural issues.
• Cons: More expensive than refacing, more disruptive, longer project timeline.

Comparing the Costs

Refacing typically costs 40-60% of the price of replacing your cabinets.

When to Choose Refacing

• Your cabinet boxes are in good condition.
• You like your current kitchen layout.
• You want to save money.
• You want a less disruptive renovation.

When to Choose Replacing

• Your cabinet boxes are damaged or outdated.
• You want to change your kitchen layout.
• You have a larger budget.
• You want a completely new look.

Fathoming Kitchen Remodel Cost with Refacing

If you’re planning a larger kitchen remodel, refacing your cabinets can be a great way to save money without sacrificing style.

Integrating Refacing into a Larger Project

You can combine refacing with other updates, such as:

• New countertops
• New backsplash
• New flooring
• New appliances
• New lighting

Budgeting for a Complete Remodel

When planning a complete kitchen remodel, be sure to factor in the cost of cabinet refacing, as well as the other updates you’re planning. The kitchen remodel cost with refacing will depend on the scope of the project.

Optimizing Refacing for Maximum Impact

Even within the realm of refacing, there are ways to get the most bang for your buck:

• Focus on High-Impact Areas: Prioritize refacing cabinets that are most visible.
• Update Hardware: New knobs and pulls can dramatically change the look of your cabinets.
• Consider Open Shelving: Replacing some upper cabinets with open shelving can create a more modern and airy feel.
• Add Decorative Elements: Crown molding, light rails, and other decorative elements can enhance the look of your refaced cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the lifespan of refaced cabinets? Refaced cabinets can last for 10-15 years or more with proper care.
• Can I reface cabinets with laminate? Yes, laminate is a popular and affordable refacing material.
• Is refacing environmentally friendly? Yes, refacing is more environmentally friendly than replacing cabinets because it reuses existing materials.
• Does refacing add value to my home? Yes, refacing can increase the value of your home by updating the look of your kitchen.
• Can you reface kitchen islands? Absolutely! Refacing kitchen islands is common and a great way to update the overall look.

By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can accurately estimate the cabinet refacing cost and make informed decisions about your kitchen renovation. Whether you choose to hire a professional or tackle the project yourself, refacing your cabinets can be a cost-effective and stylish way to transform your kitchen.