How Much To Reface Kitchen Cabinets? Cost Breakdown & Factors

The question of “How much to reface kitchen cabinets?” is a common one for homeowners considering a kitchen remodel. The average cost to reface kitchen cabinets typically ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and whether you hire a professional or tackle it as a DIY project. This article breaks down the costs involved, helping you estimate your refacing project and make an informed decision.

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Why Choose Cabinet Refacing Over Replacement?

Before diving into the costs, it’s important to grasp the benefits of refacing. Refacing is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to completely replacing your kitchen cabinets.

• Lower Cost: Refacing is generally significantly cheaper than replacing cabinets.
• Less Disruption: The process is quicker and less disruptive to your daily life. You avoid the demolition and extensive construction involved in a full kitchen remodel.
• Eco-Friendly: By keeping the existing cabinet boxes, you reduce waste and conserve resources.
• Customization: Refacing offers a wide range of styles, colors, and materials to choose from, allowing you to personalize your kitchen.

What is Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of your existing cabinets and applying a new veneer to the exposed surfaces of the cabinet boxes. This gives your kitchen a completely new look without the expense and hassle of a full cabinet replacement.

Deciphering the Cabinet Refacing Cost

Several factors influence the overall cabinet refacing cost. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Kitchen Size & Layout

The size of your kitchen directly affects the amount of materials and labor required. A larger kitchen with more cabinets will naturally cost more to reface than a smaller one.

• Small Kitchen (Less than 10 linear feet of cabinets): $1,000 – $3,000
• Average Kitchen (10-20 linear feet of cabinets): $3,000 – $7,000
• Large Kitchen (More than 20 linear feet of cabinets): $7,000 – $10,000+

2. Cabinet Refacing Materials Cost

The materials you select significantly impact the final price. Here’s a look at common options and their approximate costs:

Material	Description	Cost per Linear Foot (Materials Only)
Laminate	A synthetic material made by pressing thin layers of plastic resin-impregnated paper together.	$30 – $60
Wood Veneer	A thin layer of real wood applied over a substrate.	$60 – $120
Solid Wood	Using solid wood for doors and drawer fronts, with veneer on the cabinet boxes.	$150 – $300+
Rigid Thermofoil (RTF)	A durable, seamless vinyl coating applied to MDF (medium-density fiberboard) doors and drawer fronts.	$50 – $100

Cost of Refacing Kitchen Doors: The cost of doors typically accounts for a significant portion of the overall refacing budget. The more doors you have, and the more intricate the design, the higher the cost will be. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300+ per door, depending on the material and style.

3. Labor Costs: Professional vs. DIY

Professional Cabinet Refacing Cost: Hiring a professional ensures a high-quality finish and saves you time and effort. Labor costs typically range from $70 to $150 per hour, or $30 to $80 per linear foot of cabinets. The complexity of the job and the location will influence labor costs.

DIY Cabinet Refacing Cost: If you’re handy and have the necessary tools and skills, you can save money by refacing the cabinets yourself. However, be prepared to invest time and effort, and ensure you have the skills to achieve a professional-looking result. The DIY route primarily involves the cabinet refacing materials cost.

4. Hardware and Accessories

New hardware, such as knobs, pulls, hinges, and drawer slides, can enhance the look of your refaced cabinets. Set aside a budget for these items.

• Basic Hardware: $2 – $5 per piece
• Mid-Range Hardware: $5 – $15 per piece
• High-End Hardware: $15+ per piece

You may also want to consider adding accessories such as:

• Soft-close hinges and drawer slides
• Roll-out shelves
• Under-cabinet lighting

These additions will increase the overall cost but can significantly improve the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen.

5. Additional Costs

Be prepared for potential additional costs, such as:

• Removal of Old Doors and Hardware: Some contractors may charge extra for this service.
• Repairs to Cabinet Boxes: If your cabinet boxes have damage, you may need to pay for repairs before refacing.
• Painting or Staining Existing Cabinet Boxes: If the existing cabinet boxes don’t match the new doors and drawer fronts, you may need to paint or stain them.
• Plumbing or Electrical Work: If you’re making significant changes to your kitchen layout, you may need to hire a plumber or electrician.
• Permits: Depending on your location, you may need a permit for kitchen remodeling work.

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets Cost Estimator

To get a rough estimate of your refacing project, consider the following:

1. Measure your cabinets: Determine the total linear footage of your cabinets.
2. Choose your materials: Decide on the materials you want to use for the doors, drawer fronts, and veneer.
3. Decide whether to DIY or hire a professional: Factor in labor costs if you hire a professional.
4. Add hardware and accessories: Estimate the cost of new hardware and any additional accessories.
5. Add a buffer for unexpected costs: It’s always a good idea to add 10-15% to your budget to cover unforeseen expenses.

Example Calculation:

• Kitchen Size: 15 linear feet
• Material: Wood Veneer ($80 per linear foot)
• Labor (Professional): $50 per linear foot
• Hardware: $10 per piece (20 pieces = $200)

Estimated Cost: (15 x $80) + (15 x $50) + $200 = $1200 + $750 + $200 = $2,150. Add 10% buffer ($215) = $2,365.

This is just a rough estimate, so it’s best to get quotes from several contractors to get a more accurate idea of the cost.

Fathoming the Decision: Refacing Cabinets vs. Replacing

Refacing Cabinets vs Replacing: How do you decide between refacing and replacing your kitchen cabinets? Here’s a comparison:

Feature	Refacing	Replacing
Cost	Lower	Higher
Time	Faster	Slower
Disruption	Less	More
Customization	Limited to existing cabinet layout	Complete customization possible
Structural Issues	Not addressed if cabinet boxes are damaged	Can address structural issues
Resale Value	Good	Excellent

Choose refacing if:

• Your cabinet boxes are in good condition.
• You’re happy with the existing kitchen layout.
• You want to save money and time.
• You primarily want to update the look of your kitchen.

Choose replacement if:

• Your cabinet boxes are damaged or structurally unsound.
• You want to change the kitchen layout.
• You have a larger budget.
• You want to completely transform your kitchen.

Can I Reface Cabinets Myself (DIY)?

Yes, you can reface cabinets yourself. DIY cabinet refacing can save you a significant amount of money on labor costs. However, it requires careful planning, attention to detail, and some DIY skills.

Steps for DIY Cabinet Refacing:

1. Preparation: Remove doors, drawers, and hardware. Clean and sand the cabinet boxes.
2. Veneering: Apply veneer to the exposed surfaces of the cabinet boxes using contact cement or adhesive.
3. Door and Drawer Installation: Install new doors and drawer fronts with hinges.
4. Hardware Installation: Install new knobs, pulls, and other hardware.

Tools and Materials:

• Veneer or laminate
• New cabinet doors and drawer fronts
• Contact cement or adhesive
• Sandpaper
• Putty knife
• Measuring tape
• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Clamps
• Safety glasses
• Dust mask

Considerations for DIY:

• Skill Level: Assess your DIY skills and experience. Refacing requires precision and attention to detail.
• Time Commitment: Be prepared to invest a significant amount of time in the project.
• Tools: Make sure you have the necessary tools.
• Mistakes: Be prepared for potential mistakes and factor in the cost of fixing them.

Grasping The Value: Kitchen Remodel With Refacing

A kitchen remodel with refacing offers a cost-effective way to update your kitchen without the expense and disruption of a full renovation. You can combine refacing with other cosmetic updates, such as:

• New countertops
• New backsplash
• New flooring
• New lighting
• Fresh paint

These updates can transform your kitchen into a more modern and functional space without breaking the bank.

Resources for Planning Your Refacing Project

• Online Refacing Cost Calculators: Several websites offer free online refacing cost estimators. However, these are just estimates, and it’s essential to get quotes from contractors for a more accurate assessment.
• Cabinet Refacing Companies: Research local cabinet refacing companies and get quotes from several of them.
• Home Improvement Stores: Home improvement stores offer cabinet refacing materials and services.
• Online Forums and Communities: Join online forums and communities to get advice and tips from other homeowners who have refaced their cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does cabinet refacing take?

A: Refacing typically takes 3-5 days, compared to several weeks for a full cabinet replacement.

Q: What if my cabinet boxes are damaged?

A: Minor damage can often be repaired before refacing. If the damage is extensive, replacement may be a better option.

Q: Can I reface cabinets with a different style of door?

A: Yes, you can choose any style of door that fits the size and shape of your cabinet boxes.

Q: Does refacing add value to my home?

A: Yes, refacing can increase your home’s value by improving its aesthetics and functionality.

Q: How do I clean refaced cabinets?

A: Use a mild soap and water solution and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can damage the finish.

Q: What kind of warranty should I expect?
A: Most professional refacing companies offer a warranty on their workmanship and materials, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years. DIY projects won’t have a warranty on labor.