Wondering about the kitchen cabinet refacing price? The cost of refacing kitchen cabinets typically ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, with the national average cost for kitchen cabinet refacing landing around $5,000. This figure can vary based on many factors, including the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and whether you hire professionals or go the DIY route. Let’s dive deeper to help you budget effectively for your kitchen cabinet makeover.
Revitalizing your kitchen doesn’t always mean tearing everything out and starting from scratch. Kitchen cabinet refacing offers a fantastic middle ground, giving your kitchen a fresh, updated look without the hefty price tag and disruption of a full renovation. But before you commit, it’s essential to get a clear picture of the costs involved. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the kitchen cabinet refacing price.
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What is Kitchen Cabinet Refacing?
Kitchen cabinet refacing is a process where you update the look of your existing cabinets without replacing the entire cabinet box. Instead, you typically replace the doors and drawer fronts and then cover the visible frames (the “boxes”) with a matching material. This is a great way to give your kitchen a significant facelift by focusing on the most visible elements.
Refacing Cabinets vs. New Cabinets Cost
When considering a kitchen update, it’s natural to weigh your options. Refacing cabinets vs new cabinets cost is a significant deciding factor. Generally, refacing cabinets can save you anywhere from 30% to 50% compared to installing entirely new custom cabinets. This is because you’re leveraging the existing cabinet boxes, which represent a substantial portion of the overall cost and labor.
- New Cabinets: This involves removing your old cabinets entirely and installing new ones. This gives you the freedom to change the layout, style, and materials completely. However, it’s the most expensive option, often ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 or even more for large kitchens with high-end materials.
- Refacing Cabinets: This process keeps your existing cabinet boxes and updates the fronts. You get new doors, drawer fronts, and a new veneer or laminate applied to the exposed cabinet frames. This is a cost-effective way to achieve a brand-new look.
- Cabinet Refinishing: This involves sanding down the existing cabinet surfaces, repairing any damage, and applying a new stain or paint. It’s the least expensive option, but it doesn’t change the style of the doors or drawer fronts.
The Benefits of Cabinet Refacing
Why choose refacing over other options?
- Cost Savings: As mentioned, it’s significantly cheaper than new cabinets.
- Speed: The process is generally faster than a full cabinet replacement.
- Less Disruption: You don’t have to remove the entire cabinet structure, meaning less mess and less time without a functional kitchen.
- Eco-Friendly: You’re reusing the existing cabinet boxes, reducing waste.
- Customizable: You can choose new door styles, colors, and hardware to dramatically change your kitchen’s appearance.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
The kitchen cabinet refacing price is not a one-size-fits-all number. Several key factors contribute to the final cabinet refacing project cost.
Kitchen Size and Number of Cabinets
This is perhaps the most significant driver of cost. The more cabinets you have, the more materials and labor will be required. Professionals often quote prices based on linear feet or the number of doors and drawers.
- Small Kitchen: Typically has fewer cabinets and may cost around $2,500 – $5,000.
- Medium Kitchen: With a moderate number of cabinets, expect costs in the $4,000 – $8,000 range.
- Large Kitchen: Extensive cabinetry can push the cost of refacing kitchen cabinets to $6,000 – $10,000 or more.
Material Choices for Doors and Drawer Fronts
The materials you select for your new doors and drawer fronts will greatly impact the overall kitchen cabinet refacing price.
- Laminate: A budget-friendly option. Laminate veneers are durable, easy to clean, and come in a wide variety of colors and wood-grain patterns.
- Cost Range (per door/drawer front): $30 – $70
- Wood Veneer: A step up from laminate, offering a more natural wood look. Popular wood species include maple, oak, cherry, and hickory. The type of wood will affect the price.
- Cost Range (per door/drawer front): $50 – $150
- Thermofoil: A vinyl film applied over MDF. It’s seamless, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture, but can be susceptible to damage from heat.
- Cost Range (per door/drawer front): $40 – $90
- Solid Wood: The most premium option. It offers the best durability and natural beauty but comes with the highest price tag.
- Cost Range (per door/drawer front): $80 – $200+
Refacing the Cabinet Boxes
The process of covering the exposed cabinet frames, often called “veneering” or “refacing the boxes,” also adds to the cost. This is usually done with matching laminate or wood veneer. The quality and thickness of this material will influence the price.
- Laminate Overlay: Generally the most affordable for the boxes.
- Wood Veneer Overlay: More expensive but offers a more premium finish.
Hardware and Accessories
Don’t forget the cost of new hardware! New cabinet knobs and pulls can add a stylish touch and are a relatively small part of the overall cabinet refacing project cost.
- Knobs: $2 – $15 each
- Pulls: $3 – $25 each
You might also consider upgrading other cabinet components like hinges or drawer slides for a smoother operation, which will add to the total.
Labor Costs: Professional vs. DIY
Whether you hire a professional or tackle the project yourself significantly impacts the kitchen cabinet refacing price.
Professional Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Prices
Hiring a professional company ensures the job is done correctly and efficiently. They have the experience and tools to achieve a seamless finish.
- What’s Included: Professional services typically cover consultation, design, removal of old doors/drawer fronts, installation of new ones, and application of new veneers to the cabinet frames.
- Cost Range: This is where you see the higher end of the average cost for kitchen cabinet refacing. Expect to pay between $4,000 and $10,000 for a professionally refaced kitchen. The professional kitchen cabinet refacing prices reflect the expertise, warranty, and convenience offered.
DIY Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Cost
If you’re handy and have the time, a DIY approach can save a considerable amount on labor.
- What You’ll Pay For: You’ll primarily be paying for the materials: new doors, drawer fronts, veneer, adhesive, and any necessary tools you don’t already own.
- Cost Range: The DIY kitchen cabinet refacing cost can range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the size of your kitchen and the quality of materials you choose. This significantly lowers the overall kitchen cabinet refacing price.
- Considerations: Be realistic about your skills. Refacing requires precision, especially when applying veneers to ensure a smooth, bubble-free finish. Improper installation can lead to a less-than-professional look.
Cabinet Refinishing Cost
It’s important to distinguish refacing from refinishing. Cabinet refinishing cost is considerably lower because you’re not replacing doors or drawer fronts.
- Process: This involves sanding, staining, or painting the existing cabinet doors and boxes.
- Cost Range: If you DIY, the cost can be as low as $100-$300 for supplies. Professionally, cabinet refinishing cost might be $2,000 – $5,000 for the entire kitchen, depending on the complexity and desired finish. This is an excellent option if you like your current door styles but want a new color.
Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement Cost
Sometimes, only the doors and drawer fronts are outdated, while the cabinet boxes are still in good condition. In this case, you might opt for kitchen cabinet door replacement cost alone.
- What’s Included: This involves ordering new doors and drawer fronts to fit your existing cabinet boxes and then installing them yourself or hiring a handyman.
- Cost Range: This can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending heavily on the material and style of the new doors. This is a more affordable subset of the total refacing cost.
Breakdown of Typical Refacing Costs
Let’s break down where your money goes in a typical refacing project.
Material Costs
- New Doors and Drawer Fronts: This is usually the largest material expense, ranging from 50-70% of the total material cost.
- Veneer/Laminate for Cabinet Boxes: This covers the exposed frames and sides, typically 20-30% of material costs.
- Adhesives and Finishes: Glues, sealants, and any touch-up paints.
- Hardware: Knobs, pulls, and potentially new hinges.
Labor Costs (if hiring professionals)
- Demolition/Preparation: Removing old doors, cleaning surfaces.
- Veneer Application: Carefully adhering new veneers to cabinet frames.
- Installation: Attaching new doors and drawer fronts, adjusting hinges.
- Cleanup: Removing debris.
The Cabinet Refacing Process: What to Expect
Understanding the steps involved can help you better estimate the time and effort, whether you DIY or hire pros.
Step 1: Consultation and Design
- A professional will assess your existing cabinets, measure everything, and discuss your desired look.
- You’ll select door styles, finishes, and hardware.
- You’ll receive a detailed quote based on these selections.
Step 2: Ordering Materials
- Custom doors and drawer fronts are ordered to fit your exact cabinet box dimensions.
- Veneers for the cabinet boxes are prepared.
Step 3: Preparation
- Your old cabinet doors and drawer fronts are removed.
- The cabinet boxes are cleaned thoroughly and any minor repairs are made.
- Surfaces are prepped for the new veneer.
Step 4: Applying New Veneers
- This is a critical step for a professional finish. The veneer is carefully applied to the visible frames and sides of the cabinet boxes, ensuring a smooth, seamless look.
Step 5: Installing New Doors and Drawer Fronts
- The new doors and drawer fronts are attached to the cabinet boxes.
- Hinges are adjusted for proper alignment and smooth operation.
Step 6: Hardware Installation and Final Touches
- New knobs or pulls are installed.
- The kitchen is cleaned, and any remaining debris is removed.
Cost Considerations for Different Refacing Styles
The cabinet resurfacing cost can vary based on the specific style of refacing you choose.
Full Refacing
This involves replacing doors and drawer fronts and applying new veneers to the cabinet boxes. This gives the most dramatic transformation and is the most comprehensive form of refacing.
- Typical Cost: $4,000 – $10,000+
- Pros: Complete makeover, like new cabinets.
- Cons: Most expensive refacing option.
Refacing Doors and Drawer Fronts Only
This is a more budget-friendly approach where you only replace the visible fronts and may opt out of veneering the cabinet boxes if they are in good condition and you plan to paint them yourself or leave them as-is.
- Typical Cost: $1,000 – $5,000 (for materials and installation of fronts)
- Pros: More affordable, still a significant visual update.
- Cons: Doesn’t update the cabinet box appearance.
Refacing with Wood Veneer vs. Laminate
- Wood Veneer Refacing: Offers a natural, premium look. Expect higher costs for both doors and box veneers.
- Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $10,000+
- Laminate Refacing: A durable and economical choice. The kitchen cabinet refacing price will be on the lower end of the spectrum.
- Estimated Cost: $2,500 – $7,000
Comparing Costs: Refacing, Refinishing, and Replacement
To solidify your decision, let’s compare the typical costs:
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Cabinets | $10,000 – $30,000+ | Complete customization, layout change possible | Most expensive, longest disruption |
| Professional Refacing | $4,000 – $10,000 | Significant update, cost-effective, less disruptive | Limited to existing layout, less customization than new |
| DIY Refacing | $1,000 – $4,000 | Most budget-friendly, satisfaction of DIY | Requires skill & time, potential for errors |
| Professional Refinishing | $2,000 – $5,000 | Affordable update, preserves door style | Doesn’t change door style or functionality |
| DIY Refinishing | $100 – $300 | Cheapest option, preserves door style | Time-consuming, requires skill, doesn’t change style |
| Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement | $1,000 – $5,000+ | Updates appearance, can be more affordable than full refacing | Doesn’t address cabinet box appearance |
As you can see, refacing cabinets vs new cabinets cost shows significant savings with refacing.
Tips for Managing Your Cabinet Refacing Budget
- Get Multiple Quotes: Always get quotes from at least three different companies. Compare not only the price but also what’s included in their service.
- Consider Your Timeline: If you’re on a tight schedule, professional services might be worth the extra cost for speed and efficiency.
- Factor in Unexpected Costs: Always have a contingency fund (10-15%) for unforeseen issues.
- DIY Smartly: If you choose DIY, research thoroughly. Start with a small project (like a single cabinet door) to test your skills before tackling the whole kitchen.
- Prioritize Quality: While saving money is important, investing in good quality materials will ensure your cabinets look great for years to come. Poor quality veneers or doors can peel or warp.
- Hardware Matters: Sometimes, simply updating your hardware can make a big difference for a low cost, especially if your doors and drawer fronts are in good shape.
When is Cabinet Refacing the Right Choice?
Cabinet refacing is an excellent option if:
- Your current cabinet boxes are structurally sound and well-built.
- You like the current layout of your kitchen.
- You want a significant visual upgrade without the expense of entirely new cabinets.
- You are looking for a faster renovation process compared to replacing cabinets.
When Might New Cabinets Be Better?
Consider new cabinets if:
- Your existing cabinet boxes are damaged, warped, or poorly constructed.
- You need to change the kitchen’s layout for better functionality.
- You want complete freedom in choosing materials, styles, and features.
- You have a higher budget and want the ultimate customization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does kitchen cabinet refacing typically take?
A: Professional refacing usually takes between 3 to 7 days, depending on the kitchen size and the contractor’s schedule. DIY can take longer, spread out over weekends.
Q2: Can I reface cabinets myself?
A: Yes, you can, but it requires patience, precision, and the right tools. If you’re not comfortable with detailed work, it’s best to hire professionals to ensure a quality finish.
Q3: What’s the difference between refacing and resurfacing?
A: “Refacing” typically refers to replacing doors and drawer fronts and applying new veneers to the cabinet frames. “Resurfacing” is a broader term that can include refacing, but it can also refer to just painting or staining existing cabinets (refinishing) or applying a new surface to the existing doors and drawer fronts themselves. When discussing cabinet resurfacing cost, it’s crucial to clarify if it includes new doors or just a surface treatment.
Q4: How much does kitchen cabinet door replacement cost on its own?
A: As mentioned, kitchen cabinet door replacement cost can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the material and style of the doors you choose.
Q5: Does refacing include new drawer boxes?
A: Typically, refacing focuses on the visible parts of the cabinets. It usually does not include new drawer boxes unless specified. If your drawer boxes are in poor condition, you might consider upgrading them separately or opting for full replacement.
Q6: How long do refaced cabinets last?
A: If done with quality materials and professional installation, refaced cabinets can last as long as new cabinets, often 15-20 years or more.
Q7: Is refacing cheaper than painting cabinets?
A: Generally, refacing cabinets vs new cabinets cost is less than new cabinets. Painting cabinets is usually cheaper than refacing, especially if you DIY. However, refacing offers a more dramatic transformation and replaces the worn-out doors and drawer fronts, which painting alone does not. The cabinet refinishing cost will almost always be lower than a full refacing project.
Q8: What is the cheapest way to update kitchen cabinets?
A: The cheapest ways are DIY cabinet painting or staining (refinishing). If you want to replace the doors and drawer fronts but keep the boxes, sourcing budget-friendly doors and installing them yourself can also be quite cost-effective, though the cabinet resurfacing cost in this scenario might still be higher than a simple paint job.
In conclusion, understanding the various factors that contribute to the kitchen cabinet refacing price is key to budgeting effectively. Whether you opt for professional services or a DIY approach, refacing is a powerful way to refresh your kitchen’s look and feel without breaking the bank. Always get detailed quotes and compare options to find the best solution for your budget and needs.