Image Source: premiercabinetpainting.com
How Much Does Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Cost?
The cabinet refacing cost can vary significantly, but generally ranges from $2,500 to $12,000 or more for a typical kitchen. The cost of cabinet refacing depends on several factors, including the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, the complexity of the design, and the services you need. Many homeowners opt for cabinet refacing as an alternative to a full kitchen remodel because it offers a refreshed look for a lower price.
Deciphering the Price of Cabinet Refacing
When you’re looking to update your kitchen’s appearance without the expense and disruption of a complete renovation, cabinet refacing often comes to mind. This process involves giving your existing cabinets a new lease on life by replacing the doors and drawer fronts and covering the visible frames with a new material. But before you dive in, you’ll want to get a clear picture of the kitchen cabinet refacing prices.
This guide aims to break down the various components that influence how much you can expect to pay for this popular service. We’ll explore the materials involved, the labor costs, and other considerations that can impact your final cabinet refacing estimate.
What Exactly is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is a smart way to transform your kitchen. Instead of ripping out your old cabinets and installing new ones, refacing upgrades the most visible parts. This typically means:
- New Doors and Drawer Fronts: These are the most impactful elements. You can choose from a wide variety of styles, wood types, and finishes.
- New Veneer or Laminate: The exposed cabinet frames (the boxes) are covered with a matching veneer or laminate. This creates a seamless, updated look.
- New Hardware: Often, new knobs or pulls are included or can be added to complete the refreshed aesthetic.
It’s important to distinguish refacing from other cabinet update methods:
- Refinishing: This involves sanding down the existing finish and applying a new stain or paint. The original doors and drawer fronts are kept.
- Reglazing: Similar to refinishing, this typically involves cleaning and reapplying a clear coat or a light tint.
- Refacing: This is what we’re focusing on – replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and covering the cabinet boxes.
- Replacement: This is a full gut job, removing old cabinets and installing entirely new ones. This is the most expensive option.
Factors Influencing Your Refacing Cost
Several key elements will shape your overall refacing kitchen cabinets cost:
Kitchen Size and Cabinet Count
The most obvious factor is the size of your kitchen and the sheer number of cabinets you have. More cabinets mean more doors, drawer fronts, and frame areas to cover. A professional will typically count the number of doors and drawer fronts to provide an accurate quote.
- Small Kitchen: Typically 10-15 doors and drawer fronts.
- Medium Kitchen: Typically 15-25 doors and drawer fronts.
- Large Kitchen: Typically 25+ doors and drawer fronts.
Material Choices
The materials you select for your new doors, drawer fronts, and frame coverings will significantly impact the price.
- Veneers: Thin layers of real wood. They offer a genuine wood look at a moderate price point. Oak, maple, and cherry are common choices.
- Laminates: These are synthetic materials, often made of plastic or vinyl, applied over particleboard or MDF. They are durable and come in a vast array of colors and patterns, including realistic wood grains. Laminates are generally more budget-friendly than veneers.
- Thermafoil: This is a vinyl film that is heat-pressed onto MDF. It’s smooth, durable, and available in various colors and finishes, including high-gloss options. It’s a popular mid-range choice.
- Wood: While refacing primarily uses veneers or laminates for the frames, you can also choose solid wood for your doors and drawer fronts. This is the most premium option and will significantly increase the cabinet refacing estimate. Different wood species have different price points.
Common Wood Species and Their Cost Implications
| Wood Type | Typical Characteristics | Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Maple | Hard, fine grain, takes stain well, light color | Medium |
| Oak | Hard, prominent grain pattern, durable, classic look | Medium |
| Cherry | Hard, smooth grain, darkens over time, elegant | High |
| Birch | Hard, smooth grain, similar to maple but more affordable | Medium-Low |
| Hickory | Very hard, distinctive grain, rustic feel | Medium-High |
| Pine | Soft, visible knots, rustic appeal, less durable | Low |
Door and Drawer Front Styles
The style of your new doors and drawer fronts also plays a role in the cabinet refacing cost.
- Flat-Panel (Shaker Style): Simple, clean lines, generally the most affordable.
- Raised-Panel: Features a central panel that is raised, adding depth and detail. These are more expensive than flat-panel doors.
- Recessed-Panel: Similar to raised-panel but with a recessed center.
- Mullion Doors: Doors with glass inserts and decorative frames. These are typically an add-on cost.
- Custom Designs: Any unique or intricate designs will command a higher price.
Drawer Box Construction
While refacing primarily focuses on the visible exterior, some services might include upgrading or repairing the actual drawer boxes. If your existing drawer boxes are worn or poorly constructed, you might consider replacing them with new ones, which adds to the cost to reface cabinets.
Hardware Selection
New knobs, pulls, and hinges can add a fresh look and are often included in refacing packages. However, higher-end or more decorative hardware will increase the overall expense.
Additional Features and Upgrades
Consider if you need:
- New drawer glides: For smoother operation.
- New hinges: For improved functionality and aesthetics.
- Customizing cabinet configurations: Such as adding pull-out shelves or lazy Susans. These are usually considered upgrades and will affect your cabinet refacing services cost.
- Refacing the exposed sides of island cabinets: This is often an additional charge.
Labor Costs
The majority of the cabinet refacing cost is often attributed to labor. This includes:
- Removal of old doors and drawer fronts.
- Preparation of cabinet frames (cleaning, minor repairs).
- Application of new veneer or laminate to the frames.
- Installation of new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.
- Cleanup and disposal of old materials.
The complexity of your kitchen layout, the accessibility of the cabinets, and the specific contractor’s rates will all influence labor costs.
Getting a Cabinet Refacing Estimate: What to Expect
When you request a cabinet refacing estimate, a professional will typically:
- Visit your home: To assess the scope of work, measure your cabinets, and discuss your material and style preferences.
- Provide a detailed quote: This should itemize the costs for materials, labor, and any additional services.
- Discuss the timeline: Refacing typically takes 3-7 days, depending on the project’s size and complexity.
What’s Included in a Typical Estimate?
A good cabinet refacing estimate should clearly outline:
- Number of doors and drawer fronts being replaced.
- Type of material for doors and drawer fronts (e.g., maple veneer, thermofoil).
- Type of material for frame covering (e.g., matching veneer, laminate).
- Style of doors and drawer fronts.
- Type of hinges and drawer glides (if included).
- Cost of hardware (knobs/pulls).
- Labor charges.
- Any disposal fees.
- Warranty information.
What Might NOT Be Included?
Be sure to ask what is not covered. This could include:
- Structural repairs to the cabinets themselves.
- Moving plumbing or electrical.
- Painting or re-tiling walls.
- New countertops or backsplashes.
Average Cabinet Refacing Cost Breakdown
To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at a hypothetical breakdown of average cabinet refacing cost for a medium-sized kitchen (approximately 15-20 doors and drawer fronts):
| Item | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Doors and Drawer Fronts | $1,000 – $4,000 | Depends on material (laminate vs. wood), style, and number of units. |
| Frame Covering (Veneer/Laminate) | $500 – $2,000 | Cost to cover the visible cabinet boxes. |
| Hardware (Hinges, Knobs, Pulls) | $200 – $800 | Varies greatly based on quality and style. |
| Labor | $1,500 – $5,000 | Includes removal, preparation, application, and installation. |
| Contingency/Miscellaneous | $200 – $500 | For unforeseen issues or small upgrades. |
| Total Average Cabinet Refacing Cost | $3,400 – $12,300 | This is a broad range; actual costs will vary. |
Cost of Cabinet Refacing by Material Type
Let’s refine this further by looking at how material choice impacts the refacing cabinet doors cost and the overall project.
Laminate Refacing Costs
- Pros: Very affordable, wide variety of colors and patterns, durable, easy to clean.
- Cons: Can look less premium than real wood, can be prone to peeling at edges if not installed properly.
- Estimated Cost for a Medium Kitchen: $2,500 – $6,000
Thermofoil Refacing Costs
- Pros: Smooth, seamless finish, good durability, available in high-gloss.
- Cons: Can be susceptible to heat damage or peeling over time, especially near ovens or dishwashers.
- Estimated Cost for a Medium Kitchen: $3,000 – $7,000
Wood Veneer Refacing Costs
- Pros: Offers the look and feel of real wood, wide range of wood species and stain options, good durability.
- Cons: More expensive than laminate or thermofoil, can be susceptible to scratches and dents like any wood product.
- Estimated Cost for a Medium Kitchen: $4,000 – $9,000
Solid Wood Doors (with Veneer Frames)
- Pros: Highest quality and most natural look, most durable.
- Cons: Most expensive option.
- Estimated Cost for a Medium Kitchen: $6,000 – $12,000+
Refacing Cabinet Doors Cost Separately
Sometimes, homeowners only need to replace their doors and drawer fronts, perhaps because the cabinet frames are still in good condition. In this scenario, the refacing cabinet doors cost alone can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending heavily on the material and style of the doors. This doesn’t include the cost of refacing the cabinet boxes, which would be an additional expense.
Comparing Cabinet Refacing to Other Options
It’s helpful to compare the cost of cabinet refacing to other popular kitchen update methods:
Cabinet Refinishing vs. Refacing
- Refinishing: Costs can range from $500 to $2,000 for DIY, or $1,500 to $4,000+ for professional services. This is generally less expensive than refacing, but it doesn’t change the style of your doors or drawer fronts, and it doesn’t address worn-out cabinet boxes.
- Refacing: As we’ve discussed, typically $2,500 – $12,000+. Offers a more dramatic transformation by changing the style and appearance of both doors and frames.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement
- Replacement: Costs can start at $5,000 for very basic, off-the-shelf cabinets and can easily go up to $20,000 or much more for custom, high-end cabinetry. This is the most expensive option but provides a completely new cabinet system.
When is Refacing the Best Choice?
Cabinet refacing is an excellent option if:
- Your existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound and in good condition.
- You like the current layout of your kitchen.
- You want a significant visual upgrade without the cost and disruption of a full remodel.
- You’re looking for a middle-ground solution between refinishing and full replacement.
Tips for Getting the Best Value on Refacing
- Get Multiple Quotes: Always obtain at least three detailed quotes from reputable companies. Compare not only the price but also what is included, the materials offered, and the warranty.
- Check Reviews and References: Look for companies with a strong track record and positive customer feedback.
- Ask About Warranties: A good warranty on materials and workmanship can provide peace of mind.
- Consider Timing: Sometimes, contractors offer discounts during off-peak seasons.
- DIY vs. Professional: While some parts of refacing can be done by a skilled DIYer (like replacing doors), covering the frames with veneer requires precision and can be challenging. Professional installation is generally recommended for a flawless finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Refacing Costs
Q1: How much does cabinet refacing cost per linear foot?
A: While not always quoted this way, some contractors might use a linear foot measurement. This can range from $100 to $300 per linear foot, but it’s more common to get quotes based on the number of doors and drawer fronts.
Q2: Can I refacing my kitchen cabinets myself?
A: Yes, it’s possible for DIY enthusiasts. You can purchase pre-cut veneers, new doors, and drawer fronts. However, achieving a professional, seamless finish, especially on the cabinet frames, requires patience, skill, and the right tools. For most homeowners, professional cabinet refacing services cost is worth the investment for a high-quality result.
Q3: What’s the difference between refacing and resurfacing kitchen cabinets?
A: While often used interchangeably, “resurfacing” can sometimes imply simply applying a new surface material like laminate or veneer to the existing doors and drawer fronts. “Refacing” is the more comprehensive term, which always includes replacing the doors and drawer fronts and typically covers the cabinet frames with new material. The kitchen cabinet resurfacing cost might be slightly lower if it only involves the frames.
Q4: Is cabinet refacing more expensive than painting cabinets?
A: Yes, generally cabinet refacing is more expensive than painting cabinets. Painting offers a cosmetic update, while refacing involves replacing major components and covering cabinet boxes, providing a more substantial transformation.
Q5: How long does cabinet refacing take?
A: The process typically takes 3 to 7 business days, depending on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the cabinets, and the contractor’s schedule.
Q6: Does cabinet refacing add value to my home?
A: Yes, a kitchen remodel, including cabinet refacing, is often one of the most impactful ways to increase your home’s value. It significantly improves the aesthetics and functionality of a central living space.
In conclusion, the cost of cabinet refacing is a worthwhile investment for many homeowners looking to update their kitchen. By carefully considering the factors discussed, you can obtain an accurate cabinet refacing estimate and make an informed decision that fits your budget and your vision for your dream kitchen.