Can you reface kitchen cabinets? Yes, you can reface kitchen cabinets, and it’s a popular alternative to a full replacement when you like your current layout but want a fresh new look.
Refacing kitchen cabinets can breathe new life into your kitchen without the hefty price tag or disruptive renovation of a complete overhaul. But how much does this popular update actually cost? The kitchen cabinet refacing cost varies significantly based on several factors, but generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $9,000 or more for a typical kitchen. This is often a substantial saving compared to the cost to redo kitchen cabinets entirely, which can easily range from $10,000 to $30,000 or higher.
This guide will break down the expenses involved in cabinet resurfacing price, helping you budget for your kitchen cabinet transformation. We’ll explore what goes into the kitchen cabinet remodeling cost, differentiate it from other options like cabinet refinishing cost, and consider the impact of choices like cabinet door replacement cost.
Image Source: cdn.kitchencabinetkings.com
Why Choose Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is essentially a cosmetic upgrade. It involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes – the frames that attach to your walls – and replacing the visible parts. This typically means new cabinet doors and drawer fronts, along with a new veneer or laminate applied to the exposed cabinet frames.
The primary benefits include:
- Cost Savings: As mentioned, it’s significantly cheaper than replacing cabinets.
- Less Disruption: You don’t have to remove and reinstall entire cabinets, leading to a quicker and less messy process.
- Improved Aesthetics: You get a completely new look for your kitchen without altering the layout.
- Environmentally Friendly: By reusing the existing cabinet boxes, you reduce waste.
Factors Influencing Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Cost
The average cost of refacing cabinets isn’t a single number. It’s a range influenced by the materials you choose, the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the cabinet design, and whether you hire professionals or tackle it yourself.
1. Size of Your Kitchen
A larger kitchen with more cabinets will naturally cost more to reface than a smaller one. The number of doors, drawer fronts, and exposed cabinet sides all contribute to the overall price.
- Small Kitchen (10-12 cabinets): $2,000 – $4,000
- Medium Kitchen (15-20 cabinets): $4,000 – $7,000
- Large Kitchen (25+ cabinets): $7,000 – $10,000+
2. Materials for Doors and Drawer Fronts
This is perhaps the biggest driver of cost. The type of wood or material used for your new doors and drawer fronts significantly impacts the kitchen cabinet refacing cost.
Common Material Options and Their Cost Impact:
- Laminate/Veneer:
- Pros: Most affordable option, wide variety of colors and patterns, easy to clean.
- Cons: Can look less premium than wood, prone to chipping if not well-maintained.
- Cost: Typically adds $75 – $150 per door/drawer front.
- Thermofoil:
- Pros: Smooth, seamless surface, durable, affordable.
- Cons: Can delaminate or scorch with heat over time.
- Cost: Similar to laminate, around $80 – $160 per door/drawer front.
- Hardwoods (Maple, Cherry, Oak, Birch):
- Pros: Natural beauty, durable, can be stained or painted, offers a high-end look.
- Cons: More expensive, can be affected by humidity.
- Cost: Varies by wood type:
- Oak/Birch: $100 – $200 per door/drawer front
- Maple: $120 – $220 per door/drawer front
- Cherry/Walnut: $150 – $300+ per door/drawer front
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) with Veneer or Paint:
- Pros: Stable, smooth surface ideal for painting, cost-effective.
- Cons: Not as water-resistant as solid wood, can be heavy.
- Cost: Often comparable to laminate or thermofoil when veneered, or slightly more when painted professionally.
3. Style of Doors and Drawer Fronts
Beyond the material, the design of your doors and drawer fronts plays a role.
- Flat-Panel (Shaker Style): Generally the most budget-friendly due to simpler construction.
- Raised-Panel: More intricate construction, leading to a higher cabinet door replacement cost.
- Recessed-Panel: Offers a clean, modern look and falls in the mid-range price.
- Custom Designs: Highly intricate or custom-molded doors will command the highest prices.
4. Type of Refacing Material for Cabinet Boxes
The exposed cabinet frames (boxes) are usually covered with a matching veneer or laminate. The quality and type of this material also factor into the cabinet resurfacing price.
- Veneer: A thin layer of real wood. It can be stained to match your new doors. Higher quality veneers will cost more.
- Laminate: A synthetic material, often very durable and easy to clean. It comes in a wide array of colors and woodgrain patterns.
The cost for this part of the process might be included in the overall refacing quote, but if priced separately, expect to add $500 – $1,500 for covering the cabinet boxes, depending on the amount of exposed surface area.
5. Hardware and Accessories
While not strictly part of the cabinet refacing itself, upgrading hardware (knobs, pulls) is often done simultaneously and adds to the overall kitchen cabinet remodeling cost.
- Knobs: $2 – $15+ each
- Pulls: $3 – $25+ each
- Soft-Close Hinges/Drawer Slides: These can add significantly to the cost but improve functionality. Expect an additional $10-$30 per drawer/door for the hardware itself, plus installation if not included.
6. Labor Costs
If you hire professionals for cabinet refacing, labor is a significant component. Rates vary by region, the experience of the crew, and the complexity of the job.
- Professional Refacing: Expect labor costs to be roughly 40-60% of the total project cost. This can range from $1,500 to $5,000+ for a typical kitchen.
- DIY Cabinet Refacing Cost: If you are handy and choose a DIY approach, you save on labor, but you must account for the cost of materials, tools, and your time. The DIY cabinet refacing cost can be 30-50% less than hiring professionals.
7. Additional Services
Sometimes, during refacing, minor repairs to the existing cabinet boxes might be needed, or you might opt for additional services like:
- Adding new crown molding or trim.
- Installing new organizers inside cabinets.
- Painting or staining exposed cabinet interiors.
These extras will increase the overall kitchen cabinet remodeling cost.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacing vs. Refinishing
It’s crucial to differentiate refacing from other common kitchen cabinet updates.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacing
| Feature | Cabinet Refacing | Cabinet Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower (typically 40-60% of replacement) | Higher (can be 2-3 times more) |
| Disruption | Less disruptive, quicker installation | Highly disruptive, longer installation time |
| Cabinet Boxes | Existing boxes kept, refaced with new doors/veneers | Entire cabinets (boxes, doors, drawers) are removed and replaced |
| Layout | Layout remains the same | Layout can be changed |
| Durability | Depends on the quality of new materials & installation | New boxes and doors are inherently durable |
| Lifespan | Can last 10-15 years with good care | Can last 20-30+ years |
| Best For | Wanting a new look with existing layout, budget-conscious | Desire for layout changes, major upgrades, or damaged boxes |
Cabinet Refacing vs. Cabinet Refinishing
| Feature | Cabinet Refacing | Cabinet Refinishing |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Replaces doors/drawer fronts, applies veneer to frames | Cleans, sands, repairs, and repaints or restains existing doors and frames |
| Cost | Moderate to High ($2,000 – $9,000+) | Lower ($1,000 – $4,000+) |
| Look/Feel | New doors offer a completely new style and material feel | Retains original door/drawer front style, just a new color/finish |
| Durability | New materials offer good durability | Durability depends on the quality of the paint/stain job |
| When to Consider | When you want a new door style or material, or existing boxes are sound but doors are dated. | When you like the style of your current doors but want a new color or a fresh finish, and cabinets are in good structural condition. |
Cabinet Door Replacement Cost
Often, people consider just replacing the doors and drawer fronts without refacing the entire cabinet box with veneer. This is a simpler process and typically costs less than full refacing.
The cabinet door replacement cost alone can range from $1,500 to $5,000 for a standard kitchen. This includes the new doors and drawer fronts, but you’ll still need to address the exposed cabinet frames yourself (e.g., painting them) if you want a cohesive look. This is where the cabinet front replacement cost is a component of the larger refacing project.
DIY Cabinet Refacing Cost
For the highly motivated DIYer, refacing cabinets can save a significant amount on labor. The DIY cabinet refacing cost will primarily cover:
- New Doors and Drawer Fronts: $75 – $300+ per unit, depending on material and style.
- Veneer or Laminate for Cabinet Boxes: $200 – $600 for materials.
- Adhesives, primers, paints/stains (if needed): $100 – $300.
- Hardware: $50 – $300+.
- Tools (if you don’t already have them): Pry bar, utility knife, measuring tape, sandpaper, primer, paint rollers/brushes, safety glasses, gloves.
A realistic DIY cabinet refacing cost for a medium-sized kitchen could fall between $1,000 and $3,500, but this requires skill, patience, and time.
Steps Involved in Cabinet Refacing
When you hire professionals, the process typically includes:
- Assessment and Design: A consultant visits your home to measure cabinets, discuss material options, and provide a quote.
- Door and Drawer Front Fabrication: New doors and drawer fronts are custom-made to fit your existing cabinet openings.
- Cabinet Box Preparation: The existing cabinet frames are thoroughly cleaned, sanded, and repaired if necessary.
- Veneer/Laminate Application: A matching veneer or laminate is carefully applied to all exposed cabinet surfaces (frames, sides, kick plates).
- Installation: New doors and drawer fronts are installed, along with any new hardware.
- Cleanup: The work area is cleaned, and old doors/drawer fronts are removed.
Estimating Your Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Cost
To get a more accurate estimate, consider these questions:
- How many cabinet doors and drawer fronts do you have?
- What is the size of each door and drawer front? (This affects material cost).
- What material do you prefer for the new doors? (Wood, laminate, thermofoil?).
- What style of doors do you want? (Shaker, raised panel, etc.?).
- Do you want to change the color or finish?
- Will you be refacing the exposed sides of the cabinets?
- Do you plan to replace the hardware?
- Will you hire a professional or do it yourself?
Example Pricing Scenarios
Let’s look at a hypothetical medium-sized kitchen with 15 doors and 5 drawers:
Scenario 1: Budget-Friendly Refacing
- Doors/Drawer Fronts: Laminate or Thermofoil Shaker style ($100/unit average) = 20 units * $100 = $2,000
- Cabinet Box Veneer: Standard laminate ($500)
- Hardware: Basic knobs ($3/each) = 20 units * $3 = $60
- Labor (40% of material cost): ($2,000 + $500 + $60) * 0.40 = $1,024
- Total Estimated Cost: $2,000 + $500 + $60 + $1,024 = $3,584
Scenario 2: Mid-Range Refacing
- Doors/Drawer Fronts: Maple Shaker style ($175/unit average) = 20 units * $175 = $3,500
- Cabinet Box Veneer: High-quality wood veneer ($800)
- Hardware: Mid-range pulls ($10/each) = 20 units * $10 = $200
- Labor (50% of material cost): ($3,500 + $800 + $200) * 0.50 = $2,250
- Total Estimated Cost: $3,500 + $800 + $200 + $2,250 = $6,750
Scenario 3: High-End Refacing
- Doors/Drawer Fronts: Cherry Raised Panel style ($250/unit average) = 20 units * $250 = $5,000
- Cabinet Box Veneer: Premium wood veneer ($1,200)
- Hardware: Designer pulls ($25/each) = 20 units * $25 = $500
- Labor (60% of material cost): ($5,000 + $1,200 + $500) * 0.60 = $4,020
- Total Estimated Cost: $5,000 + $1,200 + $500 + $4,020 = $10,720
These are illustrative examples. Always get multiple quotes from reputable contractors for an accurate estimate for your specific project.
When Refacing Might NOT Be the Best Option
While refacing is a great compromise, it’s not suitable for every situation:
- Damaged Cabinet Boxes: If the existing cabinet boxes are warped, water-damaged, or structurally unsound, replacement is the only viable option.
- Desire for Layout Changes: Refacing keeps your existing kitchen layout. If you need to move plumbing, electrical, or appliances, a full remodel and cabinet replacement are necessary.
- Outdated Cabinet Construction: Very old cabinets might have construction methods or materials that aren’t ideal for refacing.
- Limited Budget for a Major Overhaul: If you can afford a complete kitchen renovation, replacement offers more options for customization and long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does cabinet refacing typically take?
A: Professional cabinet refacing usually takes between 3 to 10 days, depending on the size of the kitchen and the contractor’s schedule. DIY refacing can take considerably longer, potentially several weekends or weeks.
Q: Can I reface my kitchen cabinets myself?
A: Yes, you can. If you have good DIY skills, patience, and attention to detail, tackling DIY cabinet refacing can save you money on labor. You’ll need to accurately measure for new doors and drawer fronts, prepare the cabinet boxes thoroughly, and apply veneers carefully.
Q: What is the difference between cabinet refacing and cabinet resurfacing?
A: The terms are often used interchangeably. Cabinet resurfacing price typically refers to the process of covering the existing cabinet boxes with a new material (veneer or laminate) and replacing the doors and drawer fronts. “Refacing” is the more common industry term.
Q: Is cabinet refacing a good investment?
A: Yes, cabinet refacing can be a very good investment. It significantly improves the aesthetics of your kitchen at a lower cost than full replacement, potentially increasing your home’s resale value. It’s a practical solution for updating a dated kitchen without major structural changes.
Q: How much does it cost to replace just kitchen cabinet doors?
A: The cabinet door replacement cost alone can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the material, style, and number of doors and drawers. This option requires you to handle the cabinet boxes separately for a cohesive look.
Q: What are the hidden costs of refacing kitchen cabinets?
A: Potential hidden costs can include minor cabinet box repairs, upgrades to hinges or drawer slides (like soft-close mechanisms), specialized hardware, and disposal fees for old doors. Always discuss all potential additional costs with your contractor upfront.
Q: What is the average cost of refacing cabinets for a small kitchen?
A: For a small kitchen with fewer cabinets, the average cost of refacing cabinets might be in the range of $2,000 to $4,000, assuming standard materials and professional installation.
By carefully considering these factors and obtaining detailed quotes, you can confidently budget for your kitchen cabinet refacing project and achieve the beautiful, updated kitchen you desire.