The average cost to reface kitchen cabinets generally ranges from \$2,400 to \$7,500 for an entire kitchen. This cost covers materials and labor to update the look of your existing cabinets without replacing the entire structure.
If you are looking to refresh your kitchen but want to save money compared to a full remodel, cabinet refacing is a smart choice. It can give your kitchen a brand-new look for less. But how much does it really cost? This guide will break down all the factors affecting kitchen cabinet refacing prices.
Deciphering Cabinet Refacing: What It Is
Cabinet refacing is often confused with refinishing or painting. It is quite different. Refacing involves keeping the cabinet boxes (the structure that holds the shelves). You replace the visible exterior parts. This includes the doors, drawer fronts, and the veneer covering the face frames.
This process lets you change the style, color, and material you see every day. It offers a major visual upgrade. It is a middle ground between a cheap paint job and an expensive full replacement.
Why Choose Refacing Over Replacement?
Many homeowners wonder if they should choose refacing or a full tear-out. Knowing the cost difference is key. Refacing vs replacing cabinets cost is usually heavily favored toward refacing for budget-conscious projects.
Cost Comparison Snapshot
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range (Mid-Sized Kitchen) | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Refacing | \$2,400 – \$7,500 | Major style change, lower cost than replacement. |
| Cabinet Painting (DIY/Pro) | \$800 – \$3,500 | Lowest cost option, preserves original door style. |
| Cabinet Replacement | \$7,000 – \$20,000+ | Complete layout change possible, new warranty. |
The main reason people opt for refacing is cost savings. You save money because you do not pay for the demolition, removal, disposal, or installation of the old boxes. You also avoid the high material cost of entirely new cabinet boxes.
Factors That Impact Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Prices
The final price you pay for your project depends on several key choices you make. Think of your kitchen size as the base price. Then, your material choices will raise or lower that number.
Kitchen Size and Cabinet Count
More cabinets mean more doors, more drawer fronts, and more surface area to cover. A small galley kitchen will naturally cost less than a large U-shaped kitchen. When getting quotes, professionals look at the number of doors and drawers.
- Small Kitchen (10–12 cabinets): Lower end of the price range.
- Medium Kitchen (15–20 cabinets): Mid-range pricing.
- Large Kitchen (25+ cabinets): Higher end of the price range.
Material Choices for Doors and Veneer
This is where the cost of refacing kitchen cabinets varies the most. The material covering the old boxes and the new doors make a huge difference in the final price.
Laminate Cabinet Refacing Cost
Laminate is often the most budget-friendly choice for a sleek, modern look. Laminate is durable, easy to clean, and comes in many colors and faux wood grains.
- Pros: Lower material cost, very durable, resists moisture well.
- Cons: Can look less high-end than real wood, difficult to repair if deeply scratched.
For many projects, laminate cabinet refacing cost stays on the lower end of the overall spectrum.
Wood Cabinet Refacing Pricing
If you love the look and feel of real wood, you will pay more. Wood cabinet refacing pricing depends on the type of wood used for the new doors and the veneer applied to the boxes.
- Softwoods (Pine): Generally less expensive.
- Hardwoods (Maple, Cherry, Oak): More durable and costly.
Choosing a stained wood look, rather than a painted finish, often involves higher material costs for quality veneers.
Thermofoil (Vinyl Wrap)
Thermofoil uses a vinyl film heated and pressed over MDF (medium-density fiberboard) doors. It is similar to laminate in price but offers a seamless look, often in bright white or solid colors.
Door Style Selection
The shape of the door matters greatly.
- Flat Panel (Slab): These are the simplest doors. They use the least material and take the least time to make. They are usually the cheapest option.
- Shaker Style: These have a simple, square frame around a flat center panel. They are very popular and priced moderately.
- Raised Panel or Detailed Doors: Doors with lots of angles, bevels, or trim work take skilled labor and more material. These add significantly to the cost.
Hardware Upgrades
Do not forget the knobs and pulls! If you keep your old hardware, the cost is minimal. If you upgrade to modern handles, soft-close hinges, or new drawer slides, this adds to the total. New, quality hardware can easily add a few hundred dollars to the project.
Cost Breakdown Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
To get a clear picture of what you are paying for, it helps to see where the money goes. A typical cost breakdown kitchen cabinet refacing looks something like this:
| Component | Approximate Percentage of Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials (Doors, Veneers, Molding) | 40% – 55% | Varies greatly based on wood vs. laminate. |
| Labor (Installation and Prep Work) | 35% – 45% | Includes removal of old doors, applying veneers, and installing new ones. |
| Hardware and Hinges | 5% – 10% | Cost of knobs, pulls, and specialized hinges. |
| Sales Tax & Overhead | 5% – 10% | Company markup and local taxes. |
This shows that materials are the biggest variable cost. If you can source your own high-quality hardware, you might save a small percentage here.
Kitchen Cabinet Resurfacing Cost vs. Refacing
Sometimes people use the term “resurfacing” when they mean refacing, but they are different services.
- Refacing: Replaces the doors, drawer fronts, and applies a new thin veneer over the cabinet frames. It changes the look dramatically.
- Resurfacing (or Painting): This service keeps the existing doors and drawer fronts. The technician sands, preps, and paints or stains the existing surfaces. This is a cosmetic refresh, not a style change.
The kitchen cabinet resurfacing cost is usually lower than refacing because you skip the expense of manufacturing and installing new doors and drawer fronts. However, resurfacing cannot change a dated door style (like an arched panel) into a modern Shaker style.
Obtaining a Professional Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Quote
Getting an accurate price requires more than looking at online averages. You need a professional kitchen cabinet refacing quote.
What to Expect During the Quoting Process
A reputable contractor will always conduct an in-person assessment. They need to measure precisely and check the condition of your existing boxes.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your desired look, material preferences, and budget range.
- On-Site Inspection: The technician checks the structural integrity of the cabinets. Are there signs of water damage? Are the boxes level? Poorly built boxes might need extra reinforcement, increasing the cost.
- Material Samples: You will look at samples of veneers, laminates, and door styles.
- The Detailed Proposal: The quote should clearly list the cost for labor, material specifics (e.g., “Maple veneer” vs. “Laminate wrap”), and any known extra charges.
Using a Cabinet Refacing Cost Estimator
Many national companies offer an online cabinet refacing cost estimator. These tools are useful for getting a ballpark figure. You input the number of cabinets, the desired material, and the general size of your kitchen.
Caution: Always treat online estimators as a starting point. They cannot account for hidden issues, complex layouts, or custom trim work needed in your specific home. Always follow up an estimate with a formal site visit.
Labor Costs in Cabinet Refacing
Labor is a significant part of the price. Professional installation ensures a tight, clean finish. Poor installation can make expensive materials look cheap.
Prep Work is Crucial
A large part of the labor time goes into preparing the existing boxes. This includes:
- Removing all old doors and hardware.
- Thorough cleaning and sanding of the face frames.
- Meticulously applying the new veneer or laminate to the frames. This requires careful alignment so the grain patterns match across the kitchen.
Installation Complexity
Installing new doors means adjusting hinges so they hang perfectly straight. If you switch from older hinges to modern soft-close hinges, there is extra time needed to drill mounting holes accurately. Custom crown molding or decorative end panels also add time to the installer’s day, increasing the labor portion of the price.
Refacing Scenarios and Estimated Costs
To make the pricing clearer, let’s look at three typical kitchen scenarios using standard materials. These figures are estimates only.
Scenario 1: Small Kitchen (Basic Laminate Reface)
- Size: Approx. 10 upper and 8 lower doors/drawer fronts.
- Materials: Low-cost laminate veneer, simple slab doors.
- Hardware: Basic new knobs (standard included).
- Estimated Cost Range: \$2,400 – \$3,500
Scenario 2: Mid-Sized Kitchen (Shaker Style)
- Size: Approx. 15 upper and 12 lower doors/drawer fronts.
- Materials: Mid-range wood veneer (e.g., Maple), popular Shaker door style.
- Hardware: Mid-range handles and soft-close hinges.
- Estimated Cost Range: \$4,500 – \$6,500
Scenario 3: Large Kitchen (Premium Wood Doors)
- Size: Approx. 22 upper and 18 lower doors/drawer fronts, plus specialty cabinets (pantry).
- Materials: High-grade wood veneer (e.g., Cherry), custom door profiles, decorative trim.
- Hardware: Premium pulls, specialized storage hardware.
- Estimated Cost Range: \$7,000 – \$10,000+
Maximizing Value and Minimizing Your Investment
If you want the best bang for your buck, consider these strategies to control your kitchen cabinet refacing cost:
DIY vs. Professional Installation
You can potentially save on labor by doing the prep work yourself. If you are handy, you might tackle sanding and cleaning the boxes. However, installing the veneer precisely and hanging the doors perfectly straight usually requires a professional eye. If you buy pre-made doors from a supplier but install them yourself, you save on installation labor but risk alignment issues.
Choosing Materials Wisely
If your budget is tight, choose laminate over expensive wood veneers. Laminate today offers incredibly realistic textures that can mimic real wood closely at a fraction of the price. Also, stick to simple Shaker door styles; intricate detailing adds labor time rapidly.
Keep the Layout Intact
Refacing works best when you love your current kitchen layout. If you want to move walls, add islands, or change the location of sinks or ranges, you must hire contractors for carpentry and possibly plumbing/electrical work. These additions quickly inflate the project beyond simple refacing costs.
Focus on the Cabinet Faces
Remember, refacing only addresses the visible exterior. If the interior shelves or drawer boxes are falling apart, refacing will not fix that. You might need a small, separate budget line item for repairing or replacing the internal components of the old boxes before the refacing process begins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the cabinet refacing process take?
A typical professional refacing job for an average-sized kitchen usually takes between 3 to 7 days of active work on-site. The time depends on how many coats of finish are applied and how complex the door designs are.
Does refacing last as long as new cabinets?
Yes, when done correctly, high-quality refacing can last 10 to 15 years or more. The lifespan is highly dependent on the quality of the materials used (especially the veneer or laminate) and the quality of the installation work.
Can I reface cabinets with a different door style?
Yes, this is the primary benefit of refacing. If you have dated arched doors, a professional can install new, modern Shaker-style doors, transforming the whole look.
Is refacing environmentally friendly?
Cabinet refacing is generally considered an eco-friendlier option than replacement. You keep the existing cabinet boxes out of the landfill, drastically reducing construction waste.
Does refacing change the cabinet box color?
Yes, the face frames of the existing boxes are covered with a matching veneer or laminate to blend seamlessly with the new doors. This ensures a unified, new appearance across the entire kitchen.