The average cost to reface cabinets generally ranges from \$1,500 to \$12,000 for a standard kitchen, but this figure shifts based on many things. Refacing cabinets means keeping your existing cabinet boxes but replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and visible side panels with new materials. It is usually cheaper than a full cabinet replacement.
Deciphering Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Prices
People often want to update their kitchens without spending a fortune. Cabinet refacing offers a great middle ground. It gives you a fresh, new look without the massive expense or disruption of ripping everything out. But just how much money should you set aside for this project?
What is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is a renovation method. It focuses on the visible parts of your cabinets. You keep the sturdy, existing cabinet boxes (the carcass). Then, the contractor installs new doors and drawer fronts. They also apply a new veneer or laminate over the boxes to match the new fronts. This process refreshes the entire look of your kitchen.
Cabinet Refinishing Versus Refacing Cost
It is important to know the difference between refinishing and refacing, as the costs vary greatly.
Cabinet Refinishing: This involves cleaning, sanding, and painting or staining your existing doors and boxes. You keep the original door style and material. It is the cheapest option.
Cabinet Refacing: This involves installing new doors and drawer fronts. You often get a new style and material over the old box structure. It costs more than refinishing but less than replacement.
| Service | Typical Cost Range (Mid-Sized Kitchen) | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Refinishing | \$1,500 – \$4,500 | Lowest upfront cost |
| Cabinet Refacing | \$3,000 – \$8,000 | New look, preserves box structure |
| Cabinet Replacement | \$10,000 – \$25,000+ | Total layout change possible |
Factors Affecting Cabinet Refacing Cost
Many elements play a role in your final bill. Knowing these factors helps you plan your budget better. We look at size, material, labor, and extra features here.
Kitchen Size Matters Most
The sheer number of cabinets directly impacts the price. More cabinets mean more doors, more drawer fronts, and more surface area to cover.
- Small Kitchens (10-15 cabinets): Costs will lean toward the lower end of the kitchen cabinet refacing prices scale.
- Medium Kitchens (15-25 cabinets): This is where the average cost to reface cabinets is most often cited.
- Large Kitchens (25+ cabinets): Expect costs to climb higher due to the sheer volume of materials needed.
Material Choices Drive Up or Down the Price
The material you choose for your new doors and veneer has a huge effect on the final expense.
Wood Options
Solid wood doors (like maple, cherry, or oak) are beautiful but cost more than man-made options.
Thermofoil and Laminate
These synthetic materials are budget-friendly. They are durable and come in many colors and faux wood grains. They often lead to lower cabinet resurfacing cost estimates compared to high-end wood.
Specialty Finishes and Doors
If you want unique glass inserts, decorative moldings, or high-end paints, these add to the total. Custom colors or complex door profiles also increase the professional cabinet refacing pricing.
Labor Costs and Location
Labor is a big chunk of the kitchen cabinet refacing prices. Contractors in high-cost-of-living areas charge more than those in rural areas. Also, the complexity of the job affects labor time. If your existing boxes are oddly shaped or damaged, the crew needs more time to prep them, raising the labor cost.
Cabinet Door Replacement Cost Nuances
When you reface, you are essentially paying the cabinet door replacement cost plus the cost of covering the boxes.
- If you choose a very ornate or complicated door style, the cost for that part goes up.
- If you stick to a simple, flat-panel door, the cabinet door replacement cost stays lower.
Getting Cabinets Refaced Quotes: What to Look For
To get an accurate picture of your budget, you need to shop around. Getting cabinets refaced quotes from three to five different reputable companies is wise.
Comparing Quotes Fairly
When looking at different estimates, do not just compare the final number. Dig into the details:
- Material Specifications: Does Quote A include solid wood doors, while Quote B includes MDF doors wrapped in laminate? Ensure you are comparing apples to apples regarding the material quality.
- Scope of Work: Does the quote include installing new hardware (knobs and pulls)? Does it cover painting or replacing the toe-kick molding? Are they covering the visible side panels of the cabinets?
- Warranty: What warranty does the company offer on the materials and the installation? Good companies stand by their work.
DIY Cabinet Refacing Cost vs. Professional Pricing
Can you save money by doing it yourself? Yes, but it takes skill and time.
DIY Cabinet Refacing Cost: If you are handy, you can save on labor. You purchase the doors directly and buy the veneer/laminate panels. Your costs cover materials, tools, and potentially renting specific machinery. This lowers the overall cost significantly, but mistakes can be costly to fix.
Professional Cabinet Refacing Pricing: Hiring experts ensures a factory-like finish. They have access to commercial-grade materials and tools. While more expensive upfront, professionals minimize errors and often provide a better, longer-lasting result.
Cost Comparison: Cabinet Refacing vs Replacement
This is often the crucial question homeowners ask. Refacing saves money, but when is replacement a better choice?
When Refacing Wins
Refacing is ideal when:
- Your existing cabinet boxes are in excellent structural condition.
- You like the current layout of your kitchen.
- You want a modern look without the high price tag of new custom cabinets.
- You need the project done relatively quickly (refacing usually takes 1-3 weeks; replacement takes longer).
When Replacement is Necessary
Replacement becomes necessary if:
- Your boxes are water-damaged, warped, or structurally unsound.
- You need to change the entire layout—moving sinks, adding islands, or changing appliance locations. New cabinets allow for this customization.
- You desire brand-new, soft-close drawer slides and hinges that are not compatible with your old boxes.
Refacing simply overlays the old structure. If the underlying structure is weak, refacing will not fix it.
Deeper Dive into the Price Structure of Refacing
Let’s break down where your money goes when you choose to reface. This breakdown gives a clearer view of the professional cabinet refacing pricing.
Material Costs (Doors, Drawer Fronts, Veneer)
This is typically the largest single expense item.
| Component | Typical Percentage of Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Doors and Drawer Fronts | 40% – 50% | Depends heavily on material chosen (wood vs. laminate). |
| Box Veneer/Laminate | 15% – 20% | Covers the visible sides of the existing boxes. |
| Hardware (Hinges, Pulls) | 5% – 10% | Can be reduced if reusing old hardware. |
Labor and Installation Costs
This covers the skilled work required to make the project look seamless.
- Removal of old doors/hardware: Simple prep work.
- Box preparation: Cleaning and sometimes minor repairs to the existing boxes.
- Application of new veneer: This must be precise to avoid bubbles or wrinkles.
- Installation of new doors/drawers: Alignment is key for a professional look.
Labor can account for 30% to 45% of the total cabinet resurfacing cost.
Hidden or Optional Costs
Sometimes, homeowners forget to budget for these small add-ons:
- New Countertops: If your current counters are being removed or updated, this is a separate, large expense.
- Electrical/Plumbing Moves: If you move a sink or stove, plumbing and electrical work will be needed.
- Upgraded Hardware: High-end handles or soft-close hinges cost extra.
- Custom Molding/Trim: Adding crown molding or new baseboard trim around the cabinets adds complexity and cost.
The DIY Cabinet Refacing Cost Scenario
For those who enjoy hands-on projects, exploring DIY cabinet refacing cost can yield significant savings, potentially cutting labor expenses by 50% or more.
Steps for a DIY Refacing Project
- Measure Precisely: Order doors and drawer fronts custom-sized based on your existing openings. Accuracy is paramount here.
- Source Veneer: Buy high-quality adhesive-backed veneer designed for cabinet boxes.
- Prep Work: Thoroughly clean and lightly sand the existing boxes. Remove all old hardware.
- Veneer Application: Carefully apply the veneer to the side panels, using heat guns or specialized tools for smooth application. This requires patience.
- Install New Doors: Install the new doors and drawer fronts, adjusting hinges meticulously so everything lines up perfectly.
A DIY project generally shifts the expense almost entirely to materials. While the DIY cabinet refacing cost is lower, remember the value of your time and the risk of costly material waste if measurements are wrong.
Comprehending Longevity and Value
Does refacing hold up as well as replacement? Generally, yes, if done correctly.
Quality of the Install Determines Lifespan
A poorly installed refacing job—with peeling veneer or misaligned doors—will look terrible within a year or two. A professional job, however, can last 10 to 15 years, similar to a new mid-range cabinet set.
The main limitation is that you are bonded to the original layout. If the boxes themselves start to fail due to age or moisture, refacing cannot save them in the long run.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Kitchen renovations add value to your home. Both refacing and replacement offer a good return. However, refacing provides a major visual upgrade for a lower percentage of the total renovation budget. If you are preparing to sell soon, refacing offers a fantastic way to modernize the kitchen look without over-improving the property value for the neighborhood.
Getting the Best Value for Your Refacing Project
To ensure you maximize your investment and get the most accurate kitchen cabinet refacing prices, follow these guidelines when speaking to contractors.
Be Specific About Your Desires
Contractors quote based on what you ask for. If you mention “wood doors” without specifying oak or maple, you might get a quote based on a cheaper wood option. If you prefer modern slab doors over traditional raised panels, make that clear upfront.
Inquire About Subcontractors
Ask who is actually doing the work. Are they in-house employees, or are they using subcontractors for the veneer work or door installation? Direct employees often ensure better quality control, which impacts the final look achieved by the professional cabinet refacing pricing.
Check References Specifically for Refacing
Many contractors do new cabinet installations, but refacing requires different skills—specifically, precision in applying veneers to existing structures. Ask for references from customers whose cabinets were refaced, not just new cabinets installed.
FAQ Section
What is the general cost range for refacing kitchen cabinets?
The general cost range to reface standard kitchen cabinets is between \$3,000 and \$8,000, depending on the size of the kitchen and the materials chosen for the doors and veneer.
How does cabinet resurfacing cost compare to refinishing?
Cabinet resurfacing cost (refacing) is significantly higher than cabinet refinishing because refacing involves installing entirely new doors and drawer fronts, whereas refinishing only involves painting or staining the existing surfaces. Refinishing might cost 30% to 50% less than refacing.
Can I save money by doing cabinet refacing myself?
Yes, the DIY cabinet refacing cost can be lower because you eliminate labor charges. However, this requires advanced DIY skills, precision measurement, and the purchase of materials, tools, and new doors.
What is included in the cabinet door replacement cost during refacing?
The cabinet door replacement cost portion includes the manufacturing or sourcing of the new door and drawer fronts, as well as the labor required to remove the old ones and install the new ones perfectly aligned on the existing cabinet boxes.
How do I get accurate quotes for this service?
To get accurate pricing, you should request detailed estimates from at least three different companies. Be sure to specify the material (e.g., thermofoil, solid wood) and the door style you want when getting cabinets refaced quotes.
Is the average cost to reface cabinets significantly cheaper than replacement?
Yes. The average cost to reface cabinets is typically 40% to 60% less than the cost of installing entirely new, custom cabinetry, assuming the existing cabinet boxes are sound.